Breaking the Ice: How New Nannies Can Build Trust and Connection

A nanny smiles warmly at a young child she is caring for while standing in a sunny kitchen.

Starting a new nanny position can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Building trust as a new nanny starts with understanding children's needs and creating meaningful connections through engaging activities, open communication, and patience. Here's how to establish meaningful connections from the very beginning:

Before Your First Day

• Request a "getting to know you" sheet with children's favorites and routines

• Create a simple introduction about yourself with photos and fun facts

• Clarify communication expectations with parents

First Day Strategies

• Follow children's lead rather than overwhelming them with activities

• Position yourself at their eye level to create psychological safety

• Bring one special but simple activity to do together

• Acknowledge any nervousness - both theirs and yours

Age-Specific Approaches

For Infants/Toddlers (0-2):

• Play peek-a-boo and sing familiar songs

• Mirror their sounds and expressions

• Respect their attachment to parents

For Preschoolers (3-5):

• Ask "would you rather" questions

• Invite them to show you their favorite toys

• Play simple matching games

For School-Age (6-10):

• Share preference questions ("Beach or mountains?")

• Try collaborative drawing games

• Ask them to teach you something they're good at

For Tweens/Teens:

• Show genuine interest in their interests without judgment

• Share appropriate stories from your own youth

• Respect their need for independence

Handling Challenges

• Don't force interaction with withdrawn children

• Acknowledge feelings of children missing previous caregivers

• Focus on connection before correction in those early days

Remember: The most effective ice-breaker isn't a particular game—it's your genuine interest in getting to know the children as unique individuals. Be patient as these relationships develop naturally over time.