For Nannies: Goal Setting for Your Nanny Career This Year
A new year is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and think intentionally about where you want your nanny career to go. Whether you are early in your career or have years of experience, goal setting helps you stay grounded, motivated, and confident in the work you do every day.
At TLC Family Care, we believe nannying is a profession, and like any profession, it benefits from clear goals that support your financial well-being, personal care, and professional growth.
Below are a few areas to consider as you set goals for the year ahead.
Financial Goals: Building Stability and Confidence
Financial stability is a foundational goal for many nannies, and it looks different for everyone. This year, you might consider:
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Negotiating a fair wage that reflects your experience and responsibilities
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Ensuring you are properly classified as a W-2 employee
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Setting savings goals or contributing regularly to an emergency fund
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Tracking overtime, mileage reimbursement, and benefits
Understanding your finances allows you to advocate for yourself and build long-term security in your career.
Personal Goals: Prioritizing Self-Care and Balance
Nannying is deeply rewarding work, but it is also physically and emotionally demanding. Setting personal goals around self-care is not a luxury, it is essential.
This might include:
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Creating boundaries around your work hours
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Scheduling regular rest and downtime
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Connecting with other nannies who understand your work
One meaningful way to focus on yourself this year is attending the Nanny Tees Retreat, a space designed for connection, rest, and renewal within the nanny community. Investing in yourself strengthens not only your well-being but also the care you provide.
Professional Goals: Investing in Your Education
Continuing education helps you stay current, confident, and competitive in your career. Professional growth can take many forms, including:
Certifications and Courses
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Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) certifications or courses
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Infant and toddler development training
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Specialized care education for sleep, multiples, or special needs
Industry Credentials
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Maintaining or pursuing INA credentials demonstrates commitment to excellence and professionalism
Conferences and Community Learning
These events offer education, inspiration, and the chance to build meaningful professional connections.
Communication Goals: Strengthening Nanny-Family Relationships
Is one of your goals this year to improve communication with the families you work with?
Clear, respectful communication is one of the most valuable skills a nanny can develop. It supports trust, reduces misunderstandings, and helps working relationships thrive.
If this is an area you want to strengthen, we encourage you to check out Our Nanny Diary, a thoughtful resource filled with insights, real-life experiences, and tools designed to support healthy nanny-family communication.
Setting Goals That Work for You
When setting goals, remember:
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Start small and be realistic
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Write your goals down and revisit them regularly
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Celebrate progress, not just perfection
Your career is a journey, and each step you take toward growth matters.
At TLC Family Care, we are proud to support nannies who are invested in themselves, their profession, and the families they serve. Whatever your goals are this year, we hope you give yourself permission to pursue them with confidence and intention.
If you’d like guidance, resources, or support along the way, TLC Family Care is always here to help.
The professionals at TLC Family Care personally assist nannies, babysitters and families in St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, Miami and Orlando to find the right childcare arrangement. Our mission is to provide a safe and personalized approach for families and caregivers to connect with each other that is not an internet search. TLC has worked with families, nannies, sitters, newborn care providers, and tutors for over 35 years and looks forward to working with you! To find great nanny and babysitting jobs visit us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or Call 314-725-5660.