Most parents spend weeks finding the right nanny and about five minutes thinking about how to keep her. Then, a year later, she resigns, and everyone is surprised.
It’s rarely about money. More often, nobody ever told her how she was doing.
What a nanny actually does
A nanny is an experienced childcare professional who looks after your children as part of your household’s routine. Unlike a short-term helper, she usually works consistent hours and builds a long-term relationship with the family.
Typically, she handles:
- Feeding, sleep and play routines for babies and toddlers
- School runs and after-school care
- Daily structure that keeps children calm and secure
- Communication with you about how the day went
An au pair is usually a younger, more flexible helper. A nanny brings more formal, long-term experience, which matters most with infants. You can read more about their differences here.
Why silence is the real risk
In a long-term arrangement, small frustrations pile up quietly. She doesn’t know whether you’re happy. You don’t know whether she’s stretched. Both of you assume the other would say something.
The Six-Month Review (Our Expert Framework)
The counter-intuitive idea: schedule the uncomfortable conversation before it’s needed.
- Book three reviews upfront: at one month, three months and six months.
- Ask three questions each time: What’s going well? What’s harder than expected? What would
make your work easier? - Share your own feedback, including thanks, in specific terms.
- Write down any changes you agree with, such as hours, duties or leave.
These short check-ins show her that she’s valued and that her view matters. They also let you fix small issues before they become resignations
In the interview, ask: How do you like to receive feedback? People who can answer that question usually take feedback well.
What to Check Before You Say Yes
Whoever you choose, you should be able to answer yes to each of these:
- Identity and police clearance have been verified
- Experience with children has been seen in practice, not just claimed
- Water and garden safety rules are agreed, if relevant to your home
- Hours, duties, leave and house rules are written down
- Review dates are in both your diaries
At Kith, we handle the vetting, and our nannies train through the Kith Academy.
How to Brief Her in the First Week
- Walk her through the daily routine and the house rules
- Introduce the three review dates
- Agree on how you’d like to be updated
- Book a check-in at the end of week one
Frequently asked questions
Ready to Find Your Nanny
The right nanny doesn’t just cover the gaps. She gives your family a calm, predictable day. Join Kith and we’ll match you with a vetted, experienced nanny who fits your home
Want to see exactly how it works for Ireene? Read about our Nannies in Irene service.
If you’d like a tutor for your child’ schoolwork or assistance with homework, our Private Tutor in Southdowns: The 12-Week
Exam Plan details our expert knowledge framework in this service.
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