Nanny Appreciation Week: Celebrating the Unsung Heroes in Our Homes

Every family has a story. And for many, a nanny plays a quiet but powerful role in that story — showing up each day with patience, love, and strength to care for our most precious little people.

Once a year, during Nanny Appreciation Week (typically celebrated in the third full week of September), we take a moment to do what we should do all year long: recognize and honor the caregivers who support, shape, and strengthen families behind the scenes.

This week is more than a thank-you card. It’s about acknowledging the essential work nannies do — emotionally, physically, and mentally — day in and day out. It’s about elevating a profession that deserves far more attention, respect, and gratitude.

🌟 Why Nannies Deserve Our Deepest Appreciation

In many households, nannies are more than caregivers. They are:

• Educators, helping with learning, reading, and early development

• Role models, teaching values like kindness, patience, and empathy

• Therapists, navigating toddler tantrums and teen transitions

• Household managers, balancing routines, schedules, and chaos

• Emotional anchors, creating a safe and loving environment day after day

Think about it: Your nanny has probably:

• Wiped away countless tears

• Cleaned up after messy art projects (and messy dinners)

• Navigated your child’s bad days with grace

• Filled your child’s world with laughter, learning, and love

And they’ve done all of this while often being overlooked in society’s idea of what "real work" looks like.

Nannies are the real deal. They give their hearts, their time, and their energy to raise children they didn’t birth — and they deserve our full respect.

📅 The Origins of Nanny Appreciation Week

Nanny Appreciation Week was founded in 1998 by Michelle LaRowe, an award-winning nanny and parenting author. Her mission was to raise awareness of the importance of nanny care and to give families an opportunity to formally recognize their nanny’s role.

Since then, the week has grown in popularity, especially with the rise of parenting blogs, nanny agencies, and social media awareness. Yet many still don’t know it exists.

That’s why your recognition matters — not just for your nanny, but for the visibility of caregiving work as a whole.

✨ 10 Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Your Nanny This Week

Celebrating your nanny doesn’t have to be expensive or extravagant. What matters most is that it’s genuine, thoughtful, and from the heart. Here are some creative and meaningful ideas:

1. Write a Heartfelt Letter of Appreciation

Put pen to paper and let your nanny know how much they mean to your family. Be specific — recall moments where they went above and beyond, or how they’ve supported your child’s growth.

Bonus: Have your kids write their own thank-you letters, too. Or, if they’re young, help them “dictate” their message.

2. Give a Thoughtful Gift

A personalized gift shows that you pay attention to their likes, hobbies, or needs.

Ideas include:

• A spa or massage gift card

• A monogrammed tote bag or water bottle

• Their favorite coffee, snacks, or a curated self-care basket

• A framed photo of them with your child

3. Offer a Bonus or Paid Day Off

One of the most appreciated gestures you can offer is a financial thank-you. A bonus, raise, or even an extra paid day off sends a clear message: We see your hard work, and we value it.

4. Create a “Nanny Appreciation Book”

Compile messages from each family member, drawings from the kids, and photos of special memories into a mini scrapbook or digital photo book.

This kind of keepsake is deeply personal — and something they’ll treasure forever.

5. Throw a Mini Celebration

It doesn’t have to be elaborate. A cake with the kids, handmade decorations, and a few balloons can turn a regular afternoon into a special occasion.

Let your nanny be the guest of honor, and let the kids help with party planning — they’ll love being part of it!

6. Publicly Acknowledge Them

With your nanny’s permission, post a tribute on social media highlighting their amazing work. Use hashtags like:

• #NannyAppreciationWeek

• #ThankYouNanny

• #BestNannyEver

• #GratefulFamily

If you're part of a nanny agency, childcare network, or local mom group, consider sharing their story there as well.

7. Support Their Growth

Nannies are professionals — and many want to continue growing. Consider paying for a CPR class renewal, a child development workshop, or a conference they’d enjoy.

This shows that you not only value them now, but you also care about their future.

8. Create a “Gratitude Jar”

Throughout the week, have each family member write little thank-you notes or positive memories and drop them in a jar. On the final day, present it to your nanny.

They can read a new note each day — like a sunshine boost, long after the week is over.

9. Make it Kid-Driven

Your kids are your nanny’s biggest fans. Let them take the lead! Ideas include:

• A home “award ceremony” (Best Story Reader! Master of Snacks!)

• A handmade coupon book (One Big Hug, Storytime, or Favorite Song Karaoke)

• A performance or song dedicated to their nanny

10. Keep the Gratitude Going All Year

While this week is dedicated to appreciation, daily recognition is what really matters. Regular check-ins, genuine thank-yous, respecting their boundaries, and treating them like a professional — these are the foundations of a strong, respectful relationship.

🫶 From Our Family to Yours: A Heartfelt Thank You

To all the nannies out there — whether you’re a full-time professional, a part-time helper, or a lifelong caregiver — we see you.

You are:

• The reason a parent can go to work with peace of mind

• The one who kisses skinned knees and celebrates tiny victories

• The person who keeps it together when the rest of us are falling apart

You do the work that doesn’t come with medals or applause — but it’s work that shapes generations.

This Nanny Appreciation Week, we honor you. We thank you. And we celebrate all that you are.

📣 Share the Love

If you have an amazing nanny in your life, don’t let the week go by without showing them just how much they mean to you.

And if you’re a nanny reading this — thank you for your love, your time, and your heart. You are truly irreplaceable. 💛

Happy Nanny Appreciation Week!