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Why Commute Time Can Make or Break a Nanny Placement 🚦
- Ruth Regan
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
When families start the process of hiring a nanny, most of the focus goes toward experience, background checks, and how well the nanny connects with the children. Those are all important factors — but there’s one detail that often gets overlooked: the commute.
A nanny’s commute time can make or break a placement. If expectations aren’t clear and logistics aren’t realistic, even the most promising match can fall apart.
A REAL STORY: WHEN COMMUTE TIME GOT IN THE WAY
A family once hired a nanny who had an amazing childcare background, connected beautifully with their child during the interview, and seemed like the perfect fit. But on her very first day, things took a turn.
The nanny hadn’t disclosed how long her commute actually was. That morning, she got stuck in traffic and arrived late. The family was disappointed — and while they gave her another chance, the situation quickly became a source of frustration.
In the end, the placement fell apart. Not because of skills or personality, but simply because the commute wasn’t sustainable.
WHAT NANNIES CAN LEARN
Be upfront about your commute. If the drive is long or traffic patterns are unpredictable, let families know right away.
Think long-term. A commute that feels manageable for a week or two can become draining over months or years.
Be honest about future changes. If you’re considering moving, factor that into your job search.
WHAT FAMILIES CAN LEARN
Provide realistic logistics. Be clear about start and end times, and keep schedules consistent.
Consider location carefully. A nanny who lives closer is more likely to arrive on time and stay long-term.
Ask the right questions. During interviews, clarify how far the nanny lives, how they plan to commute, and what backup plan they have for traffic or weather.
WHY THIS MATTERS
A great nanny-family relationship is built on trust, consistency, and open communication. When both sides are upfront about commute expectations, everyone benefits:
✔️ Families get reliable, stress-free coverage
✔️ Nannies avoid burnout from long, exhausting drives
✔️ Children experience consistent, dependable care
The takeaway?
Commute time isn’t a small detail — it’s a cornerstone of a successful nanny placement.
WANT TO HANDLE THE SEARCH YOURSELF?
Not every family chooses to work directly with an agency — and that’s why we created the Confident Nanny Hiring: The Complete Parent’s Guide Bundle.
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WHAT'S INSIDE THE BUNDLE?
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Step-by-step guidance for writing clear job ads, conducting interviews with confidence, and running structured trial days that set everyone up for success.
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Understand industry standards for pay, overtime, and bonuses. Learn creative incentive strategies that keep your nanny motivated, happy, and long-term committed.
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THE ULTIMATE NANNY & BABYSITTER INTERVIEW TOOLKIT
Not sure where to start? We’ve also created a Free Nanny Interview Toolkit to help parents kick off the hiring process with clarity. Inside, you’ll find:
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Red flags to listen for during interviews
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