News For Nannies - ��AV Family Care

For Nannies: Goal Setting for Your Nanny Career This Year

��AV Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:45:41 +0000

A new year is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and think intentionally about where you want your nanny career to go. Whether you are early in your career or have years of experience, goal setting helps you stay grounded, motivated, and confident in the work you do every day.

At ��AV Family Care, we believe nannying is a profession, and like any profession, it benefits from clear goals that support your financial well-being, personal care, and professional growth.

Below are a few areas to consider as you set goals for the year ahead.

Financial Goals: Building Stability and Confidence

Financial stability is a foundational goal for many nannies, and it looks different for everyone. This year, you might consider:

Negotiating a fair wage that reflects your experience and responsibilities
Ensuring you are properly classified as a W-2 employee
Setting savings goals or contributing regularly to an emergency fund
Tracking overtime, mileage reimbursement, and benefits

Understanding your finances allows you to advocate for yourself and build long-term security in your career.

Personal Goals: Prioritizing Self-Care and Balance

Nannying is deeply rewarding work, but it is also physically and emotionally demanding. Setting personal goals around self-care is not a luxury, it is essential.

This might include:

Creating boundaries around your work hours
Scheduling regular rest and downtime
Connecting with other nannies who understand your work

One meaningful way to focus on yourself this year is attending the , a space designed for connection, rest, and renewal within the nanny community. Investing in yourself strengthens not only your well-being but also the care you provide.

Professional Goals: Investing in Your Education

Continuing education helps you stay current, confident, and competitive in your career. Professional growth can take many forms, including:

Certifications and Courses

Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) certifications or courses
Infant and toddler development training
Specialized care education for sleep, multiples, or special needs

Industry Credentials

Maintaining or pursuing INA credentials demonstrates commitment to excellence and professionalism

Conferences and Community Learning

These events offer education, inspiration, and the chance to build meaningful professional connections.

Communication Goals: Strengthening Nanny-Family Relationships

Is one of your goals this year to improve communication with the families you work with?

Clear, respectful communication is one of the most valuable skills a nanny can develop. It supports trust, reduces misunderstandings, and helps working relationships thrive.

If this is an area you want to strengthen, we encourage you to check out , a thoughtful resource filled with insights, real-life experiences, and tools designed to support healthy nanny-family communication.

Setting Goals That Work for You

When setting goals, remember:

Start small and be realistic
Write your goals down and revisit them regularly
Celebrate progress, not just perfection

Your career is a journey, and each step you take toward growth matters.

At ��AV Family Care, we are proud to support nannies who are invested in themselves, their profession, and the families they serve. Whatever your goals are this year, we hope you give yourself permission to pursue them with confidence and intention.

If you’d like guidance, resources, or support along the way, ��AV Family Care is always here to help.

The professionals at ��AV Family Care personally assist nannies, babysitters and families in��St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, Miami and Orlando to find the right childcare arrangement. Our mission is to provide a safe and personalized ��approach for families and caregivers to connect with each other that is not an internet search. ��AV has worked with families, nannies, sitters, newborn care providers, and tutors for over 35 years and looks forward to working with you! To find great nanny and babysitting jobs visit us at��tlc@tlcforkids.com��or Call 314-725-5660.

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National Nanny Recognition Week Begins Sunday, September 21

��AV Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 11:03:00 +0000

is a week long event, created in 1998, to bring awareness to the positive impact nannies and caregivers have on the children and families they work with. All too often we hear the negative stories of caregivers, but not enough of the positive. Nannies give their hearts to the children they care for, often sacrificing time away from their own family and friends. Being a nanny isn’t about working for wealthy or celebrity parents – it’s walking in the door and having the child run to you with open arms because they are happy to see you and can’t wait for the next adventure. It’s about the child drawing a picture of their family, with the nanny proudly displayed for all to see.

What began as an effort of few now spans hundreds of professionals the last full week of September each year. ��NNRW continues to focus on the positive, quality aspects that nannies bring to their charges and jobs every day; and for parents and agencies to say “Thank You” to their wonderful caregivers. ~ www.nnrw.org��

How can you say Thank You to your nanny?

Say Thank You Tell your friends good things about her knowing she will hear them back a surprise day off Have the children say Thank You Treat your nanny to breakfast or dinner made by the family a card and framed photo of the family Pay for dinner out with friends gift basket of favorite treats gift certificates to favorite stores movie tickets gift certificate for manicure/pedicure or massage handmade card or gift from the child/children

From the ��AV family to all our nannies … Thank You! We appreciate all you do day after day, and are grateful to have you as part of our family of caregivers.

