Raising Brave Kids Together: A Nanny’s Perspective on Let Grow
I’ve had the honor of being a nanny for children of all different ages and backgrounds for over ten years. I was hired at Let Grow four months ago and ever since, have been diving headfirst into every single resource we offer, and WOW! As someone who is not a mom yet, I wasn’t sure if the content would fully resonate with me or not, but I was completely wrong.
In fact, I think nannies, babysitters, and other caregivers are in a uniquely powerful and impactful position to help kids build independence, resilience, and confidence, right alongside their parents.
Let Grow is built on a simple but powerful idea: when kids are given opportunities to do more on their own — whether it’s walking to a friend’s house, making themselves a snack, or deciding what game to play — they grow stronger. They build problem-solving skills, self-trust, and courage. And while parents are the ones ultimately setting the boundaries and expectations, caregivers are often the ones spending long, daily stretches with kids, navigating those moments and implementing those boundaries and expectations in real time.
Admittedly, before joining Let Grow, I sometimes fell into the habit of what we call over-helping. I wanted to make sure the kids I was caring for were safe, happy, and not frustrated. But looking back, I can now see times when stepping back a little would have done more for them than stepping in.
If you’re a nanny, babysitter, or caregiver, here are a few simple, Let Grow-inspired ideas you can try putting into practice today:
- Pause Before You Help: The next time a child is struggling with a zipper, puzzle, or minor disagreement with a sibling, take a breath before jumping in. Ask, “What’s your plan?” or “How do you think you could figure that out?” You might be surprised by what they come up with on their own.
- Let Them Choose Their Play: Instead of structuring every moment, leave some time open-ended. Let kids decide what to do with free time. Boredom isn’t a crisis, it’s the birthplace of creativity.
- Encourage Small Risks: Whether it’s climbing to a higher branch, trying a new skill, or walking the neighbor’s dog, age-appropriate risk-taking is how kids stretch their abilities. Be their cheerleader while trusting their instincts.
- Model Calm Confidence: Kids pick up on adult energy. If you’re anxious about them walking to the mailbox alone or making their own sandwich, they’ll feel it. Instead, practice showing calm confidence in their abilities.
Every family is different, so it’s important to communicate openly with the parents you work for. Share what you’ve learned about how independence benefits kids and ask about their comfort levels and boundaries. Let Grow even has a free Let Grow Independence Kit you can recommend to parents or use together to find small steps that feel right for their child. There’s also a summer version, here!
I’ve seen firsthand how proud and empowered kids feel when they get to take charge of something, no matter how small. And I’ve realized that one of the greatest gifts we can give the kids we care for is the space to grow.
Whether you’re only with your nanny family for a summer or you’re a caregiver for several years, you’re part of that child’s story. Let’s help them write one where they see themselves as capable, brave, and independent.
You’ve got this, fellow nannies. And so do the kids.
Let Grow here: Explore our Let Grow’s resources for parents and educators — they’re packed with free tools and ideas you can adapt for your nanny days too. And if you have a great story about a kid rising to the challenge, we’d love to hear it. Reach out anytime at morgan@letgrow.org!
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