The school day may be over, but that doesn’t mean the day is. Whether your nanny kids come out of school exhausted, energized, or somewhere in between, afterschool hours are packed with transitions, and that’s where a great nanny shines.

Whether you’re a part-time caregiver or a full-time nanny with school-aged nanny kids, afterschool nannies play a crucial role in helping children reset, recharge, have fun, and stay on track through the end of the day. From navigating school pick-up to supporting kids through their post-school ups and downs, here are our top five tips for becoming the best afterschool nanny possible.

1) Set the Tone with a Smooth School Pickup

The afterschool transition begins the moment you greet your nanny kid at school, so do your best to ensure that pickup is calm, warm, and consistent.

Some best practices:

• When possible, arrive a few minutes early to avoid stress or causing worries about reliability.
• Greet your nanny kid with a warm smile or something familiar (like a favorite snack you know that they look forward to or a little catchphrase).
• Keep the conversation light and child-led: “What was the best part of your day?” or “How did your math quiz go?”

Starting the transition with positive energy helps kids feel safe and heard and can make the rest of the day go more smoothly.

2) Observe and Adapt to Their Energy Levels

Every day after school is different. Some children come out ready to crash; others burst with energy. A skilled afterschool nanny knows how to read the room and adapt accordingly.

If your nanny kid seems tired:

• Offer quiet, restorative activities like reading, puzzles, or a calm walk.
• Build in a 15–20 minute “decompression” window before jumping into tasks like homework or chores.

If your nanny kid is full of energy:

• Plan active outdoor play, a short dance party, or a quick game of tag in the yard before transitioning to more focused activities.

Being flexible and responsive not only supports your nanny kid’s emotional regulation, but it also shows the family that you truly understand their kid’s needs.

3) Balance Fun with Structure

Afternoons are a prime time for both unwinding and staying on track. Great afterschool nannies strike a balance between playful connection and helpful structure.

Here’s how to do both:

• Coordinate with the family to create a consistent afterschool rhythm. For example: snack → play → homework → clean-up → free time.
• Be a gentle accountability partner. If homework is tough or motivation is low, offer encouragement and breaks as needed.
• Celebrate effort. High-fives, stickers, or even a simple “I’m proud of how hard you worked today” can go a long way.

Your role isn’t just to keep them occupied. It’s to support their success and confidence when school is no longer guiding the schedule.

4) Communicate with Parents and Teachers (When Appropriate)

A great afterschool nanny acts as a bridge between the school day and home life. Stay in regular communication with parents about how the child’s afternoon is going, especially if there are challenges or changes.

Some things you might share:

• Homework completion, and how easy/difficult the workload and process was
• Social wins or concerns
• Behavior patterns (e.g., “They’ve been extra tired this week. It could be time to adjust bedtime.”)

If the family is open to it, some nannies also touch base with teachers (via notes in folders or quick chats) to help reinforce skills and address any recurring challenges.

5) Prioritize Connection, Not Just Completion

Sure, the checklist of afterschool tasks can feel long: snack, homework, cleanup, prep for the next day… but don’t forget that the heart of nannying is connection.

Even small gestures matter:

• Sitting down for snack time together
• Making up fun songs while packing lunches
• Giving kids a safe space to vent about their day

These moments are often what children remember most, and what builds the long-term trust that makes afterschool care a success.

Being an excellent afterschool nanny isn’t about doing it all perfectly. It’s about showing up with presence, patience, and a willingness to meet kids where they are. From school pickup to winding down in the evening, your care sets the tone for your nanny kid’s day and provides real peace of mind for parents.

At Westside Nannies, we know that part-time roles matter just as much as full-time ones, and we’re proud to connect incredible caregivers with families who need compassionate, consistent support in the afterschool hours.