How to Have a Successful Nanny in Your Home This Summer (So You Don’t Get Fired)

How to Have a Successful Nanny in Your Home This Summer (So You Don’t Get Fired) 

Ah, summer. The season of sunshine, melting popsicles, and your toddler loudly announcing their bathroom needs mid-Zoom call.  As a work-from-home mom running a nanny agency, I completely understand the daily juggling act of trying to work while your kids are home for the summer. It’s sweet having them around, sure—but let’s be real, “mom mode” and “work mode” do not mix well. We shuffle them off to summer camps, playdates, grandma’s house—you name it. But somehow, there are always those awkward in-between gaps where no one’s available, and you just need a little more help. 

That’s why every summer, I silently (and sometimes not-so-silently) thank myself for building a network of amazing nannies—not just for my own sanity, but for families across the DFW community. 

Enough about me—let’s talk about you. Here’s why hiring a nanny this summer might just be the best career move you make—and how to make sure your nanny isn’t just there, but thriving in your home so you can thrive in your business. 

Why You Need a Nanny This Summer 

It’s Not Just Childcare—It’s Career Insurance 

Hiring a nanny isn’t a luxury—it’s job protection. When your kids are home, you're constantly multitasking. And spoiler alert: no one does their best work while also peeling a clementine and refereeing a crayon dispute. 

A nanny allows you to: 

• Focus deeply and uninterrupted during your work hours 

• Actually show up for your job like a professional 

• Stay off the edge of burnout 

You’re not slacking as a parent. You’re setting yourself (and your family) up to win. 

You Don’t Want a Screen-Time Summer 

It’s easy to hand your kids an iPad and tell yourself it’s educational. But a nanny can offer so much more than passive entertainment. 

The right nanny: 

• Gets your kids outside—even in the Texas heat (hello, splash pads!) 

• Plans activities that stimulate their brains and creativity 

• Turns your living room into a summer camp, not a screen zombie zone 

Your kids get memories, movement, and meaningful engagement. You get peace and productivity. That’s a win-win-win. 

How to Make It Work (Without the Chaos) 

Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, hiring a nanny sounds great in theory… but won’t having someone else in my home just add to the chaos?” 

Totally fair question. But good news—there are a few simple (and magical) strategies that can make this transition surprisingly smooth. With the right setup, your nanny won’t just blend into the rhythm of your home—they’ll enhance it. Let’s dive into how to make that happen. 

Empower Your Nanny from Day One 

Your nanny can’t run the show if the kids think you’re still the boss just because you’re in the next room. To make this setup actually work, your nanny needs to be clearly established as the person in charge during the day. No confusion. No “But Mom said...” 

Here’s how to make that stick: 

• On Day One, introduce your nanny as the adult in charge. Not the helper. Not the backup. The boss. 

• Say the magic words “What did the nanny say?” Every time your kids try to bypass her and find you. Repeat until they stop asking. (They will.) 

• Post a note on your office door. Do a morning handoff. Set a clear boundary that you are off-limits unless there’s blood, fire, or something equally dramatic. 

Will it feel a little awkward the first few times? Yep. Will it save your sanity and help your nanny succeed? Absolutely. 

Treat the Nanny Like a Teammate, Not a Temp 

You’re not just hiring a warm body to keep the kids alive while you work—you’re bringing in a partner to help your family run smoothly. 

Include your nanny in things like: 

• Weekly check-ins about the kids’ needs, moods, and routines 

• Sharing wins ("He finally tried broccoli!") and challenges ("She refuses to nap unless she's in a tutu.") 

• Giving feedback with kindness and clarity 

When your nanny feels valued and respected, she’ll go above and beyond—and your kids will feel that too. 

Set the Tone for Fun (and Function) 

The nanny isn’t there just to keep things under control—they’re there to make summer memorable in the best way. So give them permission (and resources!) to make it fun. 

Ideas: 

• Stock up on sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and popsicles 

• Share your favorite local kid-friendly spots 

• Give them the go-ahead for messy crafts, splash pad adventures, and backyard obstacle courses 

The more freedom your nanny has to create joy, the more your kids will associate summer with play—not just screen time or survival mode. 

Final Thoughts: 

Summer doesn’t have to mean losing your mind while trying to balance conference calls and bubble wands. With the right nanny—and the right setup—you can have a home that works for everyone. 

So here’s your permission slip to stop doing it all alone. Hire the nanny. Empower her. Build a summer where your kids are thriving, and your work doesn’t suffer for it. 

Need help finding the perfect summer nanny? 
That’s where Lone Star Nannies comes in. We specialize in professional, development-minded caregivers who know how to make summer feel like magic—while you crush it in your career. 

📍DFW parents: let’s get you the support you deserve lonestarnannies.com