Making the Relationship Work with Your Nanny

August 20, 2025

Making the Relationship Work with Your Nanny

Hiring a nanny isn’t just a business arrangement — it’s a personal, ongoing relationship. The best placements happen when families invest in communication, structure, and mutual respect.

Best Practices for a Healthy Relationship:

  • Build mutual trust: Share your parenting philosophy and invite your nanny to share theirs. Be open to compromise where possible.

  • Prioritize communication: Establish daily check-ins (in person, by text, or with a nanny journal). Discuss not just logistics but how the children are doing emotionally and developmentally.

  • Set boundaries: Be clear about what’s included in the role (childcare, laundry) and what’s not (deep cleaning, unrelated errands).

  • Provide structure: Children thrive with routine. Share a daily/weekly schedule that outlines meals, naps, school runs, activities, and quiet time.

  • Offer professional respect: Treat your nanny as a valued professional. That means being punctual, paying on time, and honoring agreements.

  • Show appreciation: Recognize milestones (work anniversaries, birthdays), leave occasional notes of thanks, or provide small bonuses for going above and beyond.

TLC Tip (from 40 years of supporting families and nannies): Think of your nanny as part of your parenting team. Families who hold regular “family meetings” with their nanny — to talk about schedules, discipline strategies, or upcoming changes — are the ones who enjoy stability and long-lasting success.