10 Tips for Nannies Working During COVID-19
Many nannies work for essential workers
As nannies, many of us are considered essential workers. During these uncertain times, we all crave a sense of normalcy and comfort for ourselves, the families we work for, and the children in our care. While it is easy to become overwhelmed with nonstop media coverage about what we “should be doing” while caring for children in the home, as a career nanny, I’ve come up with some tips that will make caring for children during this pandemic a little easier.
1. Set a Routine
Notice how I used the word routine and not schedule? This is because routines are a bit more flexible. As much as kids need structure, they also need flexibility! Establishing a daily routine that is predicable for everyone will help the day flow better. It will also give children a sense of comfort, especially school aged children, who are generally in a classroom that runs like clockwork. Getting this routine on paper and trying your best to stick to it will help with difficult transitions and can make the day go by faster.
2. Set Expectations
It’s easy to fall off track during a time of additional stress and anxiety. Use this time to communicate your expectations with your employer and your charges. Consider what your expectations are for the day for yourself, your charges, and your work family. Be reasonable here! Also, do you have parents working from home? Make sure to talk about that, too! Check in and make sure expectations are being met and that you’re holding each other accountable.
3. Limit Media Consumption
It’s easy to jump on Facebook and compare what you’re doing to what other nannies are doing. Some nannies have developed a color coded, foolproof system that has a schedule down to the minute. Others have transformed their playroom into a full-on classroom. If that's your style, and it works for your charges, that’s great. If it’s not, don't be discouraged! Everyone's style is different, and if everyone's needs are being met, there isn't a right or wrong way to provide care each day. Limiting your media intake can help to prevent feeling “not good enough.” It’s also helpful to limit where you get your news from. While most people mean well, places like your local governmental agencies, WHO, and the CDC have the information you’ll want to be reading.
4. Cut Yourself Some Slack
While it’s important to have expectations for yourself, it’s also important to cut yourself some slack. We are working in uncertain and unprecedented times, and while you may be grateful to still be employed, it’s okay to be sad and anxious too! Many nannies are adjusting to a new schedule or to having additional children and parents at home. This can mean new routines and new ways of interacting. Be kind to yourself. It’s a time of transition and learning for all.
5. Cut Your Employers Some Slack
While many nannies are adjusting to new routines, this means nanny employers are transitioning as well. Many nanny employers are essential employees who will be new to working at home and new to working alongside their nannies! Extra dishes, or laundry? Pitch in where you can, but also know your limits. Communication is always key for a healthy employer-employee relationship. This is true now more than ever.
6. Cut the Children Some Slack
While we are talking about being lenient, we can’t forget about our charges. It is a scary time for adults; imagine how scary it is to be a child! For many children, their whole world has changed, and it’s likely they don't fully understand why. During this time, you may even be seeing outwards expressions of inward feelings. Those extra tantrums? They may be coming from a place of fear! Don't be afraid to pass out extra hugs or words of affirmation to your littles, they need it now more than ever!
7. Let Them Play
Sure, many of us have gone into Super Nanny mode, and have become Pinterest in the flesh, but don’t forget to let the children play! A large component of early education is socialization, and a lot of that is done through play. While the socialization with peers may be lacking, make sure to get those imaginations working. Not all work is done with a pencil and paper, and some of the best work is done when two people are doing something together and having lots of fun.
8. Get Creative
Use what you have and find new ways to use it! Shaving cream can help with letter practice, plastic toys could maybe use a scrub in the bathtub, and those paper scraps could be transformed into a cool, imaginary animal! Let your charges help to think of some new fun things to try and if you’re struggling, check out Pinterest or check-in with your online nanny community!
9. Think Positively
The one thing we all have the power to do is to have a positive mindset. Children are not going to remember the worksheets they’ve done, but they will remember the positivity that radiates off the people they love and look up to. Positive thinking is a powerful tool and can be helpful now more than ever.
10. Follow the Orders and Guidelines for Your Area
We are role models to the children in our care, and to the children in our community. Some of us are even role models to our peers. Set a good example, and follow the guidelines put in place by your local governmental agencies. Doing so will go a long way in helping to keep everyone safe
Right now, nannies can provide foundational support to our charges and work families. Remaining positive, being honest about our expectations and limits, and creating a consistent environment for our kiddos during this time of uncertainty can help too foster positive feelings of safety and security.
While how nannies approach their jobs and work with their families during this pandemic may look slightly different, be sure that you are caring for yourself and your work family in a way that works best for you.