5 Things THIS Mom Wants YOU to Know
Does Your MomBoss Know Best?
By Anna Engel
Talk it Out
As a parent, I have so many things going on in my head at any given time. A few; my child's happiness and safety, wherever I need to be that I am probably already late for, grocery lists, that one basket of unfolded clothes, or the preschool board meeting. You get the idea. It is very often the case that whatever question, concern, or comment you have - negative, neutral, positive, big or small, is far away from the top of my mind. I urge you to always talk to me. Come to me. Casually or arranged. If you have a question that needs clarification, if you have noticed something our house needs, if you have feedback on our son, or if you are unhappy, I want to know, and I want to take the time to listen and work out the best solution. When in doubt, let's talk this out.
Bring the Baggage
If you aren't a parent or haven't yet figured this one out, pack to the max when out with the child you are watching! Bring a backpack that holds your game-changing items. In ours: a change of clothes and underwear, snacks (bonus: extras to share at a park play date,) hand sanitizer, mineral sunscreen stick, a book, a teething toy or pacifier if of age, a blankie, Lovie, or similar security item, bandages, diapers, wipes whether or not your child still needs them for diaper changes, a warm hat for cold months, a baseball cap for sunshine, gloves, crayons and notepad, and a plastic grocery bag to toss dirty clothes or other messes in. Never apologize for an overstuffed bag; a carry-on is a must. Backpacks act as a bonus to free your hands up to chase your kid, so ditch the purse or over-the-shoulder style.
Embrace the Newsflash
When in doubt, apply the following: your nanny-family needs you far more than you need them. Why is this vitally important for your time with any child and their parents? It fosters a well-deserved and unquestionable sense of self and worthiness. (So how's that for self-worth?) Families will forever need nannies and sitters, and it can often be challenging and time-consuming to find a good match. If you are a good match (You are! Kudos to you!), embrace the fact that your nanny-family wants and values having you around, but more importantly, they need you. And that, my friend, is a powerful tool.
Own the Place
When a nanny or sitter walks into my home, the most helpful feeling is her ability to take over seamlessly. No matter what stage of getting ready and out the door I am in when our nanny walks in and is easily able to pick up all the pieces (and Legos and breakfast plates and our son), I feel at ease. There is no more reassuring feeling to the entire family, parents and children alike, of someone confident and comfortable enough to take over each time they are there.
No Nickels. No Dimes.
Have you ever haggled with your hair stylist? While she finished drying your new style, did you tell her that you’re on a budget so you’d be willing to pay only a fraction of her rate? Ever gotten an oil change? Did you pay the mechanic whatever you chose because you believe his services are worth less than what he charges? Chances are, you probably haven’t. Why? Because, like others, these individuals have a set rate for their services. They value their expertise enough to say, “This is what it costs. You don’t like it? Learn how to cut your own hair.” The same is true when it comes to you and your skillset; your rate is your rate, especially for hourly pay. If a family cannot afford or doesn’t wish to pay your rate, they will find someone else who fits within their monetary limits. Don’t settle on worth.