The professionals at ��AV Family Care personally assist nannies, babysitters and families in��St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, Miami and Orlando to find the right childcare arrangement. Our mission is to provide a safe and personalized ��approach for families and caregivers to connect with each other that is not an internet search. ��AV has worked with families, nannies, sitters, newborn care providers, and tutors for over 40 years and looks forward to working with you! To find great nanny and babysitting jobs visit us at tlc@tlcforkids.com��or Call 314-725-5660.

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5 Ways Nannies Can Prioritize Their Health & Wellness (Part 2)

��AV Nannies & Sitters — Thu, 15 May 2025 11:48:00 +0000

Welcome to Part 2 of our wellness series for nannies! In our first post, we explored the importance of physical, mental, and sleep health. Now, let’s dive into two more pillars of well-being: proper nutrition and setting healthy boundaries.

4. Nourish Yourself Properly

It’s all too common for nannies to skip meals or survive off the kids’ leftovers. But you deserve better! Your energy levels, mood, and stamina all depend on how you fuel your body.
Here’s how to eat well—even on a busy day:

Meal prep simple lunches so you’re not stuck scavenging.
Keep a full water bottle nearby and actually drink from it.
Set a snack alarm as a gentle reminder to feed yourself throughout the day.

You wouldn’t let a child skip lunch—don’t do it to yourself either!

5. Set & Honor Your Boundaries

Loving your job doesn’t mean being available all the time. Boundaries protect your energy and ensure you can show up as your best self each day.
Start with these tips:

Clearly define your work hours—and stick to them.
Practice saying “no” to requests that go beyond your job description or availability.
Use your vacation and sick days without guilt. Time off is essential for recharge.

Boundaries aren’t barriers—they’re the foundation of a long, fulfilling nanny career.

Caring for yourself is not a luxury—it’s a professional responsibility. When you prioritize your well-being, you improve not only your health but also the quality of care you give to the families you support.

Whether it’s a five-minute mindfulness break or finally taking that long-overdue vacation day, every step toward wellness is a step toward sustainability in your caregiving journey.

You matter. Your health matters. Start today.

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5 Ways Nannies Can Prioritize Their Health & Wellness (Part 1)

��AV Nannies & Sitters — Thu, 08 May 2025 11:45:00 +0000

As a nanny, your role is incredibly rewarding—but also physically and emotionally demanding. You’re constantly focused on the well-being of others, often leaving your own needs on the back burner. It’s time to flip the script! Prioritizing your health isn’t selfish—it’s essential. In this two-part blog series, we’re exploring simple, practical ways nannies can take better care of themselves.

1. Take Care of Your Body

Your body is your most important tool in this profession. You’re on your feet, lifting children, and staying active all day—don’t ignore the signals when it needs rest or support.
Here are a few ways to care for your physical health:

Stretch for 5–10 minutes in the morning to wake up your muscles.
Pack your own snacks with real fuel like fruit, nuts, and yogurt.
Take walking breaks to move your body and reset your mind.

A healthy body supports your ability to care for others—and yourself.

2. Support Your Mental Health

Your emotional well-being is just as vital as your physical health. The job can come with stress, unpredictability, and emotional labor. That’s why daily mental wellness practices are a must.
Try these:

Create a “quiet moment” routine with 10 minutes of mindfulness or journaling.
Set digital boundaries—log off or mute work communications during your off hours.
Talk it out with a friend, mentor, or professional counselor.

Mental clarity and emotional resilience are key to long-term success in this field.

3. Get Serious About Sleep

Sleep is not optional—it’s restorative and necessary for clear thinking, energy, and emotional regulation.
Start by making small adjustments:

Establish a calming bedtime routine with no screens before bed.
Keep your bedtime consistent, even on weekends.
Use essential oils like lavender to create a peaceful environment.

When you sleep well, you show up better—for yourself and the children in your care.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore the importance of nutrition and boundaries in maintaining long-term wellness as a nanny.

��

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Helping your Preschooler with Separation Anxiety

��AV Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 11:55:19 +0000

It is common for kids, especially preschoolers, to suffer from separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is�� hard on both the child and the parents. Trust me I know, I have lived through it.�� Whether it was taking my children to school, a birthday party or a leaving them with a babysitter they cried. Leaving them was hard but leaving them when they are crying was even harder. Thankfully, I don’t have these problems anymore. Now when I leave them with a ��AV ��babysitter they wave goodbye��with a smile on their face and start playing.

