The Ultimate 13-Step Guide to Being the Best Nanny
Being a top nanny goes beyond childcare—it requires reliability, professionalism, and a commitment to the family’s needs. This guide covers key skills like respecting parenting styles, ensuring safety, engaging children, and working with your agency. Follow these steps to build trust, maintain high standards, and excel in your role as a professional nanny.
1. Be Reliable and Punctual
Reliability is one of the most important qualities a nanny can have. Parents need to trust that you will show up on time, ready to work, and committed to the job. Always plan ahead for transport, set reminders for your schedule, and communicate any potential delays as early as possible. If you consistently prove to be dependable, families will value and respect you more.
✅ Always arrive on time and prepared.
✅ Keep a clear schedule and inform parents of any changes in advance.
🚫 Don’t cancel at the last minute unless it’s an emergency.
2. Maintain Confidentiality and Discretion
As a nanny, you are privy to personal family matters, from parenting challenges to household routines. It’s your responsibility to keep everything private and never discuss family affairs with outsiders. Even seemingly harmless gossip can break trust and damage your professional reputation. Avoid posting details about your job or the children on social media, even in a positive context.
✅ Keep family matters private and respect their personal lives.
✅ Ask parents before sharing anything about the children with others.
🚫 Don’t discuss the family’s personal business with friends or other nannies.
3. Act Professionally at All Times
Being a nanny is not just babysitting—it’s a professional role that requires responsibility, maturity, and respect. Always dress appropriately, maintain a positive attitude, and communicate with parents in a courteous and clear manner. Your professional conduct will determine whether families see you as just an employee or a valued part of their child’s life.
✅ Dress neatly and behave responsibly.
✅ Speak respectfully to parents and children.
🚫 Don’t use inappropriate language or act unprofessionally while on duty.
4. Work in Accordance with Parents’ Beliefs and Parenting Styles
Every family has its own approach to parenting, discipline, and values. Whether it’s dietary choices, screen time limits, or religious beliefs, your role is to support and follow their guidelines, even if they differ from your personal views. If you ever feel uncomfortable with certain rules, have a polite and open discussion with the parents.
✅ Respect different parenting methods, cultures, and household rules.
✅ Ask for clarification if a rule is unclear.
🚫 Don’t impose your personal opinions or contradict parents in front of the child.
5. Build a Strong, Trusting Relationship with the Children
Children thrive when they feel safe and connected to their caregivers. Take time to understand their personalities, interests, and emotions. Show them kindness, patience, and encouragement, and be a consistent, positive presence in their lives. The more they trust you, the more they will listen, respect, and enjoy their time with you.
✅ Engage with children in a warm and caring way.
✅ Encourage open communication and active listening.
🚫 Don’t ignore their emotions or dismiss their feelings.
6. Engage with the Children in a Meaningful and Educational Way
A nanny’s job isn’t just supervision—it’s about nurturing development and creativity. Plan activities that are both fun and educational, such as arts and crafts, outdoor play, reading, or age-appropriate problem-solving games. Avoid excessive screen time and instead, focus on hands-on learning experiences that keep the child engaged and growing.
✅ Organise fun, age-appropriate activities.
✅ Encourage creativity, outdoor play, and social interaction.
🚫 Don’t rely on TV, tablets, or phones as primary sources of entertainment.
7. Cook Nutritious and Tasty Meals
Healthy eating is essential for children’s development. Whether you are preparing full meals or simple snacks, focus on providing balanced nutrition that meets the child’s dietary needs. Be mindful of allergies and parental preferences regarding sugar, processed foods, and portion sizes. If you’re unsure, ask for meal guidelines or request favourite recipes from the parents.
✅ Prepare balanced meals with fresh, whole foods.
✅ Follow any dietary restrictions or allergies.
🚫 Don’t give children sugary or unhealthy snacks without permission.
8. Prioritise Safety at All Times
Keeping children safe is your number one responsibility. Always be aware of potential hazards, whether at home, in the car, or at the park. Learn basic first aid and CPR in case of emergencies, and ensure you know the family’s emergency contacts. Never leave children unattended, even for a moment, and always follow safe sleep, feeding, and play guidelines.
✅ Identify and remove potential safety hazards.
✅ Learn emergency procedures and first aid.
🚫 Don’t leave children alone or in unsafe situations.
9. Keep the House Tidy (Within Reason)
While a nanny is not a housekeeper, maintaining cleanliness is important. Cleaning up after meals, organising toys, and ensuring the space is tidy at the end of the day shows respect for the home and keeps the environment pleasant. Encourage children to help tidy up as part of their routine, teaching them responsibility along the way.
✅ Keep common areas, toys, and eating spaces clean.
✅ Encourage children to participate in cleaning up.
🚫 Don’t reorganise or clean areas of the home without permission.
10. Communicate Openly with Parents
Clear communication with parents is key to maintaining a successful working relationship. Give them updates on their child’s mood, activities, and any concerns. If something unusual happens, let them know immediately. Open and honest communication builds trust and ensures the child’s best interests are met.
✅ Share daily updates about the child’s well-being.
✅ Address any concerns or uncertainties with the parents.
🚫 Don’t withhold information or make decisions without consulting parents.
11. Be Adaptable and Patient
Children’s needs and moods can change daily, requiring patience and flexibility. Some days they may be cheerful and cooperative; other days they may be cranky or difficult. The best nannies stay calm and adaptable, adjusting their approach as needed. Avoid frustration, and instead, find ways to manage situations with kindness and patience.
✅ Stay calm and patient during difficult moments.
✅ Be flexible and adjust to the child’s needs.
🚫 Don’t react harshly to tantrums or misbehaviour.
12. Keep Learning and Improving
The best nannies continually seek to improve their skills and knowledge. Stay updated on childcare trends, behavioural techniques, and emergency procedures. Taking childcare courses, learning a new language, or getting certified in first aid can make you even more valuable to families.
✅ Stay informed about childcare best practices.
✅ Be open to learning and adapting to new methods.
🚫 Don’t assume you know everything—there’s always more to learn.
13. Work with Your Agency for Support
The Parent & Child Nanny Agency are there to support you. Agencies can help with job placements, contract negotiations, and conflict resolution. If you experience difficulties with a family or need advice on handling a situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to them. Building a strong relationship with your agency ensures you receive the best guidance and professional opportunities.
✅ Use your agency as a resource for advice and job security.
✅ Keep in touch and report any major concerns.
🚫 Don’t ignore issues—seek support when needed.
