Part-time Poppins:

The Nanny Log

 

Log it or Lose it

A "Nanny Log" isn't a professional child care provider paying homage to a felled tree; it is a vital tool for parent-nanny communication. A successful nanny-family relationship requires effective communication skills, and a nanny log is an excellent instrument for maintaining contact. Often, nannies and parents are faced with the restrictions of hectic schedules, and children who have several different levels of "need," be it important one-on-one connection time, meal preparation, educational assistance, or one of the countless other tasks that a nanny assists with on any given day. It is not uncommon for three or four things to occur simultaneously, and without a quick reference such as a nanny log, many important details can be missed.

A nanny log is a bridge of communication between that which a nanny can verbally communicate and that which goes unsaid, i.e., how much a child eats, what mood each child was in, etc. Logging the amount that an infant eats over a period of time can show important patterns in eating behavior, and whether the child is eating large amounts for just one family member, or if the child consistently eats healthy, large proportions. In addition, illness is preceded by sudden changes in eating habits, as are growth spurts. A sudden increase in appetite can signal the onset of a large growth spurt, while a sudden decrease can indicate the conclusion of a growth spurt, or the beginning of a cold or other illness. It is often difficult to remember exactly how much a child has consumed at any given point; thus, a log tracks the amount and allows parent and nanny to review as necessary.

If conflicts occur during the day, and are resolved either among the children via mutual apologies and by following standard "house rules" for the specific offense, it is easy to forget to inform a parent about the conflict. Noting this, however, allows the parent to see if there was a catalyst for a later conflict, i.e., if a child didn't fully internalize the dispute that occurred earlier. Noting conflict can also be essential for determining the frequency of naps and other self-organizing "time-outs" to avoid the possibility of the children becoming over-tired and too frustrated to cope with intense situations.

Regularly maintaining a nanny log prevents the chance of losing vital information. "Log it or Lose it" is my motto. As a nanny, what should you log? Depending upon the child/children's age, the log is flexible, but some logging ideas are as follows:

*Food: items offered, items eaten, and amounts eaten, and at which time;

*Naps: what time the nap occurred, and how long it lasted;

*Conflicts: what occurred, why, and what measures were taken for resolution;

*Noting the never-wanted injury, including the date and time, for all parties concerned;

*Noting whether a play-date dynamic was successful;

*Note any "landmark" achievements; even if they're later discussed; it's nice to know exactly when and where a child first began to walk or talk or when the child lost his or her first tooth;

*Noting questions for the parents... "[Child] said this... what do you think it could mean?" or noting any change in behavior... "[Child] did this... have you observed this behavior?", etc.;

*Noting any recommendations for items to be discussed with the entire family unit;

*Areas where the children should be warmly and openly commended by all family members;

*Noting requests/suggestions for activities, gifts, etc.

 

Being "Logged On"

The concept of a nanny log might seem atypical, but it is being tuned in to the children  you are caring for attentively, and remaining "logged on," as computer terminology puts it. This requires a reference for accomplishments and events, big and small. If it is noted that a particular food is disliked, then the family can avoid the mistake of purchasing mass quantities of that food if it happens to be on sale. If a rash develops when the parents are not at home, it is often important to know when it started, how it was treated, and how it responded to the treatment.

A nanny log can reveal how effective a routine or schedule is--or show any downfalls and provide possibilities for amending a schedule. Writing down checklists of what needs to be done each morning, i.e., before going to school, provides the nanny and the family the opportunity to know what needs to be done for each child. Additionally, a morning schedule doesn't need to be strictly adhered to, but using a reference such as "needs to be accomplished by 8:20 a.m." can provide an appropriate time frame without being too rigid and unaccommodating for each individual day. An example schedule:

7:00 a.m. arrive, prepare breakfast, make sure backpacks and lunches are ready;

7:15 a.m. breakfast items should be ready, including utensils, vitamins, etc.;

7:45 a.m. children should be showered by this time;

8:00 a.m. children should be dressed by this time and starting breakfast;

8:15 a.m. children should be finishing up with breakfast, taking vitamins and brushing teeth;

8:25 a.m. children should have socks and shoes on and all school-related items ready; 8:30 a.m. children's last bathroom stop should be taken and all last-minute tasks completed;

8:35 a.m. children should be ready to leave for school, which starts at 8:55.

A schedule with "windows" in it not only allows for flexibility for the children, it also allows for logging in between. If the children are occupied with breakfast, that is an excellent opportunity to make a quick note of anything significant. This quick note can later be elaborated upon to provide further explanation.

It is important to try to be exact with logging. If problems arise at a later time, an accurate nanny log can be a true reference for the family and not a vague guide. Parents and nannies can be "logged on" with the children as well as with each other with a meticulously maintained nanny log.

 

The Log Rolls...

Perhaps the most important element of a nanny log is its flexibility for the unique role of being a nanny. As a nanny, I find it very important to know if the child woke up several times during the night because of nightmares, or if the child had a bad headache. I am fortunate enough to work with a family that personally tells me information as important as this, but during transitional times when very little communication may take place, and everyone is rolling out the door, the log rolls, too.

The nanny log "rolls" inasmuch as it allows the nanny and family to note what items might be needed for a shopping list or perhaps what mileage was put onto the nanny's vehicle. The nanny's schedule can also be drafted in a nanny log, or any scheduling conflicts that may occur may be noted and discussed at a later time.

Looking after children is a constantly "rolling" position, but in order to maintain the highest level of safety and care, a reference is an essential tool. Not all conversations are appropriate to have in front of one of the children, and a nanny log can note whether a conversation needs privacy, thus sparing any feelings from becoming hurt.

While not all nannies may agree with the "nanny log mentality," it IS wonderful for me to be able to look back on my nanny log and see what occurred and on which day...for throughout a week, there will be many accomplishments, big and small, and it's my goal to congratulate them all.