National Nanny Recognition Week: Celebrating the Nannies Who Make a Difference
There’s a special week every year dedicated to the people who care for, nurture, teach, encourage, and love children every single day: National Nanny Recognition Week.
And while we believe nannies deserve to be appreciated all year long, this week gives families and the wider nanny community a wonderful opportunity to pause, say thank you, and recognize just how much nannies contribute to the lives of the children and families they care for.
What Is National Nanny Recognition Week?
National Nanny Recognition Week is a time to celebrate nannies and the important profession of in-home childcare. The week brings together families, nannies, agencies, and the wider nanny community to recognize the dedication and contribution of nannies.
Being a nanny is about so much more than keeping children safe and entertained. Nannies become trusted caregivers, educators, role models, advocates, problem-solvers, and an important part of a family's support system.
The impact can last far beyond the years a nanny spends with a family. The International Nanny Association has shared reflections from former nanny children who describe the lasting influence their nannies had on their independence, creativity, social skills, and childhood experiences.
That is something worth celebrating.
Why Does Nanny Appreciation Matter?
Childcare is deeply personal work. Nannies are welcomed into a family's home and entrusted with something incredibly precious: their children.
They are there for the ordinary moments, breakfast, school runs, playdates, homework, nap time, messy crafts, scraped knees, bedtime stories — but also for the moments that require patience, flexibility, compassion, and confidence.
A nanny might be the person who notices that a child isn't quite themselves. They might encourage a shy child to try something new, help a toddler navigate a difficult transition, celebrate a child's first achievement, or simply be the familiar, reassuring person a child knows will be there.
The relationship between a nanny and a family can become incredibly meaningful. In reflections shared by nanny employers, families have described their nannies as trusted partners who helped them navigate parenthood and contributed to raising happy, thoughtful children.
So, during National Nanny Recognition Week, don't underestimate the power of saying:
"We see what you do. We appreciate you. And we're so grateful you're part of our family."
7 Ways to Show Your Nanny You Appreciate Them
You don't have to spend a fortune to make your nanny feel valued. Often, the most meaningful gestures are personal ones.
1. Write a heartfelt note
Tell your nanny specifically what you appreciate about them.
Instead of simply saying "Thank you for everything," think about the little things that make them special. Maybe they're incredibly patient, creative, dependable, calm during stressful moments, or have a wonderful connection with your children.
A handwritten note from the parents — and drawings or messages from the children — can become something your nanny keeps for years.
2. Give them a little extra time for themselves
If you can, give your nanny some genuine time off.
Whether that's an early finish, a paid afternoon off, or simply making sure they don't feel pressured to rush through their day, giving someone the gift of time can be incredibly meaningful.
3. Celebrate them with a thoughtful gift
The best gift doesn't necessarily have to be expensive. Think about your nanny as an individual.
A favorite meal, a gift card to somewhere they love, flowers, a book, something connected to their hobbies, or a small personalized gift can all show that you've taken the time to think about them.
4. Let the children get involved
This one can be especially sweet.
Have the children make a card, draw a picture, bake something together, or create a little "Why We Love Our Nanny" list.
For many nannies, seeing how much the children care about them will mean more than any store-bought gift.
5. Say thank you specifically and often
Don't wait for Recognition Week.
Tell your nanny when they've done something you appreciate. A simple, sincere "Thank you for handling that so calmly today" or "I really appreciate how much effort you put into that activity" can make a huge difference.
6. Invest in their professional development
Nannies are professionals, and supporting their growth is another meaningful way to show appreciation.
Consider contributing toward relevant training, educational resources, conferences, or professional memberships. Organizations such as the International Nanny Association work to promote professional development and excellence within the in-home childcare industry.
7. Ask them what would make them feel appreciated
Sometimes the easiest answer is simply to ask.
Everyone feels appreciated differently. Your nanny may value words of affirmation, quality time, a thoughtful gift, additional time off, or professional support.
Don't guess — have a conversation.
And To Every Nanny Reading This...
At Starz Staffing Agency, we know that nannying is more than a job.
It is a profession built on trust, relationships, responsibility, patience, and an enormous amount of heart so this National Nanny Recognition Week, we want to celebrate you.
We see the early mornings, the packed lunches, the endless questions, the school runs, the imaginative games, and all the little moments in between. We see you celebrating the milestones, getting through the difficult days, and being there for the small victories that might go unnoticed by everyone else. All of those moments matter, and so does the person who is there for them.
A Special Message From Our Founder, Shantelle Alliman
To every nanny,
I want you to know that you are seen, you are valued, and you matter.
The work you do every day has an impact that is often much bigger than you may realize. You are not simply filling a role in a family's home. You are helping other people fill their role in the world.
There will be days when your work feels invisible. There will be days when you wonder whether anyone notices all the little things you do.
They do matter.
Your patience matters. Your creativity matters. Your kindness matters. Your professionalism matters. And the relationships you build with the children in your care matter enormously.
So during National Nanny Recognition Week, I hope you take a moment to celebrate yourself, too. Be proud of the profession you've chosen and the difference you make.
Thank you for everything you do.
With appreciation,
Shantelle AllimanClick Here to watch the video coming Friday, September 25th
Keep Celebrating Nannies With Us
National Nanny Recognition Week may only happen once a year, but our appreciation for nannies doesn't stop there.
Follow us on Instagram @StarzStaffingAgency for nanny content every week, from inspiration and advice to community, encouragement, and plenty of nanny love.
And if you're a nanny, make sure you look out for the special message from our founder, Shantelle Alliman, created especially for you.
Because celebrating nannies shouldn't be limited to one week.
Nannies deserve to be recognized, supported, and celebrated all year long.