Will any other nannies admit to taking short naps when the charge does? I love my job, love the family, and love the kids, but man... sometimes they wipe me out! A quick power nap while the baby naps (and older child is in school) is exactly what I need to perk back up. Does anyone else do this? Feel free to post with a different moniker if you crave anonymity. - Anonymous
53 comments:
I do it all the time. Studies have shown that a quick nap makes a more productive employee.
I too close my eyes for about 20-30 minutes. It does wonders for my energy level.
My charge is 11 months old. I'll admit I have before. I've always kept an ear out for him but my bosses made it clear that they want me to be watching the monitor second, it's one of those cameras. They gave reasons to which I thought..'well he could do those things while you two are sleeping also'.
So instead of napping I watch netflix or hulu on my phone, have coffee and relax. A nap would be glorious tho.
My family actually encourages me to nap while the baby naps! I only have maybe 2-3 times...but they have a spare room and encourage me to go to sleep anytime I want while my charge naps.
All of my families except one have encouraged it! I watch two school aged kids and a toddler. Toddler is down twice a day for a nap and the kids are at school...so I usually sneak in at least one nap.
I'm a busy person and its nice to count on it for the nights I don't get much sleep
I have had bosses apologize for waking me.
I usually set my phone alarm for an hour or less so I have time to eat or tidy up before my charge wakes up.
I'm not ashamed to admit this, but I do.warn that getting into a nap schedule as an adult can mess up your internal clock. Sometimes I find it hard to fall asleep at night.
Let's see if it'll let me post this time. 3rd's a charm!! :)
I have always worked for familiess who encourage me to take a power nap when all my charges are asleep if I need one. I don't have it as part of my routine but there are days (usually once a week) where I need those 20 mins of shut eye to perk me back up!
I know I've read comments on this topic before from nannies who just flat-out refused to believe that an employer would allow/encourage a nanny to power nap, but mine do. And I have (though it's not a regular thing). Like one of the above posters, they had a spare room when I began that they welcomed me to use, and especially in the beginning when I was unused to the new hours, I'd crash when baby napped. Nowadays if I nap I usually drift off on the couch. :)
I don't at my current job, but I have before. I just kept the kids' bedroom doors open and slept on the couch. I could still hear the kids and was instantly awake if I heard one of them start to wake up.
I am a parent and in way would I want my nanny asleep on the job. It is a job, and as a surgeon I work long hours but would never nap on the job! Working with kids you must be on your game at all times. You fall asleep, the kids can wonder out of their rooms, climb out of their cribs, go outside and that is how accidents happen. Some parents are okay with napping, but I think they are insane. I cannot tell you how much stuff I have seen in the emergency room from parents or nannies not paying attention. That is great you get a catnap and feel refreshed, but the reality is if you aren't well rested and mentally prepared for the day you should not be a nanny. Kids are so much work, and I respect anyone who is a nanny or childcare provider. There are days my kids wear me out to the point of exhaustion, but if I can keep my eyes open after working twelve hours I expect a nanny to be able to work without napping. Any other job would have you clock out for lunch or breaks, but as a nanny you are always on. You can read a book, watch tv whatever if the other work is done but you close your eyes you should be looking for another job. You should not be paid to sleep on a job ESP when there are children involved.
I totally agree well said! I get frustrated when I see our nanny sitting around doing nothing for hours when my twins nap, and there is still stuff like cleaning up after meals, washing their clothes and other baby related jobs. She will sit there and I have talked to her numerous times in past six months that she has to work even if they nap. She only works six hrs a day while I work. Why should I pay someone to do nothing when kids nap? If I want a lunch break I clock out. I get so mad paying someone to do nothing let alone if they napped that would be a breaking point for me! Take a few minutes to relax but napping or doing nothing on job is not okay! And I hate it when nannies compare themselves to the parent. The parent is paying someone to watch their kids. If that person thinks because mom sits for an hr they can too. Nope do your job and do it well.
Katie, you sound like a total b*tch to work for.
