How to Show Your Appreciation During National Nanny Recognition Week

It’s that time of year again for National Nanny Recognition Week (September 18-24, 2022), which is a great time to show appreciation for the hard work, patience, and dedication of your in-home childcare provider.

Nannies play critical roles in the care and upbringing of children so it’s important for families to show appreciation for their caregivers.

While treating your nanny with honesty and respect is a year-round responsibility, National Nanny Recognition week is ideal for a little extra show of gratitude for your nanny’s contributions.

As always, simple, thoughtful gestures can go a long way to making your nanny feel valued for the job that they do.

Whatever you do, involve your children. A thank you note and/or homemade present from your kids can make this recognition even more special. Your children will love to be a part of it, and they should know that you appreciate your nanny as much as they do.

Here are some other ideas to make National Nanny Recognition Week special or any time you want your nanny to know that they are treasured by your family.

Personalized gifts

Your children can make a craft, draw, paint a picture, or whatever else their imaginative minds create.

Older kids could sing a song, play a piece of music on their instrument, or recite an original poem dedicated to their nanny. Homemade gifts are often more meaningful than store-bought presents.

Another idea is a photo book of your nanny and your children. Creating a video of you and your children expressing your appreciation is easy to make using just your mobile phone.

Fresh flowers can accompany a child-made gift. You could also put together a gift basket around something they love (movies, cooking, music, favorite hobby, etc.).

Paid time off

With an increasing focus on the importance of mental health (as well as our physical well-being), offering some extra paid time off for your nanny can help them de-stress and rejuvenate.

Or they can use the time to run errands and schedule appointments. We all need more time to get stuff done!

With that extra time off, treat your nanny with a gift card to a local spa. That extra-special indulgence and pampering will help your nanny come back to work refreshed and ready to take on the day!

Homemade dinner

Make a dish they love and invite them (and their partner if it makes sense) to stay for dinner. If your children are old enough, they can help with the preparation.

Other options are to get takeout from a restaurant of their choice and enjoy the meal altogether or go out to dinner at their favorite spot.

Health benefits

The COVID-19 pandemic has made many nannies realize the importance of health benefits and being able to get the help they need when they need it.

Unfortunately, medical coverage is not a standard benefit in the household employment industry and many nannies struggle to find adequate health care.

However, a pre-tax health reimbursement account like a QSEHRA or Virtual Medicine are affordable ways to provide nannies the coverage they need.

GTM Payroll Services can help you set up a QSEHRA and tie it to your payroll account to make it easy for you and your nanny.

Association membership

The International Nanny Association and US Nanny Association provide career-boosting information, education, tools, and guidance for nannies. The knowledge they gain will help them become a more skilled and confident caregiver. There are also opportunities to connect with other nannies and develop valuable relationships that can help them with their jobs.

Subscription to Nanny Magazine

Nanny Magazine is the premier trade publication for nannies. Each issue is filled with industry news and insights, trusted tips, and expert content just for nannies. Help your nanny achieve “next-level nannying status” and feel connected to the “nanny world.” There are print and digital subscriptions available.

Nanny certificate course

Nannies can learn more about basic child safety, children’s health and nutrition, emergency readiness, and more through online courses at NannyTraining.com. The site also offers a 13-lesson, CACHE-endorsed learning program led by award-winning industry expert Michelle LaRowe.

Cash

Showing appreciation can be as easy as giving your nanny an extra day of pay (or more). What can be simpler than surprising your nanny with some extra spending cash?

A gift card to their favorite store

If money seems too impersonal, then a gift card to their favorite store, restaurant, or online shop is a great way to show that your nanny is valued by your family.

Car wash and detailing

How about treating them to a premium car wash and interior detailing? This may be especially nice if they use their own car to chauffeur your kids to the park, appointments, lessons, and practices.

A fun night-in

Make a dessert and include wine and/or popcorn to create a “night in” experience for your nanny. Pick up a fun board or card game. Or you could pay for a year of a new streaming service so they can binge-watch shows they may have missed.

Entertainment tickets

Give tickets to an event for their favorite sports team or band or a gift certificate to a venue. You could include cash or a gift card to a restaurant to make it a night out on the town.

Donation to a favorite cause

Is there a cause or charitable organization your nanny cares deeply about? Donate to that group in their name.

Need more ideas for National Nanny Recognition Week?

Look up the nanny agencies in your local area and follow them on social media (especially Instagram). Many of them will post ideas throughout the week on how to show recognition to your caregivers.

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