DIRECTORS BLOG

What is the new Nanny 'normal'?

What a year 2020 has been with COVID19 and the challenges that have come along with that.

Nannies have faced a different work life with some nannies not being able to work due to restrictions, some losing their jobs, some nannies choosing not to work and nannies supporting essential workers and vulnerable families. I applaud our nanny community for their efforts in adapting to these changes so well and supporting each other. At times there has been confusion with the ever changing rules and restrictions but we have managed to work through these together.

Now that we have faced these challenges head on and have started to adapt what does the new nanny 'normal' look like in the future?

In consideration to how work places have been forced to embrace a work from home model, nannies in turn have also had to adapt to parents working from home. Sometimes this can create challenges in relation to separation anxiety and interruptions to routines. Nannies have adjusted to these changes well and increased communication skills when it comes to working out how to provide high quality nanny care, trying not to interrupt busy parents while working and up the creativity level while under lock down.

So what does this mean for 2021? Potentially less jobs, more competition in a struggling economy but also more parents working from home either part time or full time. The traditional sole charge nanny still exists but perhaps in a different model.

We see this as a positive where parents can spend more time with their children, value their nanny by being able to see what an amazing nanny educator they are and improve their employer employee relationship.

How can nannies adapt to the new nanny 'normal'?

*Start with adapting your resume to include all the amazing challenges and adaptations you accomplished in this transition time.

*If you do not have a child care qualification consider enrolling or undertake some professional development.

* Prepare for competition in future jobs and how can you stand out from other applicants.

*Get organised with planning your week and strategies on working in the new nanny 'normal'.

*Prepare for toddlers and pre-school aged children that may be anxious with new faces and socialising with other children due to the time they have had away from these usual activities in the past.

*Prepare for heightened separation anxiety with children who have likely spent so much time with their parents, they may need some extra time to adjust. You could also have the opposite effect and your new charge is super excited to see you and cant wait for a new friend to play with.

*Connect with your nanny community through online or in person groups and utilise your national nanny membership Association.

*Most of all take care of you and know that the world appreciates you.

We thank you nannies around the world for all you do.

If you have any tips or thoughts on what you think nanny life may look like in the future we would love to hear from you.