I don't *nap* while I'm at work. I full on SLEEP! But, I should toss in there, that I work nights as a nanny, and I'm really just there to make sure that the teens are home & safe at night. :) Hate me, it's ok. LOL
A good Nanny doesn't sit around doing nothing for hours Katie. If that's truly what's happening in your situation I'd find a new Nanny. There is no excuse for that.
Not that it adds anything to the conversation either, but, if I ever worked for a family who didnt openly encourage a power nap without my asking I wouldn't take one. It's not like it's one of the questions I ask in my interviews, haha.
Katie, if you get so easily annoyed at your nanny, why do you continue to employ her? I agree, she should be cleaning up after the twins and if you specified it in her contract, she should be doing their laundry too.
My charge has been sleeping amazingly well today (for a nice change) so I've gotten the laundry done and did the dishes twice. I also reorganized her closet and packed up all the too-small clothes. And yet I still found time to get on my laptop and "do nothing".
Sounds like one mom works a lot and the other has sleep envy due to twins. I've napped for all nanny jobs where I'm putting in 10 plus hours a day. It's a good thing to do for your body, taking care of little ones is exhausting. No parents that have known have minded, and no children I've watched have ever been harmed because they were also napping. When children are on a good schedule you can plan cleaning, cooking, laundry, outings, and naps to happen like clockwork most days. So just like a stay at home mom who is tired and takes a nap, so do I.
When I nannied full time I totally did and the parents encouraged it as well. I still babysit occasionally and am told to nap all the time. I think they realize you are much more fun/productive with kids when you are not tired.
I agree with Katie. I think her nanny is only working six hours a day. So I don't think she really needs to nap. Some nannies work 10-12 hour days. Then I can see taking a nap. She can sit on the couch watch tv while folding laundry.
Katie, so your nanny can clock out and leave for her lunch break? No? Then you gotta pay up. You're paying her to be in the house, this doesn't mean she doesn't get a break.
I have dozed off at naptime.
Never fully asleep. I couldn't do it.
The sleepiness always catches me by surprise.
By no means do I expect a nap, but I think nannies that are allowed a snooze with the kids are lucky.
I look at it like this: I work at least 9 hours. The family I work for is very tidy and also employ a cleaning service. All I do is the kids laundry (weekly), load the dishwasher and vacuum the kitchen...most of this can be accomplished in the first hour of work before the kids are even up. Then, there is NOTHING to do. And my charge Naps 4 hours a day. I do not nap until my tasks are completed
When I nap I set an alarm and usually sleep in the room across from my charges or in the room closest to the stairs. I'm usually awake before she is and if I'm not I can hear her clearly.
This is just a perk of the profession...just like other professions have their perks.
For my full-time nanny, working long days, I was fine with her napping with the kids when they were little. However, I my two great nannies almost never took me up on this, instead using the time to catch up on tasks or relax.
For a pt nanny working a 6-hour day, I do not think a nap is necessary. I would not be angry if she napped, but I would wonder if she were working too hard overall (perhaps combined jobs) and that would concern me.
I do not see how napping is a perk of being a nanny. I nannied for five years while in college, and my employers never told me I could nap nor did it cross my mind. I nannied for three kids, was paid very very well, and treated like family. I kept myself busy organizing rooms, cleaning toys, organizing food in the pantry for the kids, thinking up crafts, you name it. I loved the family I nannied for, but as a professional nanny you always find something to do, and your salary reflects that. I would have loved to nap as sometimes two of the kids were in school, and when the baby napped I was tired. But if you want to do your job and do it well, napping is not part of the schedule. Definitely not for team katie and how she worded herself, but I think the point is that napping is being lazy. If i worked only six hours a day and napped, most parents would fire me on the spot. I nanny now occasionally, but come on nannies let us show our professionalism. Even if your boss tells you to nap, don't! Not only is it unsafe, but the parents expect you to be alert at all times even if they were to nap if they were home. Best advice I can give you newer nannies is if you want to make bank, realize that you are there to make the family's life easier. Even if you think well the mom would be napping now then so can I, think again. Even if the parents say it is okay, I have seen too many times a parent come home at lunch and be livid when a nanny is asleep. Always be busy, always try to look busy, be as hands on with the kids as possible, be communicative with the parents, and always realize that you are there to make them breathe a little easier. When I interviewed and parents ask me what I do when the kids nap, my response is always tidy up, clean kitchen after meals, straighten toys, and catch up on things that need to be cleaned like toys or stuff put away. Or to do kids laundry and go through their clothes. I never say read a book and magazine. I see too many nannies not get good positions, too many nannies fired, get paid lower than what they want. Stand your ground on your pay but deliver in how you work. I am sick of nannies being called lazy so come on nannies don't give us a bad name!!!!!
