Developing Healthy Nanny Communication

Regularly having someone work in your home, especially with your children naturally creates a greater depth of relationship than your average employer - employee relationship. In-home caregivers, such as nannies, are privy to many aspects of your private life that can impact the relationship you have with them. It is important to establish and continually develop your nanny relationship because a happy caregiver is much more likely to remain with you and your family for the long haul. Read our tips below for building a healthy nanny relationship.

Respect Their Time

Just as you would expect your nanny to be on time when they arrive, your nanny expects the same from you.  If you think you are going to be late getting home or need to move back the hours that they will be working in your home, call, and check in with them before making any substantial changes in schedule. In the same way, if you have agreed upon working hours, avoid keeping your nanny “overtime” to talk with them about the day or “shooting the breeze” after their shift has ended unless your caregiver initiates it. If there is a necessary care-related topic that needs discussing opt for a time during their scheduled shift to have that discussion. Showing your nanny that you respect their time can go a long way towards building a healthy nanny relationship.

Show Appreciation

Little gestures can mean a lot to any employee but, due to the intimate nature of in-home childcare, doing a little something to show appreciation goes a long way in building your nanny relationship. A great example is writing down special dates (birthday, wedding anniversary, and work anniversary for example) in your nanny’s life and remembering to acknowledge them in some way. Nannies who feel appreciated are much more likely to go out of their way to help out your family and may even be able to make special arrangements for you when you’re in a pinch.

Make Your Expectations Clear

Your nanny relationship can quickly go awry if you have expectations of them that are not clear to them. Many nannies view a lack of communicating expectations clearly like trying to hit a moving target, and it can often make the relationship tense. In most cases, the nanny is happy to do the things you want them done but when that information is not known to them, they must rely on their own methods and experience.