Showing Appreciation to Your Childcarer or Nanny

Childcarers and nannies play an indispensable role in many families across the UK, providing not just childcare but also education, companionship, and emotional support to children. Recognising their efforts and showing appreciation is not only courteous but also helps in building a strong, positive relationship. Here’s how you can show your gratitude to your childcarer or nanny in meaningful ways.

Introduction

Childcarers and nannies play an indispensable role in many families across the UK, providing not just childcare but also education, companionship, and emotional support to children. Recognising their efforts and showing appreciation is not only courteous but also helps in building a strong, positive relationship. Here’s how you can show your gratitude to your childcarer or nanny in meaningful ways.

Personalised Thank You Notes

A heartfelt, handwritten thank you note can make a significant impact. Expressing gratitude for specific instances where the nanny or childcarer went above and beyond can make them feel valued and appreciated.

Gift Tokens and Bonuses

Financial bonuses or gift vouchers during the holidays or on special occasions like National Nanny Recognition Week are a great way to show appreciation. Even small tokens tied to their interests (like a voucher for a bookshop if they love reading) can be very thoughtful.

Extra Time Off

Offering additional paid time off or allowing them to leave early occasionally, especially after a particularly hectic week, can be highly appreciated. This not only shows gratitude but also acknowledges their hard work and the taxing nature of their job.

Professional Development Opportunities

Investing in their professional growth by funding courses or workshops not only benefits their career but also demonstrates that you value their development as much as their contribution to your family.

Regular Feedback and Open Communication

Maintain open lines of communication and provide regular positive feedback. Acknowledge their achievements and discuss any areas for improvement in a constructive manner. This can foster mutual respect and a healthy working environment.

Conclusion

Showing appreciation to your childcarer or nanny is crucial in nurturing a positive and enduring relationship. Simple acts of kindness and recognition can go a long way in ensuring they feel valued and respected, which in turn, reflects positively in the care they provide to your children.

Show your appreciation


6-13 May is Nanny Week in the UK, dedicated to the amazing childcare professionals who provide loving care for children in their own homes day after day. A good nanny is more than an employee, they become a vital part of the family, and deserve some appreciation. Obviously nothing replaces being a good, considerate employer all year round, but a little extra can go a very long way.

We asked over on our Facebook page what nannies would like their employers to do to show their appreciation this week, and top of the list was saying ‘Thank You’ – 2 simple words that make a huge difference because they mean that you have noticed what your nanny does and are grateful for it. It doesn’t cost you anything but it will mean the world to your nanny.

If you are in the mood to spend a little more time, effort or cash then coming home early unexpectedly and letting your nanny go home is a great bonus. Getting them a nice cake to have with tea or coffee during nap time, or making sure the fridge is stocked with their favourite snack is another little gesture to show them you care.

Showing your appreciation all year round will make your nanny feel valued, but if you’ve got into the habit of treating them as part of the furniture make a special effort today to show them just how much they mean to you.