Nanny Manual Part 2
This manual is designed to help you understand the professional standards expected of a Kensington Nanny after you are hired.
Your role goes beyond supervising children. Families depend on their nanny to provide safe, attentive care, support their children’s development, communicate well, and help the household run smoothly.
The guidelines below are intended to help you build a successful, long-term relationship with your family.
Be a Positive Role Model
Children observe how you speak, react, solve problems, and interact with others.
Always model the behavior you want the children to learn.
Professional expectations include:
Speak respectfully and use appropriate language.
Remain calm, even when children are upset.
Use good manners.
Avoid gossiping or speaking negatively about others.
Follow household rules.
Practice safe driving.
Wear appropriate clothing for childcare.
Maintain good personal hygiene.
Avoid strong perfume, dangling jewelry, or clothing that makes active childcare difficult.
Remember that children learn from your behavior as much as they learn from your instructions.
Keep Childcare Areas Clean and Organized
You are expected to clean up after yourself and the children throughout the day.
Before your workday ends:
Put toys and activities away.
Keep the children’s rooms and play areas tidy.
Clean up after meals and snacks.
Place dirty dishes in the dishwasher.
Wipe down kitchen areas you used.
Pick up items from the floor.
Make sure the children are clean, changed, and comfortable.
Put away items used during outings or activities.
You are not expected to perform work outside the responsibilities established with the family. However, areas used during your workday should be left clean and organized.
Take Initiative
A professional nanny should learn the rhythm of the household and recognize routine needs without waiting for instructions every time.
Pay attention to things such as:
Diapers or wipes running low
Children outgrowing clothing
Supplies that need to be replaced
Items needed for school or activities
Children’s laundry that needs to be put away
Backpacks or activity bags that need organizing
Upcoming events or schedule changes
Communicate what you notice with the parents.
Being proactive does not mean changing the family’s systems without permission. When you are unsure, ask.
Make Safety a Daily Priority
Safety should always come first.
Follow these precautions consistently:
Never leave children unsupervised when supervision is required.
Keep exterior doors secured.
Do not allow children to answer the door for strangers.
Follow the family’s rules regarding visitors.
Use proper car seats and restraints.
Follow all traffic laws.
Never use your phone while driving.
Follow the parents’ instructions regarding outings.
Notify parents when required before leaving for or returning from an outing.
Keep potentially dangerous items out of children’s reach.
If you are ever uncertain about a safety situation, contact the parents.
Practice Good Hygiene
Good hygiene is especially important when working closely with children.
Wash your hands regularly, including:
When you arrive for work
Before preparing food
Before feeding an infant when appropriate
After changing diapers
After using the restroom
After outdoor play
After handling trash or dirty items
Follow any additional hygiene practices established by the family.
For infants and young children, also follow the family’s procedures for cleaning bottles, feeding supplies, toys, and other frequently used items.
Support the Whole Child
Your job is not simply to keep children occupied.
Professional nanny care should support the child’s:
Social development
Emotional development
Cognitive development
Physical development
Independence and confidence
Activities should be appropriate for the child’s age, interests, abilities, and developmental stage.
Examples may include:
Reading
Singing
Tummy time
Sensory activities
Arts and crafts
Pretend play
Puzzles
Outdoor exploration
Library activities
Playdates
Age-appropriate games
Educational activities
You do not need to plan complicated activities every day.
Simple, intentional activities can provide meaningful opportunities for learning.
Follow the Child’s Developmental Pace
Every child develops differently.
Observe what the child is currently able to do and provide opportunities to practice emerging skills.
Do not pressure children to master a skill before they are ready.
When planning activities:
Keep expectations age appropriate.
Follow the child’s interests.
Adjust activities when the child becomes tired or frustrated.
Offer encouragement.
Praise effort, not only results.
Allow plenty of unstructured play.
When caring for siblings, you may use the same activity while adjusting it for each child’s developmental level.
Support Healthy Nutrition by Age
Nutrition is an important part of a child’s growth and development. Depending on the position, you may be responsible for preparing bottles, meals, and snacks and helping children develop healthy eating habits.