I don't nap very often, but have been told it is totally fine if I do take a nap while the child/children in my care are napping. I think the safety concern is only really valid if the nanny is a deep sleeper, in which case a nap is not a good idea. When I have napped I have woken to every little sound the little ones made...I suppose it was more of a "cat nap" on the couch, or sometimes even in the chair in the nursery, than a full on, fast asleep nap in the guest room. But I never once felt I was putting the children in danger.
I would nap at my last nannying position and I honestly felt like that tiny nap made a huge difference in my ability to keep up with toddler twins. I also think it increases the nannies ability to go into work sick, bc she knows she can rest while the children are sleeping. I slept with the monitor beside my head, and never had a problem waking up when they woke. It's a nap, not sleep from a sleeping pill ;)
If I'm paying $12+ an hr for you to watch my child, the last thing I would expect is for you to be napping...do daycare workers nap
Once a Nanny,
I agree in theory that an employee should be proactive and motivated during downtime. But I disagree in practice when work involves long hours with few breaks. I have certainly had sitters who work short hours that have spent way too much time resting, texting, or on the computer. Yes, that is frustrating.
However, when I ask my nanny to work 13 straight hours (to cover my 12 hour shift), with 3 kids, and limited opportunities for coordinated downtime, I feel differently. I can tell the difference between someone being lazy and someone who truly needs a break. Until my early 30s I could work 12-24 hour shifts with no significant repercussions. That is no longer the case and I feel no obligation to put on a show during rare downtime. I will always work very hard when needed; always take initiative to do extra when I have the energy and time; and always ensure no one has to pick up any extra work on my account. But once all my tasks are completed, I will gladly put my head down on the desk for a few minutes and get much needed rest even though I rarely sleep.
There is no so much data supporting decreased productivity and increased errors when employees work very long hours or non-traditional hours. That is why there are so many laws governing the hours medical residents may work -- to protect the patients!
It is true that my great nannies have had remarkable endurance, but there have still been days I can see they are just plain tired. I would much prefer a trusted nanny recognizing when she needs a reasonable break (without neglecting any duties) and taking it. She will be refreshed which means the whole family benefits. A nanny makes my life easier when she does her job well and if that means she needs a break once in a while, kudos to her for knowing her limits and having the self-confidence to be honest about it. I truly hate the concept of "looking busy" for no greater purpose. If I trust my nanny, I trust she will not abuse this perk and I will not micromanage her choices. I'd gladly pay "bank" for a nanny with those qualities rather than one who thinks rearranging the toys for the 50th time impresses me.
Of course, there are bad nannies, and bad employees in every field, who will exploit any opportunity to not work. But that kind of caregiver isn't going to last very long in most households and her weak work ethic will not be limited to excess napping.
I also disagree that a brief nap is inherently unsafe. Only you know yourself, but I am an incredibly light sleeper and if I could fall asleep I am quite certain I would wake at the slightest noise. A nanny who sleeps deeply probably should not nap on the job if she is unable to wake as needed to provide childcare.
Nannying is one of the only fields with NO mandatory breaks during the day. It is exhausting work. Even now that my kids don't nap, if I ask my nanny to work a long day, I specifically suggest she put on a TV show for an hour during the day to give herself a break.
Neicy,
No daycare workers do not nap. I have only worked at a family daycare, but I believe good daycare centers are well-staffed to allow for breaks during the day. Who on earth wants an exhausted person caring for their kids?
