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Figuring out what to do about childcare over the summer holidays is challenging at the best of times. But following on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, summer 2020 is going to be even trickier for working parents!
So, what are your options?
Work from home (and go mad)
Balancing working from home with childcare and home schooling has been the norm for many since lockdown, and although restrictions are starting to ease, its likely to remain the case over the summer. The pressure will be off to a degree as home schooling will be out of the mix. Even so – is it really a viable option? You’re still expected to be ‘working’ from home so it will probably come down to the age of your children and how self-sufficient they are.
Lean on family (unless they are shielding)
Not many of us are in the enviable position of having family close by who can help out with childcare. If you are, it may not be the answer to your childcare problems this summer. As it stands, it’s unclear if relatives will be able to step in. If restrictions do ease and your family members are not available to help out over the whole summer, then consider a part-time nanny to help out when they’re not around.
Hire a temporary nanny (unless they are all taken)
A nanny will give you the reassurance of having an experienced childcare professional in your home. Your child(ren) will enjoy one-to-one attention, fun and educational activities with someone who will quickly come to feel like a member of the family. Number of days and hours can be flexible according to your needs. What’s more, as the nanny is coming to you, you won’t have to organise your working day around drop off and pick up.
Share a temporary nanny (if you can agree on requirements)
Sharing a nanny with another family (now being allowed by the government) will give you all the benefits of hiring a nanny, at a fraction of the cost. Your child(ren) will still have the same level of care and attention, with the extra fun that comes with having other children around. This works particularly well if the families know each other and have children of a similar age. The first hurdle families experience is agreeing (or not!) on who’s the right nanny.
Hire an au pair (if they haven’t escaped the country)
Although there not be quite as many au pairs around this summer due to some returning home at the start of the pandemic and travel restrictions preventing a new influx coming in, they are a great, cost effective option, if you are able to track one down. They are not qualified childcarers, but this is less of a concern if you are going to be at home. In return for accommodation, pocket-money and the cultural experience, an au pair will entertain your children, prepare their meals and do some cleaning and laundry. If you’re not too concerned about having a qualified childcarer, a junior nanny or someone who is just starting out, could be a good alternative for you
Book a summer camp (keep your fingers crossed they actually open)
Some summer camps may be open this year, but chances are the one you’re counting on has already cancelled or may do soon. The camps that do stay open will be outdoors which is great for burning off a lot of energy and give your child(ren) a chance to try all sorts of activities they may not have the opportunity to do at school or clubs. More importantly they are hubs for children to make new friends to share new memories with. Depending on camp days and hours, you may still need some additional childcare which is where a temporary, part-time nanny may be helpful.
At myTamarin we have nannies with different levels of experience available for temporary childcare over the summer, as well as permanent positions. All our nannies are fully vetted and our pay-as-you-go model means no upfront fees! Sign up for your summer childcare.
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