Conducting Performance Reviews for Your Nanny: Building Stronger Relationships
BY ELISE SILVER AND HEATHER RUSSELL
Performance reviews are a valuable tool for maintaining a strong, healthy relationship with your nanny. They provide an opportunity to celebrate successes, address concerns, and align expectations, ensuring that your nanny feels supported and appreciated while your family’s needs are being met. Here’s a guide to conducting a thoughtful and productive performance review for your nanny.
Why Performance Reviews Matter
Regular performance reviews create a space for open communication, helping to strengthen the bond between your family and your nanny. These reviews allow you to recognize and celebrate your nanny’s contributions by highlighting their strengths and expressing genuine appreciation for their hard work. They also provide an opportunity to address any challenges or areas for improvement constructively, ensuring the conversation remains positive and productive. Additionally, reviews help align expectations, ensuring everyone is on the same page, and allow you to plan for the future by setting clear goals and fostering mutual understanding. Scheduling reviews every 6 months or annually can help maintain a consistent and professional relationship.
Preparation: Setting the Stage for Success
Before the review, it’s important to prepare thoroughly. Start by reflecting on your own experiences and, if applicable, gather input from your children about their time with the nanny. Reviewing the original job description can help you evaluate performance based on the expectations set at the beginning of the role. To make the review even more effective, consider having your nanny complete a brief form beforehand. This form could include sections for them to highlight areas where they feel they excel, areas where they believe the parents can support them better, and personal job-centered growth goals they would like to work on. Finally, create a positive environment by scheduling the review at a time and place where you can have an uninterrupted and calm conversation. These steps will set the stage for a productive and supportive discussion.
What to Cover in the Review
A comprehensive performance review should touch on several key areas:
1. Strengths and Accomplishments
Start on a positive note by highlighting what your nanny does well. Be specific:
“We really appreciate how you’ve encouraged [child’s name] to enjoy reading by introducing new books.”
“Your organizational skills have made our mornings so much smoother.”
2. Areas for Growth
Discuss any areas where there’s room for improvement. Approach this part of the conversation with kindness and clarity:
“We’d like to work on better communication about changes to the daily schedule.”
“It would be helpful if we could establish more consistency with [child’s name]’s nap routine.”
3. Communication and Collaboration
Evaluate how well the nanny communicates with you and works as part of the team. Address any concerns or praise their efforts:
“We appreciate how you keep us updated throughout the day with photos and notes.”
4. Child Development Goals
Review milestones your child has achieved and discuss future goals:
“[Child’s name] has made great progress with potty training, and we’d like to continue focusing on this.”
“What activities do you think would help with [child’s name]’s fine motor skills?”
5. Household Expectations
Revisit any agreed-upon household tasks, such as tidying up or meal prep, and ensure they’re being managed effectively.
6. Schedule and Availability
Confirm that the current schedule works for both parties and discuss any needed adjustments.
Setting Goals Together
Collaboratively establishing clear goals for the next review period is a vital part of the process. These goals could include introducing new activities to support child development, completing a professional development course or certification, or improving specific routines like bedtime or mealtime. Working together to set these objectives ensures both parties are aligned and invested in the success of the arrangement.
Compensation and Benefits
If appropriate, this is the time to discuss raises, bonuses, or adjustments to benefits like PTO or mileage reimbursement. Recognizing your nanny’s hard work and dedication by tying compensation to performance helps reinforce their value to your family and encourages continued excellence.
Closing the Review
End the review on a positive and encouraging note. Express gratitude for your nanny’s contributions, such as saying, “We’re so grateful for everything you’ve done for our family. You’ve made such a difference in [child’s name]’s life.” Encourage your nanny to share their thoughts, concerns, or suggestions to ensure the conversation is a two-way street. This approach fosters trust and strengthens your working relationship.
Tips for a Successful Review
Specificity is key—use examples to illustrate points, whether positive or constructive. Stay supportive by framing feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism. Document the review by providing a written summary of the discussion and agreed-upon goals to ensure clarity and accountability.
Performance reviews are an opportunity to foster trust, mutual respect, and collaboration with your nanny. By approaching the process with empathy and clarity, you can ensure a positive experience for both your family and your caregiver. A well-conducted review not only strengthens your relationship but also sets the stage for continued success and harmony in your household.