I don't understand how people think that napping while kids are sleeping isn't safe? At night when the whole house is asleep is that unsafe too? I work for a wonderful family who has always encouraged me to nap if I need it, I barely ever do because I prefer to have a little time to myself but, when I do I always make sure my charge is fully asleep first, the house is cleaned and straightened, and I have nothing else to do. In my opinion I would rather be full of energy and ready to play when my charge wakes up instead of being sleepy and ready to go home.
Do daycare workers nap? Yes. When I worked at a daycare, I would get a one-hour lunch break and would often spend that time sleeping. Nannies don't get a real lunch break, remember?
I am not sure why sleeping on a job is a good thing. You are being paid to watch kids so stop comparing yourselves to how the parents sleep at night. Big difference. Any other job you can take a lunch and maybe clock out and you could do what you please with your time. When you are a nanny you are always on and fact is hopefully you can take some time to relax but you are never off off. You are watching kids, and they are the most precious thing to a parent. When you go to lunch or nap at any other profession you are not responsible for a child. You have your freedom to come and go. Unfortunately with kids you cannot just do as you please. I understand someone working twelve hour days and maybe a parent okay with their nanny napping. That is a choice the parent has to make. My problem is when you aren't told to nap and just do. Some nannies think it is okay to nap because all the other work is done. You are being paid to be alert. Light sleepers, keeping kids doors open doesn't justify someone just taking the initiative to nap. Like I said it is the parents choice and the problem I have is a nanny just making the assumption it is okay. Being a nanny is a profession unlike any other because you are always on. We pay our nanny way above average, we don't expect her to be our housekeeper, we pay any extra hours and are always on time. She has never asked to nap and is always doing something. In fact we encourage her to sit down and take some breathing time, but I have never found her napping nor do I tell her it is okay. She works nine hour days, and we always thank her for her hard work. We trust her completely with our kids because we know she is always watching them and not napping, texting whatever. She is always fantastic with the kids, so maybe some parents okay with napping but we arent. We had a friends nanny fall asleep and the three year old got outside and just playing by himself. The nanny claimed she was a light sleeper and how could that have happened?? The parents had told her it was okay to nap but look at the outcome. Is it really worth the risk? Unfortunately it was a bad experience for all and nanny got fired. Parents think about telling nanny it is okay to nap. Nannies don't just assume it is okay to nap if parents don't say it is okay. Just wish everyone would think that something bad could happen to them and do you really want to risk it?
Yes, daycare workers may nap but not on the clock. I'm in agreement w/Miss Mannah that most nannies don't get "real lunch breaks" in the fact that they cannot leave the family's home to grab a bite to eat or run errands. Nannies are still responsible for their charges. I once worked for a MB that paid me by the hr. I technically worked 9 hrs (8-5). But, she only paid me for 8 stating that I got a 1 hr break while the child napped. I was livid b/c my charge didn't nap the full hour. But, that wasn't the point. I didn't get a "real lunch break" b/c I could not leave the responsibility of my charge or their home. I quickly found another job and quit. I learned from my mistake and now work for a great family. Communication before you accept a job is vital. By the way, I do doze off ocassionally while the children nap but not often. It's not a problem and I still get paid while the children nap. All nannies should.
@amom
Sounds like the parents and the nanny did a poor job of teaching the 3 year old to keep his/her little behind where they are told.
I hope they've since installed locks and alarms as that is the type of child that will get out of bed at night too.
I am just disgusted by the parents in here. How many of you take naps while your baby sleeps? All of you, I'm sure. Yet being a nanny, which is predominantly an underpaid, underappreciated position, means you can't take a 30 minute power nap when the child/children are SAFE and ASLEEP?
God, screw you. It's sickening to me how little people appreciate what we do for their kids.
I don't go around demanding a nap.
But I have taken one when the charges are sleeping.
With a 10 plus hour day ( sometimes less depending on the type and number of charges you have) you need a refresher, so you can be on the rest of the day.
That's what I miss most about working daycare, the hour lunch breaks. I would spend most of that hour napping.
