When you're hiring a nanny in Dubai, it's natural to focus on experience, certifications, and references. But just as important—if not more—are the soft skills a nanny brings into your home. These personal qualities shape how your child is cared for, how well your nanny integrates into your family, and how smoothly your day-to-day life runs.
Whether you're conducting interviews or considering someone for a trial, keep an eye out for these top five soft skills that every great nanny in Dubai should have.
1. Communication Skills
Good communication is the foundation of any successful caregiver-family relationship. Your nanny should be able to:
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Share updates about your child's day clearly and regularly.
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Speak kindly and appropriately with children.
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Express concerns or questions in a respectful and open manner.
Tip for Parents: During the interview, ask your nanny how they would handle communicating a sensitive topic, like a toddler hitting or refusing meals. It’s a great way to gauge their communication style.
2. Patience
Working with children—especially toddlers—requires more patience than most jobs. Tantrums, spills, potty training, and emotional meltdowns are all part of a typical day.
A patient nanny doesn't rush, react harshly, or lose their calm. Instead, they meet children where they are emotionally, offering calm reassurance while maintaining boundaries.
Tip for Parents: Ask for an example of a time they dealt with a difficult situation and how they handled it.
3. Flexibility & Adaptability
No two days are ever the same with children, especially in Dubai where families often juggle travel, school events, or changing work schedules.
A great nanny should be adaptable and ready to pivot when plans change. Flexibility doesn’t mean overworking—but it does mean being understanding and solution-oriented when things don’t go as planned.
Tip for Parents: During interviews, ask how they handle schedule changes or last-minute requests. Look for a balance of helpfulness and clear boundaries.
4. Emotional Intelligence
Caring for children goes beyond routines—it’s about understanding emotions, recognizing behavior cues, and responding with empathy.
A nanny with high emotional intelligence can:
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Recognize when a child needs comfort vs. redirection.
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Understand the emotional needs of the household.
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Handle conflict or discipline with a thoughtful, calm approach.
Tip for Parents: Pose a scenario: "Your child is crying for their parent after a drop-off. What would you do?" The answer will reveal their emotional approach.
5. Initiative & Problem-Solving
A nanny who takes initiative doesn't wait to be told what to do. They anticipate needs, think on their feet, and come prepared with ideas for play, meals, and teaching moments.
Whether it's creating a rainy day activity or managing two kids with different nap schedules, a great nanny finds creative solutions that make your life easier.
Tip for Parents: Ask, "What’s something you’ve done for a family that wasn’t asked of you, but made their life easier?"
Final Thoughts
When hiring a nanny in Dubai, looking beyond the resume to these soft skills will help you find someone who not only cares for your child—but fits beautifully into your family dynamic.
These qualities are also great reference points during your nanny interviews. The right questions can reveal just how naturally these skills come to your candidate.
If you're currently looking for a trustworthy, well-rounded nanny, visit Find My Nanny to connect with experienced caregivers across Dubai.
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