Nanny Relationships.  Parents frequently tell us that they want a Nanny who will stay with them for several years, who will become a part of the family and care for their children at all ages and stages. Many parents are unaware that their Nanny’s duration is determined not only by who they employ, but also by how they communicate, negotiate, and collaborate with her.

So, what can parents do to entice the Nanny to stay with their family for the foreseeable future? We’ve gathered tips from nannies all throughout the country and compiled a list of their recommendations below.

Communication with your Nanny
Any connection, including your one with the Nanny, requires open, honest communication. Face-to-face discussions, messages, emails, and written notes all help to keep the lines of communication open.

We propose that both the parents and the Nanny keep a communication book in the house. Regular scheduled check-ins with the Nanny are also recommended so that you may provide and receive constructive feedback, discuss any modifications or decisions that need to be made, and get a better idea of how both parties are doing. Furthermore, if any concerns occur, it is usually important to confront them as soon as possible so that you can work together to overcome them rather than allowing irritation or resentment to build up over time.

Respect 
Employees who feel valued and recognized for their work are more likely to report higher job satisfaction and wish to stay in their current position in any workplace. Nannies, like any other employee, want to be valued and respected.

You can show your respect for the Nanny by being considerate of their time, adhering to their boundaries, speaking to them with kindness and respect, and not taking them for granted. Nannies may look for job elsewhere if they don’t believe they’re getting the respect and appreciation they deserve.

Expectations towards your Nanny – job descriptions
Be realistic about your Nanny’s abilities. Remember that there are only so many hours in the day, and they will be spending the most of them looking after your children, aside from naps and school or scheduled activities. Nannies are in charge of providing basic needs for the children as well as keeping them entertained and engaged.

When establishing a list of obligations for your Nanny, consider which is more important: returning home to happy children who are well-cared for, or returning home to a spotless home and a clean pile of laundry. Nannies are skilled multitaskers, but they are also people. There will be days when they simply cannot do everything.

Boundaries with your employee A.K.A Nanny
Personal limits are an important component of any working relationship. Establishing boundaries with the Nanny is just as vital as respecting the Nanny’s personal boundaries. Those restrictions are in place to guarantee that the Nanny can maintain a work/life balance and to avoid being exploited or having their time or privacy violated.

Maintaining boundaries necessitates constant discussion and clarity on both sides. Setting and maintaining boundaries might be difficult at times, but if done with respect and grace, boundaries can actually assist to enhance the relationship between the Nanny and your family.

Flexibility
Nannies commonly express their dissatisfaction with being micromanaged, which is one of the most common complaints we hear. Nannies are trained childcare providers; you’ve engaged them to look after your kids, so you have to believe that they know what they’re doing. This entails relinquishing some control and allowing the Nanny the freedom and flexibility to perform their duties. You can trust them to act in your children’s best interests as long as they grasp your parenting philosophy and approach to topics like discipline and rewards.

Nanny Appreciation
A valued and appreciated nanny is more likely to stay with a family than one who is not. It’s critical to discover ways to express your gratitude and convey your appreciation for everything the Nanny provides for your family. Saying “thank you” to the Nanny, writing them a card, or giving them a bonus on their paycheque can all help. See our earlier blog post for more suggestions on how to show your gratitude to the Nanny.

Working conditions – Nanny work environment
Respect your Nanny’s work environment. It seems like it should go without saying, but it’s worth addressing nevertheless. Yes, we’re talking about your house. We appreciate that parents are busy, and there will be times when keeping up with housekeeping is impossible, but would you want to walk into a cluttered office with dishes piling up in the sink and no clear surfaces on a regular basis? Most likely not.

Even though light housework is on the Nanny’s to-do list, it’s crucial to remember that this is also their workplace. If you want the Nanny to stay with your family for a long time, make it a pleasant and appealing place for her to work.

boundaries, long term nanny, respect