Routines are Essential to Building Attachments Between Nannies and Children

Attachment: An Important Part of Your Nanny Job

Children thrive in predictable environments, where mealtimes, nap times, separating from their parents, and toileting are dealt with consistently. Daily routines include greeting children in the morning, how the parents leave for work in the morning, how you serve their breakfast, how the kids get dressed, to doing homework, and more.

Routines are a great way to healthy habits like brushing teeth and hair and washing hands after using the toilet, as well as a great way to strengthen relationships between the nanny and child like when a nanny reads a book to a child before naps or when sharing a snack before soccer practice.

The way nannies handle daily routines is especially important for babies. Through such tasks as feeding and diapering, nannies communicate to infants that they can trust caregivers and that their nanny can be relied on to nourish and provide for them. This special bond of trust is called attachment. Establishing routines that are based on the baby's needs and by trying not to rush through daily tasks helps builds bonds too. Holding babies during bottle feeding builds attachment because feeding is a wonderful opportunity to form warm, nurturing relationships.

A routine also helps organize the entire family so that everyone is clear about their schedules, activities, and duties. It can also ensure each gets the quality time they deserve, and each knows clearly their responsibilities. Making checklists for older children is extremely helpful in developing children's independence, responsibility, and self-esteem.

Nannies should try to create nurturing, flexible, and positive environments where the children's needs are met through their daily routines. Daily routines provide wonderful opportunities for children to learn more about themselves, the world, and other people. Daily routines offer children a sense of stability and a feeling of caring from their parents and caregivers. Be sure that these routines are responsive to the individual needs of each child in your care.