Michelle LaRowe<\/a>, lead educator at Global Nanny Training:<\/p>Gauge flexibility <\/h3>
“When there are two parents in the home, determine whose schedule is more flexible or if you can alternate child care duties,” she says. “For instance, can one parent do mornings and the other afternoons?”
In co-parenting situations, discuss flexibility for child care coverage or alternate, if possible.<\/p>
Create a child care village <\/h3>
Get commitments and availability from grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, babysitters, previous nannies, child’s friends’ parents, etc. “You can also establish reciprocal commitments with your child’s friends’ parents to back each other up when the nanny is sick,” notes Goodman.<\/p>
Look into back-up child care programs<\/h3>
In addition to friends, family and your personal network, look into professional back-up options in advance.<\/p>
“Depending on an employer’s benefits package, corporate back-up care programs may be available,” LaRowe says. “For school-aged children, before- and after-school programs, school vacation camps and other community-based child care options, such as the YMCA, can provide valuable alternatives when regular child care arrangements are unavailable.”<\/p>
What should I do when my nanny unexpectedly calls in sick?<\/h2>For child care<\/h3>
If you have a general back-up child care plan already, your nanny calling in sick should feel like an inconvenience, not a crisis, says Diamond. “Ideally, you should be able to fall back on previously agreed-upon back-up plans that have already been decided during a calm, collaborative discussion.”<\/p>
If you haven’t previously arranged for back-up care, LaRowe notes that some families choose to alternate which parent stays home from work, while others rely on trusted friends, relatives or other caregivers to provide temporary support. <\/p>
Also, Goodman notes, make sure your child knows nothing is their fault. “Some kids, when witnessing their parents scrambling for coverage, may conclude that their very existence is the cause of the situation,” she says. “Take a minute or two to check in with how your child is feeling about all this.”<\/p>
For work<\/h3>
In terms of your work, there are a number of steps you can take both ahead of time and the day of to help things run more smoothly, according to Goodman. They include:<\/p>
- Knowing the leave policy in advance.<\/strong> That way, there’s no second-guessing what to do when the nanny or your child is sick.<\/li>
- Creating a modified work from home option, if possible.<\/strong> Keep in mind that this may work with an older child, but not a baby or toddler.<\/li>
- Addressing work tasks during different hours.<\/strong> For example, in the early morning or evening.<\/li>
- Filling your “business bucket” when everything is on the up-and-up.<\/strong> “This means cover for others whose nannies or kids are sick so you have people who will cover you, as well,” suggests Goodman.<\/li>
- Training a backup co-worker or subordinate<\/strong>. They’ll know what to take care of in your absence.<\/li>
- Prewriting communication.<\/strong> Then, it will be easy to handle it when you need to update clients on the situation.<\/li><\/ul>
Diamond adds that it’s helpful, when possible, to communicate early with your employer about sick days and nanny issues. <\/p>
What nanny sick day policies should I discuss during hiring?<\/h2>
One of the most important conversations parents and nannies should have before a job begins is how illness will be handled, according to LaRowe. “Clear expectations help prevent misunderstandings and ensure everyone feels supported when a child, parent or nanny becomes sick,” she says, adding that discussions should include:<\/p>