Top Qualities We Love to See in Nannies: What Cincinnati & Cleveland Families Should Look For
When parents in Cincinnati or Cleveland start Googling “how to find a nanny” or “how to hire a nanny,” they’re not just looking for someone who can clock in and clock out. They’re looking for someone who can truly step into the rhythm of their family.
At Hunny Nanny Agency, we’ve interviewed thousands of candidates over the years. Out of hundreds of applications for every role, only a select few make it through our 11-point screening process. And what makes those candidates stand out isn’t just their resumes—it’s the qualities they carry into a home.
Here are the top traits we love to see in nannies—and why they matter so much to families in Cincinnati and Cleveland.
Reliability: The Foundation of Trust
It sounds simple, but reliability is everything. Parents can’t function if they’re constantly wondering, “Will my nanny show up today?”
We love to see nannies who:
Arrive on time, every time.
Communicate clearly if they’re running late.
Treat schedules seriously, especially for physician families at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital or Cleveland Clinic, where shifts can be unpredictable.
A reliable nanny isn’t just a convenience—it’s peace of mind.
Emotional Intelligence: Meeting Kids Where They Are
One of the biggest qualities we look for is emotional intelligence. The ability to read a child’s mood, respond with patience, and adjust accordingly.
We notice this in interviews when nannies can describe:
How they de-escalate tantrums with calmness.
How they help shy children warm up without pressure.
How they honor a family’s parenting style while offering their own supportive input.
These are the nannies who kids feel safe with—and parents feel supported by.
Safety Awareness: A Non-Negotiable
Every nanny who makes it through our screening has passed background checks, reference verifications, and, when families request, drug testing. But beyond the paperwork, we look for a safety mindset.
Nannies who:
Stay alert at the playground.
Keep a close eye on toddlers near water.
Know infant CPR by heart.
Understand food allergies and choking hazards.
This kind of vigilance makes the difference between a “sitter” and a true childcare professional.
Flexibility: Because Family Life Isn’t Always Predictable
Life with kids rarely goes according to plan. The nap that runs long, the school pickup that collides with a work call, the stomach bug that shows up at midnight.
Families in Hyde Park, Mariemont, Shaker Heights, and Lakewood know this well. That’s why we love nannies who bring flexibility and a “let’s figure it out together” attitude.
It doesn’t mean being on call 24/7—it means being adaptable, understanding, and committed to finding solutions.
Creativity: Turning Ordinary Days Into Magic
We swoon over nannies who know how to turn a rainy afternoon into a fort-building adventure or who turn a trip to Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Cincinnati or the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo into a day full of learning.
Creativity matters because kids thrive on play. And families love knowing their nanny isn’t just passing time but enriching it.
Professionalism: Respect for the Role
The best nannies understand that this isn’t just a job—it’s a career. They take pride in their work, respect household rules, and value clear boundaries.
Professionalism shows up when nannies:
Respect confidentiality about what happens in the home.
Communicate directly about scheduling or concerns.
Take initiative in small but meaningful ways, like tidying up after playtime.
Longevity: Staying for the Journey
One of the qualities families in Cincinnati and Cleveland crave most is longevity. They don’t want to switch caregivers every few months—they want a nanny who becomes part of their children’s story.
That’s why Hunny Nanny Agency backs every placement with a 120-day replacement policy. It’s not because we expect things to fail—it’s because we believe deeply in long-term matches and want families to feel secure while bonds take root.
Why These Qualities Matter for Families
When you’re trying to hire a nanny in Cincinnati or hire a nanny in Cleveland, qualities matter more than resumes.
Yes, years of experience and references matter. But what parents remember—the reason they say “she feels like family”—is because their nanny is reliable, emotionally intelligent, safety-forward, flexible, creative, professional, and committed for the long haul.
That’s why our families love the nannies we introduce. Because they’ve been vetted for more than just qualifications—they’ve been vetted for heart.
Cincinnati Families: What We See Here
Cincinnati is full of families balancing busy professional lives with a love of community. Whether it’s commutes downtown, shifts at UC Health, or weekends at Smale Riverfront Park, life here is vibrant and full.
Our Cincinnati nanny service ensures you meet candidates who can keep up with that pace—professionals who know the rhythm of Hyde Park, Oakley, and Mt. Lookout life, and who can blend right into the flow of your family.
And for parenting inspiration, many of our clients trust Cincy Moms Collective and Cincinnati Parent Magazine. We’re proud to be another trusted resource.
Cleveland Families: What We Notice Most
In Cleveland, families juggle heavy careers and full calendars—yet still want to be present at the West Side Market, the Art Museum, or Edgewater Park with their kids.
Our Cleveland nanny agency connects these families with nannies who thrive in dynamic households. Professionals who can balance high expectations with warmth, stability, and creativity.
And families here often lean on Northeast Ohio Parent Magazine and Cleveland Moms Collective for resources—right alongside the reassurance that Hunny Nanny has already done the hard vetting.
Why Founder Involvement Matters Here Too
Katherine, our founder, is involved in every placement. That means the qualities above aren’t just theoretical—they’re observed, discussed, and prioritized with every candidate who comes through.
Because the truth is, qualities like reliability and emotional intelligence don’t always show up on resumes. They show up in conversations, references, and the intuition that comes from years of working in homes as a nanny herself.
That’s why our process feels different. Families in Cincinnati and Cleveland aren’t just hiring from a stack of applications—they’re hiring from a carefully curated shortlist handpicked by someone who understands what makes childcare work long-term.
How Families Can Find a Nanny With These Qualities
If you’re asking yourself, “How do I find a nanny like this?”—the answer is to let us walk alongside you.
We’ll:
Listen to your family’s unique needs.
Vet hundreds of candidates through our screening process.
Introduce you only to those who embody these top qualities.
Support you through interviews, trial days, and onboarding.
Stand by you with our 120-day replacement policy.
That’s the Hunny difference.
Ready to Meet Your Match?
The next time you hear someone say “I need to hire a nanny in Cincinnati” or “I’m looking for a nanny in Cleveland”—remember that the difference is in the qualities.
At Hunny Nanny Agency, we don’t just fill roles. We help you find a nanny who has the qualities you’ll love, who will become part of your family, and who will make every day feel a little lighter.
If you’re ready, schedule a call with Katherine and let’s start the search together.
