How to Handle Nanny Burnout (Yes, It’s Real)

BY ELISE SILVER AND HEATHER RUSSELL

Being a nanny is deeply rewarding—but it’s also emotionally, physically, and mentally demanding. You give your best day after day: teaching, nurturing, multitasking, navigating tantrums, keeping the household running smoothly, and doing it all with a smile. But what happens when the exhaustion outweighs the joy?

Let’s talk about it: nanny burnout is real. And acknowledging it is the first step to protecting your well-being and reigniting your passion for this important work.

What Is Nanny Burnout?

Burnout is more than being tired after a long day. It’s a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion, often accompanied by a sense of detachment, irritability, or even self-doubt. For nannies, it can look like:

• Feeling drained before the day even begins

• Becoming easily frustrated with behaviors you usually handle calmly

• Losing interest in planning creative activities or engaging with your nanny kid(s)

• Questioning your effectiveness or value

• Experiencing headaches, sleep issues, or changes in mood

Why It Happens

Nannies give a lot of themselves. Between the emotional labor, long hours, and working in someone else's home, it's easy to lose boundaries. Add in the lack of formal breaks, isolation from peers, and pressure to "be on" at all times, and burnout can build quickly—especially without proper support.

Signs You Might Be Burned Out

If you're wondering whether you're feeling typical job stress or heading into burnout territory, here are a few signs:

• You dread going to work—even on days that used to feel easy

• You’re withdrawing from friends or loved ones

• Your patience is wearing thin, even with small things

• You’ve stopped doing things you enjoy outside of work

• You’re not bouncing back after rest

What You Can Do About It

Set Boundaries (and Stick to Them)
Protect your time off. If your contract says you leave at 5 PM, leave at 5 PM. Don't let consistent last-minute requests eat into your evening or weekend.

Communicate with Your Family
If your duties have expanded or something doesn’t feel sustainable, speak up. A great family will want to support you—and may not even realize you're stretched too thin.

Prioritize Self-Care
This doesn't have to mean a full spa day. It can be as simple as a walk, a quiet morning coffee, journaling, or a tech-free hour before bed. Regular self-care is maintenance, not indulgence.

Connect with Other Nannies
Isolation makes burnout worse. Join nanny networks, attend meetups, or just chat with a fellow caregiver who gets it. Support is everything.

Take a Break (If You Can)
Sometimes stepping away for a long weekend—or even a longer transition—is what your mind and body need to reset. It's okay to rest. It’s okay to pause.

It’s Okay to Ask for Help

Being a nanny is more than a job—it’s a relationship, a commitment, and a role that deeply impacts the lives of children and families. But that doesn’t mean it should come at the expense of your own health and happiness.

You matter, too.
You deserve rest, support, and care. Burnout doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’ve been doing a lot, and it’s time to refill your own cup.