How Can I Prevent Nanny Burnout and Turnover?
How Can I Prevent Nanny Burnout and Turnover?
Have you come home from work to find your nanny looking overwhelmed? Get the feeling that she is tired and teetering on the edge? Finding the right nanny can bring incredible stability and joy to your home, however keeping that relationship strong over time takes care, communication, and mutual respect.
We’ve supported thousands of families and nannies throughout St. Louis and beyond, and we’ve seen what truly helps great relationships last. Let’s chat about burnout.
First, create a clear and fair schedule. Consistency is key for both you and your nanny. Set regular hours whenever possible. Constantly changing schedules can quickly lead to fatigue and frustration. Additionally, be upfront about overtime or weekend needs. Advance notice shows respect and helps your nanny plan their own life. Build in rest and recovery time. Remember, caregivers give a lot of emotional and physical energy each day. Listen to your nanny when they say no to extra requests. It is ok for you to ask, but also ok if they say no.
Show appreciation — it goes a long way in letting a nanny know she is valued. Give your nanny a heartfelt “thank you” at the end of the day. Remember her “nannaversary” by leaving a note, gift card, or acknowledgment. Don’t for get to remember birthdays, anniversaries, or family milestones and include your nanny. Regular recognition keeps morale high. Families who express appreciation see stronger loyalty and lower turnover.
Keep communication open, kind and honest. Respectful communication is at the heart of every successful nanny-family partnership. Schedule brief weekly or biweekly check-ins to discuss what’s going well and what could improve. Go ahead and address issues early and directly rather than letting them build up. Moreover, invite your nanny’s feedback, they often see things from a different, valuable perspective, and they deserve to share a different perspective.
Respect boundaries between work and personal life; nannies need space and separation from work. Try avoiding calling or texting on days off unless it’s truly urgent. Keep clear distinctions between working hours and personal time. Give your nanny her scheduled time off without question; she will need personal time. Respecting these boundaries helps nannies recharge and return refreshed, which means better care for your children.
Offer opportunities for growth that will encourage your caregivers and improve things for your children. Many nannies love to keep learning. Encourage professional development when possible. Share resources or courses on child development, safety, or early education or search for a conference. Offer to cover CPR or first aid recertification costs. Finally ask for their professional input on activities, learning tools, or routines and it shows you value their expertise.
Watch for signs of burnout. These signs can include:
- Fatigue, irritability, or seeming “checked out.”
- More frequent absences or requests to adjust hours.
- Decreased engagement with your children.
If you notice these, it’s time to talk — compassionately. Sometimes, a few small adjustments can make all the difference. Generally, a hug, a cup of coffee, and a little attention can stop burnout.
Lean on your partner in childcare, TLC! When you work with a long-established agency like TLC for Kids, you gain more than just a placement service — you gain a trusted partner. We help set clear expectations before hiring. We provide ongoing support and guidance for both families and nannies. If your nanny ever needs time away, we can provide reliable backup care to keep your home running smoothly.
With understanding, communication, and support, you can build a relationship that lasts, one based on trust, respect, and appreciation on both sides.
Reach out to us to learn more about preventing nanny burnout and building lasting connections with your caregivers.