Welcome to National Nanny Recognition Week
September 21-27, 2024
This week is all about pressing pause and celebrating the incredible professionals who care for our families nurture our children, and make so much of modern life possible. The work of a nanny is the quiet magic that happens behind the scenes—the perfectly sliced apples, the seamlessly navigated toddler meltdowns, the endless patience that turns a tough day into a tender moment. It’s the invisible work that holds families together. This week is our chance to make that magic visible. As a proud Certified B Corporation™, our commitment to using our work as a force for good is baked into everything we do. For us, that starts with championing the people at the very heart of our world: the nannies who generously give so much of themselves to their work, and the families they help thrive.
So, to kick the week off right, we’ve put together a guide with some real-talk ideas for families, a whole lot of love for nannies, and ways to make this week feel truly special.
For Families: Let’s Move Beyond the Macaroni Necklace
We know you appreciate your nanny every day, but this is the week to really show it. While a handmade craft is always a treasure, here are a few other ideas to express your gratitude in a way that honors their professional role and proves you’re paying attention.
The Gift of Uninterrupted Time (and Sanity)
A paid day off is a great start. But what about an extra, surprise paid day off to be used whenever they want—no questions asked, no guilt attached? To really level up, offer to handle a “life admin” task for them. Think about the errands you dread doing for yourself, like taking the car for an oil change or waiting in line at the post office. Taking one of those off their plate isn’t just a nice gesture; it’s giving them back a piece of their weekend.
The Professional Glow-Up
Investing in your nanny’s career is one of the most powerful ways to show you value their expertise. Offer to cover the cost of a new certification, a professional development course, or an industry conference. Want to pretty much guarantee your spot as ‘best boss ever’ for the next two years? Give them an IOU for a ticket to Nanny Camp 2026 (yes, it’s already on the calendar for Labor Day weekend!).
Not only is it an unforgettable experience of community and learning for them, but they’ll also come back to you recharged, inspired, and full of new ideas. It’s a win-win.
The Unspoken Love Language (yes, we're talking about cash)
Let’s not be weird about it: a financial bonus is a fantastic way to recognize the immense value your nanny brings. It’s a simple, respectful, and professional acknowledgment of their hard work and dedication.
The “I See You” Gift
This is all about the details. It’s the gift card to that specific local coffee shop they adore, not the big chain. It’s a book from the independent bookstore they always talk about. It shows that you’re listening and that you see them as a whole person with their own unique interests outside of your home. It’s a small thing that feels huge.
The Thank You Card That Hits Different
Never, ever underestimate the power of specific, written words. A heartfelt thank you card (bonus points if it's from The Nanny Cards) from the whole family detailing why you’re grateful is priceless. Don’t just say “thanks for all you do.” Get specific. "Remember that Tuesday it rained for 8 hours straight and we came home to a blanket fort and happy kids instead of a scene from Lord of the Flies? You saved us. Thank you." This one costs nothing but is often worth everything.
A Message For Nannies: This Moment Is For YOU
Okay, nannies. Let’s talk.
You spend your days pouring from your own cup into countless others. You are the calm in the storm, the keeper of secrets, the expert negotiator of one-more-story, and the person who loves children that aren’t yours with your whole heart. You are used to making the best out of every situation—it’s one of your many superpowers. At Nanny Camp this year, our mantra was simple:
“Let us take care of YOU.”
And we meant it.
This week is a moment to take a deep breath, let your shoulders drop, and let the appreciation sink in. The work you do matters. It is complex, skilled, and deeply emotional. You are raising the next generation of changemakers and global citizens. You might not always hear it when you’re in the thick of it, but you are seen, you are valued, and you absolutely deserve to be celebrated.
Make It More Than Just a Week
This week is an amazing reminder, but the deepest appreciation doesn’t live in grand, once-a-year gestures. It lives in the small, consistent, and respectful ways you show up for your nanny all year long. True partnership is built in the day-to-day. Here’s how to keep that NNRW energy going.
Treat Their Role Like the Profession It Is.
The single best way to show respect is by honoring the professional nature of their work. This means providing the benefits that any professional deserves: guaranteed hours, paid time off, paid holidays, and contributions toward healthcare. These aren’t perks; they are the foundation of a respectful and sustainable career.
Keep the Lines of Communication Wide Open.
Don’t let important conversations happen in a rush as you’re flying out the door. On top of having open communication on a daily basis through written notes or a scheduled hand off time built into the schedule, set aside consistent time for regular check-ins, whether weekly, bi-monthly, or whatever cadence works for you both.Consistency is key. Talk about what’s going well, any challenges that are coming up, and what the kids are loving. It creates a space for collaboration and ensures you’re always on the same team.
Set Them Up for Success.
You can’t ask someone to do a brilliant job without giving them the right tools. This means a well-stocked craft cabinet, a safe and reliable car seat, a petty cash fund for outings so they’re not paying out-of-pocket, and clear instructions for any new routines. It’s a simple way of saying, “I trust you, and I’ve got your back.”
Respect Their Expertise (and Their Time).
You hired your nanny for their skills and experience, so trust them to do their job well. And just as importantly, respect that their job has a start and an end time. Honoring their work hours, avoiding last-minute requests when possible, and respecting their personal time is a powerful, non-verbal way to show you value them as a whole person.
Say ‘Thank You.’ And Mean It.
It sounds so simple, but it’s everything. A genuine ‘thank you’ at the end of a long day—especially a tough one—is huge. Acknowledging their effort, their patience, and the care they bring to your family on a regular basis reinforces that you see them and you appreciate them.
Ultimately, celebrating your nanny is about creating an environment where they feel seen, respected, and valued—not just for one week, but every single day.
That’s the real gift.
To every nanny out there, from our entire team, thank you. And happy National Nanny Recognitoin Week!
