As a prior Chicago nanny I’ve worked with so many families.
So, I created a shortlist on some of the things my past nanny-families did to make me feel comfortable, and set me and their family up to win!
1. Show appreciation for your nanny.
This may be in the form of a quick text, a small note, a gift card, or one year anniversary flowers. Simple gestures like these will make her feel appreciated and it’s very uplifting especially while they are working during a pandemic.
2. Let your nanny create an Amazon wish list.
When I was a nanny and started with a new nanny-family I would take inventory of child related craft supplies. Please keep in mind just because she creates a wish list doesn’t mean you should buy everything on the list. The list simply gives you some insight on crafts related items that would be useful for her, and it’s also helpful for parents to discover new items and inspiration for family time! Now that’s a Win-win!
3. Keep your nanny’s workplace clean.
Nannies are expected to clean up after themselves and keep your home tidy. So, it’s only fair that families try to have common household areas clean when she arrives to work the next day. This means baby bottles should be ready for her to feed the baby in the morning, try and not have your nanny go on a scavenger hunt for bottles. Try not to have dirty dishes in the sink, or dirty pots and pans on the stove. If you look at this in the perspective that your home is your nanny’s office then it will be easier to keep it tidy.
4. Ask your nanny if there are specific snacks/ microwavable meals she would like.
Nannies work long hours and it may become challenging for nannies to meal plan. With sleeping babies- and juggling siblings classes, and schedules it may not be easy to stop and pick something up for lunch. Having quick and easy meals at home for your nanny makes her day easier, and it’s also a nice gesture.
5. Give your nanny her own closet space or designated cupboard space.
When I was nanny I would like to come up with a holiday craft or a scrap book to display photos of my charges for parents. Of course, acquiring and accumulating crafts items take up room. This is why I would ask for my own space to keep all the magical things to make my chargers day special while on the clock! Something to consider since she will have so many crafts items from her Amazon wish list.
6. Set up a petty cash system.
Having a petty cash system so your nanny isn’t paying out of pocket for child-related things is so important. You can create an excel spreadsheet and start with predetermined amount for the week or month. You and your nanny can add and subtract showing the final balance, and she can attach receipts for reference. You can also have a prepaid Visa card or she can use the family credit card if your nanny purchases household related items. Please to try to avoid asking your nanny to pay for household related items from her personal money- you never know how her finances work on a weekly basis.
I hope some of these points were helpful as you’re preparing for your new nanny or perhaps looking for creative ways to show some appreciation to your current nanny. When a nanny is appreciated, trusted, and respected the rewards are endless. Your nanny will perform at her highest ability- and everyone wins!
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