1. “Clear Expectations Make Everyone’s Life Easier”
Twinkle Toes Nannies want to meet your expectations, but they can’t read your mind. If you prefer a strict nap schedule, want your child to eat only organic food, or expect daily updates, say so upfront. A written contract or handbook outlining duties, house rules, and boundaries prevents misunderstandings and awkward conversations later.
What You Can Do:
• Provide a written schedule and guidelines.
• Be upfront about extra duties (e.g., laundry, meal prep) to avoid confusion.
• Offer feedback early and often—nannies appreciate knowing how they’re doing.
2. “I’m a Professional—Please Treat Me Like One”
Nannying isn’t just “babysitting”—it’s a career that requires patience, knowledge of child development, and strong problem-solving skills. While many Twinkle Toes nannies love their job, they want to be respected as professionals.
What You Can Do:
• Pay a fair, livable wage.
• Provide benefits like paid time off, sick leave, and even health insurance if possible.
• Acknowledge their hard work—sometimes a simple “thank you” goes a long way.
3. “I Need a Work-Life Balance, Too”
Just like you, nannies need personal time. Constantly texting them outside work hours, asking them to stay late at the last minute, or assuming they’re available 24/7 can lead to burnout.
What You Can Do:
• Respect their time by giving advance notice if you need them to stay late.
• Stick to agreed-upon work hours unless it’s an emergency.
• Allow them to take breaks during nap times when possible.
4. “Your Kids Are Watching How You Treat Me”
Children take cues from their parents. If you’re dismissive or disrespectful to your nanny, your child may start treating them the same way. Our Twinkle Toes Nannies want to feel valued—not like second-class citizens in your home.
What You Can Do:
• Model respect by greeting your nanny warmly and involving them in family moments.
• Encourage your children to say “please” and “thank you” to the nanny.
• Back up the nanny’s authority—if they enforce house rules, support them.
5. “If Something Feels Off With Your Child, I Want to Tell You”
Twinkle Toes Nannies spend hours observing your child’s behavior, development, and mood. They may notice things you don’t—delayed speech, anxiety, aggressive tendencies, or even signs of a medical issue. But they might hesitate to bring it up for fear of overstepping.
What You Can Do:
• Ask for your nanny’s insights—they have a unique perspective.
• Create an open-door policy where they can share concerns without fear of offending you.
• Trust their observations, but also consult professionals if needed.
6. “A Small Gesture of Appreciation Means the World”
Nannies don’t expect lavish gifts, but small gestures—like a handwritten note, a holiday bonus, or even just verbal appreciation—can make them feel valued.
What You Can Do:
• Acknowledge birthdays and special occasions.
• Surprise them with coffee or a small treat now and then.
• If they’ve gone above and beyond, a bonus or extra day off is always appreciated.
7. “I Want to Work With You, Not Against You”
A good Twinkle Toes Nanny isn’t just an employee—they’re a partner in raising your child. They want to support your parenting style, maintain consistency, and make life easier for everyone.
What You Can Do:
• Have regular check-ins to discuss any concerns.
• If you disagree with how they handle something, talk about it respectfully.
• View them as a teammate, not just hired help.
Final Thoughts
A happy Twinkle Toes Nanny means a happy household. By communicating openly, treating your nanny with respect, and showing appreciation, you’ll foster a relationship that benefits everyone—especially your child.