Finding the ideal nanny for your home takes time and effort. When you find that perfect match, it’s definitely a cause for celebration – for them and for your family! After you’ve spent some time onboarding them and ensuring they are set up for job success in your home, consider celebrating their first official week with some fun recognition. Keep reading for some unique ideas to welcome your nanny during their first week in your home.
On the First Day:
You, your kids, and your nanny might all be a little bit nervous on that first day. Even professional nannies have first-day jitters and want to ensure that everything gets started on the right foot. Your nanny’s first and primary goal is to make sure the children are taken care of well and that a strong bond is formed. On that first day, new routines will be established and there will be some transitions happening. So, focus on keeping things calm.
To do this, work with the children to make a special ‘happy first day’ or ‘welcome to our home’ cards or drawings. This could be with individual cards or even a big banner that you hang over the door in the entryway. This helps create an instant feel of comfort and welcome for your nanny and also gives your children a tangible way to get involved.
Throughout the Week:
Consider having some flowers, chocolates, or a small gift card waiting for your nanny when they arrive to your home. This could be a small and simple gesture that goes a long way in helping them feel valued, seen, and appreciated.
Later in the week, consider planning a fun outing for the nanny and children. Maybe it’s a trip to the beach for the day, tickets to see a movie, concert, or children’s play, a zoo adventure, or another fun activity that you think the children and nanny could have fun doing together. If you don’t already have memberships to local museums or clubs that focus on children’s activities, think about investing in those – this can give them opportunities to get out of the house throughout the year.
Another option is to host a welcome dinner for your nanny. Whether you’re working with your private chef in the home, ordering take-out from your favorite restaurant, or you and the children cook and serve the meal yourselves, eating a meal together can help your nanny feel like they are a part of the family. Not to mention, it gives you time to get to know the nanny better and foster a stronger connection. As you get to know the nanny – including their preferences and favorites, be sure to have those things in the home while they’re there. For example, if you know they love a specific type of snack or drink, have those readily available and stocked.
At the end of your nanny’s first week, leave your nanny a special welcome basket. It could include small gifts, treats, gourmet snacks, coffee, a magazine, a tote bag, gift cards, and more. Gifting this at the end of the week allows them to take it into their weekend for some rest and relaxation. This simple gesture shows you care about your nanny’s wellbeing and appreciate their efforts during the first week.
Welcoming your new nanny is an important first step in building a healthy working relationship and it doesn’t take much to start things off well!