Working with Work-from-Home Parents: Tips for a Successful Partnership

The landscape of in-home childcare has shifted significantly in recent years. With many parents now working from home—either full-time or in a hybrid capacity—career nannies are finding themselves in a shared space with not just children, but also professionals juggling Zoom calls, project deadlines, and Slack notifications.

Navigating the nanny-parent dynamic when a parent is working from home (WFH) requires clarity, professionalism, and teamwork. Whether you're supporting infants, toddlers, or school-aged children, here are essential tips for making the partnership smooth, respectful, and successful.

1. Set Clear Expectations Early

One of the biggest challenges when working in a WFH home is blurred boundaries. It’s easy for roles to overlap when a parent is only a room away. That’s why the first step to a successful partnership is a candid conversation about expectations:

• What are your core responsibilities?

• What times are considered “do not disturb” for the working parent?

• Will the parent step in for feeds, diaper changes, or discipline?

Clarifying roles and boundaries sets the tone for mutual respect and helps prevent confusion later on.

2. Treat the Parent as “At Work”—Even if They’re in Pajamas

Just because a parent is physically present doesn’t mean they’re available. If they’re working, they need focus time—just as they would if they were in an office.

This means:

• Avoid interrupting unless it’s urgent.

• Support the child in respecting the parent’s workspace and work time.

• Resist the temptation to “check in” about small things during the day.

  
  

Your ability to hold the household down while the parent works helps build trust and reinforces your professionalism.

3. Build a Routine That Encourages Independence

Kids often struggle to understand why a parent is home but not accessible. This can lead to meltdowns, interruptions, or boundary-testing.

Create a consistent daily rhythm filled with engaging activities, outings, and quiet times. Use visual schedules or “Parent’s Working” signs on the office door. Helping the children understand when they can and cannot access their parent builds emotional security and cooperation.

4. Be Flexible—But Not Invisible

One challenge nannies sometimes face in WFH homes is becoming “out of sight, out of mind.” When a parent is always nearby, they may begin to unconsciously micromanage or change the agreed-upon routine.

If expectations shift or you feel your authority with the children is being undermined, it’s appropriate to check in with the parent:

“I’ve noticed that when we’re mid-routine and there’s a pop-in, it throws things off. Do you want to chat about a plan for managing transitions so the kids stay on track?”

Approach conversations with professionalism and curiosity, not frustration.

5. Support Privacy and Professionalism on Both Sides

Work-from-home parents often face stress trying to appear professional on video calls while managing background noise and home activity. Help by:

• Planning outdoor play or quiet time during meeting hours.

• Steering children away from the parent’s work area.

• Minimizing loud toys or media near their workspace.
  

Similarly, expect the same respect for your role as a professional. If your caregiving space is constantly interrupted or critiqued, kindly revisit boundaries and workflows together.

6. Develop a Team Mentality

You and the WFH parent are on the same team. When you're aligned in goals and communicate with empathy, you create a unified support system for the children.

Celebrate wins together. Share milestones or concerns through quick end-of-day recaps or notes. If needed, set a regular check-in to talk about challenges or suggestions. This helps maintain open communication without disrupting the workday.

7. Recognize the Unique Benefits of WFH Home Parents

While working with a WFH parent can be tricky, it also has advantages:

• Children see collaboration and healthy adult relationships modeled.

• You may gain extra insight into the family’s dynamic and parenting style.

• There's often greater flexibility when emergencies or changes arise.

Embrace these benefits while remaining firm in your role and respectful of professional boundaries.

In Closing…

Navigating in-home care in a work-from-home household is a modern challenge—and a modern opportunity. With strong communication, clear boundaries, and mutual respect, career nannies and WFH parents can create an enriching, calm, and supportive environment for children.

As more families continue to work remotely, nannies who can confidently and gracefully adapt to this setup will remain in high demand and high regard.