Summer means school-free kids in need of childcare. We’ve put together some advice on preparing a new summer sitter for the warm months ahead.
With school almost out for summer, and your children counting down the last days left, you’re probably still wondering about summer holiday childcare.
While there’s a few options out there, if you’re nostalgic over those long warm summer days you spend playing street games and having fun in the park, you may want to consider hiring a summer nanny.
Follow our tips on How to Find Summer Childcare for your family and check out our list of How to Prepare for Your Carer’s First Day and add on these summer-specific details.
Schedule
Even if you want the nanny to do the scheduling, you’re still responsible for letting them know what you would like the kids to do. Talk about how your nanny should organise 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 – look for a summer babysitting option that includes ample time just poking things with sticks.
Activities
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 Summer Activities for Kids.
Playdates
Encourage your nanny to get friendly with the people watching your children’s friends over the summer. Help her schedule playdates for your kids with their friends as summer activities are much more fun when done in groups.
Supplies
Sunscreen, flip fops, swimsuits, goggles — don’t make your nanny scramble to find these essentials. Have them out and clearly marked.
Rules
House rules around things like naptime, TV time and snacks sometimes ease up during the summer. Look at your list of rules, think about what might change for the summer — share that updated list with your new nanny. Discuss safety — 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.
Kids
Prepare your kids for their summer sitter – after all, they’re the ones who are going to be spending the summer in their company. Let your kids meet or even spend a few hours with the sitter, before they start full time. And follow these 10 Steps to Prepare Children for New Childcare.
The main thing to remember – 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.