Kids’ Spring Break 2024: Tips for Stellar Nannies

Making the most out of the break

Spring break can be a whirlwind period for nannies, filled with excitement and challenges. For those of you working part time or after-school hours during regular weeks, this can be a busier week with longer days. But while your workload may increase, so does the opportunity to create lasting memories! Here’s how to navigate this busy season with grace and fun – and professionality. 

Understanding Your Work Schedule

Spring Break Schedules for Part-time Nannies

Spring break often means extra hours, as parents juggle work and their children's free time. For you as a nanny this may mean: 

  • More hours for the week: a busier work week overall

  • Longer days: full days, when you’re used to working a few hours after school

  • Added responsibilities: tasks that you may not normally handle, like meals or outings

As always, early communication is key. Discuss the family’s expectations, your availability, and how this figures into your compensation. Remember, your time is valuable, and clear boundaries prevent burnout. 

Refer to your job contract, in case school breaks are listed there. Otherwise, having this conversation early on will make for less friction and more fun, come April. And remember, you should be getting paid your hourly rate for any additional hours beyond the regular schedule.

You should get paid your regular hourly rate for any hours worked beyond your normal schedule — and if your family is away during spring break and you are on a regular schedule, you should still be getting paid your weekly minimum while they’re away.

Self-care During Shifting Schedules

Throwing your daily schedule out the window and substituting it with spring break fun may not seem disruptive, but it is bound to alter what you get done in a day. Make sure to keep your expectations on yourself reasonable, and to schedule in some time for self-care. 

It may not be your spring break, but don’t try to do as much as you usually do when you’re not working full days with kiddos! Balancing fun activities for the kids with your own well-being is crucial for a successful break – and a successful return to normal the next week. 

6 Ideas for Spring Break Activities

If your nanny kiddos are staying home during spring break and not going off on fun trips, make the most of the week by planning fun excursions and special events. They’ll return to school with plenty of stories, without ever living their hometown. 

1. Explore Local Gems

Cities are playgrounds for the curious. Research local museums, parks, and cultural events that offer special programs for kids during spring breaks. Many places have educational workshops that can turn a day out into a fun learning experience.

Pro-tip: look into these institutions’ spring break scheduling ahead of time and make some suggestions to parents – they will love your initiative and it will elevate your status from a solid nanny to a stellar one. 

2. The Great Outdoors

Don’t overlook the simple pleasure of parks and outdoor spaces. 

  • Organize a city scavenger hunt in a nearby park. 

  • Plan a day trip to nearby wilderness like a forest, for a hike and a picnic. 

These activities not only burn energy but also encourage kids to observe and appreciate their surroundings, making the most of their days off from school. 

3. Consider day-camps

Spring break day camps aren’t just about keeping kids busy; they’re about building social skills, independence, and confidence. Local museums, sports centers, and play places often organize part-day day camps. While families may prefer investing their money in extending your hours, a day or two of organized day camp for a few hours may also give their kiddos an extra spark of fun.

4. Crafting and Baking

You don’t have to travel halfway across town to find something inspiring to do. Transform the kitchen into a laboratory for baking cookies or a studio for arts and crafts. 

These activities foster creativity and STEM skills and can be a bonding experience. Plus, they have a wonderful by-product: tasty treats and beautiful art.

Pro-tip: For older kids, teach independence and follow-through by letting them look up recipes/craft ideas, create a shopping list, get ingredients together, and put together the creations from start to finish. 

5. Indoor Campouts

Sometimes, the schedule says “spring break” but the forecast says “cold and windy”. Get your wilderness fix with an indoor campout. 

  • Build a fort together in the living room, using blankets, pillows, tables, and string

  • Craft a firepit with orange, red, and yellow paper flames

  • Make s’mores (in the kitchen, sadly, since actual indoor fires are inadvisable)

  • Take turns telling stories or even ghost stories by turning off the lights and bringing out some flashlights. 

6. Reflect and Remember 

Toward the end of the week, have the kids create a scrapbook or diary of their spring break adventures. This not only documents their experiences but also encourages reflection and storytelling. 

Use paper, glue, stickers, glitter, paints, crayons, or anything that will be fun to decorate their books. Before you leave for the last day, make sure to have your kiddos show their parents and go over all the fun memories with them! 

Are you a stellar nanny ready to level up?

If you are bursting with ideas for a super nanny spring break and how to give kiddos you work for an unforgettable experience, and you’re looking for a nanny job, you may be ready to be a Smartsitter. As an elite nanny agency, we only work with the most dedicated and experienced nannies – which gives us a chance to select thoughtful matches between the fabulous nannies and families whose positions really are a great fit. 

Do you have what it takes to be a Smartsitter? Then start your application today, and someone on our team will be in touch to get to know you better!

Cajsa Landin