Communication skills are essential for professional nannies to master. Effective communication skills are what separate exceptional nannies from average babysitters. Whether you’re handling a toddler’s meltdown, discussing behavioral concerns with parents, or building trust with a new family, how you communicate directly impacts your success as a professional nanny.
The challenge? Many nannies struggle with knowing when to speak up, how to address sensitive topics, and reading the nonverbal cues that children and parents constantly send. Poor communication leads to misunderstandings, frustrated families, and shortened employment relationships.
The solution is mastering these five proven communication strategies that top nannies use to build lasting trust with families. These aren’t theoretical concepts—they’re practical techniques you can implement immediately to improve your relationships with both children and parents.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- Active listening techniques that prevent behavioral issues before they escalate
- The right way to ask clarifying questions that demonstrate professionalism
- Body language secrets that help children feel heard and understood
- Communication strategies that work for families
- When and how to have difficult conversations with parents
These communication skills will transform how families perceive your value and help you build the strong professional relationships that lead to long-term nanny positions in Arizona’s competitive childcare market.
Here are five communication strategies that actually work:
1. Actually Listen (Not Just Wait for Your Turn to Talk)
Forget the polite nodding while mentally planning snack time. Kids have built-in BS detectors—they know when caregivers are checked out. Active listening transforms good nannies into exceptional childcare providers.
A nanny’s job isn’t just keeping everyone alive until parents get home. They’re often the person kids turn to when they’re confused, excited, or having a rough day.
As Katelyn Proffit, a Jovie on-call nanny and Forensic Psychology Major minoring in Pre-law and a Grand Canyon Civic Institute fellow at Grand Canyon University, puts it: “Working closely with families has taught me how to adapt to different personalities and needs, enhancing my ability to connect with people from various backgrounds.”
This kind of meaningful connection doesn’t just benefit the children, research shows nannying provides significant brain health benefits for caregivers too. When children share feelings, thoughts, or worries, effective nannies pay attention to more than just words. Their tone, facial expressions, and body language reveal the full story.
What is active listening for nannies?
Active listening for nannies means putting phones away, making eye contact, and paying attention to both words and body language. It involves absorbing what children are saying while also listening to what they’re not saying through tone, facial expressions, and body language. This technique transforms good nannies into exceptional childcare providers.
Put your phone somewhere you can’t see it, make eye contact, and actually absorb what they’re saying. Listen to what they’re not saying too. Half the time, kids don’t need anyone to fix anything—they just need someone to care about their weird dream or their friend drama.
Of course, when emotions do escalate into full meltdowns, having proven techniques for calming child tantrums in your toolkit becomes essential.
This one thing will change how kids interact with their nanny. Professional childcare providers see it happen over and over.
Pro Tip for Nannies: Channel your inner Spy Kid—intercept clues that hide in their body language. What emotions or frustrations are they really expressing?
2. Ask Questions Right Away (Before Parents Drive Off)
When parents are rattling off instructions while grabbing keys and coffee, don’t just nod along hoping everything was caught. Trust the experts—it likely wasn’t.
Saying “Wait, so bedtime is 7:30 or 8:00?” isn’t annoying, it’s professional. Parents would rather spend 30 seconds clarifying than come home to a cranky kid who stayed up too late.
Real Parent Feedback: “She was thorough in asking questions about my daughter’s schedule, routines, likes/dislikes, etc. She was a good communicator. She exercised decision making skills when necessary.” – Arizona Parent
Plus, kids notice when nannies ask good questions. It shows them that getting clarity isn’t embarrassing, it’s smart.
The right question at the right time can prevent a small issue from becoming a family drama.
- Confidence Builder: Add a smile and say, “Thanks for clarifying that!” A positive attitude will reassure parents.
3. Have Real Conversations About Real Problems
Never—and experts mean never—try to handle sensitive stuff through text. These situations include: behavior issues, major schedule changes, or anything that might make parents defensive.
Why face-to-face works better:
- Nannies can tell if parents are actually upset or just tired
- Parents can see their nanny genuinely cares about their kid
- Misunderstandings get cleared up in real time
- Everyone walks away feeling heard
If meeting in person isn’t possible, pick up the phone. A caregiver’s voice carries warmth that texts can’t.
Trust builds one honest conversation at a time.
- Why This Matters: Communication isn’t just sharing information; it’s strengthening the foundation of professional relationships.
4. Mind Your Body Language (Kids Notice Everything)
Here’s something childcare experts have learned: kids are like tiny lie detectors. They pick up on every eye roll, every sigh, every time someone checks their phone while they’re talking.
Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the UCLA, Albert Mehrabian, who pioneered work on nonverbal cues and expressing emotions, highlights in his 1971 book Silent Messages (available via Open Library), “When there is inconsistency between words and nonverbal cues, people tend to trust the nonverbal message more.”
This research is especially important for nannies; children are incredibly perceptive to body language inconsistencies.
What actually works:
- 👀Look at them when they talk – not over their shoulder at the TV
- 🙅♀️Keep arms uncrossed – crossed arms scream “I’m judging you”
- 🪑Get on their level – literally sit or squat down for important conversations
- 🙂Watch facial expressions – kids read faces like books
When words say “I care” but body language says “I’m bored,” kids believe the body every time.
Body language talks before words do, so make sure it’s saying something good.
- A hand on the shoulder during a tough moment says “you’re not alone.”
- Your relaxed shoulders during homework time says “we’ll figure this out together.”
Why is body language important for nannies?
Body language is important for nannies because children are highly perceptive to nonverbal inconsistencies. When there’s a mismatch between words and body language, children trust the nonverbal message more. Nannies must ensure their posture, facial expressions, and gestures align with their spoken words.
5. Follow Through with Actions (Not Just Words)
Arizona families deal with a lot: relocating for work, adjusting to new schools, visiting from out of state, or just the stress of the Sonoran Desert summer heat. Kids feel all of that, even when parents think they’re hiding it well.
What follow-through looks like:
- When you say “I’ll help you with that,” actually do it
- If you promise to tell parents about their day, write it down and share it
- When kids ask questions, give them real answers or find out together
- Keep your word about activities, consequences, and routines
Parents notice nannies who not only listen well, but act on what they hear. When a child mentions they’re worried about a test, effective nannies check in about it later. When parents ask for updates, they provide them consistently.
The magic happens when communication becomes action. Kids learn they can trust what their nanny says because there’s always follow-through.
Pro Tip: Write down important things kids tell you. Coming back to their concerns later shows you genuinely care about their world.
How should nannies communicate with parents about problems?
Nannies should communicate with parents about problems through face-to-face conversations, never through text messages. This approach allows nannies to read parents’ emotions, show genuine care, and clear up misunderstandings in real time. For sensitive topics like behavior issues or schedule changes, in-person discussions build trust more effectively than digital communication.
Real Results from Arizona Families
Don’t just take our word for it—here’s what local parents say about our nannies who master these communication skills:
“She was on time and asked questions to make sure that she would be able to best take care of our children. She was very specific and checked in with us when we were out and gave detailed updates.” – Phoenix Parent
“Tianna was great! She followed our instructions and communicated great. Would love to have her back.” – Arizona Family
“Julie communicated very well with me about my children. She provided frequent updates during the day and a brief summary during hand-off. She left me a detailed note which I appreciated. My kids enjoyed her company and felt very comfortable. I appreciate all of your hard work & communication Julie. I know it is not easy to be inside during the hot AZ summer, I appreciate you keeping everyone safe, entertained, and on track with their chores. Thank you :)” – Northern Phoenix Parent
This feedback highlights exactly what parents value most: asking clarifying questions, providing regular updates, following instructions, and maintaining clear communication about their children’s care.
What are the 5 essential communication tips for nannies?
- Actually Listen – Practice active listening by putting phones away, making eye contact, and paying attention to both words and body language
- Ask Questions Immediately – Clarify instructions with parents before they leave to prevent misunderstandings
- Have Face-to-Face Conversations – Handle sensitive topics in person rather than through text messages
- Mind Your Body Language – Maintain open posture, get on children’s level, and ensure nonverbal cues match spoken words
- Follow Through with Actions – Turn listening into action by keeping promises, following up on children’s concerns, and consistently providing the updates and care you’ve committed to.
Make a Difference as a Nanny with Jovie of North Scottsdale
Good communication isn’t just nice to have, it’s what makes the difference between being someone’s temporary babysitter and becoming part of their family’s story. Communication skills are just one part of building a comprehensive professional skillset that sets exceptional nannies apart.
When caregivers listen well, ask smart questions, and pay attention to what their body language is saying, they create the kind of trust that helps parents sleep better at night. In our phone-obsessed world, parents notice when nannies prioritize real conversations with their kids.
Want to put these ideas to work? For those serious about making a real difference in kids’ lives, consider joining the team at Jovie of North Scottsdale, established in 2010 and trusted by Arizona families and caregivers for over a decade. We’re looking for nannies and sitters who understand that this job is more than just keeping kids busy. Apply today and become part of something meaningful.
As Elizabeth, one of our former employees, puts it: “Thank you for the wonderful opportunities and professional development this company has provided me in the past months of my employment. I very much enjoyed my time as a Nanny with all the families I encountered“.
