How to Know What Kind of Nanny You’re Looking For—and What Personality Will Work Best for Your Family
Hiring a nanny is one of the most personal decisions a family can make. You’re not just bringing someone into your home—you’re inviting them into your child’s world. The right nanny becomes an extension of your parenting, a partner in routines, growth, and day-to-day life. But how do you figure out what kind of nanny is the best fit for your family?
At Hunny Nanny Agency, a Cleveland nanny agency trusted by hundreds of families, we’ve helped place professional nannies across a wide range of households. Over time, we’ve learned that skills and experience matter—but personality fit is what determines long-term success.
This blog will walk you through how to figure out what kind of nanny you're really looking for, how to evaluate personality compatibility, and how to match your family culture with a caregiver who complements it.
Step 1: Understand Your Family’s Needs and Values
Before you even begin interviewing, take stock of what matters most to your family. This is your foundation.
Ask yourself:
What are our daily rhythms and routines?
Are we structured or flexible?
Do we value creativity, independence, academics, or emotional nurturing?
How do we handle discipline?
How much communication do we want with our nanny during the day?
These answers help define your family culture—and the kind of nanny who will thrive within it.
Examples:
If you value calm and order, a high-energy nanny may feel overwhelming.
If your home is fast-paced and loud, a quiet or introverted nanny might struggle to keep up.
If you lean toward gentle parenting, a more authoritative style may cause friction.
Tip: Write down 3–5 words that describe your household (e.g., “structured, affectionate, humorous, predictable, screen-free”). Share these with your agency or use them as a guide when interviewing.
StEp 2: Identify the Type of Support You Need
Nannies wear many hats—but your needs should determine which ones take priority. Ask yourself:
Do I need full-time, part-time, or occasional help?
Do I need help with infants, toddlers, or school-aged kids?
Am I looking for someone who can help with homework, potty training, or emotional regulation?
Do I need household support like laundry, meal prep, or errands?
Common nanny types:
Infant Specialist: Calm, nurturing, organized; experience with feeding, sleep, and early milestones.
Toddler Guru: High-energy, patient, creative; experience with big emotions and constant movement.
Structured Academic Nanny: Schedule-driven, goal-oriented; helps with learning and routines.
Play-Based Nanny: Fun-loving, spontaneous, artistic; focuses on play and exploration.
Family Assistant Nanny: Multi-tasker, self-starter; handles both childcare and light household management.
Knowing which category fits your needs helps narrow your search and align expectations from day one.
SteP 3: Understand Nanny Personality Styles
Every nanny brings their own style and temperament to the job. Some are silly and spontaneous; others are calm and comforting. Neither is better—but certain personalities mesh better with certain family dynamics.
Here are a few common nanny personality types we see through our nanny placement services in Cleveland:
The Nurturer
Warm, emotionally attuned, gentle
Great for sensitive kids, families who value emotional support
The Organizer
Punctual, systems-driven, detail-oriented
Ideal for families who want help with routines, structure, and time management
The Playmaker
High energy, enthusiastic, creative
Best for active households and younger kids who need constant engagement
The Educator
Development-focused, curious, intentional
Works well with school-aged kids or families who want early learning incorporated into daily life
The Teammate
Adaptable, friendly, supportive
Comfortable taking direction and adjusting to your parenting style
The Leader
Confident, proactive, experienced
Great for working parents who want someone to take initiative
Ask yourself: What kind of personality do I naturally mesh with? What does my child respond well to?
Step 4: Reflect on Your Parenting Style
Your parenting style will shape your nanny's experience—and influence which personality is best suited to your home.
Are you:
Authoritative (firm but loving)? Look for a nanny who can mirror that balanced structure.
Permissive (laid-back, go-with-the-flow)? A rigid nanny may feel out of sync.
Structured (routine-driven)? Seek someone punctual and consistent.
Emotionally expressive? A reserved caregiver may struggle to engage at the same level.
Think about how you'd like your nanny to discipline, redirect, and encourage your children. You want someone who aligns with your approach—or at least is open to adapting to it.
Step 5: Evaluate Your Child’s Personality and Needs
A great nanny doesn't just match your household—they click with your child.
Think about your child’s:
Energy level
Temperament (shy, sensitive, outgoing, curious, etc.)
Sensory preferences (loud vs. quiet, adventurous vs. cautious)
Attachment needs
Example matches:
A highly sensitive child may do better with a gentle, soft-spoken nanny.
A high-energy child may need someone who can keep up and redirect creatively.
A child with separation anxiety might benefit from a calm, emotionally available presence.
Understanding your child’s nature helps you find someone who can truly meet them where they are.
Step 6: Clarify Non-Negotiables and Flexibility
Before hiring, define what’s non-negotiable and what’s “nice to have.”
Non-negotiables might include:
CPR/First Aid certification
Legal pay and taxes
Prior experience with a certain age group
Vaccination status
Comfort with pets
Flexible traits might include:
College degree in child development
Willingness to travel
Driving ability (if not needed daily)
Fluent in a second language
Being honest with yourself helps you stay focused—and avoid falling in love with a candidate who isn’t the right long-term fit.
Step 7: Ask the Right Questions During Interviews
Once you know what you’re looking for, design your interview questions to reflect those values. Focus on personality, temperament, and real-life situations.
Sample questions to uncover personality and style:
“What does a typical day with children look like for you?”
“How do you approach discipline?”
“What kind of parenting styles have you worked with?”
“What are your favorite activities to do with kids?”
“How do you handle transitions and meltdowns?”
“What do you think makes a nanny-family relationship successful?”
Listen not just to their answers—but their tone, examples, and the language they use. Are they thoughtful? Warm? Confident? Enthusiastic?
Step 8: Observe During a Trial Day
Nothing replaces real-life observation. We strongly encourage Cleveland families to schedule a trial day before making a final offer.
What to watch for:
How they engage with your child (are they attentive, present, kind?)
How they respond to your routines and cues
How comfortable you feel having them in your home
How your child reacts during and after the experience
Sometimes it just clicks. Other times, even the most qualified candidate may not feel like a match.
Step 9: Consider Cultural Fit and Long-Term Goals
You’re not just hiring a nanny—you’re building a working relationship. Cultural and lifestyle alignment matters too.
Ask yourself:
Are we early risers or night owls?
Do we eat organic or follow specific dietary practices?
Are we highly active, outdoorsy, or screen-free?
Do we have religious, cultural, or ethical values that are important in childcare?
Finding someone who respects and aligns with your lifestyle increases the chance of a long-term, harmonious relationship.
Step 10: Be Honest About What You Can Offer
Finally, make sure your expectations align with what you're offering. If you want a highly experienced, engaging, long-term nanny, you'll need to:
Offer a competitive wage (Cleveland rates range from $20–$28/hr+)
Provide guaranteed hours
Include standard benefits (PTO, holidays, sick time, mileage reimbursement)
Be respectful and communicative as an employer
Treating nannying as a professional career—not just help—sets the stage for mutual respect and longevity.
Final Thoughts: It’s About Chemistry and Clarity
At Hunny Nanny Agency, we believe the most successful placements happen when a family truly understands their own needs first. From there, we can help you find a nanny whose skills and personality naturally complement your home life.
Whether you’re looking for a calm nurturer, a structured multitasker, or a playful adventurer, there’s a professional nanny out there who’s the right fit for your family culture, rhythm, and values.
If you’re ready to find a nanny in Cleveland who fits your unique needs, we’re here to help. Our nanny placement services are tailored, thoughtful, and designed to make hiring easier—and more successful.
Let’s find the caregiver who feels like part of your family. Reach out to Hunny Nanny Agency today to get started.
