Being a nanny can be a fun job, especially during the summer. However, it is not always the easiest job. Kids are unpredictable and no matter how long you've known them, you never know what each day is going to be like. Done right, this summer can be one of the best! Here are a few tips to get you through your summer as a nanny.
1. Do not plan out activities for the day.
You can google fun activities, pinterest crafts, and come up with other creative things to do with your kids all you want, but do NOT plan when and where you're going to do these. It's summer; your kids are on their own schedule. They are excited and they do not even know what they want to do until that moment, so neither can you. So yes, have a never ending amount of fun suggestions to make to your kiddos, but don't tell them what activities to do or when to do them. See what they like, see what mood they're in. You're not their teacher, you're their nanny.
2. Learn to love making compromises.
No two kids are always going to want to do the same thing; this is inevitable. Whether you're nannying for a family with four kids or you're nannying for an only child (who will have a neighbor over at some point), you're going to have to teach your kiddos to make compromises. And you'll probably also have to compromise with yourself. So listen to both sides and come up with a way to make everyone happy. It may seem impossible, but there is an answer. I promise.
3. The one day you want to do something fun, your kids will want to hang out at the house.
(and when you want to stay in the house, they'll want to do a million different things outside.) You'll never both be on the same schedule, but this is part of being a nanny. Suck it up and do what they want to do. You'll survive. Save the activities you have planned for another day; watch the movie they want to watch, even if you've already watched it a million times.
4. Don't do everything the first week.
You have ALL summer! Do not do everything you have planned in the first week. Save some of your activities for week two, three, four, etc. You have to entertain these kids for almost three whole months, do not exhaust every activity within the first week. And most importantly, do not exhaust yourself. You have to stay energized enough to keep up with these kids all summer!
5. Water Balloons are your best friend.
I don't care how old your kids are, every kid LOVES water balloons. Always keep a box of these bad boys handy; when in doubt open these up and everyone will be excited. Who doesn't love a balloon filled with water? These things are awesome. And there's so many different activities you can do with them. Have a water balloon fight, play water balloon baseball, or just let your kids be creative! *Disclaimer: do not do this everyday, you (and your kids) will get tired of them.*
