Top 10 Questions Parents and Nannies are Asking About Work, Pay and Kids During COVID-19
Parents and Nannies are going through a lot of stress and anxiety about work and pay since the Coronavirus pandemic began two weeks ago. We have put together the top 10 Questions Parents and Nannies are asking and answer these.
Q #1: Can my nanny continue to work?
The Childcare Law Center (see Question 15) provides guidance to families on this question. Their website includes considerable information on what benefits and support are available to both families and childcare providers during COVID-19.
Q #2: My nanny is coming to work. What guidelines should I give to ensure everyone’s health and safety?
Community Care Licensing provides guidance on what child care providers should do to prevent, contain and reduce the spread of the Coronavirus..
Please continue to check this Coronavirus FAQ and the California Child Care Licensing website for updates. In addition, you can email Community Care Licensing at CCLCOVID-19INFO@dss.ca.gov with your specific questions.
Q #3: We have limited funds to pay our nanny during COVID-19. What resources can I give to help her financially?
The Labor and Workforce Development Agency has put together ‘Benefits for Workers Impacted by COVID-10”
The Childcare Law Center has provided a list of resources on eligibility and links with detailed instructions (in Spanish and English) about how to apply online for disability and paid family leave
Homework Solutions provides an industry-specific guide for families on what funds nannies are eligible for during the pandemic.
Nest Payroll has resources on how to talk with your nanny about compensation and resources to support parents and nannies.
Q #4: What other financial assistance is available for my nanny?
Be creative with what you can provide your nanny. Consider providing some financial relief to cover groceries, housing or even toys, games to keep a nanny’s children learning while having fun. This can go a long way to showing your nanny she is valued.
The National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) Is setting up a Coronavirus Relief Fund. Nannies can apply and get regular updates here.
Resources for California undocumented workers is here.
Q #5: What relief for families and nannies is on the horizon?
U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) spoke on Friday to members of Zero to Three about how Congress is responding to families’ needs in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Q #6: What other recommendations for families and nannies?
We recommend that parents and nannies use this time as an opportunity to strengthen their relationship by working together to make informed decisions now and as the crises unfolds about what is best for them and for the children. We recognize that parents, as the employer, and nannies as the employee may not agree about the decision; but if there has been respectful communication in the process of making decisions that is best.
Q #7: I’m stressed and worried. What suggestions do you have to help get through this?
Here are 5 recommendations to alleviate the stress and worries parents and nannies have during this period of time.
1. Take a deep breath.
2. Recognize you’re not alone and your feelings are normal.
3. Know what your options are to manage your worries
4. Consider all the ways you’ve managed stressful situations before
5. Take action
Here’s a useful article that can help you recognize how other parents are managing (with a healthy dose of reality peppered with humor!
Q #8: What will the effects be on my children from all of this?
This is a question that everyone should be thinking about! Children, particularly infants and toddlers, depend on the adults in their lives to learn that the world is a safe, nurturing place. While it is normal for parents and nannies to feel stressed and worried, babies and toddlers can readily pick up on adult’s anxiety. Toddlers, as they navigate how to express feelings and needs in the process of learning expectable limits can readily push buttons with parents and nannies that have limited patience to listen and understand. Preschool age children may have difficulty understanding what Coronavirus is and how it connects to more concrete ideas and objects in their life. Here is an excellent resource to put children first.
More on this important topic to come!
Q #9: What resources do you have for families to get through the day with kids at home?
First and foremost, if you haven’t done so, create a routine for your child’s day. Routines give needed structure for children and a sense of predictability and safety. Secondly arm yourself with ideas and activities to keep children engaged and learning while having fun. Finally, look to experts in child development and behavior to understand and manage the behavioral challenges children will inevitably having during this time.
A guide for parents to create structure and routine.
An excellent Bay Area resource, Kidappolis (in Spanish and English) for activities and learning.
Inceptive offers online discussions from experts around the world to support parents during COVID-19
Q #10: What recommendations and resources do you have going forward?
We want to hear from you! TIFFAN will be listening to your stories and answering questions during the crises. Send us what’s on your mind here!
In future blogs we will provide resources and information that parents, and nannies can use to care for children during this time and beyond. This crisis is an opportunity to learn together and care together – whether in the same home or remotely!