Oh no, my nanny is sick!!

This post is very real right now for me and the family I work for.

I had what I thought would be an appointment with either a go away, or come back for some tests, when what in fact happened is, within the hour of returning home, the hospital phoned me and booked me in for Surgery next month....

As I discussed dates with the receptionist, in the end I went back to the original date, the one she reminded me, that I had said I couldn't do because of work, the thing is, I replied, I am a nanny and no time is good for me to have off sick....

I have a range of emotions now, guilt, relief that I may soon be well, and apprehension, only the guilt is the most overwhelming.

This is something I know I need to have done, but I know I will hear a bit of frustration and Could possibly be unpopular for a few weeks.

This, in my opinion is a negative of nannying, would I feel guilty if I worked in a school or nursery setting? Yes, but not in the same way because in those childcare establishments my absence is easier to fill, but when you're a nanny, the family is left in the lurch, the children's routines are put out and it's just not ideal.

Can I rationalise my thoughts and feelings??

Being a nanny is just a job!! It is no different to any other types of employment, everyone is entitled to sick leave, should they need it.

If you find yourself in this dilemma, don't feel guilty, look at it as a way to get fully fit, to enable you to be even more successful in your job! If you're an employer, I understand your frustration, I really do, but some things are taken out of the nannies hands, please try not to show too much displeasure to
you're nanny - we feel bad about this too.

I am going to try and not feel too guilty about this - any thoughts, ideas please feel free to leave a comment! It would be nice to hear from you!

I don't have a lunch break

In the UK the law stipulates

Workers have the right to one uninterrupted 20 minute rest break during their working day (this could be a tea or lunch break), if they work more than 6 hours a day.

Only when you are a nanny, you are lucky to get two minutes to yourself to go to the loo!!

Unfortunately when we start these jobs we know that there will be no uninterrupted break for us, so what have I done over the years to make the day easier!!

It is ok to sit and have a tea/coffee while the charges play safely in the same room as you! In fact I would advocate doing this twice during the day!

At lunch time, sit with the children and eat together, then once everyone is finished and tidied a 20 minute programme, where you can all sit together and relax, and the children are entertained!

Being a nanny is not always an easy job, especially if your charges are young, and so I believe to give the children your best, you also need to take care of yourself!

So my advice is take care, have a sit down during the day, and don't feel guilty!!!

Holidays - stress or fun?

My charges broke up today for half term, there was a chorus from the parents and then the teacher to me "have a lovely break" only for me there is no break! My work has now doubled! There will be a different stress, how to entertain, the squabbles that lie ahead, trying to keep everyone happy all day.

But I am sure nannies all over will know this feeling and reality!!

I can't lie, I have seven glorious mornings where there is no school run and the chaos that goes with it! We can have breakfast in a civilised way, and just relax at home until........

And that is the question, do we go out, do we have friends round, where can we go, is it going to cost?

Unfortunately for some families going to places where you have today to pay to enter, is not possible (I appreciate how fortunate I am in not always thinking before I arrange things with others, to meet at a fee paying establishment) some parents don't like their children to watch TV, for other their friends are away.

Always find a time to discuss with your employer ideas for half term, and any outings their friends may have, you may be pleasantly surprised in what they are willing for you to do and may allow a cost day out.  The parents too may like and value some time with their children.

Try to plan some days, but also leave some - it's always nice to do something spontaneous!

So what are the options that keep everyone happy?

- Go to your local park, it's free and enables the children to have a good run around, and hopefully
also lose some energy!
- indoor play area
- look and collect vouchers, many places have a buy one get one free deal going.
- if around arrange play dates with friends
- visit a museum - if you are near the London area you can get in free!
- Art and craft activities
- Baking

And lastly, have a day at home just relaxing, maybe watching a movie! There is nothing wrong in having a PJ day! In fact i think it is very important for children to have time at home, to unwind and be, as well as them getting on and playing with their toys, and appreciating that it is not usual to be out every day and entertained!!

Most importantly, try and enjoy this time with your charges, all too soon term time will be around again!

I'm now off to enjoy half term!

Victoria

Can a nanny love her charges too much?

Strange question maybe, maybe it could be said, should I love my charges?

This is always going to be a tricky thing to resolve, but one you have to!

Inevitably over time you care, and love the precious children in your care, as they too, will love you.
I am the world's worst at getting attached and always wanting them to achieve and the best for them BUT they are not the nanny's children - they are placed into their care while their parents work.

Of course it is normal to love the children you care for, and I personally would be concerned if there was no emotion involved but we have to be careful.

The children will love their nanny, but we also have to be careful that the love for the nanny is not too strong, the hardest thing for a parent is seeing the child so attached to their nanny that they feel redundant.

So, what can we do? And I speak to myself as well!

- Always remember this is just a job!
- One day you won't be in their lives daily
- Guard time off, and don't become too dependent
- Love the children in a non family way
- Remember the children are not yours - however much it may feel like it some days!!!

These are just my thoughts! Any comments let me know!

Victoria

Hello

Hi

My name is Victoria, I have been working in childcare since 1997 mainly as a nanny, have helped in schools and spent two years in an orphanage in Mozambique with up to 30 boys of different ages.

I am often asked by nannies, and more recently by some employers my thoughts on their situations, which led me to think that maybe I could blog about some things I have learnt, and still learning in my work!

I shall start writing tips soon - I hope you may find it interesting or even helpful.

If you are a nanny - keep up the good work!! It's not always easy but you are giving those children some stability!

If you are an employer - praise always goes a long way in keeping your nanny feel comfortable and happy!!

Keep up the good work!

Victoria