At some point, it will be time for your nanny to leave your family and move on to another position or other pursuits. When this time arrives, it would be quite appropriate to give her a parting gift that demonstrates your appreciation to her contribution to your children’s lives and your family, as a whole.

1. Photo book – Custom made photo books are easy to create and order online or through iphoto on a Mac computer. Pictures of the kids and particularly pictures of her with the kids can be included. The books can be personalized further with beautiful covers and subtitles for the photos. This provides a great memento for a nanny’s time with your children.
2. Kids on video – Creating video of the kids and their expressions of love to their nanny is an easy gift to make and then save on a DVD for her to take with her. She’ll appreciate being able to re-live their fun smiles and lively faces in the days ahead.
3. Scrapbook – A scrapbook containing simple mementos from her time with your family would be a wonderful gift to provide in parting. Scrapbooks can contain things besides photos that will remind her of your special times together.
4. Professional portraits – Having professional portraits taken of her with your children would be a great goodbye gift for her and a wonderful memento for your children of this person who has invested in their lives.
5. Kid crafts – Involving the kids in creating goodbye gifts with their own hands is another way to send your nanny off with memories that she can see and touch. They are bound to be treasured by her for many years, just because of who made them.
6. Spa Package – A day at the spa for a massage, facial, pedicure and manicure would be a wonderful treat for your nanny. It could be something she is scheduled for before she leaves or that she can take advantage of in her next destination.
7. Cash bonus – Cash may seem a bit impersonal to some people, but it something that is always appreciated, especially when someone is in a transition period that may entail extra expenses.
8. Air fare – It is very common for families to pay for the one-way ticket to their nannies destination upon her leaving their employment. Tickets can be expensive, and your nanny will appreciate the kind gesture.
9. Retail gift cards – Since you’ve had some time to get to know your nanny, you should be able to pick out gift cards for some of her favorite retail shops to include in her going-away card. Coffee shop gift cards are always a good addition too.
10. Letter of recommendation – Although this may not fit into the ‘gift’ category, it is something that your nanny would be very happy to take with her, and could be more valuable than some of the other items on this list. If you have been happy with her service, it should definitely be included, along with her other goodbye gifts. 

Any one of these, or a combination of them, would be well received by any nanny who is leaving a home of service for the last time. An invitation to come back and visit in the future is another gesture that would generally be very well received, as well.

When someone asks for a description of a nanny’s position, it can be a bit difficult to answer. There are many different types of nannies and each family’s contract with their nanny is very individualized. There are nannies who live in the family’s home, and there are nannies who live outside of the family home. There are full-time nannies and part-time nannies. In addition to these variations, there are several different nanny specialties that you may not be aware of. We’ve listed ten of them.

1. Nanny Manager – This may not be what you think. A nanny manager doesn’t  necessarily manage a group of nannies, though, that at times may be required. Instead, it is the title of a nanny who has duties involving the management of the household and/or the children’s activities, in addition to her childcare duties. These additional duties can vary greatly with every position, depending on the ages of the children and the needs of the family.
2. Baby Nurse – This type of nanny is also referred to as a ‘postpartum doula’. These nannies specialize in newborn care. They are trained helping newborns and the family in developing their new routines. There are even baby nurses that specialize in multiples.
3. Governess – This position is very specialized and is generally used with school-aged children. In reality, childcare is not a part of the duties of the governess, and they are seldom referred to as nannies. They are teachers or tutors for the child or children, that act as the primary educator for the them within the home or with traveling families.
4. Nannyshare – These nannies work for more than one family at the same time. The two families develop a joint contract with the nanny. This can be a very economical solution for the two families and financially beneficial for the nanny, as well.
5. Night Nannies – These nannies have some similarity with the baby nurse as they also specialize in newborn care. They usually arrive later in the day or early evening, and then stay through the night. They help the baby develop a good sleeping and feeding routine, while allowing the new parents to get much needed rest.
6. Mommy Nannies – These nannies are generally not live-in nannies, since they have their own children already. A mommy nanny comes into your home to care for your children and brings her own child or children with her. This can be a great bonus if her children are close in age to your own.
7. Hotel Nannies – These nannies specialize in providing childcare for hotel guests for a short amount of time, such as during a specific event. They are usually contracted through the hotel.
8. Mother’s Helper – These nannies do not provide solo childcare, except on an occasional basis, but, instead, are there to be that extra set of hands every mother wishes she had. They help with any kind of child related duties the parents need her for. Mother’s helpers are ideal for the mom of multiples or with children who are very close in age.
9. Emergency Nannies – For families where both parents work, childcare during emergency situations, such as when a child is sick and can’t be kept at daycare, can be difficult to find. This is the role of the emergency nanny. They are flexible and on call. They also are paid very well for these last minute services.
10. Vacation Nannies – Summer vacation from school is one short term position these nannies fill. This allows parents to continue working through the summer without the concern of finding a daycare opening. Vacation nannies also serve in much shorter stints as travel nannies, when families go on vacation and want a trusted caregiver available to care for an infant or group of children.

There are many different types of nanny positions and nanny services available. If there is a special need, there is a special nanny ready to fill it.