Holiday Nannies
There was a time when only the wealthiest in society could take a nanny on holiday with them to look after the children; but then there was a time when only the wealthiest in society could afford a holiday. It must have been nice to spend a day hunting or at the casino and then banqueting with the local Lord or captain of industry whilst somebody else took responsibility for looking after the brood. Now you’re lucky to get a few minutes on your own whilst the kids are in a ball pit at a fast-food outlet.
Times have changed for the better and now most people can afford to take the family on holiday from time to time. Family holidays can leave you with some wonderful memories but they can also leave you feeling like you need another holiday by the time you get home. You see your expectations and your children’s ideas about what makes a great family holiday don’t always balance. A fine-dining evening with grown-up conversation will bore the children senseless but you don’t want to spend your entire holiday eating at international food outlets that serve kids meals.
Travelling holiday nannies can help you to strike the right balance on your family holiday and holiday apartments make bringing a nanny with you a practical proposition. There are many nanny agencies that now provide for holiday nannies and whilst it is not a cheap option it can be surprisingly affordable for that long-weekend away or that much needed week in the sun.
The best nanny agencies will take time to match the nanny they offer to your particular needs. If you want a really hands on nanny that can be arranged. If you want one with specific skills like swimming or skiing instruction that too can usually be arranged. The best nanny agencies will have made all the necessary checks to ensure that their nannies are fully qualified and pass criminal record checks. They will have a first aid qualification and of course a real love of working with children. Your holiday nanny will travel you not only providing an extra pair of hands as you go but getting to know your kids and helping to keep them happy whilst you worry about tickets passports and checking in the luggage.
Once you are at your destination your holiday nanny comes into her own. You will already have discussed with her what she is happy to do but holiday nannies are usually good at judging the situation. When the kids have woken up early you’ll probably find that she has already given them breakfast and got them ready for the day ahead. She can come with you to the beach or the amusement park as an extra pair of eyes and hands. She can take them out for the day whilst you take in the art galleries and museums; or she can look after them in the evening whilst you investigate the holiday nightlife.
Holiday nannies can take responsibility for up to three children depending on their ages and any special needs they may have. Treat your nanny simply as another member of your group – you will after all be responsible for her travel accommodation and meal costs as well as her fee. She will be there when you need her and able to look after herself when you want time alone as a family or as a couple. By the time you leave your rental apartment and head for home you’ll feel refreshed have great holiday memories and made a new friend in the process.
