We’ve arrived at that time of year when lots of families are planning their summer holidays if they haven’t already. Summer holidays, whether abroad or within the UK, are an often much needed, family break from the usual day-to-day distractions. Work and chores can be forgotten for around two glorious weeks, leaving you to fully concentrate on enjoying time with the children. With the need to make sure children have a fun time, it’s easy to overlook the fact that parents need time out too, to relax and recharge mind, body and soul for the coming year. So the idea of taking the nanny on the family holiday is often considered a way of getting the best of both worlds.

Situations vary from family to family. The nanny joining the family on holiday is the usual practice for some and they have tried-and-tested arrangements that work well. For others, it’s quality ‘family only’ time and the nanny can enjoy a two week summer holiday all of her own at the same time.If taking your nanny on the family holiday with you is something you’re considering for the first time then there are factors to bear in mind. The list can be varied depending on the relationship you have with your nanny, but here are three that we consider worth thinking about:

Whose holiday?

There is always a danger in thinking that as the nanny is joining you on holiday, it’s also her holiday but (unless you have a prior arrangement that she can take extra time off) it’s important to remember that the nanny is working – just not in the normal surroundings. So bear in mind that in most cases, normal holiday entitlement will still apply. Some nannies would consider it harder work than being at home with the different environment, the unusual hours and inconvenience of being away from home all contributing. It is also advisable to agree the hours, duties and even potential holiday working rates beforehand and make sure that whilst away you allow your nanny to have time off too.

Sleeping arrangements

We believe the majority of nannies would appreciate their own room. Everyone needs some level of quiet time and privacy which will be difficult for the nanny to achieve if she has to share sleeping quarters with the children. However, if you’re joining another family on holiday and both are bringing a nanny then it’s not unreasonable to ask the nannies to share a room if the subject of finding the extra space presents a problem. Plus, in this situation, the nannies may not oppose having the company of someone else who is also there to work.

A token of thanks

After you get home, a little something to say thank you is always worth considering especially if your nanny has gone above and beyond the call of duty whilst you were away. We all know that ‘holiday time’ exists in a twilight zone where you are spending time doing things you don’t normally do, at times of the day when you wouldn’t normally do them! If, for example, the nanny is frequently with the children in the evening while you are dining out late, or up early every morning allowing you to rest, or perhaps only having one afternoon off during the holiday, a token of thanks may be appropriate. Most, if not all nannies would appreciate days off in lieu or a small bonus and it will do wonders to strengthen your family’s relationship with her.

These are just three things to think about which go towards ensuring that your holiday is the most enjoyable it can be for you and your children, and of course the nanny. After all, we take holidays so we can leave stress and tension behind, albeit for a short time. Your holiday may not seem like one if you and your nanny have crossed wires about what’s expected of her and vice versa. Our golden rule is to clearly agree everything before you go.

If you need more information about taking nannies on holiday and the etiquette involved, then the nanny agency where you found your nanny will be able to help. If you found your nanny independently then give us a ring here at Nannytax on 0845 225 2205 and we’ll do our best to help.

Enjoy your holiday, whatever you decide to do!

Did you know that with insurance cover from Nannyinsure, your nanny is covered on the family holiday? With Nannyinsure, Nanny duties are covered within the European Union as well as covered outside of the European Union for up to 90 days*.

To find out more about this specialist public liability policy created especially for professional nannies call 0845 226 7329, visit www.nannyinsure.co.uk or simply click the logo below.

*Conditions apply