Building a strong, respectful relationship with your nanny is key to creating a happy and effective childcare environment. When communication is clear and expectations are aligned, your child’s wellbeing is prioritised — and everyone benefits.
Here are some practical tips to help you manage a healthy, professional relationship with your nanny.
1. Have a Clear Employment Contract
A written contract helps avoid misunderstandings and provides a clear reference point throughout the year.
Your contract should outline:
- Daily responsibilities
- Compensation and pay schedule
- Paid holidays, sick leave, and any additional benefits
Having these details agreed upon from the outset makes future adjustments or clarifications much easier.
2. Prioritise Clear Communication
Strong communication sets the foundation for a successful working relationship.
- Set expectations early: At the start of employment, discuss daily routines, parenting preferences, and any specific needs your child may have. This may include meal preferences, nap schedules, discipline approaches, and household rules.
- Schedule regular check-ins: Ongoing conversations — whether informal chats or structured weekly catch-ups — help ensure everyone feels heard. Encourage open dialogue and welcome feedback.
- Use a journal or app: Many families find a daily log helpful, especially for younger children. This allows for easy updates on meals, naps, activities, and milestones, even when you’re not home.
3. Show Appreciation and Provide Positive Feedback
Feeling valued goes a long way.
- Acknowledge your nanny’s hard work through verbal praise, written thanks, or occasional bonuses.
- Be specific with compliments — recognising thoughtful activities, patience during challenging moments, or creative ideas shows genuine appreciation and boosts morale.
4. Offer Fair Compensation and Benefits
- Ensure your nanny is paid fairly and in line with their experience and responsibilities.
- Consider bonuses for holidays, birthdays, or work anniversaries as a meaningful way to show gratitude and recognition.
5. Set — and Respect — Boundaries
Clear boundaries protect both parties and prevent burnout.
- Define working hours: Be clear about start and finish times and respect your nanny’s personal time.
- Respect personal space: Avoid expecting availability outside of agreed hours unless it’s a genuine emergency.
6. Address Issues Early and Respectfully
- If concerns arise, address them promptly and calmly. Open, respectful conversations prevent small issues from becoming larger problems.
- Focus on solutions rather than blame, and offer guidance where needed rather than criticism.
7. Build Trust and Maintain Confidentiality
Trust is essential in any employer-employee relationship.
- Respect your nanny’s privacy and maintain confidentiality.
- A trusting environment creates a sense of security, professionalism, and mutual respect.
Healthy nanny–employer relationships are worth investing in. When expectations are clear, communication is open, and trust is established, everyone benefits, especially the children.
