Why Regular Check-ins With Your Nanny Are Important

You’ve welcomed the perfect nanny into your family after a lengthy candidate search. Now, it’s time to forge a positive, healthy relationship with your new nanny. There are many ways you can be a good employer to your nanny, one of which is scheduling regular check-ins. In this blog, we’ll explain why that is… and how you can embrace check-ins as part of your working relationship with your nanny

Make regular communication a habit

Like in any relationship, frequent communication is essential to a harmonious partnership. Scheduling periodic check-ins gets both you and your nanny in the habit of communicating honestly and respectfully with each other. This is especially important when you introduce a new nanny to your family. 

During the first few weeks when your nanny is on the job, put aside some time to chat with your nanny every day. Keep it short — about 10 to 20 minutes. This will give your nanny a chance to ask you any questions and you can clarify instructions if needed. As time goes on, you can reduce check-ins to just a few minutes in the morning or evening and save “bigger” check-ins for once a month or every two months.

Set expectations clearly

Regular check-ins put you and your nanny on the same page. They give you the opportunity to outline your expectations. Take the time to explain to your nanny what’s important and how you’d like things done. Even the best nanny can’t anticipate all of your needs and understand your preferences if you don’t communicate them first! That’s where regular check-ins can come in to help. 

Uncover issues early

No one is perfect and, over time, maybe you find an issue that you need to bring up with your nanny. Perhaps your nanny missed an important activity or playdate that your child was scheduled for and you’d like to talk to them about it. That’s what regular check-ins are for. If the discussion feels bigger than a daily check-in, ask your nanny to come in a few minutes early before their next shift or ask to stay a bit longer before leaving, if possible.

Worried about how to have these difficult conversations? Don’t worry, our expert staff has some tips!

Make difficult conversations easier with “the sandwich method”

If you have an issue to address with your nanny, our nanny manager’s tip is to use the “sandwich method.” Tiffany Trieb, our Director of Client Relations, says: “Start out with something they do really well, address a concern, then end with more positive feedback.”

This helps reduce friction. You should also discuss what happened with your nanny in a polite, respectful tone and be open and ready to hear your nanny’s side of the story as well. For example, you might find that your nanny was upset because the activity or playdate could have been better communicated from your end. Again, regular check-ins can clear up issues like these early so things go more smoothly in the future.

Build trust

When you show your nanny that you value honesty, regular communication, and feedback, it builds trust and mutual respect between the two (or three) of you. You’re confident in your nanny’s abilities and trust their decisions and actions. At the same time, they’ll trust that you’ll be transparent and communicate your expectations. 

Get more tips on a healthy nanny/family relationship

Being a good nanny employer takes hard work and commitment. For more tips on building a positive relationship with your nanny, check out the A Perfect Fit blog. And if you’re in search of a new nanny for your family, learn how A Perfect Fit can match you with the best professional in your area.