#nanny tips

When I was nannying three boys (at the time, 8,9, and 11) we would have a system called “bad tomorrow”.

“Bad tomorrow” was used for when we were out in public, or it was too late in the night for a formal punishment.

For example: the 8 year old and 11 year old are teaming up against the 9 year old in a restaurant. They are arguing and its starting to get out of hand— issue the “bad tomorrow” warning, making sure each of them heard you clearly, and hope it worked. Depending on age, decide how many warnings they get. These boys got two, because they are intelligent enough to understand that actions have consequences. If they are still fighting, and especially if one child hurts another to make them cry, that’s when you give the strict “bad tomorrow”.

The purpose of it is to protect the kids (and yourself, really) from the public embarrassment of punishment. No one likes the guardian yelling at their child, especially not the guardian or child. So, while still protecting the childs feelings and any possible scrutiny, you get across the message that you were serious, and you will follow through with a punishment.

Then, tomorrow, they get a “bad” day. No electronics. More time outside (with these boys, that often managed how rough they were with one another). More time reading, doing school work, and time one on one. Maybe throw in your own punishment. These kids, they loved their kindles more than life itself, so the threat of having a “bad tomorrow” without them, or any electronics, was usually enough to earn apologies. And sometimes I would have to follow through, but they learned.

In another case, it could be the children being too rowdy late at night, or doing some kind of act that would earn a punishment. Say it’s bedtime and they are being a big brat. Its too late to take away electronics— they’re already away! Instead, they get a “bad morning” or “bad afternoon” warning. This late at night, children are tired and likely to make stupid mistakes they wouldn’t have meant if they were rested. So, you split the punishment. It shows the action was still wrong, but you can understand that they felt off and it was just a bad moment in time.

Ask Us! How do I get it all done in one day?

We don’t  fly around with a magic black umbrella or claim to have the skills of Mary Poppins, but our Nanny Team Counselors do have over 100 years of combined experience placing great Nanny candidates in childcare jobs all over the Bay Area. When it comes to navigating the world of professional in-home childcare, we’ve just about seen it all. So go ahead, Ask Us!

My job has Family Assistant responsibilities in addition to childcare. Some days it’s tough to get it all done. Do you have suggestions as to how to manage the children and the household duties? – Julie

Dear Julie,

We all know multitasking can be difficult, especially when it comes to getting things done with children by your side. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the amount of Family Assistant duties that are included in a Nanny’s job description. Here are a few suggestions for how to get household chores done efficiently.

Grocery Shopping and Running Errands

Get shopping and errands done early in the day. Grocery stores tend to be less busy in the morning. They often have the freshest produce in the morning, too. Children are also less likely to be overtired and hungry.

Turn shopping into an adventure. Use your imagination with children. Are you just picking up fish or are you going deep-sea fishing? The sky’s the limit when it comes to imagination. Creating your story or theme to fit the children’s interest will speed the errand and curb meltdowns.

Use the items in the aisles of the store as a language learning experience. Associating words and objects is great for children. Point out items and say their names. If you speak a second language, and the parents want you to speak in that language to your charge, you should say the word in the secondary language, too.

Bring healthy snacks. There’s nothing worse than a hungry child in a grocery store. Make sure the snacks are parent-approved and easy for children to manage by themselves.

Plan ahead. If you are responsible for preparing meals, make a menu for the week and make a grocery list from the menus. You could even use a website like Pinterest to save your best recipes.

Use an App like “Our Groceries” or “Grocery IQ” to have the family share their lists with you so you can get as much as possible in one visit and limit trips back to the store.

Some duties are best suited for nap time, but if your charges are too old for a nap, the duties can be accomplished while the children are doing an independent activity like coloring or homework. Always make sure your charges are within your sight and within arms’ reach. Creating the most efficient work flow is helpful to make sure all of your tasks are completed. The duties outlined below can be done simultaneously.

Laundry: When the children go down for a nap, start a load of laundry. Laundry has a delay, so after you start the load, you have a period of time to get other things done. While the laundry is going, clean up any dishes from breakfast or lunch. Starting with a clean workspace will allow for easier meal prep.

Meal Prep: After you have cleaned the kitchen, dive into meal prep. Marinate the protein and chop the vegetables. Cook what can be prepared ahead of time, realizing that some things should be cooked right before serving. Wash all the dishes you used in your meal prep and wipe down the counters. Switch over the laundry and start a new load.

Light Housekeeping: Nannies are not expected to do deep cleaning, but they are expected to keep the house tidy. Pick up any stray toys and vacuum or sweep the floor if needed. If you have the bandwidth, take on small organizational projects. After the home is back in order, take a moment to sit down and rest while you fold the laundry.

Ask Us! How do I get it all done in one day?

We don’t  fly around with a magic black umbrella or claim to have the skills of Mary Poppins, but our Nanny Team Counselors do have over 100 years of combined experience placing great Nanny candidates in childcare jobs all over the Bay Area. When it comes to navigating the world of professional in-home childcare, we’ve just about seen it all. So go ahead, Ask Us!

My job has Family Assistant responsibilities in addition to childcare. Some days it’s tough to get it all done. Do you have suggestions as to how to manage the children and the household duties? – Julie

Dear Julie,

We all know multitasking can be difficult, especially when it comes to getting things done with children by your side. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the amount of Family Assistant duties that are included in a Nanny’s job description. Here are a few suggestions for how to get household chores done efficiently.

