As nannies, we dedicate our time, energy, and hearts to looking after children and supporting families. It’s an incredibly rewarding job, but let’s be honest—it can also be demanding, exhausting, and emotionally draining. Often, we’re so focused on meeting the needs of others that we forget to look after ourselves.
This post is your permission slip to prioritise your own well-being. You deserve respect, boundaries, and fair treatment in your work. Here are some reminders to help you stand firm in your rights and practice self-care in your career.
1. Say No to Overtime You Don’t Want to Do
Your time is precious, and your agreed working hours exist for a reason. Saying no to overtime doesn’t make you a bad nanny; it makes you a professional with boundaries. If you’re feeling pressured to stay late or take on extra hours, remember: it’s okay to politely decline.
2. Charge Your Full Cancellation Fee
When a family cancels at the last minute, it’s not just an inconvenience—it’s lost income. Your cancellation policy is there to protect you, and you are fully within your rights to enforce it. Don’t let guilt stop you from charging your full cancellation fee.
3. Charge All Your Overtime – Even in Emergency Situations
Emergencies happen, but that doesn’t mean your time suddenly becomes free. If you stay past your scheduled hours to help a family, you’re providing an essential service and deserve to be compensated accordingly. Charge your agreed overtime rate, no exceptions.
4. Leave at Your Finish Time
You’re not being unreasonable or difficult by leaving at the time your shift ends. Staying late “just this once” can quickly become a habit that families may take for granted. Respect your schedule, and others will too.
5. Take a Break When You’re Able To
As a nanny in the UK, you’re not legally entitled to breaks as a domestic worker [1], but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take one where possible. Use nap times, quiet play, or any appropriate moments to sit down, have a drink, or eat something. While you can’t leave the children unsupervised, it’s still important to find pockets of time to recharge. Your well-being matters, and a rested nanny is a better nanny.
6. Understand Your Contract or Set Clear Policies – and Stick to Them
If you’re employed, take time to fully understand your contract. It should outline your hours, pay, overtime rates, holiday entitlement, and other key terms. If something isn’t being honoured, you have every right to address it professionally.
For self-employed nannies, having clear, written terms and conditions is essential. Share these with families upfront and ensure they agree to them in writing. Whether employed or self-employed, these boundaries protect you and ensure fairness, so don’t hesitate to enforce them when needed.
7. Say No to Unpaid Trial Shifts or Unreasonable Requests
You don’t have to prove your worth through unpaid work or by bending over backwards to accommodate excessive demands. Your skills, experience, and qualifications speak for themselves.
8. Prioritise Your Own Plans and Commitments
It’s easy to let work spill into your personal life, but your plans and downtime matter just as much as anyone else’s. Whether it’s a yoga class, dinner with friends, or simply relaxing at home, protect your personal time fiercely.
9. Ask for Help When You Need It
Nannying can be isolating, and there’s no shame in admitting when you’re struggling. Whether you need advice, encouragement, or just someone who understands the unique challenges of this job, reach out for support. Join communities like The Nanny Lounge – For UK Nannies on Facebook, where you’ll find a network of professionals ready to share their wisdom and listen when you need to vent. You don’t have to navigate this alone—support is just a message away.
10. Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Regular self-care—whether it’s exercise, therapy, meditation, or simply sleeping enough—is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Prioritise your health so you can show up fully in all areas of your life.
11. Know Your Worth – and Demand It
You are a professional, and your time, skills, and care are invaluable. Don’t undersell yourself out of fear or guilt. Charge what you’re worth, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
By granting yourself permission to set and enforce boundaries, you’re not just looking after yourself—you’re setting an example for how nannies deserve to be treated. Remember: prioritising your needs doesn’t make you selfish; it makes you sustainable. A happy, healthy nanny is the best gift you can give to the children and families you care for.
Take this permission slip, keep it close, and refer to it whenever you feel like you’re slipping into old habits. You’ve got this!
