Your kids are counting the days until school lets out. Meanwhile, you’re counting the days you have left to figure out what you’re going to do with them this summer.
Day camps are a popular option, but they can be pricey and the best ones fill up fast. Besides, they may not offer the personal attention parents want for their kids. Parents nostalgic for long summer days spent melting crayons on sidewalks and chasing butterflies may want to consider hiring a summer nanny instead.
Once you follow these tips for finding a summer nanny, it’s time to get ready for their first day. Check out this list of how to prepare for your nanny’s first day — and add on these summer-specific details.
“Even if the parent wants the nanny to do the scheduling, they’re still responsible for letting them know what they’d like the kids to do,” stresses Victoria Brown, a former nanny who is now the mom of two young children and the author of “Grace in the City,” a novel about a New York City nanny.
1. Plan summer schedules
Talk about how your nanny should organize the day, but also give your nanny freedom to have lazy summer days with the kids, too. “Every minute doesn’t have to be filled with a challenge or an activity,” says Brown.
Somer Sherwood, writer and former parenting editor for xoJane.com, agrees. “I’ve signed my 9-year-old son up for all kinds of activity-based day camps over the years, but I think the best experience a child can have is running around outdoors. I look for a summer babysitting option that includes ample time just poking things with sticks.”
2. Discuss what your nanny can and can’t do with your kids
What are acceptable summer activities and outings? What would you prefer your nanny not to do with your kids? Make lists of each, so everyone is on the same page. Be inspired by this list of 101 fun things to do with kids this summer.
“You want your kids to go to the pool, but the nanny can’t swim? First day on the job is not the best time to find this out,” reminds Brown.
3. Talk about playdates
Encourage your nanny to get friendly with the parents or caregivers of your children’s friends over the summer. Help them schedule playdates for your kids with their friends. “Summer activities are much more fun when done in groups, I think,” says Brown.
4. Stock up on summer supplies
Sunscreen, sand pails, swimsuits, goggles — don’t make your nanny scramble to find these essentials. Have them out and clearly marked.
5. Talk about summer rules
House rules around things like naptime, screen time and snacks sometimes ease up during the summer. Look at your list of rules, think about what might change for the summer — and share that updated list with your new nanny.
6. Go over summer equipment
From air conditioners to pools, make sure your nanny knows how to operate all of your summertime gear.
7. Review safety rules
Discuss this summer safety guide — then discuss it again. Make sure your nanny is certified in things like CPR/first aid and knows all about how to protect your kids during an emergency.
8. Get your kids ready
“After all, they’re the ones who are going to be spending the summer in this stranger’s company,” Brown explains. Let your kids meet or even spend a few hours with the nanny before they start full time. And follow these ways to prepare kids for a new sitter.
The main thing to remember, according to Brown? “Make sure the nanny knows that her job is to keep the kids happy and occupied but that July and August are the months for taking it slow.”
