How to Make it Easier for the Children with The Nanny
If you are a busy working parent with a hectic schedule, it can become really difficult to manage work and take care of the kids in a wholesome way. Hiring a nanny for your child is sometimes the only option you are left with, however, that’s not enough to make things happen the right way. Kids also take time to adjust with new people, and unless they resonate with the new nanny, the real purpose is not served. It can be less challenging with enough time, good communication, and recognizing your child’s feelings. So what can all be done to make it easier for the children with the nanny?
Here are some tips that can help ease the transition for you, your children, and your new nanny.
1. Inform Them Beforehand
First things first, if you have already decided to hire a new nanny for your child, let them know without any further delay. This will give them the much required time space to digest the idea, so that they can be ready for the new introduction. Suddenly exposing your child to a new person would have a negative psychological impact, which might trap him/her into thinking that you don’t care for them.
2. Let Them Know They are In Charge
This may sound a little strange to the ears, but the best way to make kids adapt to a change is to make them believe that they are in total control of things. Children are more receptive when they know that they are not being dominated by anyone. Make sure your kid has a chance to show the entire house to the new nanny, and he is in a position to command as to how he should be taken care of.
3. Explain the Other Side of The Story
The idea of hiring a new nanny can be intimidating for the child at the first thought, and they might give you those angry looks when you make them aware about it. You need to explain to them the reason behind this, in a very loving and caring manner. Enlighten how you are working hard for their future, and how it would be difficult for the nanny to meet all of their expectations. Prepare them mentally to assimilate with the situation, and give them some time to get along well with the nanny.
4. Acknowledge your child’s emotions
Your child likely developed special bonds with their nanny. Even though they are a paid employee, a nanny can become more like a family member.
That is a good thing!
You want a nanny who is loving and one that your child will trust. That also makes it difficult when the nanny they’ve grown to know and love leaves and is replaced by someone else. Younger children may not understand that nannies may come and go. It disrupts their sense of permanence.
Here are some ways to handle your child’s separation sadness.
Also, know that children are resilient and they’ll acclimate to a new nanny.
If your nanny has left on good terms, your children could keep in touch or even spend time together on visits. There is no reason to end the relationship permanently just because a departing nanny is no longer working for you.
5. Watch for any changes in your child’s behavior
Experts say that your children may experience behavioral changes for up to six months after a nanny leaves. They may regress with potty-training and/or start having tantrums.
Keep an eye out for any of these behavioral changes, offer emotional support, and help your children talk about their feelings.
You could have your children write a note or draw a picture for their departing nanny. If they have difficulty verbally expressing their feelings, writing, or drawing may help them process their emotions.
When a new nanny is on board, there may be some pushback from your child. That does not mean you hired the wrong nanny. It is likely your child is still working through some emotions of the transition.
6. Manage your own emotions
It was tough enough to find a nanny you liked and trusted to care for your children. Now they are leaving and you need to go through the hiring process all over again. Feelings of frustration, stress, and possibly anger may take over. You need to rise above these emotions and set an example for your children to follow. They are looking to you for help and guidance on how to react and treat people.
Focus on the positives of your departing nanny even if you are having negative thoughts about them. Talk about fun memories and how they cared for the family and helped around the house. Say that you’ll miss your nanny too.
How you treat the nanny who is leaving will impact how your children will adapt to a new nanny. If you are angry over the departure, your new nanny may not be welcomed with open arms by your children. Remaining positive and showing that you still care for the old nanny will help ease the transition to a new nanny for your children.
7. The House Rules remain Intact
Leaving the child in the care of a nanny doesn’t imply breaking the house rules. Let your kids know that the rules remain intact even in their absence. Some of the basic ones include following bedtime routines, completing homework, playing time-limit and taking care of siblings. Also, advise the nanny to be a little strict at times, when required, and give rewards for good behavior at home. You have to make sure that you hire the right candidate for this job.
8. Find the right time to transition nannies
Families may move from a full-time nanny to an after-school nanny when their children are ready to start school. However, this may be a bad time to change nannies. Going to school for the first time can be stressful enough for kids. Now they need to watch a beloved nanny leave. That can be too much change.
If possible, wait a few months after school starts to move on to an after-school nanny. Or make the transition in late spring or early summer so your children can adapt to that change before heading to school.
9. Plan Interactive Activities & Have a Great Time Together
Trying out fun activities with the nanny can help the child to interact more and stay active throughout the day. Unless there is a fruitful interaction between the two, it would be really hard to make your child get used to the nanny. Maybe you can also plan some weekend activities where you can get involved actively, and give some time to your child. This can really work wonders, as the child positions himself to be an important part of the family. When your new nanny is on their own for the first time with your children – with or without this shadowing period – plan some fun and exciting activities they can do together to help with their bonding.
Above tips will be very helpful in making it easy for your children to be with their new nanny. You may also check out our blogs here for more Nanny Tips and Ideas.
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