{"id":366,"date":"2020-05-18T22:41:54","date_gmt":"2020-05-18T22:41:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/perfectfitnanny.com\/blog\/?p=366"},"modified":"2020-05-18T22:42:20","modified_gmt":"2020-05-18T22:42:20","slug":"nannies-work-with-parents-during-covid-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/perfectfitnanny.com\/blog\/nannies-work-with-parents-during-covid-19\/","title":{"rendered":"For Nannies: How to Work With Parents Who are Now Working from Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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 <\/em>adults.  
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That\u2019s why we\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Create a communication system<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.
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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.
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These check-ins will ensure that the parents\u2019 workday isn\u2019t interrupted unless it\u2019s an emergency, and the kids won\u2019t be confused if they see both nanny and parent around the home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sync schedules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019re both on the same page so that your work days can run more smoothly. 
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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\u2019ll spend short breaks catching up on emails, but they\u2019ll spend their lunch hour eating with their kids.
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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\u2019re being turned in.
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Work and school aside, make sure you touch base on appropriate activities for the kids when they\u2019re not \u201cin school\u201d 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?
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You may think the answers to some of your questions might be obvious, but you might be surprised. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to talk to your employers so that any assumptions or confusion can be cleared up right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Renew boundaries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s not intentional! That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to create (and discuss) boundaries.
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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\u2019t to be disturbed, which also deters kids from knocking on their office door.
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Discuss physical boundaries, too. Suggest a system for letting the kids know it\u2019s okay to enter their parents\u2019 workspace. A \u201cdo not disturb\u201d sign or something similar is a handy visual cue that parents can use. 
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Or, you might set up the following system:
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