If you have read any of this blog before, you have heard me rant about the importance communication between parents and nannies. Just as in any relationship there is bound to be miscommunication, so as professionals lets take a step toward “too much” rather than not enough communication. Think about starting a daily Nanny Log – a great communication tool!
The Nanny Log, is simply as it sounds. It is filled with highlights from your day: including but not limited to a child’s health, development, and activities of the daily routine.
Here are some examples of logs found online:
One local Nanny uses a lined spiral notebook, and prefers to write out necessary things.
Our family team uses a binder with printed sheets, then hole punched. Ours has changed as the needs of the boys had changed. For example, the parents no longer need to know how many ounces of milk the boys consume and when. Early on this was important due to some feeding issues of one of the boys.
Whatever the specifics, this is a a great benefit to all.
High5: Ideas for Keeping a Nanny Log
5. Keep it Handy
It’s best to keep you Nanny Log in a convenient location. If you spend a good deal of time in the kitchen (don’t we all), that is a great place to have it up on the counter away from little hands. When it is located in a convenient place, you are more likely to check in with it… which is a benefit to the parents as well.
4. Keep it Simple
There are a million things that we could log and keep track of throughout a day. Figure out what is key and important in your specific case, and do that. As you view examples you may see things that are not relevant. Some families may be interested in the specific foods, times of meal as others may not need that information. Do the basics. After looking through some examples, you may think of creating your own log and making copies. The more that you can pre-type, the more time you save each day.
3. Keep it Balanced
It is always important to pass along injuries and challenges, but make sure that your log doesn’t turn into a place to vent or complain. Share positive thoughts and observations as well as the negative. Praise the children’s successes. Parents will be able to look for those when they are home and continue the validation.
2. Keep it Timely
If you are going to keep a “daily” log, then do just that. Try to have your log completed by the time parents are arriving home. If you have parents working from home, it may help to log throughout the day. It may encourage less disruption with you and the children if they can take a quick peek without being noticed. All of our days have distractions and “surprises”, but if you are committing to do a daily log, make sure it is complete as you leave.
1. Keep it Current
Each Nanny Log should be specific to the family where they are at. Notes for babies may include different things than a toddler, and a preschooler. As the children grow, let your log change accordingly. If you go the “make your own” route, you can update them quarterly as you print more out.
For extended reading, check out these links. Great ideas for beginners!
Great idea Greta! Even after 16 years with my family we still do daily notes. Communication plays a huge part in a successful employer/employee relationship!