Nanny Contracts and New Year Updates: What Families Should Revisit Annually

As the year wraps up and you set new goals for your family, this is the perfect time to take a fresh look at your nanny contract. Just like your family grows and changes, your nanny’s role often does too. An annual review helps keep expectations clear, communication open, and everyone working together smoothly.

A nanny contract isn’t just paperwork. It’s a roadmap for a happy, long-term working relationship built on respect, trust, and mutual understanding.

Why Reviewing Your Nanny Contract Matters

Life changes quickly. Maybe your kids started school, your work schedule shifted, or your nanny has taken on more household duties. What worked a year ago might not fit your family’s needs now.

An annual review allows you and your nanny to talk about what’s working well and what might need adjusting. It also gives your nanny a voice in the process, which builds transparency and loyalty.

👉 [Learn how Premier Nanny Network helps families structure personalized nanny contracts.]

Updating Pay, Hours, and Benefits

Compensation is one of the most common areas families revisit each year — and for good reason. As responsibilities evolve, pay should too. Consider any changes in your nanny’s duties, your children’s schedules, or the benefits you receive with their contributions to your home and family.

You might also review paid holidays, vacation time, sick days, and other benefits. Showing fairness and appreciation through these updates demonstrates that you value your nanny’s contribution to your family’s stability.

Reevaluating Schedules and Responsibilities

Maybe your nanny used to manage naps and playtime, but now helps with homework and after-school activities. Or maybe your youngest has started preschool and you need fewer daytime hours but more flexibility in the afternoons.

Revisit the day-to-day flow and make sure your nanny’s duties still match your household’s rhythm. This simple conversation can prevent confusion and strengthen teamwork.

👉 [See how we help families create balanced schedules that fit their lifestyle, contact us.]

Refreshing Communication and Expectations

Clear communication keeps everything running smoothly. Use this review to talk about how you and your nanny check in — whether it’s quick daily updates, a shared family calendar, or weekly chats.

This is also a good time to talk about feedback. Encourage open, kind communication on both sides so that issues are addressed early, not when they’ve built up. A good conversation now can prevent tension later. Everyone benefits when clarity is established, consistency is respected, and mutual respect is a priority.

Revisiting Professional Boundaries and Family Culture

Even the most comfortable nanny-family relationships benefit from clarity. Go over things like phone use during work hours, visitors, social media boundaries, and privacy expectations.

This keeps things professional while maintaining the warmth that comes naturally when your nanny becomes part of your family’s everyday life.

Planning for Growth and Longevity

Your nanny’s professional goals matter, too. Many enjoy continued education, certifications, or child development workshops. Ask what interests them and see how you can support that growth. Investing in your nanny’s development benefits your family in the long run.

Revisiting your nanny contract and relationships each year isn’t just a formality — it’s an act of care for your family’s most important relationship outside your home. It gives everyone a fresh start, ensures fairness, and reinforces trust.

As you step into the new year, make space to review, refresh, and realign. And if you need help reviewing your contract or want guidance on setting one up, Premier Nanny Network can help you build a structure that supports both your nanny and your family’s future.

Premier Nanny Network was founded by Brynn Ungerleider, who spent twenty-two years as a career nanny before creating this agency. Her mission is to share valuable insights while helping families find the right childcare solutions. Whether you are just beginning the process of hiring a nanny or have hired caregivers before, Brynn brings extensive experience working with families of all backgrounds, locations, and children of all ages. With a specialization in navigating divorced family dynamics, Brynn’s talent for matching caregivers to families is both rare and exceptional.