Here��are some tips from ��Dr. Laura Horsch , a child psychologist in Menlo Park, California on helping your kids deal with separation anxiety.

1.�� It’s important for parents to keep their morning goodbyes consistent and short. “Lingering in response to crying or tantruming may inadvertently reinforce those behaviors,” explains Horsch.�� The rule of thumb in such situations is to strive for a short goodbye process.

2. “Parents are encouraged to prepare their children for what to expect, acknowledge their child’s feelings, engage their child in a goodbye ritual (for example, hug, wave, etc.), and reassure their child that they will return,” she says.

3.�� And it’s crucial for parents to talk openly with their children about their feelings. Read a book about kids going off to school or Mommy going to work��and then discuss with your child. And remind them that Mommy or Daddy will always come back to get them.

Horsch reminds parents that being tearful before��mom or dad leave is��common and natural. “Remember that these challenges are likely a normative part of healthy child development. These experiences are part of a child’s building resilience and emotion regulation.”

And she adds that there is almost always a silver lining: “Most children calm down quickly and enjoy their day shortly after their parents’ departure.”

To read the complete article and interview with Dr. Horsch click

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5 Steps to Kick Off the New Year Right in Your Job��

��AV Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 11:36:00 +0000

As we bid farewell to 2023 we eagerly look forward to what 2024 will bring. Now is a great opportunity to take a look around your personal and professional surroundings and make some excellent changes to build and enhance your nanny job.��

Take stock of your surroundings. All those new toys and books that arrived but nowhere to put them? Discuss with the parents a plan to “Keep, Donate or Trash” old items and create new play spaces, e-learning spaces, reading nooks and quiet space. Get the kids involved and make it a special, fun project.
Communicate. Communicate. Communicate. Consider a daily diary for writing out your day, concerns, observations, events and more. is a great tool made by nannies for nannies for this exact purpose!
Review time. When was the last time you had a review with your employers? What is working? What isn’t? Set up a time to sit down and discuss. can help address certain areas of concern or prepare for what’s coming up.
Make self-care a priority for 2024. Take up a new hobby. Pick a day to unplug – literally. No phones, social media. Read a book, binge on Netflix. Reconnect with friends and family. Send cards with handwritten notes. Make a phone call vs texting or emailing to a loved one. Book a day at the spa or a weekend away with your besties, fly in and surprise a loved one. Make it a point to do something for yourself each month and make yourself a priority in 2024.
Invest in your education. Whether you’ll be staying for a long while or looking for a new job this year, continuing education is vital to a nanny’s career. Consider an online course, subscribe to for current news and articles. How about a webinar hosted by Zero to Three or NAEYC? Or check out the , or ?

According to the :
Experience and education affect a nanny’s hourly pay rate
+More experience and/or more education means higher hourly rate
+Those completing & get higher hourly rate

If your new year means a new job, we’d love to hear from you and help you start the new year off right with the perfect job.

��

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Top 5 Nanny Sites You Should Be Following

��AV Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 11:44:16 +0000

The nanny world is full of resources and information for nannies, parents and agencies. We’ve pulled together 5 of our favorites that we think you should be checking out for the information they provide.

. This is the only publication for nannies featuring advice, industry news, insights and inspiration. They offer and a with subscriber only content.
. The longest running nanny organization serving the in-home child care industry, INA bring together all aspects of this industry – nannies, newborn care specialists, parents, agencies, training programs and service providers. With to the , the INA has it covered. Check out their and their , happening May 2024 in Portland, OR.
provides continuing education for nannies and parents including Positive Discipline, and guidance from newborn to teens.
Nanny Care Hub. NCH is the site of industry advocate and veteran nanny Lora Brawley. Check out the blog of , and .
. The musings of two veteran nannies, Lora Brawley and Sue Downey, they bring hot topics in the industry straight to listeners everywhere.

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Best Practices to Establish the Perfect Nanny Relationship

��AV Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 12:46:04 +0000

Our guest post today comes from .��

You’ve finished your search and have finally hired the best-fit nanny for your family, but where do you go from here to ensure that you develop the best possible nanny relationship ongoing?