Disgusted by the parents in here? Do I nap when my kids do? Yes if my husband is here and quite frankly I work so when I come home I am still working by being a mom. I wont nap if it is just me as I am usually doing other things. We pay our nanny three dollars more than the average nanny around here, and we treat her very well. Don't compare yourself to a parent as the parents job is never ending. A nanny gets to go home at the end of the day. The parent does not. By saying this is doesn't mean nannies are not treated well or appreciated. We adore our nanny, and treat her more like family than an employee. Because she doesn't get to clock out for lunch and has to mentally on all day she can read a book or relax once kids and once she had done the straightening up. We tell her take thirty minutes paid to chill and no we would never think to not pay her while kids nap. That is just plain ridiculous. Everybody should appreciate their nanny. But the nannies also need to realize that by napping puts the kids at risk if they sleep through their alarms or fall into a deeper sleep. As a parent I am more concerned for the what ifs that could happen versus offending my nanny. And as the parent my child's safety trumps anyone's ego. Heck yes we appreciate our nanny but she also appreciates safety and our concern. If anyone feels insulted by my comments too bad. You are allowed your opinions and I am allowed mine. If you want to cry that nannies aren't appreciated find a new employer. We treat ours like gold and have kept her for over two years.
A mom,
I was with my last family for eight years they too treated me very well. I was also allowed to nap. Don't go patting yourself on the back, two years isn't that long to keep a nanny.
That was not the moniker I typed in, in the above post.
I give up, I don't know why it keeps changing my moniker.
Katie, I am appalled that you say your nanny is "doing nothing" while the kids nap. Keep in mind that she is dedicating a portion of her day to YOUR children and that her time in your home is not truly HER time. She cannot run to grab a sandwich or coffee. If a friend calls and invites her to see a movie, she cannot go since she is bound by her duty to you. Sure, your kids may sleep well, but when if one has a nightmare and awakens? Parents like you make me sometimes re-consider my profession as a nanny.
I work 12 hour days and I have a nap every single day. Our routine is that after putting the kids down for their afternoon nap (they sleep for about 1.5 hours) I set my alarm for 30mins and I have a sleep in the spare room. Then after I hop up and do my extras and some cooking for the left over hour. I feel 100% better and I know it makes me able to keep calm and enjoy the aftenoon. There have of course been the odd day where the kids are sick of people are staying when I don't sleep. I work 6.30am-6.30pm. The parents know I sleep and I continue to do so even if they are home.
However - if I only worked the 6 hours I don't think I would actually need or want a sleep so i do see this from both sides.
@AussieNanny
Bless you...12 hours a day! I did the same when I was 20 working 7-7.Looking back I had to be crazy to do it. It was very good money and the kids & parents were great but it was just too many hours. The parents encouraged me to nap when the child did but most of the time i couldn't. I felt isolated and had no social life. In the end I left but felt sad because it would've been the perfect job if the hours weren't so long.
Just a question... Using the logic some of the PPs against napping have used, I frequently work for a family all weekend. The parents will go away for a weekend conference, leaving me with the kids from Friday to Sunday. Am I supposed to stay up constantly during the time I am there? Because in my opinion it is the same thing. I am paid to be in charge of the kids and I'm the only one there to supervise. How is it okay for me to sleep with monitors at night when I'm getting paid then but not okay for me to nap while the kids are napping?
Wow, I think it is pretty amazing that you believe that a nanny is just a nanny and doesn't have a life outside of her/his job. I know many nannies who are also moms, outside of their job so after they work a full day they get to go home and be moms at home too. I personally am not a mom yet but I still come home to a house that needs to be taken care of, dinner to be cooked, among many other things. So after nannies get off of work they are still working to just like everyone else. I agree it should be up to the parent but for you to say it is unsafe, I disagree. I hope that any nanny would have enough commonsense to never put their charge in a dangerous situation and if they feel comfortable taking a nap they probably know what is best for them and the child they are watching.
Hi 'Been there' - At the moment it is my choice to work these hours cos my husband and I are paying off our new house. I can imagine that next year we will probably tone it back a bit and start thinking about a family. But for now yes the hours are super long and it also means that I have to squeeze lots into the weekends but I hope it will be worth while so I can take some time off to be a Mum. Lucky I get my nap though!! :-)
Our nannies have always worked long days.
