Starting a Nanny Career for the Right Reasons

Embarking on a career as a nanny can bring unexpected rewards and deep satisfaction. But the most important requirement is simple: the nanny must truly want to be one. Entering this profession for the wrong reasons — such as viewing it as an “easy way” to earn money without the proper experience or knowledge — is unfair to both the children and the family. The challenges of the role require genuine commitment, skill, and dedication.

Being a nanny means balancing two worlds: the family you work for and your personal life. Nannies come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, languages, and beliefs, and must set aside personal differences to work respectfully and professionally inside someone else’s home. This means preparing meals in the same kitchen where the employer cooks, walking through their living room while they read or work, and sharing household spaces while remaining mindful that you are in their private environment.

Accepting a nanny position for the wrong reasons wastes everyone’s time — just as hiring a nanny for the wrong reasons can lead to disappointment and high turnover. The hiring process involves multiple steps, and each should be taken seriously to create a healthy working relationship. Skipping these steps almost always results in misunderstandings, mismatched expectations, and eventual separation.

An Example from the Field

In a nanny forum, a nanny shared that after nine years in the profession, she was leaving because she felt taken advantage of, became too emotionally attached, and was ready to move into office work. In her post, she minimized key responsibilities like changing diapers and referred to spending years “just watching cartoons” with the children.

This example reveals a lack of professionalism and purpose from the start. The mismatch likely began before the first day on the job — perhaps during the hiring process, when expectations weren’t clearly set or discussed. In situations like this, thorough pre‑employment conversations and a clear, written job description could have prevented dissatisfaction for both the nanny and the family.

Unfortunately, many nannies accept the first available position without confirming if it’s a true match for their skills, expectations, and boundaries. This can happen whether the job is found independently or through an agency. Some agencies also fail to follow up with nannies when issues arise, leaving them unsupported.

Common Pitfalls in the Profession

In the U.S., many nannies agree to every request a potential employer makes — even when those requests fall far outside standard nanny duties. Heavy housekeeping, pet sitting, or babysitting for visiting relatives may be added without proper discussion or additional pay. Some job descriptions deliberately conceal the workload, and without clear terms before starting, the nanny quickly becomes overburdened and resentful.

This problem is compounded by a lack of advocacy for domestic workers. Discrimination and abuse can go unnoticed because the work is done in private homes, often without legal oversight. Many nannies leave jobs quietly rather than addressing concerns, simply because they lack the tools, confidence, or knowledge to speak up.

Setting Clear Expectations from the Start

The best way to protect both the nanny and the family is through a thorough nanny employment agreement. This document should cover:

Detailed job responsibilities.

Work hours and overtime policies.

Salary, benefits, and bonuses.

Guidelines for travel, additional duties, and household expectations.

Confidentiality and privacy agreements.

Termination policies and notice requirements.

During the interview, both parties should discuss optional benefits, compensation guarantees, and any special requirements. This is not just a job — it’s an exchange of guaranteed hard work for fair pay and mutual respect.

When the terms are clear from the beginning, misunderstandings are minimized, relationships last longer, and the nanny’s valuable time and skills are honored.