Honeymoon Period

In every new job, both the employer and employee will be trying to make the best possible impression. Venturing into new territory will mean that the nanny may try different approaches and end up keeping some, while changing others. Adjusting to the expectations of the job and forming a bond with the children and family will take time. Rome, the perfect romance, and a long-lasting nanny relationship aren’t built overnight (or in two weeks); be patient and realistic.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

You hired this professional for a reason. That being said, she’s human. She may do things differently than you do, or would do. That doesn’t make them wrong. People have diverse ways of handling children. It’s easy to pick up on these variances, especially in the beginning, but try to be respectful and give your new nanny the space she needs to blossom in your household. Carefully weigh what really matters. Certainly, something involving a safety concern or a personal boundary you’d communicate about, but if she gets your child dressed in another order than you do or has a varied teeth brushing routine, it may not be worth worrying about. In fact, many parents comment on how much they’ve gained from having another adult around, with years of childcare experience, who second handedly taught them a great deal, if they were open-minded and willing to see other methods through this lens. At the end of the day, if your children are well cared for and you trust her, then that speaks volumes.

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Federal Reporting Thresholds for Household Employers

��AV Nannies & Sitters — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 20:41:03 +0000

Tax information for employers and nannies is being updated for the new year. Thanks to our friends at HomePay for this valuable information all nannies and employers should know.��

The earnings threshold that triggers the requirement to remit FICA taxes on a household employee’s wages will increase from $2,400 in 2022 to $2,600 in 2023. If the annual FICA wage threshold is reached, the employer becomes responsible for remitting both the employee and employer portions of FICA on all the wages they paid to the employee during the tax year. When wages paid to a household employee do not reach the annual FICA threshold, the employer is not required to issue a W-2.��

A new line has been added to form 1040 (federal personal income tax return) for reporting income earned as a household employee that was not reported on form W-2 because the wages stayed below the FICA threshold. It is no coincidence that the IRS added this new line alongside the change to the threshold triggering the requirement for TPSOs like Venmo and PayPal to file and issue a 1099-K.*��

*Previously, the 1099-K threshold had been $20,000 and 200+ transactions received. Effective 1/1/23, the threshold will be $600 in payments received.��

1099-K Threshold Changes Postponed

This past Friday, December 23rd, the IRS announced that the effective date of the new 1099-K threshold will be pushed back a year. So, rather than impacting payments made after 1/1/22, the change will impact payments made after 1/1/23. Per the , the delay is intended to provide more time for taxpayers to prepare and understand the new reporting requirements.��

While changes to the 1099-K requirements do not impact payments made through a payroll service, we know that TPSOs like Venmo, PayPal and Stripe are frequently used by families to pay date night sitters and other more temporary/adhoc providers. Earlier this year, we shared we received when the change was first announced. As of now, the answers are still accurate – minus the effective date of the change. We will continue to compile resources to help families and domestic workers ensure that they have their ducks in a row for the 2023 tax filing season.

Should you have any questions, give us a call or reach out to for all your nanny tax and payroll needs.

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5 Steps to Kick Off the New Year Right in Your Job

��AV Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 12:47:55 +0000

We’ve bid farewell to 2021 and eagerly look forward to what 2022 will bring. Now that we’re in the New Year, this is a great opportunity to take a look around your personal and professional surroundings and make some excellent changes to build and enhance your nanny job.��

Take stock of your surroundings. All those new toys and books that arrived but nowhere to put them? Discuss with the parents a plan to “Keep, Donate or Trash” old items and create new play spaces, e-learning spaces, reading nooks and quiet space. Get the kids involved and make it a special, fun project.
Do you struggle with the day-to-day communications? Consider a daily diary for writing out your day, concerns, observations, events and more. is a great tool made by nannies for nannies for this exact purpose!
Review time. When was the last time you had a review with your employers? What is working? What isn’t? Set up a time to sit down and discuss. can help address certain areas of concern or prepare for what’s coming up.
Make self-care a priority. If we learned anything from 2021, it’s that we do so much in the day-to-day, that we often let our own personal care come last. Make self-care a priority for 2022. Take up a new hobby. Pick a day to unplug – literally. No phones, social media. Read a book, binge on Netflix. Reconnect with friends and family. Send cards with handwritten notes. Make a phone call vs texting or emailing to a loved one. And when it’s safe to do so, book a day at the spa, a weekend away with your besties, fly in and surprise a loved one, or consider !��Make it a point to do something for yourself each month and make yourself a priority in 2022.
Invest in your education. Whether you’ll be staying for a long while or looking for a new job this year, continuing education is vital to a nanny’s career.�� Consider an online course, subscribe to for current news and articles. How about a webinar hosted by Zero to Three or NAEYC? Or check out the , or ?According to the :

Experience and education affect a nanny’s hourly pay rate
+More experience and/or more education means higher hourly rate
+Those completing & get higher hourly rate

And don’t forget … ��AV Family Care is here to help you along the way with your job or job search in 2022.

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News For Nannies - ����AV Family Care