Celebrating National Nanny Recognition Week: September 20–26, 2026

September 20–26, 2026, is National Nanny Recognition Week (NNRW), a special week dedicated to celebrating the incredible nannies and caregivers who make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families.

National Nanny Recognition Week began in 1998 with a simple but important goal: to shine a light on the positive impact professional nannies and caregivers have every day.

More than 25 years later, that mission remains just as meaningful.

Nannies and caregivers do so much more than provide childcare. They become trusted partners for parents, steady and familiar faces for children, and an important part of the rhythm and routine of family life.

They are there for the early mornings, busy afternoons, school pickups, bedtime routines, rainy days, summer adventures, sick days, milestones, celebrations, and all of the ordinary moments in between.

And sometimes, the most meaningful moments are the simplest ones.

It’s the child who runs to the door with a huge smile because their nanny has arrived.

It’s the favorite book read for the hundredth time.

It’s the hand held after a difficult day.

It’s the picture drawn at school with the nanny proudly included.

It’s the caregiver who knows exactly how a child likes their sandwich cut or which song will turn a difficult morning around.

These everyday moments are the heart of professional caregiving.

Why Nanny Recognition Week Matters

Caregiving can be incredibly rewarding, but it is also demanding work. Professional nannies and caregivers invest their time, energy, patience, knowledge, and heart into the children they care for.

They help children learn, grow, explore, and develop confidence. They support parents by helping families manage busy schedules and changing needs. They often become trusted members of the household while maintaining the professionalism and boundaries that make a successful employment relationship possible.

National Nanny Recognition Week gives families an opportunity to pause and say something that can sometimes get lost in the busyness of everyday life:

Thank you. We see what you do, and we appreciate you.

7 Ways to Celebrate Your Nanny or Caregiver

Recognition doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. Often, a thoughtful gesture or a sincere expression of appreciation can mean the most.

Here are a few ideas families can use during NNRW:

1. Say thank you.

It sounds simple, but don’t underestimate the power of genuine appreciation. Tell your nanny specifically what you value about their work and the difference they make in your family’s life.

2. Let the children participate.

Have the children make a card, draw a picture, write a note, or create a small handmade gift. A child’s perspective can make recognition especially meaningful.

3. Give them some time back.

If your schedule allows, consider surprising your nanny with an afternoon or day off. A little extra downtime can be a wonderful gift.

4. Celebrate with a meal.

Treat your nanny to breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You could also have the family prepare a favorite meal or snack as a way of saying thank you.

5. Give a thoughtful gift.

Consider a gift card to a favorite restaurant or store, movie tickets, a basket of favorite treats, or something connected to a hobby or interest you know they enjoy.

6. Celebrate their accomplishments.

Has your nanny completed additional training? Helped your child reach an important milestone? Taken on a new responsibility? Recognize their professional accomplishments and let them know you notice their commitment to their career.

7. Tell others how wonderful they are.

A sincere compliment to friends, family, or other parents can go a long way. Let people know how much you appreciate your nanny and the positive impact they have on your family.

Recognition Shouldn’t End on September 26

National Nanny Recognition Week may only happen once a year, but appreciation doesn’t have to.

The strongest nanny-family relationships are built through ongoing communication, mutual respect, trust, and recognition. Taking a moment throughout the year to acknowledge a job well done can help your nanny feel valued and strengthen your working relationship.

Whether it’s a handwritten note after a particularly challenging week, a sincere compliment, celebrating a milestone, or simply saying, “We couldn’t have gotten through this week without you,” those moments matter.

Celebrating the TLC Family

At TLC Family Care, we are incredibly grateful for the dedicated caregivers who provide loving, dependable care to the families we serve.

To every nanny, caregiver, newborn care specialist, backup caregiver, and childcare professional who shows up each day ready to care for, nurture, encourage, and support the children entrusted to you:

Thank you.

Thank you for your patience.

Thank you for your flexibility.

Thank you for the creativity you bring to each day.

Thank you for the countless little things you do that often go unnoticed.

And thank you for being such an important part of the lives of the children and families you serve.

Happy National Nanny Recognition Week, September 20–26, 2026!

Let’s make this year’s celebration about recognizing the people who make a difference, one child, one family, and one day at a time.

Learn more about National Nanny Recognition Week at NNRW.org.