September 20 - 26, 2009National Nanny Recognition Week (NNRW) was started in 1998 by a group of nanny industry professionals to promote and honor professional nannies. In 1999, the National Association of Nannies took the lead with NNRW, and held it the last week in September. In 2007, the Association of Professional Nannies took over the reigns of NNRW and continues to hold it the last week in September, celebrating and honoring nannies across the country and the world.
The National Nanny Recognition Week blog recommends the following ideas for parents to show their nannies how much they appreciate them during National Nanny Recognition Week.
1. Say, "Thank you" to your nanny.
2. Tell your friends good things about her knowing she will hear them back.
3. A surprise day off.
4. Have the children say, "Thank you."
5. Treat your nanny to breakfast or dinner made by the family.
6. Present your nanny with a card and framed photo of the family.
7. Membership fees to a local nanny support group or other professional nanny organization.
8. Pay for conference fees to Nannypalooza or International Nanny Association with paid professional days to attend the event.
9. Tuition for college courses.
10. Pay for CPR training.
11. Pay for dinner out with friends.
12. Give your nanny a raise.
13. Start an IRA.
14. A gift basket of favorite treats.
15. Gift certificates to favorite stores.
16. Movie tickets.
17. A gift certificate for manicure, pedicure, or massage.
18. A gym membership.
19. A handmade card or gift from the child/children.
20. Frequent flier miles to travel home.
Click here to view National Nanny Recognition Week video.
How have the parents shown that they appreciate you for National Nanny Recognition Week?
The parents have never given me anything but my weekly salary. I don't even get birthday presents when most nannies do. I have seen this info everyone on the Internet but how do I get the parents (my bosses) to see it?
ReplyDeleteDisgruntled nanny
Dear Disgruntled Nanny,
ReplyDeleteI have never gotten many gifts either but I still love my job. All we can do is keep posting info about this recognition week and eventually parents may stumble upon it.
Parttime nanny fulltime mom
Farrah Lilley
NorthWestern PA
I doubt that my boss knows about NNRW. She is very generous though AND she thanks me a lot so I am not offended. I do get a raise each year, birthday presents, more than 8 paid vacation weeks per year and bonuses and Christmas gifts so it doesn't bother me that she doesn't know about NNRW.
ReplyDeleteclaudia
The kids made me a lifesize card last year and the parents gave me a gift certificate to my favorite restaraunt.
ReplyDeleteI don't think a raise is appropriate for Nanny Recognition Week. I see this week like Mother's Day or Father's Day. Even just a heart felt card with kind words would be perfect. Raises, IRA's are better saved for end of year bonus time or Nannyversaries (end of year annually you have worked with family).
Has anyone really ever received a huge gift for this type of occasion?
Live-in Nanny Shelli R.
Raleigh NC
I don't think it is really appropriate to tell our employers that it is nanny recognition week but be proud to do a great job!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week all you hard working nannies!
Good luck getting extra from your bosses since I know I won't be getting anything extra. Some people do not respect the profession and don't think about how hard it is for a nanny to make ends meet. Just a little something this week would make a huge difference in my mind. Parents should show their appreciation everyday not just this week.
ReplyDeleteNicole in Westchester
Poor Nicole, I have only had lovely people to work for in my last 10 yrs as a nanny. They are kind and appreciative and so am I. I appreciate all hard working nannies!!
ReplyDeleteEven if our employers don't realize it's Nanny Rec. Week-
ReplyDeletewe can still honor each other!
To all the amazing Nannies out there in every part of the world!
~HAPPY NANNY RECOGNITION WEEK!~
***SHINE YOUR BEST THIS WEEK!***
~Andrea Flagg, Proud to be a Professional Career Nanny,in Northern, NJ!
Thanks Andrea, you too!
ReplyDeleteSorry there were ome "disgruntled" nannies. I have been there before, working for a parent or two that just criticize and don't thank their employee.
Just remember we can't change anyone else, just ourselves. So if having a positive attitude towards your job doesn't help you feel as the parents acknowledge your hard work I would suggest doing the best you can at your job anyway, and quietly start looking for a new job that might be a better fit. I never recommend ever walking out angrily at a job though, since their reference from parents is important to your next job.
For all hard working nannies, enjoy your autumn week!For those not appreciated but working hard, congratulations for being an important part of a child's life. I hope you all have a great week of much deserved recognition.
Wendy P. Happy Nanny
From Naples Florida
Any chance parents will see this and not just nannies. I am the only person I know that has ever heard of this and that was today by seeing this blog. Where's the media? Never knew nanny recognition day existed!!
ReplyDeleteFran from Cranston RI
They have not given me anything this week but in my employer's defense, I don't think they know about this. I don't know how to tell them either without sounding like I am asking for a gift.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the gifts should not be outlandish, just like mother's or father's day gifts is more than enough.
Anyone have advice on how to let our employer's know it's Nanny Rec Week? Mine don't know!
ReplyDeleteCandi Santa Fe
Agencies need to email their clients and tell them it is Nanny Recognition week. Telling us is fine but it is the parents that do not know the day exsists.
ReplyDelete