Grocery Shopping and Running Errands

Get shopping and errands done early in the day. Grocery stores tend to be less busy in the morning. They often have the freshest produce in the morning, too. Children are also less likely to be overtired and hungry.

Turn shopping into an adventure. Use your imagination with children. Are you just picking up fish or are you going deep-sea fishing? The sky’s the limit when it comes to imagination. Creating your story or theme to fit the children’s interest will speed the errand and curb meltdowns.

Use the items in the aisles of the store as a language learning experience. Associating words and objects is great for children. Point out items and say their names. If you speak a second language, and the parents want you to speak in that language to your charge, you should say the word in the secondary language, too.

Bring healthy snacks. There’s nothing worse than a hungry child in a grocery store. Make sure the snacks are parent-approved and easy for children to manage by themselves.

Plan ahead. If you are responsible for preparing meals, make a menu for the week and make a grocery list from the menus. You could even use a website like Pinterest to save your best recipes.

Use an App like “Our Groceries” or “Grocery IQ” to have the family share their lists with you so you can get as much as possible in one visit and limit trips back to the store.

Some duties are best suited for nap time, but if your charges are too old for a nap, the duties can be accomplished while the children are doing an independent activity like coloring or homework. Always make sure your charges are within your sight and within arms’ reach. Creating the most efficient work flow is helpful to make sure all of your tasks are completed. The duties outlined below can be done simultaneously.

Laundry: When the children go down for a nap, start a load of laundry. Laundry has a delay, so after you start the load, you have a period of time to get other things done. While the laundry is going, clean up any dishes from breakfast or lunch. Starting with a clean workspace will allow for easier meal prep.

Meal Prep: After you have cleaned the kitchen, dive into meal prep. Marinate the protein and chop the vegetables. Cook what can be prepared ahead of time, realizing that some things should be cooked right before serving. Wash all the dishes you used in your meal prep and wipe down the counters. Switch over the laundry and start a new load.

Light Housekeeping: Nannies are not expected to do deep cleaning, but they are expected to keep the house tidy. Pick up any stray toys and vacuum or sweep the floor if needed. If you have the bandwidth, take on small organizational projects. After the home is back in order, take a moment to sit down and rest while you fold the laundry.

Traveling with Your Employer

Spring and summer breaks are quickly approaching and this means a lot of families are planning vacations near and far. If your employer has asked you to travel with their family we encourage you to do so. Traveling with your employer can allow you to grow closer with your charges and also give you the opportunity to travel to areas you’ve never been. But before you agree to go, here are a few things to consider:

Talk about the schedule ahead of time. Unless noted otherwise, assume that you are working during the flight or car ride. This is not a time to put on your headphones, catch up on a movie or take a nap. Don’t expect to work your typical schedule when you’re traveling with your employer. If you work a 40 hour week, you may still be working 40 hours, just with a shift in the timing, or you may be asked to work longer hours. Maybe you’ll be working a split-shift and you can explore during the day or maybe one day your employer wants to go out in the evening and you work an earlier shift. Whatever the shift, try to be as accommodating as possible. Your flexibility will go a long way!

Know your accommodations. Will you be sleeping in the same room as the children? Will you have your own room? Let your preferences be known to your employer. If you are sharing space with your employers be mindful of your belongs and keep your area tidy.

Bring your own money. You can expect that your basic needs such as flight, housing and meals will be met by your employer. Any additional snacks and souvenirs will be your responsibility.

Understand your pay. You should be paid for your travel days, in addition to the hours you will be working while away. At a minimum you should expect to be paid your standard hourly, daily or weekly rate. However, some families provide additional compensation, such as an additional flat rate per day.

Traveling with Your Employer

Spring and summer breaks are quickly approaching and this means a lot of families are planning vacations near and far. If your employer has asked you to travel with their family we encourage you to do so. Traveling with your employer can allow you to grow closer with your charges and also give you the opportunity to travel to areas you’ve never been. But before you agree to go, here are a few things to consider:

Talk about the schedule ahead of time. Unless noted otherwise, assume that you are working during the flight or car ride. This is not a time to put on your headphones, catch up on a movie or take a nap. Don’t expect to work your typical schedule when you’re traveling with your employer. If you work a 40 hour week, you may still be working 40 hours, just with a shift in the timing, or you may be asked to work longer hours. Maybe you’ll be working a split-shift and you can explore during the day or maybe one day your employer wants to go out in the evening and you work an earlier shift. Whatever the shift, try to be as accommodating as possible. Your flexibility will go a long way!

Know your accommodations. Will you be sleeping in the same room as the children? Will you have your own room? Let your preferences be known to your employer. If you are sharing space with your employers be mindful of your belongs and keep your area tidy.

Bring your own money. You can expect that your basic needs such as flight, housing and meals will be met by your employer. Any additional snacks and souvenirs will be your responsibility.

Understand your pay. You should be paid for your travel days, in addition to the hours you will be working while away. At a minimum you should expect to be paid your standard hourly, daily or weekly rate. However, some families provide additional compensation, such as an additional flat rate per day.