It’s our favorite week of the year when the entire community joins forces to celebrate nannies and highlight the expansive, enormous impact of the work that they do. This year, we wanted to create an experience for nannies that would provide a rejuvenating space for self-care, relaxation, and the opportunity to explore some outdoor adventures! We decided to bring our lifelong dream to life by creating a sleepaway camp 100% dedicated to nannies! We are so inspired by the everyday nanny journey of nurturing, guiding, and engaging the children in their care, and we can’t wait to give nannies an unforgettable experience celebrating their heart-filled work and its timeless impact.
For Nanny Camp 2023, we are thrilled to be partnering with our beloved friend and colleague, Reagan, who is the owner of Playful Acre, an experienced nanny, educator, outdoor play advocate, and so much more. Reagan is going to be leading the way with some exciting nature-based activities during Nanny Camp! For this inaugural Nanny Camp, we had a limited amount of space, so we held a random drawing to select 8 nannies to attend, and we can’t wait to begin planning a larger version for Nanny Camp 2024! As an agency, we know that this entire industry doesn’t exist without the professional care providers who have dedicated their work lives to nurturing the next generation, and we are here to recognize and celebrate these magnificent champions 24/7/365. Keep reading to learn more about International Nanny Recognition Week and how you can get involved and recognize the nannies in your life!
Let’s begin with a bit of history to understand what iNNRW (International Nanny Recognition Week) was intended to accomplish and how it all got started. To quote the official iNNRW website, “International Nanny Recognition Week was created by a group of dedicated industry leaders and nannies, and now, 25 years later, it continues to live strong in the hearts and minds of nannies across the country and internationally. Today, iNNRW is an international effort chaired by Angela Jackson and Kellie Geres, veteran nannies with over 60 years of combined experience”.
So much of the work that is accomplished in childcare is a solo mission without the built-in camaraderie and community that most workplaces provide. As a result, working in childcare can be isolating, and sometimes it might even feel like that work isn’t really being seen. This special week provides an opportunity to encourage, celebrate, recognize, and reward nannies whose work allows for so many other jobs to be sustainable throughout the entire workforce. There are so many ways to champion the champions in your life, so consider this list a starting point as you determine the most meaningful ways for you to get involved.
1. Monetary Appreciation: More Than Just a Token
While gestures of gratitude come in various forms, an unexpected bonus stands out as a genuine acknowledgment of hard work and dedication. This tangible token, more than its monetary value, communicates respect, appreciation, and recognition of the invaluable role nannies play in families’ lives. Consider giving cash or gift cards to places you know they love! If this feels impersonal for you, you could also curate a thoughtful care package that mirrors the nanny’s personality. From their favorite snacks to books they’ve been interested in reading or, more importantly, things that you know they will find meaningful. Every item should echo your appreciation and the spirit of celebration. Another monetary gift that would certainly be appreciated would be a surprise paid day off — the gift of time is a classic and priceless gift that anyone would love!
2. Personalized Photo Albums + Heartfelt Video Messages
The bond between children and their nannies is a tapestry of countless moments, laughter, and shared experiences. Celebrate this bond by creating a personalized photo album that chronicles their shared adventures, and be sure to talk with your kids to learn more about any of their favorite memories or experiences with the nanny so the album reflects the nuances of this special relationship. You could even complement this sweet album with video messages from the children expressing their love and gratitude. This keepsake will serve as a special reminder of the many adventures they’ve embarked on together.
3. Celebrations + Surprises
Imagine the joy on your nanny’s face when they walk into a surprise appreciation party! Celebrate their dedication in the company of friends and family or just in your home when they walk in the door to begin their work day. Whether it’s in your kitchen, your backyard, or a local park, the essence lies in coming together to honor their commitment out loud. Do you live in an area where several nannies have regular informal meet-ups at the park? Organize a surprise appreciation event that brings together friends, family, and community members to honor the dedication of nannies. Set in a local park, the gathering can be a testament to the community’s collective appreciation. Complement the day with surprise refreshments featuring dishes that reflect their tastes!
4. Professional Development + Wellness Days
Investing in nannies’ professional growth is a fantastic way to recognize and value their aspirations. Provide the opportunity for them to attend industry conferences, specialized workshops, or childcare-focused courses that align with their interests. This gift is one that recognizes their unique professional development goals, and as a bonus for everyone: your family will inevitably end up benefiting from this expanded knowledge! Balance the intensity and hard work it takes to dive into continuing education with a day dedicated to their well-being—a spa or wellness retreat, allowing them to rejuvenate and prepare for more extraordinary days with your little ones.
5. Children’s Craftwork + Public Recognition
Children’s artwork, with its raw authenticity, captures the essence of their relationship with their nannies. Encourage your kids to create crafts, paintings, or cards that reflect their shared experiences. Consider amplifying this appreciation by sharing stories of nannies’ positive impacts on social media platforms during International Nanny Recognition Week, spreading awareness, and celebrating their contributions in community Facebook groups and anywhere that feels appropriate for the unique relationship between you and the nanny who works with your family.
International Nanny Recognition Week is more than a period of acknowledgment—it’s a celebration of the journeys, adventures, and stories that nannies co-author with families. Their passion, dedication, and unique skills deserve more than just recognition; they deserve a grand celebration! As we honor them, let’s remember that every day is an opportunity to appreciate the nurturing guidance, encouragement, and adventure that they bring into children’s lives. Happy International Nanny Recognition Week from all of us at Adventure Nannies!
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