Working from home with a nanny has become the norm for many families. While work-from-home or hybrid setups offer flexibility and the comfort of being at home with your children, they also introduce unique challenges that can impact routines, boundaries, and expectations with your nanny. When handled thoughtfully, you and your nanny can create a calm, supportive environment where everyone thrives.

The key to success is easier than you might expect. It lies in communication, clarity, and mutual respect. By setting clear expectations and honoring your caregiver’s role, families can build a strong partnership that benefits everyone: you, your caregiver, and, most importantly, your child.

1) How to Clarify Roles from the Start When Working From Home with a Nanny

One of the most important steps in working from home with a nanny is clearly defining roles. Parents may be physically present, but if you want your nanny to be the primary caregiver during working hours, and this is the agreement you decided on, then there have to be rules in place. When children receive mixed signals about who is in charge, routines can quickly unravel.

Discuss expectations early, including who handles discipline, transitions, meals, and emotional moments. Agree on when parental involvement is helpful and when it is best to stay hands off. Clear alignment allows your nanny to confidently manage the day without confusion.

2) Create Physical and Emotional Boundaries

Boundaries are essential for a respectful working relationship when you’re working from home with a nanny. If possible, designate a workspace for yourself that is separate from the main caregiving areas. Putting a physical boundary, like a door, between you and the rest of the household can make a big difference. This helps children understand when a parent is working and helps to reduce frequent interruptions.

A little harder to enact, emotional boundaries matter just as much. Avoid stepping in during minor challenges unless your nanny asks for support or you have agreed upon parameters that require your presence. Trust builds when your caregiver feels empowered to do their job without constant oversight.

Working from home with a nanny works best when everyone respects shared space and responsibilities.

3) Support Children Through Transitions

It’s very common for children to struggle with seeing a parent at home who is unavailable. This can lead to increased clinginess or emotional outbursts. Consistent routines help children feel secure and reduce stress.

Consider setting routine times for brief parent visits, such as lunch or afternoon check-ins. Visual schedules, like a daily calendar on the wall, or simple explanations can help children understand when they will see you next. These strategies make working from home with a nanny smoother for both children and caregivers.

4) Communicate Regularly and Thoughtfully

Open communication is the foundation of a strong nanny family relationship. Daily summaries, shared notes, or short end-of-day check-ins keep everyone aligned without disrupting the workday.

If concerns arise, address them with your nanny privately and calmly. Avoid discussing performance issues in front of children. A respectful tone reinforces trust and professionalism on both sides.

Though it may sound simple, families who prioritize communication often find that working from home with a nanny becomes easier over time.

5) Respect Your Nanny’s Professional Time

It can be tempting to ask quick favors when you are home, but frequent interruptions can blur boundaries. Respect scheduled breaks, start and end times, and agreed-upon duties.

If responsibilities shift, have an open conversation and adjust compensation or expectations as needed, along with reestablishing routines and expectations. A nanny who feels respected is more likely to stay engaged, motivated, and committed long term.

6) Model the Partnership You Want Your Children to See

Children learn by watching how adults interact. When they see parents treating their nanny with respect and trust, they internalize those values. This creates a more harmonious household and reinforces positive behavior, all while teaching your kiddos a lesson that mere words could never replicate. 

Working from home with a nanny offers a unique opportunity to model collaboration, professionalism, and mutual respect for your children.

7) Why This Arrangement Can Truly Work

When done well, working from home with a nanny allows families to stay connected while maintaining structure and stability. Clear boundaries, strong communication, and mutual trust transform potential challenges into long-term success.

By approaching this setup as a partnership rather than a balancing act, families can enjoy the benefits of working from home while providing consistent, high-quality care for their children.

Ready to find a caregiving partner? Westside Nannies would love to help. Fill out an application today.