Caring for kids when their parents/guardians are operating and working from home can become difficult. Due to COVID-19, numerous families are choosing to abide by the stay-at-home orders. For both kids and adults, authority, limitations, schedules, routines and so much more can become confusing, when parents suddenly are required to work from home.
For this reason, we decided to put together some tips for nannies, who are wondering how to successfully navigate working with parents/guardians who are working and operating from home. In order to get these difficult times communication, openness, and understanding are crucial.
ESTABLISH A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Periodic and honest communication with parents/guardians is important, now more than ever due to Covid-19 changes. You may recommend brief day-to-day check-ins with the parent/guardian as soon as you enter and prior to you leaving. You should schedule specific times of day where you can chat if you are sheltering with the family.
During these check-ins, query parents/guardians to state their expectations for the day and any adjustments to timetables, if necessary. Prior to you departing, you can discuss how the day went, what you or the kids battled with, and suggestions on what you think needs to improve in the future.
These daily check-ins will guarantee that the parents’ workday isn’t disrupted unless it’s an urgent situation, and the kids won’t be puzzled if they see the nanny and parent around the home, simultaneously.
SYNCHRONIZE SCHEDULES
Although quick daily check-ins are crucial, you ought to also arrange a longer meeting with the parents as soon as possible. (When the kids are napping or asleep is an ideal time.) This ensures that you both are on the same page so that your day runs a bit more smoothly.
Ask about their work-from-home schedule. When does their workday begin? What time will they be done, and when do they take breaks? Will they spend breaks with the children, or stay in their workspace? For example, maybe they’ll take short breaks catching up on calls, but they’ll use their lunch break eating with their little ones.
If the kids are schooling at home, obtain all the information regarding their school schedules. They might have video calls with their school teacher and peers in the morning. Review and check their homework and class assignments and how exactly they’re being turned in.
Ensure you touch grounds on suitable activities for the little ones when they’re not in class or studying. Do they have virtual playdates with their friends? Are they permitted to play in the yard (backyard or front yard)? Is it okay to take walks with you?
You might think that some of these questions have obvious answers to them, but you may be taken by surprise. For this reason, you must communicate with the parents/guardians so that any assumptions or misunderstanding can be cleared up quickly.
REESTABLISH BOUNDARIES
Having parents/guardians in the home simultaneously as you can disrupt routines, weaken your authority, and make your work more difficult, although it’s not deliberate! That’s why discussing and establishing boundaries is so crucial.
What should you do if the kids get hurt or start feeling ill whilst in your care? At what point should you disrupt the parents? Furthermore, how should you communicate with them throughout the workday? Text may possibly be the easiest way if they aren’t to be disrupted, which can also discourage the little ones from knocking on their door.
Talk about physical boundaries, as well. Recommend a system for allowing the kids to know it’s fine to go into their parents’ office or workspace. A “do not disturb” poster, sign, or something similar is a useful visual signal that parents can utilize.
Or, you may establish the following system:
If their door is closed, they shouldn’t be disrupted.
If their door is partly open, knock and ask if you can come in.
If their door is fully open, it’s fine to enter.
Whatever system you decide can assist everyone feels less worried and more confident that they’re not doing something wrong.
TALK TO THE PARENTS
Keep in mind that it’s all right if you realize that an approach, rule, or system that you both decided on isn’t working. It’s a hectic, stressful period for adults and kids. If something isn’t going as planned or working out, speak to the parents/guardians and be open and honest. They will more than likely be adaptable and understanding. No one has planned for circumstances like this, and every person is attuning to working and schooling from home. At times, to get matters right, a bit of trial-and-error has to take place.
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