{"id":1430,"date":"2014-01-08T04:52:58","date_gmt":"2014-01-08T12:52:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.enannysource.com\/blog\/?p=1430"},"modified":"2014-01-08T04:52:58","modified_gmt":"2014-01-08T12:52:58","slug":"finding-worklife-balance-as-a-full-time-nanny","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.enannysource.com\/blog\/index.php\/2014\/01\/08\/finding-worklife-balance-as-a-full-time-nanny\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding Work\/Life Balance as a Full-Time Nanny"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>After a full day of chasing toddlers, rocking babies to sleep and ensuring homework is complete, it can be exhausting to even think about having a social life as a full-time nanny. However, in order to maintain optimal mental and physical health, it\u2019s important to find a work\/life balance.<\/p>\n

\u201cNannies are often hired to provide families more work\/life balance and securing a job will have a lot to do with a nanny\u2019s positive attitude, her flexibility and her willingness to help the family however needed,\u201d says Dr. Alicia Clark<\/a>, Washington, D.C.-based clinical psychologist. \u201cOften, the best nannies are caretakers through and through, and daily think of others\u2019 needs ahead of their own.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although this is an important quality to have when caring for children, as their needs are immediate and meeting them is fully consuming, Clark warns that full-time nannies can face burnout if they do not devote time to themselves. \u201cDays are long and needs keep coming, and the opportunity to stretch in caretaking is ever present,\u201d she says. \u201cThe same people who easily think of others first can sometimes struggle to think about themselves enough, not remembering to care for themselves in their off time.\u201d<\/p>\n

This ultimately can lead to an imbalance between work and life, leaving you feeling overly fatigued, irritable and even burned out. Avoid the negative effects to your emotional and physical health by scheduling some \u201cme\u201d time that you deserve.<\/p>\n

Time is of the Essence<\/strong><\/p>\n

Structuring time is probably the most important element of protecting balance, says Clark. \u201cFull-time nannies can be expected to be available at all times, but this is a recipe for burnout,\u201d she says. \u201cHaving a schedule that you can count on is key to being able to take care of yourself in your off time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Clarify a schedule with your employer and ask that they abide by it unless notice is given in special circumstances. \u201cA nanny needs to know when she can make plans for herself and needs to be vigilant about negotiating a schedule that allows for \u2018me\u2019 time,\u201d says Clark. \u201cLike with any job, look to have a portion of every day\u2019s waking time free for yourself and ideally two full days per week off.\u201d<\/p>\n

If this is not possible, Clark suggests negotiating for paid vacation time or blocks of time you can claim for yourself. \u201cOnce a schedule is negotiated, a nanny needs to work hard to maintain time boundaries,\u201d she says. \u201cShe needs to be on time, if not early to work, and be finished with her tasks at the end of work so she can leave on time. Maintaining a schedule is the cornerstone of finding balance between work and leisure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Finding Your Passion<\/strong><\/p>\n

Even though you may be exhausted when that \u2018me\u2019 time arrives, it\u2019s important to follow your passions and pursue your interests and hobbies versus vegging on the couch for a two-day movie marathon.<\/p>\n

Sports Psychologist Dr. Shannon Reece<\/a> recommends using your \u2018me\u2019 time as a period of time in which you relax and do something you enjoy. The key is finding the activity that works for you.<\/p>\n

Here are a few suggestions to get you moving toward self-fulfillment during your off time:<\/p>\n