If you have an amazing nanny or manny, they are more than likely performing marathons to keep your kids, your household, and themselves sane for when you return. You’re a busy family with places to be, children to dote on, and a boatload of work with a deadline that was last week; in other words, you barely have room to think about anything else. However, one very important thing you should try to squeeze in is some appreciation for your children’s nanny or manny.
You’re probably thinking that your children’s nanny or manny already know how much you appreciate them. While that may be true (and if often is!), sometimes they just aren’t getting that crucial feedback. Hopefully, this post can be a great, perhaps gentle reminder to always say “thank you” to your nanny or manny. Either way, here is some food for thought on ways that can remind them that they are important and recognized.
One place every family can start is National Nanny Recognition Week and how to celebrate it. Although it has come and gone this past September you can always prepare for next year. National Nanny Recognition Week is a time each year that gives you a specific opportunity to remind your nanny or manny how lucky you are to have them! Bonuses, raises, and unexpected days off are great, but a lot of caregivers appreciate small and thoughtful acts.
Perhaps they are addicted to coffee and you see them toting their large coffee mug in every morning? A little gesture such as a gift card to a local coffee shop, or even a full pot of fresh coffee with a note can go a long way. Maybe you know that your nanny loves a certain snack, or has a specific dietary restriction. Leaving him or her a bag of their favorite goodies, a homemade treat (that accommodates their dietary restrictions; if applicable) are both great ideas.
Maybe they love to pamper themselves occasionally! This would be an opportunity to present your nanny or manny with a gift certificate for a mani/pedi, a massage, or a cosmetic store such as: Sephora, Ulta, or even Sally’s Beauty store. Do you know what make-up or beauty product he or she uses? Get together a small basket that contains some of their favorite make-up essentials, lotions, or soaps.
Outside of these more materialistic options, you could take a different approach and include those precious kiddos to help show how much you treasure your nanny or manny. Have your little one(s) draw a picture, write a thank you note (if they’re old enough), or frame a picture that your nanny sent you a while back. These little homemade gifts are often favorites! It’s straight from those tiny hearts that nannies and mannies work so hard to be a positive role model for. Unfortunately, we just wrapped up this year’s recognition week, but you are in luck that it’s an annual event. Be sure to mark your calendars next year for: September 23-29, 2018 (nnrw.org)!
Now that we’ve touched base on NNRW, keep in mind that your nanny should feel happy and valued year round. Nanny burnout is real, and often stems from the lack of appreciation that household employees feel. We encourage you to find ways to recognize and remind them how thankful you are for their presence. Do you know their birthday? Do you remember when you hired him or her? Do they celebrate the same holidays as you, perhaps different ones? Are they trying to continue their education or keep up on current certifications?
If you know their birthday, you can give him or her a half day (if you can accommodate it), bake some cupcakes or cookies, or have your children decorate a birthday card. “Nanny Anniversaries”, the day they started their work relationship with you, are unique to household employees. This is often a special day for nannies, mannies and families and can be celebrated with a thank you note, a small gift card to their favorite store or restaurant, a dinner together, and is often a great time to consider the idea of a raise. If you can afford it, go for it; they probably deserve it!
If your nanny or manny celebrates the same holidays that your family has off, consider letting them spend time with their family. If they live far away from their homebase, and you feel comfortable–you can even invite them to spend the holidays with you. If they celebrate a different holiday from you due their culture or religion, it would be exceptionally thoughtful and kind to keep that in mind. Research one of their upcoming holidays and present them with a traditional gift! For example, Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) can be recognized by gifting a person (your nanny or manny!) with some challah bread, apples, and honey. These little acts can go such a long way, especially if you can make it personal.
Let’s not forget how important it is to make sure our nannies are up-to-date on the latest safety and care for children. Another way to keep your nanny happy, recognized, and educated is to offer to cover a class or conference day such as: National Nanny Training Day, CPR/First Aid, Nannypalooza, or even a class on being an Infant Care Specialist from places like New Born Care Solutions, or Gentle Blessings. Classes can be a bit pricey but WORTH every penny. Especially if you have a new born on the way. Another option is to gift the book, Creating Sweet Dreams, by Rachelle Gershkovich from Maternal Instincts.
Now that you’ve made it this far into the article, let’s go back to your busy work schedule. Maybe you and your partner work full-time, you’re barely getting dinner on the table most nights, and you’re not sure whether little Sally was bathed last night or last week so we might have to keep things simple. Even a day to day, “Thank you for all you do for our family.” can go a long way. One mom did just that by giving a simple, but thoughtful shoutout to her nanny and what a great asset she is.
“My husband and I both work. Just being totally honest- we love our little boy oh so very much but know we are better as parents when we have grown up interaction. So to say, neither of us are cut from the cloth making a good stay at home parent. We enjoy our jobs and are financially dependent on a two person income to live the lifestyle we prefer. In January this year, after a 4 month stint in daycare, we were blessed to have Sharon Z. come into our home. She is a true everyday super hero. We do not know what we would do without her. Our two year old knows all his colors/letters/numbers, asks please (almost always without being promoted), says ‘thank you’ when given something, understands when we ask him not to use his ‘baby/whiny’ voice but instead his ‘words’, and is well on his way to being potty trained! In addition Mimi, as we all call her, helps keep our house a home with her extra care and attention to detail, takes our son on adventures around the city, comes early and stays late when our schedule fluctuates. We know how lucky we are to have her and can only hope she knows how much we appreciate her! She has become a family member to us!!”
In short, if you are blessed enough to have an amazing nanny or manny make sure to thank them for their endless, hard work! Your caregivers pour all their physical and emotional energy, into helping raise your little one, so stop once in a while to check in, make sure they are getting cared for. We hope this article has been a good reminder on how you can remember to keep your nanny or manny happy and appreciated!
Written by: Ashley Wainwright
Recent Comments