Always follow the parents’ feeding plan, allergy instructions, and pediatric guidance. Never introduce a new food, supplement, or known allergen without the parents’ knowledge and approval.
Birth to About 6 Months
Nutrition generally comes from breast milk and/or infant formula.
Your responsibilities may include:
Following established feeding routines and hunger cues
Preparing and storing bottles according to the family’s instructions
Holding and supervising the baby during feedings
Burping the baby as needed
Cleaning bottles and feeding supplies
Recording feedings when requested
Communicating changes in appetite or feeding behavior
Do not introduce solid foods unless the parents have instructed you to do so.
About 6 to 12 Months
As solid foods are introduced, babies begin exploring new tastes, textures, and feeding skills while breast milk and/or formula typically remain part of their diet.
Follow the family’s instructions regarding:
Purees, mashed foods, finger foods, or baby-led feeding
New food introductions
Allergies
Appropriate textures
Bottle and meal timing
Cup introduction
Allow babies to explore food safely. Mealtime is also an opportunity to develop grasping, chewing, drinking, and early utensil skills.
Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues rather than forcing a baby to finish a bottle or meal.
12 to 24 Months
Toddlers begin eating a wider variety of foods and participating more fully in family meals.
Depending on the family’s preferences, meals and snacks may include:
Fruits
Vegetables
Grains
Protein foods
Dairy or approved alternatives
Maintain predictable meal and snack routines when possible.
Toddlers’ appetites can vary considerably from day to day. Avoid creating a power struggle around food or requiring a child to clean their plate.
Offer the foods approved by the parents and allow the child to respond to their own hunger and fullness.
Ages 2 to 5
Preschoolers are developing eating habits and increasing their independence at mealtimes.
Offer a variety of foods approved by the family, which may include:
Fruits and vegetables
Whole grains
Eggs, beans, poultry, fish, meat, or other protein sources
Dairy or approved alternatives
Water throughout the day
Avoid labeling foods as “good” or “bad.”
If a child refuses a particular food, remain neutral and follow the parents’ approach. Do not bribe, pressure, or create unnecessary conflict around meals.
Children at this age can also begin participating in simple food preparation, such as washing produce, stirring ingredients, or helping set the table.
School-Age Children
Older children may have busy schedules that include school, homework, sports, and other activities.
Help maintain regular meals and snacks so busy afternoons do not turn into constant grazing.
Depending on the family’s preferences, balanced choices may include:
Fruits or vegetables
Protein
Whole grains
Dairy or an approved alternative
Water
School-age children can also take more responsibility for nutrition.
Depending on their age, encourage them to:
Prepare simple snacks
Help pack lunch
Wash fruits and vegetables
Help plan meals
Learn basic kitchen skills
Make age-appropriate food choices
This helps support both healthy habits and independence.
Mealtime Safety and Good Habits
Regardless of age:
Follow all food allergy instructions.
Know where emergency allergy medication is kept when applicable.
Prepare food in an age-appropriate way.
Seat young children safely while eating.
Supervise young children during meals and snacks.
Encourage handwashing before eating.
Follow proper food storage and preparation practices.
Never use food as punishment.
Do not force children to eat.
Communicate significant appetite or feeding changes to the parents.
Nutrition should be approached just like other areas of development: provide appropriate choices, establish healthy routines, model good habits, and respect the family’s preferences.
Plan Activities With Intention
Whenever possible, think ahead about activities you can introduce during the week.
For younger children, this might include:
A color of the week
A new song
A sensory activity
A simple shape activity
An outing connected to something they are learning
For older children, you might plan:
A themed craft
A science activity
A library visit
A cooking project
A nature activity
A creative project based on their interests
Planning does not mean filling every hour.
Children also need downtime, independent play, outdoor time, and opportunities to choose their own activities.
Use Positive Discipline
Discipline should teach children appropriate behavior.
Whenever possible, acknowledge positive behavior when you see it.
