Advice for remote working alongside your Nanny

As we have gradually returned to normal life after lockdown, some companies continue to offer their employees the opportunity to work from home. For parents with young children, this can be the ideal solution to find an essential balance between work and personal life. Thanks to the help of a nanny to efficiently take care of the children, parents can meet the expectations and deadlines of their employers, making it a win-win solution!

Some children may have trouble understanding that their parents are at home but not entirely available for them. Here are some essential tips to ensure that remote working in the presence of your nanny goes smoothly.

Planning

It's important to have a designated workspace that doesn't include the kitchen or dining room table. Invest in a mini-fridge, coffee machine, or even a microwave to avoid disrupting the smooth running of your household during the day.

Small solutions, like putting a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door or locking it, can make the difference between a successful conference call and an embarrassing situation.

Having a daily routine will be a great help. By mentally marking the beginning and end of the day, it will help you separate work from home. It will also help your nanny establish her role as a leader in her work environment and give your children a clear routine and boundaries.

Communication

As in all professional relationships, it is essential that you and your nanny communicate and that you both have clear expectations from the start. Have a daily meeting with your nanny to establish a plan for the day, for example, what time the nanny plans to take the children out, what time you have a professional call, if you can have lunch with the children, and when you plan to finish the day.

Communicate with your child; a short, positive goodbye to your child will help them understand that you are "going to work" and will allow them to settle into their day with your nanny.

Respect

To ensure a harmonious working relationship with your nanny, mutual respect and being on the same page regarding child-rearing are essential. Remember that your home is your nanny's workspace, and you want them to feel comfortable in her work environment.

A parent who is used to employing a nanny and who works remotely knows the importance of supporting their nanny in terms of discipline and decision-making, even if they don't always agree. The best way to express your preferences is away from the children, as a nanny who is constantly undermined will lose the respect of the children and won't be able to do her job properly, which will impact your ability to work remotely successfully.

There can be challenges when remote working with young children and a nanny. However, by following these simple tips, those challenges will quickly disappear, offering you a successful career, an excellent working relationship with your nanny, and most importantly, happy children.

If you are considering welcoming a nanny into your home, contact our team today. We are here to advise you and make your life easier.