Member Articles

Of course, there are other ways aside from money to reward nannies and keep them happy. You can give your nanny paid time off to go to the doctor or to run other important errands that she needs for herself. You can increase her vacation time each year. You can also give her more privileges, such as use of the family car while the children are at school. But most importantly, you can reward her by making sure she knows what a valued member of your family she is and how good of a job she is doing. Nannies who only hear criticism become unhappy in the exact same way that anyone else with a critical boss would become unhappy and might seek another job.

Rein in Jealousy

Often, nannies may be faced with a jealous mother. The child may appear to prefer his or her nanny on the surface, which could make the mother feel uncomfortable. Bear in mind two things when this happens: this means that the nanny is doing a good job with the child, and it is not the nanny's fault that this is happening. You can take time to talk to the nanny about your feelings and concerns, but do not lash out at her. It is far better to have a nanny that makes your children happy while she takes care of them than it is to find a nanny who makes your children miserable until you walk in the door.

Treat Your Nanny with Respect

Above all and through everything else, nannies need to be treated with respect. Your nanny should feel as if she is a valued member of your household at all times. If you have a problem, you should discuss it with her directly. If you think she has done something well or gone out of her way to take care of something that was not explicitly part of her job, you should recognize that and let her know you appreciate her hard work.

It's a hard process to go through nannies and to find someone who will be a great fit in your home. Once you have found the right person, you want to make sure she will stick around. By following these guidelines, you are more likely to have a nanny who is happy and who wants to stay with you and your children for years to come.