Nanny Summer Schedules – your one-stop guide for all the info
Nannying in summer can look completely different from the rest of the year, and smart sitter know to plan ahead with their nanny fam. Whether the children are in camp, traveling, or suddenly home full-time, clear communication early on helps everyone avoid stress later. We’ve rounded up some of our best advice for your nanny summer here.
All you need to know about summer nannying
Confirm what your summer will actually look like
One of the most important conversations to have is also the simplest: what are the family’s summer needs? Some parents may need more hours once school ends, while others may scale back if the children are traveling or attending camp.
It’s a smart move to ask about expected hours, schedule changes, overtime, and whether there will be any periods where care is not needed. But don’t forget yourself in all of this – take a moment to think about what you need this summer, and figure out how to make it work for everyone.
If you want a deeper guide to mapping out the season, this article on planning your nanny summer – with 3 clear steps on making it happen – is a great place to start.
Talk about time off early
If you know you want vacation time during the summer, bring it up sooner rather than later. Summer is often when families travel, juggle camps, and shift routines, so advanced notice helps everyone plan appropriately.
Be specific about the dates you’re hoping for and stay open to discussion if flexibility is needed. Even if your contract already outlines PTO, it’s helpful to revisit expectations before summer begins.
Need help in asking for PTO? This guide on how to ask for time off as a nanny has you covered.
Discuss travel expectations
Some families may ask you to travel with them during the summer, which can be a fun way to see new places – but it’s still work!
If you’re traveling with the family, clarify expectations ahead of time. Will you be working full days while traveling? Sharing accommodations with the children? Paid overnight fees? Having designated off-hours?
It can seem overwhelming if you’ve never traveled with a nanny fam before, but read our pre-trip checklist for travel nannies and insights into life as a travel nanny from one of our own Smart Sitters, Alexa to approach the globetrotting lifestyle with confidence.
Preparing for longer days with kids
Even experienced nannies can feel overwhelmed by the shift from structured school days to full summer schedules. Preparing activity ideas ahead of time can make a huge difference. Think simple outdoor setups, local outings, long-term projects, and backup plans for hot or rainy days.
Parents also appreciate caregivers who bring initiative and creativity to the table.
For practical activity ideas and planning inspiration, check out our tips on how nannies can make a great summer for kids!
Ps. If you’re an after-school sitter, heads up!
After-school sitters sometimes forget that summer can significantly affect their income and schedules. If school ending means reduced hours for you, now is the time to explore temporary summer work, additional babysitting, camp pickups, or adjusted responsibilities with your current family.
This article on what after-school sitters can do when school’s out offers practical ideas for navigating that transition.
Summer = summer parties?
Many families host more gatherings during the summer, from backyard dinners to birthday parties and holiday weekends. Your role during these events may look different than your normal day-to-day responsibilities, but it’s a perfect chance for you to knock it out the park and really help your nanny family have a dreamy event.
Start by asking what support is expected. Some parents may want help supervising children during parties, while others may ask for assistance with setup or cleanup related to the kids.
If summer parties are on your agenda with your nanny family this summer, these tips on helping your nanny family during a party can help you navigate those situations professionally.
Plan ahead – and let Smart Sitting help!
Summer nannying can be a fun break from the year’s routines, a great way to make more money, or a chance for a bit of a break. By planning a step ahead, you can set yourself up for the summer of your dreams, whatever that looks like.
If you need help navigating these options, are looking for a summer nanny job, or just want to level up in your nanny career, apply to Smart Sitting today! We have awesome part-time and full-time nanny and babysitting positions for summer and for the long term. Click the button below, tell us about your experience and what you’re looking for, and we’ll reach out if we think we have a position that aligns with both!