Since the pandemic, working alongside work-from-home parents has become a normal part of modern nannying. As more parents continue to work remotely, nannies are increasingly sharing caregiving space with adults who are physically present but mentally focused on their jobs. While this setup can offer flexibility and communication benefits, it also requires clear boundaries and thoughtful collaboration to work well. It’s a setup that some nannies might have avoided in the past, but the reality is, work from home is here to stay. 

For nannies, learning how to successfully navigate working alongside work-from-home parents is now an essential professional skill. But it doesn’t have to be a struggle. With the right expectations, routines, and communication strategies, this dynamic can feel balanced, respectful, and productive for everyone involved.

1) Understanding the Work-From-Home Household Dynamic

When parents work from home, the household energy is just different, and everyone can feel it, kids included. Children may see a parent nearby and struggle with the separation, while parents may naturally step in during moments and end up disrupting routines and any progress you’ve made in setting up boundaries, setting the kids back. Understanding this dynamic helps nannies approach challenges with empathy instead of frustration.

Working alongside work-from-home parents means recognizing that parents are balancing professional responsibilities while trusting you to manage the day. This can be tough for parents, who see their kids nearby and may follow the impulse to step in. Your role is to support consistency and stability for the children, even when parents are nearby.

2) Set Clear Boundaries Early

Clear boundaries are the foundation of a successful work arrangement. If expectations are not established early, confusion can build quickly.

Important topics to discuss include:

• When parents prefer to be interrupted and when they do not (i.e., during a lunch break, if a child is having a particularly challenging moment due to separation, etc.)
• How drop-ins during the day should be handled
• What spaces are designated for work versus childcare
• How children can be redirected when they seek their parents during work hours

These conversations help ensure that working alongside work-from-home parents does not blur your professional role and helps keep everyone on track and thriving. 

3) Protect Your Authority with the Children

Children often test boundaries more when parents are home. They may ask for exceptions, resist routines, or seek out parents when they feel upset.

As a nanny, maintaining authority means following agreed-upon routines consistently. If a parent steps in unexpectedly, it can be helpful to revisit expectations privately and explain how consistency supports emotional regulation and smoother days for the children. That said, at the end of the day, following the parents’ lead is often key. 

Working alongside work-from-home parents is most successful when children understand that you remain the lead caregiver during working hours.

4) Communicate Proactively and Professionally

Open communication prevents misunderstandings. Daily updates, written logs, or brief check-ins help parents stay informed without interrupting the flow of the day, so establish a system of communication and stick to it. 

Share wins as well as challenges. For example, letting parents know when a new routine is working builds trust. Address concerns calmly and focus on solutions rather than blame.

Strong communication is especially important when working alongside work-from-home parents because small frustrations can build quickly without regular touchpoints.

5) Support Children Through Transitions

Seeing parents throughout the day can be emotionally challenging for children. Creating predictable routines helps them understand when parents are available and when they are not.

Helpful strategies include:

• Scheduled parent visits at consistent times
• Visual schedules that show work and play periods
• Transition activities after brief parent interactions

These tools reduce emotional disruptions and make working alongside work-from-home parents more manageable for children.

6) Respect Parental Boundaries While Honoring Your Own

Parents working from home often have firm boundaries around meetings, calls, and focus time. Respecting those boundaries shows professionalism. While it may be tempting to seek out help or ask a quick question, blurring these boundaries outside of agreed upon check ins often leads to trouble down the line. 

At the same time, nannies need boundaries too. This includes clear start and end times, defined responsibilities, and respectful communication. If expectations begin to shift or feel unclear, addressing them early helps prevent resentment.

A healthy arrangement balances the needs of everyone involved.

7) Why This Skill Strengthens Your Career

Successfully working alongside work-from-home parents demonstrates adaptability, emotional intelligence, and communication skills. Families value nannies who can navigate complex household dynamics with confidence.

As remote work continues, this experience becomes an asset on your resume and positions you as a professional who can thrive in modern family environments.

Working alongside work-from-home parents requires flexibility, patience, and clear communication. When boundaries are respected and expectations are aligned, this setup can be rewarding for both nannies and families.

By maintaining professionalism, supporting children through transitions, and advocating for clarity, nannies can create a calm and effective work environment that benefits everyone in the household.