5 Things That Make Nannies Crazy

 

5 Things That Make Nannies Crazy (and How to Avoid Them)

At Morningside Nannies, we know that hiring a nanny is more than finding childcare — it’s about building a partnership rooted in trust, communication, and mutual respect. When families take the time to create a positive, professional relationship, nannies are happier, stay longer, and provide the highest level of care.

But even the most dedicated caregivers can feel frustrated when certain issues arise. If you want to attract — and keep — a great nanny, here are five things that make nannies crazy (and how to avoid them).

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1. Undermining the Nanny’s Authority

Nothing makes a nanny feel more ineffective than when parents reverse decisions or contradict them in front of the children. If your nanny says “no TV before homework” and you say “oh, just this once,” it sends mixed signals and can quickly erode the nanny’s authority.

Fix it: Back your nanny up in front of your children. If you have a question or prefer a different approach, discuss it privately. When your children see you and your nanny as a united team, everyone wins.

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2. Lack of Communication

Good communication is the foundation of any strong relationship, and that includes the one with your nanny. When families don’t clearly communicate expectations, changes in schedule, or concerns, it can create unnecessary tension or confusion.

Fix it: Schedule regular check-ins. A weekly or bi-weekly conversation to discuss the children, routines, and logistics helps everyone stay aligned. Texts and notes are great for quick updates, but nothing replaces an honest, face-to-face conversation.

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3. Tax, Payroll, and Wage Non-Compliance

Many families don’t realize that nannies are household employees, not independent contractors. Paying “under the table” might seem easier, but it creates big risks for both you and your nanny — including tax penalties and loss of benefits like Social Security and unemployment insurance.

Fix it: Do it right from the start. Work with a reputable payroll service that specializes in household employment to ensure proper tax withholding, wage compliance, and pay transparency. When you pay legally and fairly, you build trust and protect everyone involved.

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4. Job Creep

Your nanny was hired to care for your children — not to become your full-time housekeeper, errand runner, or personal assistant. Over time, it’s easy for “just a few extra things” to turn into a completely different job.

Fix it: Respect the original scope of the role. If you need to add responsibilities, have a conversation about revising pay, hours, or title. Clear expectations help your nanny feel valued and prevent burnout.

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5. Lack of Respect for the Nanny’s Time Off

Nannies are caregivers, not robots. They need — and deserve — time to recharge. Calling or texting frequently on their days off, asking them to “just come by for a minute,” or changing vacation plans last minute communicates that their time isn’t respected.

Fix it: Honor boundaries. Treat your nanny’s time off as you’d want yours to be treated — free from work interruptions. When your nanny has time to rest and reset, they return to work more energized, focused, and happy to be there.

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Final Thoughts

A great nanny-family relationship is built on mutual respect, open communication, and trust. When families take the time to do things right — legally, professionally, and personally — they not only attract top-quality nannies but also keep them long-term.

Your nanny plays a vital role in your family’s daily life. Treating them with the same professionalism and respect you’d expect in any other workplace ensures that your children receive the very best care — from someone who genuinely loves being part of your family.

At Morningside Nannies, we’ve been helping Houston families hire, support, and retain exceptional nannies for over 20 years.
👉 Learn more or start your search today at MorningsideNannies.com.

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