Individuals often find themselves seeking the assistance of nannies during particularly demanding times—whether returning to work post-paternity, welcoming a new baby into the family, or simply realizing the need for additional support to manage daily tasks. Hiring a nanny transforms your home into a workplace, and fostering a positive relationship with your nanny is essential for creating an environment where parents, children, and the nanny can all thrive. Here are three key strategies to enhance this relationship.
Competitive Compensation

Recognize the value of your nanny's skills and dedication to your child's well-being by offering fair compensation. A starting wage of around $20 per hour acknowledges the challenges and responsibilities of childcare. This gesture demonstrates your appreciation for their hard work and expertise in early childhood education.
2. Open and Clear Communication
Effective communication is beneficial for all parties. Establish a written employment agreement, conduct regular meetings to touch base, express gratitude frequently, and offer apologies for any misunderstandings. If you need to update the job description, discuss it openly, modify the agreement accordingly, and adjust compensation if necessary, as per the first tip.
3. Provision of Paid Leave
Just like anyone else, nannies appreciate the chance to unwind. Ensure you provide paid vacation to support their well-being. A minimum of two weeks off, with flexibility in scheduling to accommodate both your preferences and the nanny's, is a fair approach. Allowing one week at the nanny’s discretion and another at yours each year is a balanced compromise.
Nannies, along with other domestic workers like house cleaners and home health aides, play a pivotal role in our lives by maintaining the health and safety of our families and homes. However, the historical legacy of slavery in the United States has led to the exclusion of these workers from fundamental labor protections, such as discrimination-free workplaces, minimum wage, and health and safety standards.
Despite these challenges, organizations like the National Domestic Workers Alliance and Hand in Hand are advocating for the rights of domestic workers, striving for fair pay and safe working conditions. The tips provided here are part of Hand in Hand's extensive resources developed in collaboration with domestic workers to promote best employment practices.