Knowing how to build a good relationship with your nanny helps create consistency for your children and makes childcare more enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’ve hired a holiday nanny for a family trip, an event nanny for a special occasion, or a long-term nanny, good communication and mutual respect are the foundation of a successful partnership. A good relationship with your nanny ensures he or she is happy in their role, and a happy nanny equates to happy kids. How to go about it?
A Nanny’s Perspective
Speaking as a nanny myself, I think we want the same thing as parents; we want the kids to be happy, healthy and safe. A good childcare professional takes their responsibility to care for the next generation seriously. We want to provide fun, and creative activities, we don’t want to rely on screen-time too much, (which makes the kids cranky). We want to ensure healthy meals and snacks are provided. Even if we are with your family for just a short time as a holiday nanny, we know how important it is to take good care of children.
We also know that parents know their children best. When we come into a family we don’t want to be mixing up the routine, or imposing our own ideas if they aren’t wanted. We want to listen to you, about you and your children’s needs. We are aware that every family is different. Some families thrive on routine, while others are more go with the flow. We want to work with your unique style of parenting.
Communicate Your Expectations Clearly
To build a good relationship with your nanny here are some important things to communicate from the beginning. Let them know:
- your child’s routine
- screen time rules
- food allergies
- favorite activities
- bedtime routine
- emergency contacts
Share your needs and expectations from the beginning. It’s a relief to your nanny to have detailed information about how things are done in your household. Letting us know means we can meet your expectations and keep everything running smoothly while you are gone. It’s also great to learn a bit about the children we are taking care of, what do they love doing? This helps us plan activities and bring along toys they might enjoy.
If you’re hiring an event nanny then you might be rushing off to a wedding and under time pressure. Nevertheless, even just a quick message with important info can help us scrambling in the dark.
While you are away it’s always super helpful to message your nanny if you’ve forgotten to mention anything, or just want to check in and see how things are going. We are always happy to provide photos of what the kids have been up to! But we also understand if you just want to enjoy your time away/focus on work, without phone interruptions unless it’s an emergency. Again, each family situation is different, so communicate your expectations from the start.
Give Constructive Feedback
Sharing concerns or things you’d like done differently is an important part of how to build a great relationship with your nanny. A professional nanny is always open to feedback. We’d much rather change things to suit your requirements than have resentment simmering.
Respect Your Nanny’s time
As well as communicating your family’s needs to the nanny, one of the most important ways to build a good relationship with your nanny is to respect her needs too! Keeping within the agreed work time boundaries and letting them know if you are running late, is vital for a good relationship. Having a clear agreement about hours of work, and giving plenty of notice about any changes is vital too.
Show Appreciation
Nannies are human too. If you notice your nanny doing a good job then say so! If the kids have said something lovely about them then pass on the feedback, or if you noticed them bringing a creative activity then thank them for their resourcefulness. A little appreciation goes a long way to build a good relationship with your nanny.
A strong nanny-parent relationship doesn’t happen by accident. Clear communication, mutual respect and appreciation help your nanny feel supported. This in turn helps your children feel safe, happy and secure. Whether you’ve hired a nanny for a weekend event or a family holiday, investing a little time in the relationship will benefit everyone.
FAQs
What should I tell my nanny before they start?
Include routines, allergies, emergency contacts, house rules, and your child’s likes and dislikes.
How often should I check in with my nanny?
This depends on your preferences. Your nanny will be happy to provide regular photo updates if that helps put your mind at ease, or leave you in peace, and only contact you if an issue arises.
Should I give feedback to my nanny?
Yes. Professional nannies welcome constructive feedback, especially when it’s given kindly and promptly.