Praise children when they:
Follow directions
Use good manners
Share
Show kindness
Handle frustration appropriately
Clean up independently
Follow household rules
Try something difficult
When correction is needed:
Remain calm.
Follow the parents’ discipline approach.
Keep expectations consistent.
Avoid yelling, threatening, or humiliating a child.
Explain expectations in an age-appropriate way.
You and the parents should work together so the child receives consistent guidance.
Communicate With Parents Every Day
Parents should have a clear understanding of how their child’s day went.
At the end of your workday, provide a brief update that may include:
Meals and snacks
Naps
Activities
Outings
Mood
Behavior
Developmental progress
Any injuries or concerns
Supplies that are running low
Important information for the following day
Families may prefer a verbal recap, text message, app, or written log.
Follow the communication method your family prefers.
Address Concerns Privately
If you notice a behavioral concern, developmental issue, household problem, or another matter that needs discussion, speak directly with the parents.
Do not have sensitive conversations in front of the children.
When raising a concern:
Choose an appropriate time.
Explain what you have observed.
Keep the conversation factual.
Ask for the parents’ perspective.
Discuss how you can work together.
Your goal should always be to support the child and maintain good communication with the family.
Follow the Family’s Household Rules
Every household is different.
Do not assume that something permitted by a previous employer will be acceptable in your current position.
Make sure you understand the family’s expectations regarding:
Discipline
Screen time
Food
Outings
Driving
Visitors
Social media
Photos of the children
Household responsibilities
Communication
Children’s schedules
Personal phone use
If something is unclear, ask the parents before making a decision.
Review Your Work Agreement
Your nanny/family work agreement should clearly outline the terms of the position.
Make sure you understand:
Your regular schedule
Job responsibilities
Compensation
Benefits
Paid time off
Household expectations
Driving responsibilities
Travel expectations when applicable
Communication procedures
House rules
Refer back to the agreement if questions arise.
If the family asks you to regularly take on responsibilities that are significantly different from the original position, discuss the change before simply adding them to your workload.
Get Out of the House When Appropriate
Children benefit from fresh air, movement, social interaction, and new environments.
With the parents’ permission, consider activities such as:
Neighborhood walks
Parks
Playgrounds
Libraries
Playdates
Nature walks
Museums
Children’s classes
Community activities
Zoos or other age-appropriate attractions
Always follow the parents’ rules regarding outings.
If an activity requires tickets, admission fees, or other expenses, discuss it with the parents first.
Maintain Professional Boundaries
A nanny may become very close to a family, but the relationship is still a professional one.
Maintain appropriate boundaries by:
Arriving on time
Following the agreed schedule
Keeping private family information confidential
Avoiding excessive personal phone use
Communicating respectfully
Asking permission before changing established routines
Avoiding involvement in private family disagreements
Keeping conversations professional
Good boundaries protect both the nanny and the family.
Take Care of Yourself
Childcare can be physically and emotionally demanding.
Taking care of yourself helps you remain patient, attentive, and engaged with the children.
When possible:
Take your scheduled breaks.
Eat and stay hydrated.
Spend time outdoors.
Maintain interests outside of work.
Build relationships with other professional caregivers.
Communicate when something in the position is becoming difficult.
Use your time off to rest and recharge.
Do not allow frustrations to build until they become larger problems.
What Makes a Successful Kensington Nanny
Successful nannies are not expected to be perfect.
They are expected to be professional, dependable, communicative, attentive, and willing to learn.
The strongest nannies consistently:
Put children’s safety first.
Support development through everyday experiences.
Keep childcare areas organized.
Take initiative.
Communicate with parents.
Respect household expectations.
Maintain professional boundaries.
Use good judgment.
Follow through on responsibilities.
Build a warm and trusting relationship with the children.
These habits help create a positive working relationship and allow both the nanny and family to feel confident in the arrangement.
Kensington Nanny Service is also a resource for our nannies. If questions or concerns arise during your placement, communicate with the family and reach out to the agency when additional guidance is needed.