Writing a Recommendation Letter 101
How To Show Your Nanny’s Glow
Sometimes, writing a recommendation letter comes easily, especially if you work in a career field where you have to read or write them frequently. But sometimes, they are a little more elusive. Not because you don’t have amazing things to write, but because you really want to do it justice. It’s a question I hear a lot from parents - “What do I even write in a recommendation letter for my nanny? Are there specific things that I need to include?”
The Purpose
The ultimate goal of a recommendation letter is to set your nanny up for success when it’s time for them to move on to their next position. If your nanny asks you for a recommendation letter mid-employment, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are looking for a new job—it just means they are proactively building and maintaining their professional portfolio. Consider that, while some nannies get lucky with long-term positions, most expect to be on the job market every 3–5 years as children age out of care or transition into full-time school.
Nannies often maintain a list of previous employers as professional references. When their position with you ends, chances are they’ll include you. However, during a job search, nannies may interview with dozens of families over just a few weeks. Rather than flooding their references with calls, many nannies prefer to provide recommendation letters early in the hiring process and reserve live references for final-stage interviews. This allows them to showcase their qualifications while respecting the time and privacy of their references.
So how do you write a glowing recommendation letter? Let’s break it down.
The Three P’s
Consider a recommendation letter for your nanny as a highlight reel. By providing your nanny an annual recommendation letter you can capture a snapshot of time that demonstrates growth, consistency, and overall reliability. In order to write a glowing recommendation letter that boosts your nanny in their next job search follow the Three P’s : Professionalism, Personality, and Peace of Mind.
Professionalism
When families are hiring nannies the first thing they are looking for is professionalism. Having a winning personality doesn’t matter if you aren’t reliable. This is the section of the recommendation letter where you highlight the ways your nanny shows capability in their position. Take the time to highlight the characteristics that define your nanny as a professional:
Reliability – Does your nanny show up every day, only missing work for true emergencies?
Punctuality – Are they always early, knowing you need to leave right on time?
Attention to Detail – Can they manage your household with precision?
Proactivity – Do they take initiative without needing to be asked?
Flexibility – Do they adapt easily to changing needs?
Problem Solving – Do they anticipate issues and offer solutions?
Work Ethic – Do they arrive ready to work each day?
Expertise – Are they knowledgeable about childcare, offering helpful insights into your child’s development?
Personality
You’ve established your nanny’s professionalism—but what about the personal connection? Families want to know that their nanny has a personality that meshes well with their household.
Here are a few traits to highlight:
Gentleness – Are they a calming presence in your home?
Patience – Do they manage chaos with grace, even on hard days?
Thoughtfulness – Have they gone out of their way to show your kids they’re seen and loved?
Passion – Is their love for childcare evident in everything they do?
Creativity – Are they always introducing new crafts or imaginative play?
Energy – Are they active and always on the go with your high-energy crew?
Joyfulness – Is your house full of laughter when they’re around?
Peace of Mind
Many parents feel anxious leaving their children with someone new—no matter how qualified that person is. In this final section, speak from the heart about the value your nanny brings and how they positively affect your household’s day-to-day life.
How do you feel when you leave for work each day?
Do you trust that your children are safe, happy, and thriving?
Would you hire this nanny again without hesitation? Why?
Has their presence brought irreplaceable peace and confidence to your life?
The Product
Now that you’ve gathered your thoughts, it's time to pull them together into a clear format.
1. Date – Place the date at the top to provide context and help establish a timeline in your nanny’s career.
2. Greeting – Use a generic greeting like “To whom it may concern,” as letters may be used for years.
3. Paragraph 1: Introduction – Share who you are, your relationship to the nanny, how long they’ve worked for you, and their role in your household. Mention the age group of the children they care for.
4. Paragraph 2: Professionalism – Choose 2–3 traits that reflect their professional strengths and explain how those qualities have impacted your household.
5. Paragraph 3: Personality – Choose 2–3 personal qualities that have enriched your children’s lives or the environment of your home.
6. Paragraph 4: Peace of Mind – Describe the trust and confidence your nanny has built with your family and the overall value of their care.
7. Signature – If possible, sign a printed version. A typed signature is acceptable if that’s not feasible.
Important Note: Avoid including your contact information in the letter. Let your nanny know privately whether you're open to being contacted as a reference.
Write in a warm, personal tone. A recommendation letter should connect emotionally with the reader while remaining honest and accurate. Don’t exaggerate—your nanny will be best served by a letter that reflects their real strengths and the genuine trust you’ve built.
Personal Recommendation Letters
If you’ve been following along, you may remember our recent blog post on the Top 4 Reasons Nannies Should Ask for an Annual Recommendation Letter. In that post, we left it open-ended about who can write recommendation letters. So, if you're here because you want to write a letter for a nanny you know personally but do not employ, this section is for you.
The most important rule? Be honest. Only speak to what you’ve directly witnessed.
Use the same general structure with a few adjustments:
Date – Again, start with the date.
Greeting – “To whom it may concern” works well here too.
Paragraph 1: Introduction – Explain how you know the nanny and in what context you've seen them interact with children.
Paragraph 2: Professionalism – You might not be able to speak to job responsibilities, but you can note how the nanny interacts with kids: Are they engaged, attentive, dependable?
Paragraph 3: Personality – Choose a few characteristics that define them as a caregiver. Cite any memorable examples if possible.
Paragraph 4: Peace of Mind – Share your overall impression and the level of trust and confidence you have in them.
Signature – Sign or type your name, and let the nanny know privately if you’re open to being contacted.
Personal recommendation letters might be shorter, but they can still shine. Focus on what you know, and keep it sincere.
Final Thoughts
Writing a recommendation letter for your nanny is one of the most impactful ways to express appreciation for their hard work, commitment, and love for your children. Whether you're celebrating the end of a chapter or simply helping them build their professional portfolio, your words can open doors to new opportunities and bring peace of mind to future families.
So, take a few moments to reflect on the care your nanny has provided, and start writing. Your honest, heartfelt recommendation can be the key to their next great opportunity—and a meaningful way to say thank you for everything they’ve given your family.
