How many of us have already broken our New Year’s Resolutions? If you’re anything like the Elite Nanny Company team, you’ll have a few failures already, but here is our list of resolutions you can make with your nanny, that you’ll be able to keep and be glad you did!
Be there
When you’re being with your family, be with them. When you’re not being with your family, don’t. Don’t helicopter over your nanny when’s she’s in charge and don’t expect her to hover around and pick up the slack when you’re taking responsibility. That way you both get some quality time off and will appreciate the children, and each other, much more as a result!
Have an unplugged afternoon
Make a date to have a technology free afternoon every couple of weeks. Switch off phones and computers, ban the TV and lock the game consoles in a drawer. When your children see that you, and your nanny, have the ability to spend quality time without electronic support and enjoy life, they will also develop this skill. It also gives you a chance to talk in depth about everything that’s going on, not just with the children but with each other and the wider world, so that you have a clearer perspective of your joint roles and how the family is interacting.
Make a priority list
Parenting (and nannying) can be a thankless task – there always seems to be more to be done than we’re actually doing. Knowing what really matters can help you both simplify your daily routines. For example, good meals, sleep routines and development issues like toilet training tend to be the most vital things for very young children while older ones might require support with homework, time spent outdoors and the opportunity to talk about their day. Agreeing with your nanny what HAS to happen and what it would be GOOD to have happen allows you both to focus on the really important things and have a little more acceptance about the things that can afford to be sidelined.
Create growth
Whether it’s getting to the gym or learning another language, try not to put yourself on hold. Sometimes to can be as simple as ensuring you get plenty of rest after illness but at other times you need to carve out quality time to give yourself the same development opportunities that you’re ensuring your children receive. Making yourself accountable and allowing your nanny to be accountable to you gives you both an extra level of commitment to your own wellbeing which – again – is good for your children to see.
Change your handover point
In line with the previous resolution, consider picking different points to hand over responsibility to each other. If you’re always swapping over at home, it can be really beneficial to go to the park, or the gym (especially if it has a creche) or a local museum to do the handover. There are three benefits to doing this – you’re likely to get some exercise, your kids will probably enjoy it a lot more, the fresh perspective will give all of you a less stressful transition.