It might sound like a contradiction in terms, but it’s possible to have a great holiday without your nanny. Let’s start with the facts:
If your nanny works a five day week, she’s entitled to 28 days holiday a year. Nannies working part time, accrue holiday in proportion to the days they work. Bank Holidays should be specified in the nanny’s contract. They may be classed as working days but most people treat them as holidays. The exception is part-time nannies if they usually work Mondays as a very large number of British Bank Holidays fall on Monday. In which case it’s good to be clear about this in the contract. Don’t have a contract with your nanny? Here’s why we think that’s a bad idea!
Strictly speaking, an employer gets to state all the holiday dates of a nanny. Practically, this just doesn’t happen. It’s usual for the nanny to pick a two week break and a couple of long weekends. Usually for special reasons such as weddings, birthdays etc and for her employer to specify the remaining days. Again, specifying in a contract who gets to decide holiday dates is a good idea. Smart nannies decide on holidays well in advance so that their employers can organise cover. Smart employers do the same. So that their nanny can plan how to spend her ‘free time’.
How to holiday without Nanny
If you decide to holiday without your nanny. Here are four tips to help you make it a happy time.
Double check routines and procedures with your nanny well in advance.
It’s just human nature to think you know everything but there will usually be a few things that nanny does that you really don’t have a good handle on. Perhaps because you’re never around when they happen. Getting the low-down on those activities can really make the difference to a happy holiday.
Simplify your expectations.
Allow your child, or children, to run a little bit wild on holiday. There’s a temptation to want to prove you can do everything your nanny can do. But you’re not nanny and a holiday is supposed to relaxing for all concerned! Rather than striving, try living each moment as it comes. Hair doesn’t have to be combed before breakfast and it’s okay for little ones to shriek their heads off and run around like crazy for half an hour on a family walk.
Take time for yourself.
Again, too many parents, particularly mums, forget to build activities for themselves into family holidays. It’s wonderful to plan great trips and treats for your children. But remember that you also need to have your own fun. Whether that’s a trip to an art gallery or a giggly night out with the girls.
Remember nanny on your trip.
A well chosen gift from your holiday is an appropriate and graceful way to acknowledge how hard your nanny works the rest of the year. Well chosen is the key here. Trite souvenirs don’t convey appreciation. Just a feeling that you bought a job lot of Spanish donkeys or Berber bracelets or casino based trinkets from Las Vegas out of duty. If your nanny is a keen traveller. Invest in a beautiful travel journal or a monogrammed cabin bag. If she’s an avid reader, a book about the place you visited might please her. If she’s a fan of vintage, get her something antique from your holiday destination. For more hard facts about nannies and gifts. Have a look at the ISYN blog.
The advantage of a temporary nanny for holiday periods
Finally, if all this seems like a lot of bother. Why not get a temporary nanny to help over the family holiday? At The Elite Nanny Company we know that it’s often vital to have a great nanny to help you for the crucial few weeks when you’re on holiday or your own nanny is taking a well-earned break. Which is why we have a select group of temporary nannies who are available for short-term contracts. That way, everybody gets a happy holiday!