Thank Your Nanny This September: Easy and Meaningful Ways to Show You Care
(In honor of Nanny Recognition Week)
September brings more than just the start of a new school year — it's also Nanny Recognition Week, a special time dedicated to celebrating the incredible caregivers who make our daily lives possible.
As working parents, we know the truth: it's impossible to do it all alone, and our caregivers are the unsung heroes who help keep our families thriving. I couldn’t do it without my nanny, and I’m willing to bet: neither could you!
A successful nanny relationship is built on mutual respect, clear communication, and genuine appreciation. When you find the right caregiver, they become an extension of your parenting team — someone who shares your values, understands your children's unique needs, and works seamlessly alongside you to create a loving, stable environment.
The best nanny partnerships are characterized by:
My kids and our nanny, Maria, who is a steadfast partner in parenting, and one of my best friends!
Open, consistent communication about schedules, expectations, and any changes in routine
Established routines and boundaries that everyone follows for consistency
Mutual respect for each other's parenting approaches and willingness to learn
Complete trust that your children's best interests are always the priority
Transparency and honesty about everything from household needs to behavioral concerns
Meaningful Ways to Show Your Appreciation to Your Nanny This September
1. Write a Heartfelt Thank You Note
Sometimes the simplest gestures mean the most. Take time to write a personal note expressing specific things you appreciate about your nanny. Mention particular moments when they went above and beyond, skills they've taught your children, or how they've made your life easier.
2. Give Them a Day Off (With Pay)
Surprise your nanny with an unexpected paid day off during Nanny Recognition Week. This shows you value their well-being and understand the importance of rest and self-care.
3. Create a Memory Book
Collaborate with your children to create a scrapbook filled with photos, drawings, and memories of special moments with their nanny. This personal touch will be treasured for years to come.
4. Offer Professional Development Opportunities
Show you're invested in their growth by offering to pay for a childcare course, first aid certification, or other professional development opportunity they've mentioned wanting to pursue.
5. Plan a Special Outing
Organize a fun family activity that includes your nanny — perhaps a trip to a local attraction, a nice dinner out, or a relaxing spa day just for them.
6. Provide a Thoughtful Gift
Consider gifts that show you pay attention to their interests: a gift card to their favorite store, a subscription box they'd enjoy, or something practical that makes their job easier.
7. Publicly Acknowledge Their Impact
Share your appreciation on social media (with their permission), write a recommendation letter for their portfolio, or simply tell other parents in your community about the wonderful work they do.
8. Review and Adjust Their Benefits
Use this time to evaluate whether their compensation, benefits, and working conditions reflect their value to your family. Consider raises, additional vacation time, or other improvements to their employment package.
Small Gestures That Make a Big Difference
Recognition doesn't always require grand gestures. Sometimes the most meaningful appreciation comes through everyday actions, here’s a reminder of how to be a good client to your nanny:
Asking about their day and genuinely listening to their response
Respecting their time by sticking to agreed-upon schedules
Saying "please" and "thank you" for tasks, even though they're part of their job
Acknowledging their expertise and asking for their input on decisions that impact them
Making sure they have everything they need to do their job well
Including them in family traditions and celebrations when appropriate
Make This September Special
This Nanny Recognition Week, take a moment to reflect on how your caregiver has impacted your family's life. Whether they've been with you for six months or six years, whether they care for one child or multiple, their contribution deserves recognition and celebration.
Remember, a simple "thank you" can go a very long way, but taking the time to show your appreciation in meaningful ways creates lasting bonds and demonstrates the respect these incredible caregivers deserve. After all, teamwork really does make the dream work — and acknowledging that teamwork makes it even stronger.
Your nanny has chosen to dedicate their career to caring for what matters most to you. This September, let them know just how much that means to your family.
Meg O'Leary is an Infant and Child Sleep Expert and the founder of A Restful Night. Based in Westchester County, NY, she leads a team of certified sleep coaches to provide virtual support to families across the US and around the world.
