Nannies are important members of households. They provide care for children and support for the family. If you’re thinking of becoming a nanny, you should be excited. At the same time, however, nannies are often asked to do things that fall outside of their job description. Here are a few tips for being a great nanny while maintaining work-life boundaries.
Learn to Cook
Kids have to eat, and whether you’re a housekeeping nanny or not, if you’re watching kids during mealtimes, you’ll likely be expected to prepare food for them. Great cooking will win over little kids’ hearts, and you can make activities out of teaching the kids how to cook, too.
Keep an Open Conversation with the Parents
As a nanny, it’s your job to balance the needs of two customers: the parents and the kids. Sometimes the needs of both match up, but often, they do not. Keep open communication with the parents by filling them in on what’s going on in their kids’ lives. Ultimately, they are the ones responsible for the child, so it’s your job to help them with it. If their kid has a little crush on another kid at school, it may be a secret you can keep for them. But anything related to behavior, moods, or difficulties should be told to the parents at the end of the day.
Ask the Parents about Preferred Disciplinary Style
Part of maintaining structure is disciplining and acting toward the kids in a way that falls in line with the parents’ actions. When you first land a job, make sure to discuss what and how the parents would like you to act in disciplinary situations.
Use a Written Work Agreement with the Family
Some nannies live and work in the family’s home while others live outside. Some nannies take on household chores, while other nannies just care for the children. When you start a job, make sure to create a written agreement with the parents. This will help you keep boundaries and gives you a backing when the parents ask you to do something that falls outside your job description.
Be Clear About Your Job Description
Because there are many types of nannies, make sure that you and the family are clear about what you will be doing for them. This should be discussed before you ever sign on to work. Job description affects how much the family pays you and how much work you will be doing each day.
Establish Boundaries
When parents rely on you, they may quickly start asking if you’re available on the weekends or at times other than those you previously agreed upon. While it’s okay to do parents a favor here and there, make sure that you also make time for yourself. On the flipside, remember that being a nanny is a job. Keep your private life to yourself. If the parents ask how your weekend was, maybe don’t tell them about the crazy drunken night you had. While it’s understandable that you would want to be a real person outside of your job, any hint of behavior deemed inappropriate for children can be very scary to parents who see you as a role model and influence in their child’s life.
Be Creative and Put Effort into the Time You Spend with the Kids
Look up different ways to keep kids occupied while also helping them learn. Talk with the parents about where the kids are in schools so that you can help out with homework or learning to read. Don’t show up on the job having no idea of what you and the kids will be doing. Have a game plan and get creative with what you and the kids do together.
