Every household recognizes the importance of childcare, but it’s most definitely highlighted in previous years. Most families have leaned on the support and assistance of nannies and private educators to keep their children safe, nurtured, and cared for as they felt the stress of managing remote work with childcare.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, many are looking forward to spreading some joy and merriment in celebration of the holidays! For families, this season is also a time to pay forward the generous year that has been and it may be through giving their trusted nannies or private educators an annual bonus or a holiday gift. 

This year evidently came with its own share of financial challenges for families – this may include rising costs of living due to inflation and for some, unexpected job loss, so they may feel like their budgets are still a bit tighter than normal. However, it’s important to note that a monetary bonus shows how a family appreciates their nanny’s or private educator’s daily job after a year of hard work. The holiday bonus is more than just cash; it expresses your recognition of how important the role of your nanny is in your family and in this year – we can all use a little moral encouragement.

Now, the question is, how much should you give? Typically, the standard holiday bonus for a full-time nanny is equivalent to one to two weeks’ pay. Families with fairly new nannies usually calculate about one full day of pay per month that the nanny has worked so far and offer that as a bonus. For a nanny who has been with your family for over a year, one full week’s pay is a good guideline. And for nannies who have been employed by you for three years or longer, it’s customary to give at least two weeks’ pay, or even more if you see fit. Some families give a full month’s pay to longer term nannies. Also remember, the bonus is considered taxable income and should be reported as such.

Aside from years in service, their performance can also be a factor in determining the size of their bonus. Ideally, this may mean that a great performance yields a higher bonus. The final factor to consider is, of course, what you can reasonably afford, especially given the past years. If you can’t afford to give as much as you have given in the previous years, a sentimental handmade card or a gift from the children would definitely mean a lot. This could be anything – from a simple DIY craft the children have put together to flowers to a box of cookies or cupcakes from the nanny’s favorite bakery. It is truly the thought that counts! The point is simply to express that the entire family appreciates the nanny, and that he or she has earned a special place in the family’s life, most especially the children’s. By doing this, your ultimate goal is to show that you value their presence and sacrifices for the entire family.

In place of a cash bonus, some families like to offer other big perks. It may come as an airfare home for the holidays or a nice spa day, but could also be a coveted gadget like an iPad or a smart watch. At the end of the day, the holiday bonus is about how you, as an employer, would like to show your appreciation. What you choose to give is up to you, and the bonus will, of course, depend on your means.

If it is really not in the cards financially, your generous holiday bonus may also be in the form of an additional paid vacation throughout the next year or more time off for the holidays. This will give your nanny a good time to rest and recover, too, for the past year that has been!

Although the parent-nanny relationship is professional, it’s also personal. Remember that your nanny is someone who shares an important bond with your children and nurtures their growth and development. Your nanny is also someone you’re able to depend on through all the highs and lows of a sometimes chaotic life! So when considering the holiday bonus, carefully consider what your nanny’s performance has meant in your life and in the lives of your family, and thoughtfully think that whatever kind of bonus you choose, it should be the best possible way to say thank you for a job well done.