At Nanny Parent Connection, we want to talk about a topic that’s super important but often overlooked — finding time to take breaks as a nanny.

One major reason it’s hard to take breaks is that a nanny’s schedule is unpredictable. Kids have a knack for needing something right when you think you can sit down. Nap times can be inconsistent, and emergencies or unexpected tasks can pop up out of nowhere.

Below, we dive into why it’s so challenging for child care providers to get those much-needed breaks, along with some strategies that might help.

 

Rest breaks are one of the most overlooked parts of a nanny’s day. Because nannying doesn’t come with the built-in pauses most jobs have, it’s easy for families to forget that their nanny needs real time to sit down, eat, and recharge. In this article, we walk through why rest breaks matter, what they can look like, and how to set clear expectations so your nanny feels supported.

We encourage parents to keep clear communication with their nanny about their daily workload so that there’s time built in for breaks and meals. Having a specific conversation about rest breaks helps create an atmosphere where your nanny feels comfortable and welcome to take a breather and rest for a bit.

For a closer look at the legal side of rest breaks, you can also read the post by Nanny Cara, linked here.