Transitioning from Nanny to Household Manager Tips
As kids get older the needs of the family change. The family you are working for no longer need you to plan play dates, work on gross motor skills, and work on imaginative play. Instead you are needed for house organizing, chauffeuring duties, and homework help. TLC For Kids places nannies in full-time Household Manager positions.
I came across these tips from the Regardingnannies.com blog.
Understand that you won’t be punching a time clock. While you may be used to starting when the parents leave in the morning and being done when they come home, the role of a Household Manager isn’t so black and white. An urgent repair may require a vendor call at 7 am, a delivery may have truck trouble or get stuck in traffic, and will now arrive at 8 pm. It all requires flexibility, lots of patience, and the ability to think quickly, problem solve and multitask. If you work more than forty hours in the work week you will be compensated for overtime.
Be Organized. Keeping an accurate and detailed calendar is a must. I keep a paper calendar for quick reference on my desk, as well as notes on what tasks were completed that day, follow ups to be done and general notes to self. I also utilize Gmail and their calendar is great as it syncs with my cell phone and I can color code vendors, school, work and personal appointments. The capability to keep notes on the appointment is a plus as well. Technology is your friend! Get to know the latest apps available to help with organization, time management, note taking, mileage tracking and more.
Clearly define your work agreement. We highly recommend a detailed work agreement. Since you be doing childcare and household managing make sure the contract covers both. The contract should clearly define all of the responsibilities and include which role plays a priority in special circumstances, such as sick child, vacations, and inclement weather. Remember to be flexible. Not every day goes as planned.
If you are interested in learning more about Household Manager positions please contact us.