At most full-time jobs, employees get break time to eat lunch, scroll through social media and use the bathroom. But when you’re a full-time nanny, there isn’t always time for a designated break. Nannies work long and often hectic hours, and they don’t typically have co-workers around to whom they can hand off their duties for 15 minutes while they recharge. Despite this fact, nannies are still humans, and humans need breaks. So, how can nannies and their employers solve this conundrum?
Nanny breaks are a major source of debate in the child care world. Recently, the topic even went viral on TikTok after a mom said she never lets her nanny relax, even during her baby’s nap time. Nannies and other parents were quick to explain the value of providing nannies with time to eat and de-stress. But, even when parents have good intentions, ensuring nannies actually get break time every day is complicated.
“In the perfect world a child care provider would love a solid hour break, but we understand that is not always possible,” says Shay Bush, hiring manager at The Babysitting Company. “A few moments throughout the day truly makes a world of difference.”
Here, nannies and child care experts share what a good nanny break looks like, how to make it happen even on the hard days and why giving your nanny some down time is the best thing for them and for your kids.
What counts as a nanny break?
Instead of thinking about nanny breaks as strict, designated time periods when they’re off the clock, both nannies and employers have to be a bit more flexible, says Bush.
“A break for a caregiver is a time when they are not physically ‘active,’” she explains. “This can mean while the child is napping or at a class. This allows for them to have a seat, reply to an email, make a phone call, have a snack or meal, read a book or do anything that contributes to their wellness.”
If kids don’t have a nap time or a scheduled activity, Shannon Parola, a nanny, child care coach and newborn care specialist in San Francisco, recommends implementing quiet time or independent play.
“This allows for a solid regular break for both nanny and parents throughout the week that also benefits the child,” she says. “They can read, play quiet activities, draw, etc. while the caregiver gets a break.”
“Truth be told, most nannies aren’t mindlessly scrolling. They may be on Pinterest looking up activities or a new park to check out. Some nannies may be making appointments for the next day off.”
— SHANNON PAROLA, A NANNY IN SAN FRANCISCO
Is it OK for nannies to be on their phones during breaks?
Some employers take issue with nannies scrolling on the phone or checking social media. It’s a potential issue if a nanny is doing these things when they’re supposed to be engaging with kids, but during their breaks, they should be allowed to use their time in whatever way feels beneficial to them, the experts say.
“When I ask parents what they do when they’re recharging, the number one answer is always scrolling on their phone, so why can’t your nanny do the same?” Parola asks.
Even if they’re taking a break during nap time and checking their Instagram messages, nannies are still filling the role of on-call, responsible adult. And, they’re allowed to use some of their time during the day to fulfill their own basic needs as well.
“Truth be told, most nannies aren’t mindlessly scrolling,” Parola adds. “They may be on Pinterest looking up activities or a new park to check out. Some nannies may be making appointments for the next day off or even messaging back their own family members who have texted throughout the day.”
How long is a nanny break?
Each nanny is going to need a different amount of time to relax and recharge. Typically, Parola says, a good break would be 30 minutes to an hour of down time, but it’s also important for both nannies and parents to remember the schedule may change daily and nothing is a guarantee.
“Just like parents, nannies need to go with the flow and be adaptive,” Parola says. “Some days your break will be during a quick walk in the stroller, and others you may get a two-hour nap period at home.”
The takeaway? Nannies should take breaks when and where they can, Parola says, and acknowledge that the job is constantly changing, especially when dealing with small children or rotating camp schedules.
Reasons why breaks benefit a nanny — and your child
A few expert-backed must-knows that make the case for giving your nanny a break.
1. Stepping away helps avoid overstimulation
Even parents sometimes need to take a breather when caregiving feels too chaotic or stressful. Letting nannies have the opportunity to do the same helps ensure they remain calm, engaged and present with their nanny kids all day long.
“Nannies can get overstimulated, and kids can have days where they are non-stop pushing buttons,” Parola says. “Just like your job allows you to take a lunch and or a quick breather, your nanny should, too, within reason.”
2. Offering breaks shows you care about your nanny’s well-being
Taking small steps to make sure your nanny feels seen and gets a second to breathe shows how much you value their work. Obviously, busy parents can’t ditch work midday to grant nannies long rest times, but even small gestures can go a long way.
“[Try] simple things, like saying, ‘Please take time to eat your lunch,’ or ‘I know Baby has been grouchy all morning while I was in meetings, why don’t I take them for 15 minutes and you grab yourself a cup of coffee?’” offers Parola.
“Burnout is real and can cause physical symptoms, including a suppressed immune system. Trust me, you do not want an exhausted nanny, as it is not safe for them or the children.”
— SHAY BUSH, HIRING MANAGER OF THE BABYSITTING COMPANY
3. Breaks help prevent burnout
“Nannies have to eat, use the bathroom and deserve to physically sit and have a moment to take a breath and think or regroup,” says Bush. “Burnout is real and can cause physical symptoms, including a suppressed immune system. Trust me, you do not want an exhausted nanny, as it is not safe for them or the children.”
4. Breaks are a vital part of setting professional boundaries
The parent-nanny relationship is a working relationship, but that doesn’t mean nannies should be expected to be available and/or on the clock 24/7. “Nannies need to set firm boundaries for themselves so they don’t get burned out,” Parola says. “For example, ‘I’m only going to work X amount of hours’ or ‘I don’t work on weekends.’”
Asserting the need for a break is one such boundary, and it’s one that employers should acknowledge and support. “Every person who works a job is legally required to receive a break,” Bush says. “An in-home child care provider should not be different. The break may be unconventional but it should happen.”
5. Prioritizing breaks helps align expectations
How much is it reasonable to expect your nanny to do during a given day? What are the job duties you consider essential and which ones are extra? These are questions you have to consider when making decisions about nanny break times, the experts say.
Discussing breaks and establishing break times ultimately helps parents and nannies get on the same page about what’s expected and what the main priority of their nanny’s role is.
“If you, the parent, can’t get everything done while watching your child, your nanny won’t be able to either,” Parola explains. “So, pick the priorities around the house that are most important to you to get done, and be realistic that some days it might not get done due to child care being the top priority.”
6. Rested caregivers are the most successful caregivers
Child care is mentally and physically taxing, says Bush. Nannies are expected to be alert and present all day long. Not only that, but they’re also usually expected to manage schedules and activities, make fun plans and provide kids with constant support, engagement and stimulation. This requires energy and the opportunity to replenish that energy.
“As a child care provider, you are a teacher, a chef, an entertainer, a housekeeper and sometimes a chauffeur,” Bush says. “Breaks are necessary for child care providers because they need to recharge and refuel so they can be their best selves. Your children deserve that.”
