The independence that you get from being a nanny is the most liberating job that you could ever have. You create and teach at your own pace or the pace of the child. You only have to answer to the parent, so the activities can be endless. One of the hardest parts of being a nanny is the lack of co-workers. Not having another adult around to talk to, bounce ideas around, or just share daily experiences. Another concern from the parental point of view is sometimes the lack of social interaction for the child.
It’s an important developmental factor and for a child with a Nanny, it could be difficult. So how could we fix both problems with one special solution? A playdate. Here are seven ways to ensure it’s a beneficial idea for the families and nannies involved.
1. Find A Good Match
Finding a potential match might be tricky. Keep an eye out for similar personalities. If your kid is at the park and takes an interest in playing with someone and they become inseparable for that short amount of time, it might be worthwhile to give them a longer opportunity to hang out.
2. Choose A Comfortable Location
Everyone needs to be open and ready to play. What setting does your kid thrive best in? Public or Home? Talk with the family and see if it should be neutral territory: the park, a museum, a restaurant for lunch, or even the library.
**If it’s at someone’s home, be sure the parents and nannies are on the same page about health and safety precautions.
3. Choose the Time Wisely
The timing could make or break the playdate. You don’t want to interrupt nap time or lunch. However, if the playdate can include lunch, that could work. Maybe substitute a regularly scheduled outside time to meet up with your new friends. This will help with the transition and the overall goal to encourage social skills and enhance the child’s daily routine.
4. Bring Helpful Items
If they have a security item: blanket, binky, or a stuffed animal, allow them to bring it for support. Even if you have to leave it in the car (that may be the negotiation), because of where you decided to meet for the playdate.
*An incentive or extra boost to encourage the playdate can be: stickers, letting them control the radio, something simple to encourage sharing and playing with others.
5. Keep the Group Small
If this is your first playdate, keep it simple. You don’t want to overwhelm yourself or the children. So start with a one-on-one. Public places will allow more interaction but if the child seems uninterested don’t force an interaction. If things go well and both parties are comfortable with adding more, that’s a great thing to build to.
6. Plan Ahead With Activities
Routine is always key. Knowing what you’re going to do before leaving the house gives something for everyone to look forward to: being prepared can be fun! Plan easy things for the children to share that will hold their attention. There are a lot of things you could bring, but just make sure you have options and that they’re doable in the location you’re meeting.
7. Have Snacks
What child doesn’t like food, and a snacking buddy is always fun. So grab some extra goldfish, apple slices, and pretzels. It can be a car snack or lunch date. Again, having a variety of options will help in case you need extras to share or someone decides to be very picky that day.
Share the Workload
This may also be an opportunity to relieve another nanny. In this case, one nanny takes the responsibility for another child, in addition to their own. This arrangement could be once a week or what schedule best suits the families. Remember with added responsibility there needs to be a clear understanding of the following:
- Compensation- will you be paid for the additional children? Or just for mileage and activity expenses?
- Frequency- how often will this be added to your schedule? Will this be an exchange of responsibility? Sometimes you have additional children, but then you’re allowed to take your child to the other nanny.
Playdates should be a genuine connection for the nannies and children involved. It shows initiative to the parents if it’s your idea and their support of it shows great appreciation and trust back. Keep lines of communication open and most of all have fun. This part of the day should be special and exciting—don’t forget that part.
