As we shift gears into the new routines that autumn brings, it can be a very busy time for families and households across the country.
Reassessing Your Family’s Childcare Needs This Autumn
Extracurricular activities resume, school is back in session, summer traveling has slowed down, and working parents are as active as ever with meetings and projects.
Because of all this, it can be an ideal time for families to take a closer look at their childcare arrangements and determine if they are still meeting their needs.
Here’s why fall is a great time to assess what’s working, identify any gaps in care, and adjust.
School and Extracurricular Schedules Demand It
Summer schedules are often different than autumn ones. So, a childcare arrangement that worked well during summer might not work once school and other activities are in session.
Children might require assistance getting to and from school, they may need transportation to sports or music practice, they might need tutoring in the home after school, or there may be other demands on the parents that require an extra hand.
Determine if your current nanny can accommodate your changing schedule.
- Can they work longer to help with after-school transportation?
- Are they willing to manage activities into the evening?
For families with more than one child, the logistics can get even more complicated, so it’s key to think through all of the details and identify where you can benefit the most from extra support.
The Children Have More Needs
Kids grow up in just a blink of an eye – and that means their childcare requirements can change just as fast. A baby may be moving into the more mobile and vocal phase of childhood. A school-aged child may need help with homework.
Older children might not need as much care, but they may need more transportation help or assistance with organization.
Evaluate your nanny’s skills and expertise and see if they continue to align with your children’s current stages.
For some families that may mean they need to onboard an additional nanny or hire a family assistant who can provide both administrative support and childcare.
Professional Responsibilities Shift
For many working parents, the change to autumn means increased duties at work, more travel demands, or changes in professional schedules. Consider the realities of your professional role.
If you know your job may demand longer hours, frequent travel, or struggling to cover school breaks or transportation to school or other activities, you may need to consider how to find coverage that alleviates some of that stress.
Keep Communication Central
While you determine what your specific childcare needs are, it’s important to have a written job description in place.
If you plan to expand your current nanny’s responsibilities, have a discussion with them. Be sure that you’re clear about what changes may be coming, if they are comfortable with that, and how you are willing to compensate them for expanded duties.
Clear communication about this prevents misunderstandings, helps build trust, and ultimately helps maintain a more loyal, long-term working relationship.
Autumn is also a great time to think beyond the immediate season. Families can look ahead to the coming year and beyond, considering anticipated changes like a new baby, a child starting school, a move, increased travel or changes in professional positions.
Planning ahead allows families to make hiring decisions proactively.
Find the Right Childcare Support for Your Family
If you determine you need to expand your in-home team of staff or make adjustments in hiring a new childcare professional, our team at Household Staffing is ready to help.
With more than 30 years in the domestic staffing industry, we understand how households evolve over time and how beneficial additional support can be.
Our team of experienced recruiters works with each client to understand what they need and how we can help find the most qualified candidate for your home.
Contact us today or complete our New Hire Form to get the process started!
