Making a new live-in nanny welcome / gift for old nanny? Post Reply

[ExClaphamite]

Hi NVN users

I am about to welcome our first live-in nanny into our home, and am wondering if any of you have any clever tips about making her feel extra specially welcome. Our set up means that we'll be a bit like ships passing in the night in the general run of things (she'll eat with my son, and my husband and I eat much later, she doesn't live that far away so won't be around on weekends, she'll have the entire top floor of our house to herself etc) and I've been quite keen to highlight the importance of everyone having their own time / space etc.

That said, I really want her to know how welcome she is as a hopefully very long term part of our family.

I've planned for us to spend the first morning together, and she'll spend much of the first week with my current nannyshare set up so that she can get to know both my existing nanny and my son a bit better before taking sole charge.

I'll make her room look as welcome as possible with fresh flowers etc.

But any tips from those of you with experience of live-in nannies or au pairs - any nice touches that have gone down particularly well??

And on a similar note - any killer ideas for a heartfelt but not too soppy thank you gift for my current nanny??

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

[Bee@lifeafterlondon]

in my experience best thing is to keep the first week fairly low key, not over loaded with chores so she can get to know the children. Are they of the age to draw her a welcome card, or write her a story, might be a nice touch. Also although you know you'll eat separately perhaps a meal together on the first night or so.
As a leaving present we just did a handprints picture which went down really well, or you could do a pottery painting session.

[Poppyseed]

What a lovely post. Hope you happy with your nanny and she really does a great job for you. I have worked as a nanny in the past but some families didnt treat me like a person, who looks after their children.
You are really thoughtfull and as long as you are straight forward with her she will aprecciate it.

Taking your nanny for nice dinner out adults only might be good idea and maybe some gift voucher, depending on how much do you want to spend and how much you think she deserves it.

GOOD luck

[ExClaphamite]

Thanks for your thoughts both. A welcome card is a good idea - my 2.5 yr old's colouring skills leave a little to be desired but I'm sure we could manage something together!

[Nannysupreme]

Hi

It's so nice to hear that you want to make your new nanny feel welcome. When I went to a new job in Hong Kong I was welcomed with a basket of typically English food, weetabix, marmite, Jacobs crackers etc.... New bedding and towels were also a hit!! As for a leaving gift for your current nanny, painted pottery is a hit as its something to keep forever. My last family that I was with for nearly 7 years made me a fabulous photo book that made me cry.... So thoughtful! I also went out for dinner with mum and dad which was also fab. I'm wishing you lots of luck with your new nanny x

[Nanny live out]

I used to be a live in nanny and my family made me extremely welcome by having a lunch with them on my first day. They were all very nice to me as well which is what you really want.
Also when I left them they gave me a hand painted fruit bowl which was priceless. As all the kids draw something on it.
I think that's a great idea.
Also a gift voucher or any personalised present is lovely.

Good luck with your new nanny

[ExClaphamite]

Thanks for further ideas - sounds like personal and handmade definitely the way to go for my nanny leaving present.

And good to hear a consensus on a communal meal to welcome the new nanny - have arranged this.

Thanks again!

[mww2011]

This is a refreshing post to read. You sound like a lovely person to be considering such lovely ideas - you will have one v happy lucky nanny which means a happy home. Win win situation.
Liking the adult dinner - I've done that for Christmas as nannies don't have office parties!! A great way to have fun appraisal.

[Loretta]

When I arrived as a live in nanny, the mum prepared my bedroom ... Flowers, new bed sheets, towels and a lovely bathroom set ... I think, gestures like this just make anyone happy !