When hiring a nanny in Dubai, one of the best things you can do early on is create a clear and effective daily schedule. Whether your nanny is full-time, live-in, or part-time, a well-structured routine sets expectations, reduces misunderstandings, and helps both the nanny and your children thrive.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to building a nanny schedule that works for everyone involved.
Why Is a Nanny Schedule Important?
Having a written or clearly communicated schedule:
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Sets clear expectations for working hours and tasks
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Helps your nanny manage her time and energy
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Creates predictability for your children
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Reduces stress and last-minute confusion
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Supports accountability and fairness on both sides
In Dubai, where many households employ nannies from different cultural backgrounds, a detailed schedule can also help bridge language and communication gaps.
Step 1: Define Core Working Hours
Start by determining your nanny’s base working hours. This will depend on whether she is live-in, live-out, or part-time.
Typical schedules in Dubai:
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Live-in nanny: 10–12 hours per day with a midday break
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Live-out nanny: 8–10 hours per day
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Part-time nanny: 4–6 hours per day
Be realistic about the hours and make sure they comply with UAE labor law, including rest breaks and weekly time off.
Step 2: Outline Key Responsibilities
List all the tasks you expect your nanny to manage. This might include:
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Morning routines (getting kids ready, breakfast)
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School or nursery drop-off and pick-up
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Playtime and activities
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Meal prep and feeding
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Nap supervision
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Bath and bedtime routines
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Light housekeeping related to the children (laundry, tidying toys)
Being specific avoids confusion. For example, instead of writing "do laundry," say "wash, fold, and organize children’s laundry every Monday and Thursday."
Step 3: Build a Sample Daily Routine
Here’s an example of a toddler nanny schedule in Dubai:
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Nanny arrives / helps with breakfast and morning routine
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: School or nursery drop-off
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Childcare duties / housekeeping (when child is at school)
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Pick up / prepare lunch
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch + nap time supervision
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Playtime / developmental activities
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Bath, dinner prep / tidy-up
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Wrap-up day, handover to parents
Adjust according to your child’s age and your family’s unique needs.
Step 4: Include Flexibility for Special Days
Not every day is the same. Build in time for:
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Playdates
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Doctor appointments
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Errands or grocery runs
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Weekend shifts (if agreed)
Having a “floating hour” or flexible block allows room for life’s unpredictability.
Step 5: Communicate and Review Regularly
Once your schedule is in place:
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Share it in writing (WhatsApp, printout, or digital doc)
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Walk through it together with your nanny
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Encourage her to ask questions
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Review the schedule monthly or as your child’s needs evolve
Make it a conversation—not a command. A happy nanny who feels heard will be more committed and consistent.
Bonus Tip: Include Your Nanny in the Planning
Ask your nanny for input on what works best. She might suggest a better nap window or ways to combine tasks more efficiently. Her experience is valuable—especially if she’s worked with children of similar ages.
Final Thoughts
Creating a nanny schedule isn’t just about assigning tasks—it’s about building a rhythm that works for your home, your child, and your caregiver. With thoughtful planning and regular check-ins, you’ll set the stage for a happy, productive partnership.
