Top 7 Tips to Keep Your Nanny Happy
Jason Carr • Sep 12, 2021
Top 7 Tips to Keep Your Nanny Happy
Understanding how to hire a nanny can be a struggle in itself. Next up is to ensure that they stay the course. You’ll need plenty of empathy and a real understanding of the changes in family dynamics that come with employing a nanny.
Don’t let your nanny wave goodbye before they’ve barely started. Read on for the top 7 tips you need to keep your nanny happy and motivated.
1. Show Your Appreciation
Most of us will always go the extra mile if we feel valued. When we appear taken for granted we start to lack motivation and can become annoyed and frustrated. Here are some of the actions you must always take to keep your nanny on side:
- Make a point of saying, “Thank you” to your nanny at the end of every day
- If you’re ever late back from work, offer a pay-back every time
- Treat your nanny to something special once a month
Small touches can mean the world. Make a regular point of taking the time to say how much you value how your nanny works. Pick up on their positive qualities and reflect them back so that they know you’ve spotted their strengths.
2. Make Things Clear
Mixed messages will mean you’re on a hiding to nothing. Start as you mean to go on with a contract that covers all required duties in detail. These are some of the tricky areas that you must address:
- What you allow the kids to do and what you do not
- When and how the kids need disciplining
- What kind of treats you prefer to give the kids and at what frequency
- Rules around time spent on phones, laptops or watching TV
- Acceptable foods and the timing of meals
There are always likely to be some grey areas and, as the parent, you know what these are. Choose any battles carefully and don’t go to war over something that’s better sorted by gentle persuasion.
3. Make Time to Chat
Great communication is essential in any relationship. Make a set time each week for a 10-minute catch-up with your nanny. Remember that part of the art of communication is to listen. Ask questions that are likely to bring out any concerns your nanny might have.
4. Be Proactive About Essential Courses
Paying for a course such as regular First Aid training is a sound investment. When an employer organises and picks up the tab for a course, it makes the employee feel worthwhile and valued. It shows you believe in them enough to invest in their future.
5. Insist on a Healthy Work-Life Balance
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Take an interest in and positively encourage your nanny to have a life outside work. Be mindful of days when your nanny may need to get away strictly on time for a class or regular activity.
That might mean you have to go the extra mile by offering a lift in the car or paying for an occasional special day out.
6. Keep a Calendar
Always have a clear, physical calendar on the wall with colour codes for different types of activity or that refer to family members including your nanny. This helps you to reinforce the message that you’re aware of when your nanny has something special on.
7. Take a Collaborative Approach
There will be times when you need to assert yourself as a boss. However, the trick of great management is to know when and how to work in collaboration.
Listen carefully to all the ideas your nanny has about how you might do things differently. Always show your appreciation of your nanny’s opinions even if you disagree with them.
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