5 Things You Can Do RIGHT NOW To Improve Your Relationship With Your Nanny

A good relationship with your nanny is EVERYTHING.  As with any relationship in life, your relationship with your nanny can always be improved upon.  Here are 5 helpful tips that can improve your relationship with your nanny.

1) Ask your nanny if they have everything they need.

Just like you have tools you need for your job, such as your computer, a printer, and a coffee maker, your nanny is equipped with tools that help her with her job too! This can include a phone, craft supplies, a calendar, a log, and anything else that ensures she is at her best. Making sure your nanny has what she needs to do her job well contributes to  increased positive employee and employer satisfaction 

2) Provide an end-of-year bonus and a note of gratitude and appreciation. 

Showing your gratitude for your nanny and all she does will go far! Nannies like to feel valued by the families they work for.  Appreciation and acknowledgement will go a long way in maintaining your nanny long-term as well as improving the quality of her interactions with your family. Show the love!  Make sure your nanny knows you really appreciate them as often as possible!

3) If you don’t have one already, provide your nanny with a paper contract. 

Your nanny is a professional and deserves to be treated as such.  Having a tangible work agreement allows a nanny and an employer to have clear expectations about their roles and duties. Treating your nanny like the professional she is will go along way!

4) Have a 6 month/annual review.

This is really important! I recommend putting the dates of the 6-month and annual reviews in the initial contract so that everyone knows when they will happen. Add it to your calendar and set a reminder!  These review meetings can be a great time to discuss what is working and what’s not working as well as looking ahead to the next 6 months.  You can purchase a 6 month/annual review form in our e-product shop.

5) Pay your nanny appropriately. 

What to pay your nanny is a question I get almost every day.  I always recommend to pay your nanny a rate that is within range of industry standards. Pay them legally. Pay them for federal holidays. Pay them for 2 weeks vacation. Pay them for personal/sick time. Treat your nanny as a professional. They will feel valued and you will retain them longer as well.

What would you add to this list?  Let us know!

Dr. Lindsay Heller, Psy.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Beverly Hills, California. She is also a mother of 2 daughters and a professional nanny consultant.