Summer’s Up: 3 Steps to Plan Your Nanny Summer
Looking for a summer nanny job? Check out our current open jobs and apply here!
All these sunny, warm days can only mean one thing: summer and and school breaks are right around the corner. This is the time for you as a nanny or babysitter to start planning, so you can glide into summer instead of scrambling. Two simple moves can turn the season into either a lucrative stretch of work or a well‑earned recharge. Either way you come out winning. Here’s how!
1 | Define Your Summer Goals
What do you need this summer? Start by defining your summer goals to find the right road map for you.
Need extra cash?
If you’d love a thicker wallet by September, offer full‑time coverage to your current family or take on a short‑term placement (we’ve got loads of open jobs). Travel‑nanny gigs and often pay premium rates for flexible caregivers. If you’re normally a part-time after-school sitter, you can maximize your piggy bank by stepping up to fill a family’s short-term, full-time need.
Need a recharge?
If rest is the priority, lean into summer break. If your school-year family doesn’t need you, maybe limit your availability to some as-needed or fill-in work. But don’t over schedule those! Block consecutive days early and treat them as non‑negotiable. Maybe use this opportunity to level up in your caregiving skills by taking a CPR course or an infant care class.
2 | Start the Conversation Early
Families are also starting to make their summer plans, and by communicating early about your needs and availability, you make it easier for them to get their ideal summer (and for you to remain their absolute favorite sitter for the next school year and beyond).
What to ask your nanny family
Open with a friendly check‑in about their summer travel, camp sign‑ups, and any schedule shifts. Would they ideally want more hours or fewer? Does your nanny contract cover any of this? The clearer the picture, the easier it is to match coverage to real needs, for both sides. Ideally talk to them before mid-May, if not sooner, depending on when school gets out for summer where you live.
Consider aligning your own vacation time
A full-time nanny is often expected to use some of their vacation time at the same time as the family, but you can consider doing this if you’re part-time too. They’ll love you for it! Make sure to give several weeks notice for any time you plan to take off.
Stay flexible and proactive
Suggest solutions – camp drop‑offs, adjusted shifts, vetted backup sitters, synced vacations – before problems arise. To the extent that you can accommodate their needs, make this clear early on. Flexibility shows professionalism while still honoring your boundaries.
3 | Lean on Your Nanny Agency
Working with a nanny agency is a smart short-cut to staying flexible. If you’re a Smart Sitter, update your availability with us and let your placement specialist know that you are available for more work. This way, we can connect you with short‑term placements, Hamptons nanny gigs, or a slew of as-needed babysitting gigs that fit your goals.
As always, our team is also on call to help you with contract tweaks, rate advice, and guidance on navigating tricky conversations with families. Check in with out community meetups for tips from other nannies and sitters about camp ideas, summer activities, and city staycation tips.
Your Next Steps Mini Checklist
Keep this list handy and check these items off to make sure you are totally set for summer. Easy-peasy.
☐ Chat with parents before May 15
☐ Block personal vacation on the shared calendar
☐ Confirm summer rates/hours/duties in writing
☐ Update availability with your agency
☐ Renew any certifications expiring before fall
Looking for a summer nanny job? Be as relaxed about it as this kid!
Looking for a Summer Gig?
Summer doesn’t have to be a question mark! Clarify what you want, communicate early, and if you’re looking for extra babysitting or nannying work this summer, apply to Smart Sitting. We match caregivers to their ideal families and positions and work with you to make your caregiving career a success, so you can focus on the important stuff (like how to teach kiddos to eat their ice cream before it melts!).