We're ok with them napping while the kids where napping.
None of our nannies have ever asked to nap, but a 20/30 power nap is a given when working 12 plus hours a day.
I wouldn't be upset if I found out nanny napping even if she worked the shorter 6 hour days.
I would be more concerned she was working too hard at a second job or was having some sort of health issue causing her to be fatigued.
I don't have my nanny do any cleaning outside of the mess made during her watch.
I only expect the house to be in the same condition I left it when I returned.
If she chooses to pick up along the way fine. If chooses to pick up 5 minutes before I arrive that's fine too.
I wish I could like some of these comments from the nannies! I am appalled at some of these parents on here. A 30 min nanny nap while your children are SLEEPING won't kill your children. Who do you think you are?
Wow a whole $3 more. Amazzzzzing.
The "its okay for me to nap but the nanny shouldn't" thinking is pathetic. Some parents expect a nanny to do a bettter job than they do. I encountered this while working in daycare. Id have six children in my care & some parents would expect PERFECTION. When these same parents couldn't handle their ONE child for a few hours in the evening & on weekends.
@Amom
Nannies days don't end when they clock out. They have lives & responsibilites outside of work. You sound like you think a lot of yourself & how to treat your nanny. Id love to hear her side of it though. Because you sure don't sound as nice as you say that you are. :)
@said
Yes I've had parents counting the hours until I returned the next day, especially on a Monday after the weekend because they couldn't handle their own kids. I even had a dad once tell me I did a better job than the mom. Totally out of line, but sadly true. As far as napping, I've taken a short nap a couple of times while the children did too. It's never been an issue.
Katie and Surgeon,
Hasn't it occurred to you that nannies can't just "clock out"? We need rest and mental breaks, just like everyone else. As you said, caring for children is incredibly important and demanding, which is why we should take advantage of every safe opportunity to recharge and be at our best.
So while I am doing a ten hour case on your husband, child, or best friend how about I scrub out of a case, hand it over to a resident who has never done the procedure, just so I can catnap? Nannies I have seen way too much in my career from negligent parents and caregivers not paying attention. None of you have a right to comment that napping is acceptable. I have done this way too long and seen way too many things I wish I hasn't. I do my job and I do it well. Am I cocky in my profession... Heck yeah I am. I come on time, my patients know that I am totally over dedicated to them and the best care possible. Do you want to know how many times I have heard from someone, I just looked the other way, I only fell asleep for a few minutes, I am a light sleeper, I only left them outside a few minutes to run inside. Then us surgeons get to see a child who is in pain and now needs surgery because you didn't do your job. I get to explain to those same parents and childcare givers the odds of a child surviving. So let's make everyones lives easier and just don't nap on the job. Grow up nannies and quit the excuses. If you want to walk a day in my shoes and see what I have seen for over twenty five years you will consider your lame excuses and how napping is acceptable. It is not acceptable when you are watching someones child. Don't take the risk. You might think you are invincible but you are not. Don't make me the bad guy when I have to explain to a parent why their child is in the condition they are in.
I have been a nanny w/ the same family for 7 years. I work an even 40 hours a week (8.75hrs M-Th & 5 hrs on F). I nap everyday except Friday.
Ive been with my family for two years and I work 12-14 hour days running after my twin 18 month old charges. Some mornings I arrive 2+ hours before they are awake and MB encourages me to catch a nap before the boys wake up! Sometimes I do, sometimes I slam coffee and watch the news. Earlier this year I began having some health issues and have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Gouty arthritis. My energy levels have hit rock bottom and by noon I am absolutley exhausted. MB knows about this and has no problem with me catching a nap while the boys are a napping as long as everything else is done. They dont want to lose me as there nanny becuase Ive become like family and I do an amazing job. So, in order to make it thru the day at times I need a powernap. I always set my alarm for thirty minutes and Im a light sleeper and I keep the monitor right next to me.
Personally Id rather have my nanny take a 30 min powernap and be refreshed and rejuvinated to take on my children again, than be tired and unfocused for half the day.
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