For Nannies: How to Work With Parents Who are Now Working from Home

Caring for your charges when their parents are working from home can be challenging. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, many families are still following stay-at-home orders. When parents are suddenly working from home, the rules of authority, boundaries, schedules, and more can become confusing for both kids and adults.  

That’s why we’ve put together some tips for nannies on how to navigate working with parents who are now working from home. Communication, honesty, and understanding can help you and your nanny family get through these trying times together.

Create a communication system

With COVID-19 news changing our lives frequently (sometimes daily), it might feel impossible to plan ahead. Frequent and honest communication with your employers is essential, now more than ever. You might suggest short daily check-ins with your employer as soon as you arrive and before you leave. If you are sheltering in place with your family, you can have specific times of day where you chat.

During these morning check-ins, ask parents to share their expectations for the day and any changes to schedules, if needed. (More on schedules in a moment.) Before you leave, you can talk about how the day went, what you or the kids struggled with, and what you want to improve in the future.

These check-ins will ensure that the parents’ workday isn’t interrupted unless it’s an emergency, and the kids won’t be confused if they see both nanny and parent around the home. 

Sync schedules

Quick daily check-ins are important, but you should also schedule a longer meeting with the parents as soon as you can, preferably when the kiddos are napping or asleep. Make sure you’re both on the same page so that your work days can run more smoothly. 

Ask your employer about their work-from-home schedule. When does their workday begin? What time are they finished, and when do they take breaks? Will they spend breaks with the kids, or remain in their office or workspace? For example, maybe they’ll spend short breaks catching up on emails, but they’ll spend their lunch hour eating with their kids.

If the children are homeschooling, get all the information about their school schedules. They may have video meetings with their teacher and classmates in the morning. Check on their homework assignments and how they’re being turned in.

Work and school aside, make sure you touch base on appropriate activities for the kids when they’re not “in school” or studying. Do they have virtual playdates with friends? Are they allowed to play in the backyard or front yard? Are walks with you okay?

You may think the answers to some of your questions might be obvious, but you might be surprised. That’s why it’s so important to talk to your employers so that any assumptions or confusion can be cleared up right away.

Renew boundaries

Having parents in the home at the same time as you can throw off routines, undermine your authority, and make your job more difficult, even though it’s not intentional! That’s why it’s so important to create (and discuss) boundaries.

What happens if the children get injured or start feeling sick while in your care? At what point should you interrupt the parents in their office? On that same note, how should you communicate with them during the workday? Text may be easiest if they aren’t to be disturbed, which also deters kids from knocking on their office door.

Discuss physical boundaries, too. Suggest a system for letting the kids know it’s okay to enter their parents’ workspace. A “do not disturb” sign or something similar is a handy visual cue that parents can use. 

Or, you might set up the following system:

• If their office door is closed, they shouldn’t be disturbed.
• If their office door is ajar, knock first and ask if you can enter.
• If their office door is completely open, it’s okay to come in. 

Whichever system you choose can help everyone feel less anxious and more sure that they’re not doing something wrong.

Talk to your employer

Remember, it’s okay if you find out that a system or rule that you both decided on isn’t working. It’s a stressful, overwhelming time for adults and children. If something isn’t working out, talk to your employer and be honest. They will most likely be flexible and understanding. No one is prepared for situations like this, and everyone is adjusting to working and schooling from home. Sometimes it takes a little trial-and-error to get things right.
Need more advice on nannying, or help finding a new family in Dallas, Denver, or Phoenix? A Perfect Fit can help. Learn more about our application and matching process at A Perfect Fit today.