What to Expect in Your First Week When Starting With a Nanny | Pay The Nanny [ ![Pay the nanny logo](https://assets.paythenanny.nz/images/logo-white.png) ](/) [Parents](https://paythenanny.nz/For-Families) [Nannies](https://paythenanny.nz/For-Nannies) [Agencies](https://paythenanny.nz/for-agencies) [Pricing](https://paythenanny.nz/pricing) [Contact](https://paythenanny.nz/contact) [Sign Up](https://paythenanny.nz/signup) [Log In](https://paythenanny.nz/app/login) Article ------- What to Expect in Your First Week When Starting With a Nanny ============================================================ By Mark Hudson · 26 February, 2026 February marks the start of the school year and a common time for families to be starting with a nanny. The first week can feel exciting and overwhelming all at once. Here is what to expect, how to build trust quickly, and how to create a smooth transition for your child and your new nanny ![What to Expect in Your First Week When Starting With a Nanny](https://assets.caresies.io/articles/2462/conversions/O1wVbdwpUW8yaQdufX8d-webp-featured.webp) February marks the start of the school year in New Zealand, and it is one of the most common times for families to be **starting with a nanny**. New routines, new classrooms and new childcare arrangements can feel overwhelming. The first week sets the tone for trust, communication and long term success. Here is what you can realistically expect, and how to make it a smooth transition for everyone. 1. The First Day Will Feel Big, and That Is Normal -------------------------------------------------- The first morning often feels like the first day of school all over again. Children may be excited, shy or even unsettled. Parents can feel a mix of relief and anxiety. Expect: - Extra questions from your child - A little clinginess at drop off - Lots of reassurance needed This does not mean it is not working. It simply means everyone is adjusting. Tip: Keep goodbyes calm and confident. Children take their cues from you. 2. There Will Be Questions About Everything ------------------------------------------- When **starting with a nanny**, expect plenty of practical questions in week one. For example: - What is your child’s after school routine? - Where are spare uniforms kept? - How do you prefer homework to be managed? - What are your expectations around screen time? February routines can still be settling, especially with new school timetables. Be open to refining things together. The best nanny relationships are built on clarity, not assumptions. 3. Your Nanny Is Observing and Learning --------------------------------------- During the first week, your nanny is: - Learning your child’s personality - Understanding family dynamics - Watching how you communicate - Working out the rhythm of the home It is less about perfection and more about connection. If February marks a new school year, your nanny is also learning teachers’ names, pick up points and extracurricular schedules. It is a lot to absorb in just a few days. 4. Expect Small Tweaks to the Routine ------------------------------------- Even if you have carefully planned everything, real life may look slightly different. Maybe: - School pick up takes longer than expected - Your child needs downtime before homework - Afternoon snacks need adjusting Rather than seeing this as disruption, view it as fine tuning. A short check in at the end of each day during the first week can help you both stay aligned. 5. Communication Is Key in Week One ----------------------------------- The most successful families starting with a nanny prioritise communication early. Set expectations around: - Daily updates, text or in person - Feedback, both positive and constructive - Emergency contacts - Boundaries and privacy If something feels unclear, address it early and kindly. Small misunderstandings are easier to fix in week one than month three. 6. Your Child May Test Boundaries --------------------------------- It is common for children to test limits with a new caregiver. They may: - Push back on instructions - Compare the nanny to you - Try to negotiate different rules This is a normal adjustment phase. The most important thing is consistency. If you and your nanny agree on expectations, your child will settle more quickly. 7. Trust Builds Faster Than You Think ------------------------------------- By the end of the first week, most families feel noticeably more settled. You may notice: - Your child talking positively about the nanny - A smoother morning routine - Greater confidence leaving for work - Relief that the school year has structure again February can feel chaotic, but a capable nanny often becomes the anchor that steadies everything. Practical Tips for Families Starting With a Nanny in February ------------------------------------------------------------- To make the first week easier: - Prepare a written routine, even if it is simple - Share school calendars and term dates - Introduce your nanny to teachers where possible - Have clear agreements around pay and hours from day one - Schedule a 30 minute check in at the end of week one Starting with clarity reduces stress for everyone. Starting With a Nanny? Make Sure Payroll Is Set Up Correctly ------------------------------------------------------------ February is a fresh start. New school year, new routines and often a new nanny. It is also the right time to make sure everything behind the scenes is set up properly from day one. When starting with a nanny in New Zealand, families need to consider: - PAYE deductions - KiwiSaver eligibility - Employment agreements - Leave accrual under the Holidays Act - ACC Getting this right in week one avoids stress later. At [Pay The Nanny](https://paythenanny.nz/For-Families), we handle the payroll, tax and compliance so you can focus on your family and building a strong relationship with your nanny. We ensure everything is calculated correctly, filed on time and fully compliant with NZ employment law. If you are starting with a nanny this February, we can take care of the paperwork so you do not have to. 👉 Learn more about how [Pay The Nanny](https://paythenanny.nz/)simplifies nanny payroll in New Zealand. 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