Managing a Good Relationship with Your Nanny as a Work-from-Home Parent - Top Tips
In the wake of the pandemic, more people than ever are able to work remotely. For work-from-home (WFH) parents, this can create a challenge in maintaining a harmonious relationship with a nanny.
The setup where parents, kids, and nannies all share the same space during the work day puts unique strains on both the family dynamics and the professional environment within the home. As a nanny agency, we hear all the time how tricky it can be. For that reason, we’ve put together our top tips on how to create a successful partnership with your nanny, ensuring that both the children and the adults thrive.
Understanding the Dynamics of WFH with a Nanny
Working from home with a nanny in the house changes the usual work and family balance. This setup can sometimes confuse children, especially if they see their parent(s) during the day but are told to listen to the nanny. It also requires the parent not to step in every time there is a minor issue, allowing the nanny to manage situations independently, which is essential for their credibility, authority, and positive relationship with the kiddos.
Respect goes both ways
Respect the Nanny’s Space: Remember, your home is also the nanny’s workplace. Provide them with the autonomy to perform their job without constant oversight.
Keep Clear Boundaries: It's crucial for both the nanny and the children to understand when the parents are "at work", even though they are at home. Setting physical boundaries, like working in a separate room with a closed door, can help.
Regular Check-ins: Having daily or weekly meetings with your nanny to discuss the children’s needs, the day’s plans, and any house rules or changes can help everyone stay aligned on expectations and responsibilities.
5 Top Tips for a Smooth Daily Routine
Pre-Defined Schedules
Establish clear schedules that outline when you are available and when you are working. This helps set expectations for both the nanny and the children. Maybe you always come out to have lunch together, or maybe the rule is that your home office is always off limits. Let the nanny know well ahead of time what the plan is, so they can adjust.Intervention Guidelines
Decide how and when you will intervene in the day’s activities. Maybe you’d like to set up a transition period where you come out if there’s an issue at the nanny’s request. Just be careful so that your child doesn’t learn that you come out every time they’re upset.Set up Drop-Off
Have a pretend drop off at the beginning of the shift, where you say goodbye to the kiddo just like you would if you were heading to work outside the home. You can create a routine that feels fun and positive for you all, and then signal that when you go into the other room, you’re at work. Do a similar “pick-up” routine at the end of the day where you greet your kiddo and see what they and the nanny are working on or playing with.Avoid Overstepping
It can be tempting to micromanage or step in when you hear your child upset. Trust your nanny’s ability to handle the situation—constant interference can undermine their authority and relationship with your kiddo. This can be super hard for you as a parent – try noise canceling headphones!Give your nanny privacy
If your kiddo naps during the day, make sure to give your nanny some space during the break. They may use the time to clean up after the day’s activities, but chances are they also need a little time to decompress. If you’re in the common areas during nap time, try to give them some space to do their own thing.
Things for Work-from-Home Parents to Consider When Hiring a Nanny
When hiring a nanny while working from home, selecting the right candidate becomes even more crucial due to the unique dynamics this setup presents. It's essential to look for certain qualities and set clear expectations from the outset to ensure a smooth working relationship.
Key Hiring Considerations:
Experience with WFH Families: Look for candidates who have previously worked with work-from-home parents. This experience means they are likely to be familiar with the challenges and dynamics involved.
Strong Communication Skills: Since they will be operating in close quarters with the family, excellent communication skills are critical. A good nanny should be comfortable discussing daily plans, changes, and any issues that might arise.
Independence and Initiative: Given that parents will be physically present but working, a nanny with the ability to take initiative and manage day-to-day activities independently is invaluable. They should be capable of engaging children without constant input from the parents.
Flexibility: As work-from-home schedules can sometimes change rapidly, a nanny who is adaptable and can adjust to shifting needs or timings will be a strong asset.
Setting Expectations: During the hiring process, clearly communicate the family's and your work-from-home structure, including work hours, space usage, and availability to interact with the children. This clarity helps prevent misunderstandings and sets the foundation for a respectful professional relationship.
By focusing on these aspects during the hiring process, work-from-home parents can ensure they choose a nanny who not only fits well with their family's needs but also thrives in a work-from-home environment, making daily life easier for everyone involved.
Read more here about how to interview a babysitter or nanny.
Need Help Finding the Right Nanny?
Working from home while having a nanny care for your children requires a delicate balance of professionalism and personal interaction. Even seasoned nanny-hiring parents can get stumped in this set-up.
But don’t worry, that’s why we’re here. At Smart Sitting, we’ve helped stay-at-home parents, work-from-home parents, work-odd-hours parents, traveling parents, split-custody parents, all kinds of parents find the professional childcare that fits their family. We get to know your family and your needs, and are able to hand select nannies and sitters from our network who are just right for you.
If you are looking for a babysitter or nanny, reach out to us today. A dedicated member of our team will be in touch and will follow you every step of the way. Until you step into your WFH office that is – we respect the boundaries!
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