This help centre article has been written for the Koru Kids nanny service
Shadowing days are a great way to help your new nanny settle in. They give your nanny the chance to see how things work in real life—because some things are better shown than explained.
Here are our top tips to make your nanny’s shadowing day a success:
📝 1. Make Notes Ahead of Time
Jot down the key things you want to cover. This helps keep you on track and gives your nanny something to refer back to later.
You can keep updating these notes together over time. Need help knowing what to include? Check out our prompts for what to include in your notes here.
📅 2. Have a Schedule Handy
Having a rough daily routine printed out (or saved on your phone) makes things easier for everyone.
🏫 3. Visit Regular Spots Together
Take your nanny along to the school run or after-school club if that’s part of their job. Show them where to go, how pickup works, and who to talk to.
🏠 4. Give a Quick Home Tour
Show them where to find the essentials—think:
Kids’ clothes and PJs
First aid kit
Cleaning supplies
How to use the oven, dishwasher, and any other appliances they’ll need
(Sometimes even the basics aren’t so obvious if you’ve never used that brand before!)
👶 5. Model Your Parenting Style
Your nanny will learn a lot just by watching how you talk to and handle situations with your kids. Afterward, take a few minutes to explain why you did things a certain way.
This helps your nanny feel confident and consistent when you’re not around.
🤝 6. Show Respect—and Set Boundaries
Make it clear to your children that the nanny is in charge when you're not there. Sitting down together to talk through this can really help everyone feel comfortable and respected.
For all of our advice about getting off to a great start with your new nanny, click here.