Navigating Working from Home with a Nanny
The COVID situation has made families working from home the new normal. This new dynamic has presented unique challenges to both parents and nannies, so we want to share nanny employer best practices for success. Please remember this is a time for both families and nanny to give each other extra grace. Everyone is handling the emotional impact of the Coronavirus differently, and we encourage you to be extra understanding.
- When you are working at home, you are working for your employer. It could be tempting for your nanny to interrupt with questions that would normally wait. Conversely, your nanny is working as your caregiver, and if you pop in when he/she is in the middle of games, projects, etc. with your children, it can be disruptive to their schedule. Establish a procedure for interruptions that works for both of you. Consider setting up predetermined times to visit with your kids such as snack and/or lunchtime.
- It is important to set a tone of mutual respect and professionalism, versus blurring any personal boundaries. This way, you are able to have important, and sometimes difficult, conversations without additional complications.
- During this unique time, open communication is extra important. On at least a weekly basis, have a conversation with your nanny to determine what is working and not working, so that you can adjust accordingly.
- Even when your children are not in sight, they will be aware of your presence. In order for your nanny to maintain her/his leadership role, we encourage you to trust your nanny, and don’t come running in if your child is crying. (If your nanny is constantly doing things wrong, or you don’t trust her judgment, it is time to have a bigger conversation.)
- Both you and your nanny need to feel comfortable with the arrangements in the midst of the pandemic. Continue to check in about health precautions, what to do if anyone is experiencing symptoms, establish guidelines that each of you (and your households) should follow on your off-hours (CDC recommendations are the most up to date), and make sure that your nanny continues to be comfortable coming into work.