What is a “Nanniversary” & How Do I Get One?
Kristin Sarmiento
Don’t be shy. We know you love your nanny and as obvious as your love and appreciation for them may be to you, it isn’t always communicated to them in the day to day. Which is why your “nanniversary” is so important to recognize and celebrate. On this day 1, 5, 10 years ago they joined your family and your lives have been forever changed (and way easier) ever since! Here are some ways to show love to your nanny on this special day and throughout the year. Not only will your nanny feel all the love and appreciation, it will also be a reminder for them that all of the heart and soul they pour into your family does not go unnoticed and is truly celebrated!
A good way to make sure this special day doesn’t get lost or forgotten is to put it in the calendar on your device. Make it a recurring event and maybe even put an alarm for a week ahead to give you a reminder the date is coming up.
Meaningful acts of appreciation look differently for each family and nanny. Pick something that is special and meaningful to your relationship. Are they foodies that have been wanting to try out the newest restaurant you’ve been talking about? Give a gift card to that spot so they can have a special night out. Do they love plants and are the only reason the plants in your house are alive? Maybe a gift card to a local nursery or a unique plant in a pretty pot. Do they love the candle that’s in your bathroom? Maybe pick an extra one up next time you’re out for them to enjoy in their own space.
The gift of time is always precious. If you know your nanny has a special evening planned after work or heading out of town for the weekend, try letting them leave a bit early for the day if you’re able. Of course this can't always happen, but on the rare occasion that it can, your nanny will be thrilled to have a little extra time to get ready. The gift of an extra 30 minutes can go a long way and your consideration of their life outside of your home will be felt even longer.
Take some time to write a thoughtful note. Share specifics about what you love about them and the impact they make on your lives and your kids’ lives. Try including the kids on this too by asking them if there is something they’d like to share about why they love their nanny.
Keep in touch with your nanny and their lives. We don’t mean a super detective or anything invasive. But making a little time on a Monday morning to chat about the weekend or that project they’ve been working on can really make your nanny feel like they are more than just a service provider.
Thank you for the win! Something really easy to do on your day to day is just say thank you. “Thanks for taking care of that laundry. I know we had a bunch this week!” “Thanks for being flexible. My schedule has been insane and I really appreciate your support.” “You’re the best! It was so helpful to have all of the groceries ready for the school donation.” Including the kids on this is also a great way to instill gratitude in them from the start. End each day with you and the kids thanking the nanny for a wonderful, wonderful day.
One sure way to not get to celebrate year after year with your nanny is to leave them feeling in the shadows and unappreciated. No one likes that, especially when their job is so very intimate and close to their heart. Be sure to take notice of your teammate and carve out time throughout the week to jot down a quick note, pick up their favorite morning treat, or verbally express a moment that day that was particularly meaningful or helpful. Be sure to check out our nanny appreciation blog post hyperlink for more ideas on how to speak your nanny’s love language.
We have no doubt it will be well-received. Acts of kindness don’t always have to be monetary (though it’s always nice). There are endless ways to make sure your nanny knows how much they mean to you, not only on the nanniversary, but throughout the week. Congratulations on your upcoming nanniversary and many more to come!