4 tips for being a happy nanny: a pep talk
You know it and we know it – you are the unsung heroes in many families' lives, bringing not just your skills but your heart and soul to a job that's both demanding and rewarding.
As a nanny agency, we’ve spent nearly 15 years connecting hardworking, dedicated, and all-round fantastic nannies with families, in everything from one-off date night gigs to multiyear, full-time nanny careers. During that time, we’ve seen the hard work that you put into caring for children and making families’ lives better.
Happy nanny = happy family
However, that doesn’t mean it’s all tip-toe through the tulips and easy-peasy. The last few years of the pandemic, particularly, showed what a tricky profession this is to navigate and at the same time, how vital childcare professionals are in helping families – and thus society as a whole – function. We’ve seen how hard nannies in our network have worked to show up and do what was needed, and in the same way that you have your family’s back, we want to have yours.
So since we adore and appreciate all that nannies do, we wanted to offer up 4 tips in approaching your childcare career that will not only make you a happier, more satisfied nanny – it will actually make you better in your career, too. Now that’s a win we can all celebrate.
4 tricks to empowering yourself as a nanny
1. Be Confident and Direct About Your Needs:
It's essential to be upfront about your needs and boundaries. It may seem tough or counterintuitive, but communicating your own boundaries clearly from the start sets the tone for a healthy working relationship.
Remember, being open and honest about what you can offer and what you need in return is beneficial for both you and the family you work with. And the opposite is true – if you agree to things that don’t actually work for you, you risk creating resentment in the working relationship and having a job that just won’t last.
2. Consider Professionalism and Personal Growth:
We’ve said this a million times: nannying is a professional career. The more you treat your role with professionalism, the more your employers will too, leading to easier negotiations when it comes to raises, benefits, and job growth.
Invest time in personal and professional development, like taking relevant courses or training, to enhance your skills. Your family will love it, yes, but it also puts you in a great position come yearly review time.
3. Don’t Forget Self-Care
Your well-being is as important as your job. Make sure to take time for yourself and really be off when you're off the clock. Engage in activities that relax and rejuvenate you.
Maybe that’s curling up with a book at home, maybe it’s a challenging workout, maybe it’s weekend trips with friends. In the end, a well-rested and happy nanny is more effective and brings positive energy to the job.
4. Establish a Support Network
This is one of our favorites. Nannying can be a lonely profession, and having a support network is invaluable. Connect with other nannies, join online communities or local groups where you can share experiences, seek advice, and find encouragement. This network can be a source of both support and tips for the job.
Or – of course – you could join a network like Smart Sitting, where you can both meet other nannies as well as our dedicated team, who are here for advice, support, Q&As, meetups, and just general positive vibes. Having this support network will enable you to feel more confident in your role and will help you in everything from conflict resolution and rate negotiations to ideas about how to be the best nanny for your charges – something both you and your family will benefit from.
You're not just caring for children; you're shaping their lives and supporting families through your dedication and love.
Let us support you
Here at Smart Sitting, we’ve made no secret of the fact that we admire and champion our nannies and babysitters. We’ve seen what a difference you make in families’ lives, and that encourages us to go the extra mile every time, just like you do. Because you're not just caring for children; you're shaping their lives and supporting families through your dedication and love.
That’s why we want you to take pride in your work, care for yourself, and know that what you do every day makes a world of difference.
(And of course, if you are a fantastic nanny but not yet a Smartsitter, we’d love to help you find your next great job. Send in an application today, let us get to know you, and our team will match you with a professional nanny job and be able to help you with the tips above, all to find you a situation where you can truly shine!)