It’s a scenario every working parent dreads: Your phone buzzes at 7 a.m. with a text from your nanny. Uh oh: She can’t make it in today! Breathe deeply and skip the panic. If you prepare a backup plan in advance, you won’t need to scramble or take a day off of work. Follow these steps to make sure you’re always covered for childcare, even at the last minute.
Discuss sick days with your nanny in advance
She may have a friend or family member who can serve as a backup caregiver. If so, be sure to meet that caregiver and have your children meet that person, too.
Talk to your family
Do your parents live in the area? Maybe your sister is a stay-at-home mom and can help you out in a pinch? Having relatives provide child care is common: A recent U.S. Census Survey report found that 21.8% percent of parents regularly rely on a relative to provide child care. If you don’t usually ask family for child care help, be sure to discuss it in advance to see if they’d be willing or interested to help you out last-minute. Key caveat: Know that they’re not necessarily a sure thing; it’s always possible that they’ll have plans that day and won’t be able to help.
See if your employer offers a back-up care benefit
Not every company can offer huge campus-style benefits — but there’s a reason the Googles and Amazons of the world do. Amenities like dry cleaning, workout facilities, daycare, after-school programs, and health clinics at the office are a draw for top talent. And while they might seem frivolous to some, these benefits can help parents accomplish the myriad day-to-day responsibilities of raising kids and managing a household while maintaining a career. Check to see whether your employer offers back-up care on-site or partners with Sittercity to provide you with a free Premium membership.
Start compiling your backup sitter list now
This is important, and it’s where Sittercity can help you. Post a job on Sittercity saying you’re looking to meet nannies in your area, who are willing sub when your current nanny is unavailable. This is your chance to meet a variety of new babysitters who could be a good fit for your family. Build up your sitter “network” early with the hope that you’ll find more than one you can add to your last-minute babysitter call list.
Prepare your kids
The last thing you want to do is invite a brand-new sitter over that your kids don’t know, then dash off to work for the day. It may seem obvious, but it’s incredibly important that you introduce any new nanny or babysitter to your children in advance. Once you select a few backup sitters, see if they’d like to come over and meet your kids for a shorter span of time, such as a date night, so they get used to each other. The best (albeit most expensive) thing is to hire your backup to co-sit with your current nanny for a day, so she is exposed to your family’s daily routines.
Ask for flexibility
“Flexible work” allows employees the freedom to dictate their own schedule (within reason, of course) — and more companies are touting this benefit. In fact, approximately 80 percent of companies offer their employees flexible work arrangements, according to a survey by FlexJobs. Sound enticing? Buyer beware: While flexible work arrangements can go a long way toward helping parents balance their responsibilities at home and work, it’s important to understand what the company means by “flexible.”
Consider this preparation for planned absences, too
Nannies go on vacation or take planned time off just like everyone else. When you have your backup network ready you’ll be able to handle her absence without any stress.
