With the school holidays still in full swing we thought we’d talk about what to expect when you accompany your employers (or indeed take your nanny) on holiday. Whilst the majority of the families we work with will be totally accustomed to bringing their nanny with them whenever and wherever they travel, there’s a first time for everyone. Likewise, new nannies may be preparing to travel on holiday for the first time with their employers this summer. Expectations, routines, wants and needs (everybody’s) will all alter when you travel with and stay away form home with your charges, so it’s important to discuss what is expected of you with your employer before you travel so that everyone is happy and comfortable.
Travel: First of all, will you be travelling with the family or arriving separately? Most families will want their nanny on a plane with them for obvious reasons, but it is vital for nannies to understand whether they are ‘in service’ whilst travelling, or if this is counted as time off. If in doubt, ask!
Time Off: Your usual hours and days off may have to change whilst on holiday, and if you babysit on some evenings as part of your regular nanny role then you may still be asked to babysit whilst on holiday. Don’t assume that the week will follow the working pattern you are accustomed to: ask what your employers have in mind and discuss it with them.
Daily Routine: Will you accompany the family on their daily excursions, entertain the children on your own every day, or are you just expected to manage breakfasts, teatimes, bathtimes and bed? Knowing what the family want from you means that you can blend in with the family’s movements as you do so at home with no awkwardness or uncertainty.
Rooming: If you live-in with your employers you might naturally expect to be provided with a private, en-suite room or even your own apartment on holiday, but often nannies are asked to room share with children or babies whilst on vacation. Ask what the accommodation arrangements are before you get there.
Other Children: Families will often holiday with other families and the children head count can easily double. Whilst many couples will bring their own nanny, you will need to know what – if anything – you might be expected to do with or for the other children. If another nanny is also coming on holiday it is worth liaising with her and the families together, as to how best divide time and duties; you could take it in turns to do evening babysitting duties or breakfast shifts, for example.
The bottom line here is to simply ask if you are not sure. Your employers will appreciate your willingness to know exactly what is needed of you whilst on holiday with them. Let us know what we have missed by visiting our Facebook page and sharing your top things to check before holidaying with your family.