Work From Home Parents Pt. 1: Setting The Tone

In order to form a great working relationship, it's important for parents and nannies to respect boundaries. It's also important to do so while leaving room for open communication and for seeing the situation from both points of view.

Nannies, read on to learn how you can create space for a great day everyday with work from home parents!

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Spending your days with kiddos brings you joy and fills your heart. You did not become a childcare provider to walk on eggshells at work! When you're unhappy, how can you be your best self? Those kids deserve your most amazing you!

Here are some ideas that may support you:

1. Talk it Out. Regularly.

Take the lead in creating an open dialogue. The longer you let an issue go, the more difficult it will be to broach the topic without being upset. Ask the parents to set aside some time each week or at the end of each day to talk about how things went. This way it's a regular exchange about a range of topics. In fact, just having a regular roundup will strengthen your relationship, and make it more comfortable to bring things up that might be a little more sensitive.

2. A Little Bit of Empathy Goes a Long Way.

You've come to the home to do your work caring for the children, but remember, these parents are balancing their own, likely stressful, work while trying to compartmentalize what's going on with their kids, and their home. If they seem short-tempered or harried, try not to take it personally. Instead, offer up a little bit of empathy: "I bet a snuggle from baby will brighten your day. How about you get her up from a nap, and I'll work on her laundry?" You'll be amazed at how far this type of gesture will go for both your nanny's parents and your spirits.

3. Flex the Muscle!

It can be hard to bring up a tough topic or to set aside your feelings to demonstrate empathy. The only way to get past the hard part is to just do it. Once you bring up a tough issue, it will be easier the next time, if there is a next time! Once you see the relief and joy that a simple act of kindness brings, the easier it will be to think up ways to support your nanny parents, and in turn, to give yourself a pat on the back for bringing some happiness to someone's day.