As a new year approaches, it’s a great time to plan ahead—not just personally, but also for your childcare. One of the most important relationships in your home is with your nanny. Setting goals together ensures everyone is aligned, supported, and confident moving forward.
Unlike most work relationships, the nanny–family partnership happens inside your home and impacts your children’s growth. Clear goals turn good care into great care by creating shared expectations and open communication.
Why Annual Goal Setting Matters
When families and nannies set goals together:
- Children receive more consistent, intentional care
- Parents gain peace of mind
- Nannies understand expectations and growth opportunities
Without clear goals, misunderstandings can happen. A yearly conversation helps prevent issues and strengthens the relationship before they arise.
For related reading: check out 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Nanny — a guide to building strong communication from the start.
Preparing for the Conversation
Reflect First
Before meeting with your nanny, think about the past year:
- What worked well?
- What felt challenging?
- How are your children changing?
- Are your family’s schedules or needs shifting?
Knowing these answers helps guide a productive discussion.
Choose the Right Setting
Pick a calm, distraction-free time—perhaps during nap time or after bedtime. This should feel like a partnership, not a formal review. Invite your nanny to share observations and ideas—they see your children every day and often notice things parents don’t.
Key Areas to Set Goals
Child Development
Children’s needs change quickly. Goals might include:
- Encouraging age-appropriate independence
- Planned reading, creative activities, or nature play
For ideas on activities that support development, see The Surprising Ways Nature Benefits Children’s Brain Development.
Schedule & Routines
Discuss what routines work well and what could improve. Consider how holidays and school breaks affect your schedule. Planning ahead helps keep life organized and reduces stress.
Communication
Set expectations for how you’ll communicate:
- Quick daily check-ins?
- Weekly summaries?
- Monthly sit-downs?
Agree on a method that works best—text, shared app, notebook, or email. Clear communication prevents small issues from growing.
Professional Growth
Supporting your nanny’s growth benefits the entire family. Talk about:
- Skills they want to develop
- Training or classes they’re interested in
- Resources that match your family’s needs
Even small investments in growth can have a big impact.
Document the Goals
Once you set goals, write them down simply in a document or shared list. For each goal, include:
- What it is
- Why it matters
- Steps to achieve it
- Any resources needed
- A rough timeline
This keeps everyone working toward the same expectations throughout the year.
Check In and Adjust
Plan quick check-ins a few times a year to review progress. Life changes—goals should stay flexible. These conversations let you celebrate wins, adjust plans, and stay connected as a team.
Celebrate Success
When goals are met, acknowledge the progress. A thank-you, kind words, or small gesture goes a long way. Feeling appreciated motivates continued care and strengthens your relationship.
Looking Ahead
Setting goals with your nanny isn’t just about routine—it’s about building a thoughtful, respectful partnership that supports your children and your household. When adults collaborate with intention, kids benefit in meaningful ways.
If you want more childcare support or guidance on nanny-family partnerships, Seattle Nanny Network offers resources and one-on-one help tailored to your family’s needs.