Friday, May 05, 2006
Nannies and Summer Vacation Time (Cont)
Written by Kathleen Webb
Last month I discussed scheduling and compensation issues that arise during summer vacation months. The summer months can give a nanny gray hairs for an entirely different reason, I am told. School is OUT!
Many nannies care for both school aged and pre-school aged children in the same family. The school year is very predictable, and nannies find that establishing a routine that works for everyone takes just a week or two once school starts. But the long summer vacation months create any number of challenges for nannies in this position, much the same as they do for stay-at-home moms.
The Pool:
Balancing the toddler in the 'baby pool' and the 6 year old who wants to jump off the diving board will pre-maturely age any caregiver! Nannies work out a variety of solutions, from taking turns to tag-teaming with another mom or nanny.
Nap Time:
The toddler MUST have a nap, or everyone will suffer through the 4PM melt down and have an entirely miserable evening. The 6 year old, on the other hand, will slow down for lunch and be ready to go again! Most nannies will work 'quiet time' into the summer schedule. Toddler will nap, and the 6 year old will self entertain - quietly read a book, work with legos, color, or any silent activity. Many nannies report that their school aged charges willl often doze off too! Parents, please encourage this. Your nanny needs a breather mid-day too!
Keeping the House Clean:
Okay, something has to give. The nanny who routinely straightens up the home during toddler nap times faces challenges during the summer months. Many nannies will enlist the aid of the older charges, establishing clean up time sometime in the late afternoon so the parents return to a reasonably orderly home. Often, all kids will participate in play room clean up while nanny is prepping dinner or tidying up the kitchen. Some low-level disorder, however, has to be expected. The pool towels may be hanging over the deck drying, and suits may draped over the shower curtain bar.
Show Appreciation:
Families, don't forget to 'catch your nanny being good' during the summer months. Treat her and the kids to movie tickets when rain is forecasted for the third day in a row. Come home early once a week and let her go early. Establish a Pizza Night so she can look forward to one day without prepping dinner. The small gestures will have huge impact. And don't forget to celebrate September!
For more information on hiring, orienting, managing and retaining your family's nanny, visit the Family Tool Kit at 4nannies.com.
Last month I discussed scheduling and compensation issues that arise during summer vacation months. The summer months can give a nanny gray hairs for an entirely different reason, I am told. School is OUT!
Many nannies care for both school aged and pre-school aged children in the same family. The school year is very predictable, and nannies find that establishing a routine that works for everyone takes just a week or two once school starts. But the long summer vacation months create any number of challenges for nannies in this position, much the same as they do for stay-at-home moms.
The Pool:
Balancing the toddler in the 'baby pool' and the 6 year old who wants to jump off the diving board will pre-maturely age any caregiver! Nannies work out a variety of solutions, from taking turns to tag-teaming with another mom or nanny.
Nap Time:
The toddler MUST have a nap, or everyone will suffer through the 4PM melt down and have an entirely miserable evening. The 6 year old, on the other hand, will slow down for lunch and be ready to go again! Most nannies will work 'quiet time' into the summer schedule. Toddler will nap, and the 6 year old will self entertain - quietly read a book, work with legos, color, or any silent activity. Many nannies report that their school aged charges willl often doze off too! Parents, please encourage this. Your nanny needs a breather mid-day too!
Keeping the House Clean:
Okay, something has to give. The nanny who routinely straightens up the home during toddler nap times faces challenges during the summer months. Many nannies will enlist the aid of the older charges, establishing clean up time sometime in the late afternoon so the parents return to a reasonably orderly home. Often, all kids will participate in play room clean up while nanny is prepping dinner or tidying up the kitchen. Some low-level disorder, however, has to be expected. The pool towels may be hanging over the deck drying, and suits may draped over the shower curtain bar.
Show Appreciation:
Families, don't forget to 'catch your nanny being good' during the summer months. Treat her and the kids to movie tickets when rain is forecasted for the third day in a row. Come home early once a week and let her go early. Establish a Pizza Night so she can look forward to one day without prepping dinner. The small gestures will have huge impact. And don't forget to celebrate September!
For more information on hiring, orienting, managing and retaining your family's nanny, visit the Family Tool Kit at 4nannies.com.
