Between summer camps, soccer practices and play dates, summer time means transportation to and from different places, and multiple kids means multiple activities, drop-off points and pick-up times. When it comes down to it, we all need a little help, and hiring a summertime nanny can greatly reduce the stress that comes with inevitable seasonal upheaval of our daily routines.
Hiring a nanny can be a great way to instill order to the whole household. If you and your spouse both work long hours, balancing the demands of your jobs with the active lives of your kids can be a constant challenge. Having a nanny will allow your children to have downtime and flexibility when school is out while still engaging in fun and educational activities all summer long. We’ve created a list of some of the other undeniable benefits of hiring a seasonal nanny that might help you find the fix you’ve been looking for:
1. Nannies allow for flexibility
Unlike daycare centres or camps where you may be billed for care you don’t even utilize, choosing a nanny can allow you a bit more flexibility. Life happens, and plans can change unexpectedly. Let the nanny know when you want a Friday off with the kids and enjoy the day instead of eating the cost of a prepaid day of camp. Ensure the nanny doesn’t lose money by allowing him or her to make up the hours. Take a date night next Saturday and enjoy a little time without the “Hey, mom, mom, MOM!” moments. Also be sure to go over any vacation time you plan to take, and be aware of any holes you might have to fill if the nanny has a vacation planned.
2. Sitters bring added entertainment
A sitter, especially one with access to a car, can fill the kids’ days with a variety of fun outings and amusement around town. A rainy day can be spent at the movies and an extra nice day can mean a trip to the local water slide. Instead of their days being centered on what the camp has planned for the hundreds of kids it oversees, a nanny can customize your children’s activities to their interests.
3. Kids enjoy year-round playtime
Many families have to put extracurricular activities, such as music lessons, on hold during the summer because they cannot reliably get their kids to and from the practices. Hiring a nanny can solve this problem and enable children to continue the activities they enjoy during the school year.
4. Parents get a little extra household help
Depending on the arrangement, nannies often chip in around the house. Many will happily agree to folding laundry or unloading the dishwasher while the kids rest or play independently. Let’s face it–at the end of the day, coming home to a tidy house as opposed to a disastrous mess is an added incentive in anyone’s book.
5. Everyone’s more comfortable
Nannies can provide a parent with reassurances in ways camps generally don’t. A nanny will answer phone calls, kiss boo-boos and let you know exactly how your child’s day went. When a parent can’t be there, it’s a relief that you’ve got a partner taking care of your little one.
6. Families establish long-term partnerships
Chances are your nanny will be around to babysit occasionally once school starts or better yet, confirm she’ll be back next summer for round two. It’s always a relief to have a sitter who is familiar with the kids and can be on call when you need her most.
Whether you find a summer nanny through online sites like Care.com, career centres at the local university or simply tap into your network of friends and family, finding a seasonal nanny has never been easier. And hey, you may just find yourself the perfect date night back-up sitter in the meantime.
6 Perks of Hiring a Summer Nanny
