UltimateMama knows that whether you work the late shift, travel frequently, or
desire an evening alone with your partner away from home then you may need
overnight childcare services.  If you
believe that overnight childcare assistance will be necessary then ask the
nanny candidate upfront if she is comfortable staying in your home alone with
your child overnight.  If she agrees to
stay overnight then make sure you discuss her expected compensation ahead of time. 

You may want to consider the following:

– Was her overnight work in addition to the regular
childcare hours she works for you? 

– Did you adjust her regular childcare hours for her
overnight work?

– Will you provide additional meals for her such as dinner,
breakfast, and various snacks?

– Is she familiar with your child’s nighttime routine? If
she is not then give her a schedule and any additional information she may
need. Take into consideration bathing, additional feedings, bedtime stories,
etc.

– Is she comfortable in your home?  Remember, your big city-living nanny may not
be comfortable sleeping in your home which is in the middle of the woods and
lacks curtains. 

UltimateMama believes it is important to have at least three levels of back-up
childcare in case your childcare provider cannot work on a day that you or your partner has
an important meeting, presentation, or task. 
Back-up childcare examples may include:

– you

– your partner

– a nearby friend or neighbor

– a close relative

– another nanny or babysitter who has a flexible schedule

– a drop in day care center

Some employers have back-up childcare services available for
families who may find themselves in a pinch. 
You and your partner should check with your firm’s childcare offerings
and policies.  In many situations where
back-up childcare is offered by an employer, the parents must fill out
paperwork in advance to register the child. 
Additionally, the child’s doctor may also have to fill out paperwork to
answer questions relating to the child’s medical history.  Also, keep in mind that the childcare
offering may not be located at your office but a childcare facility in another
location.  Some back-up childcare
facilities are available to families on a first-come, first-serve basis and may
fill up quickly.  Make sure that you know
all the rules concerning your firm’s back-up childcare before you need to use
it for your child.

UltimateMama wants you and your child to enjoy activities.  However, UltimateMama belives that for your sanity, try to keep all classes that you wish you child to attend
with you or your childcare provider close to home.  Keep in mind the importance of showing up on time and
prepared as there is a cost/financial burden associated with most of these
classes. 

Make sure that your child is dressed appropriately and
comfortably for the activities that may take place during class.  If the child is working on messy art projects
it may be a good idea to dress him in older clothing topped off with an art apron
or smock.  Some classes are more
physically intense so the child will want to be dressed in clothing that allows
for movement but that does not have any zippers, buttons, or embellishments
that may get caught on certain gym equipment. 
Tell the your childcare provider if there is anything special she should wear to
class.  For instance, some kids clubs or centers require everyone check in their shoes at the front door so
make sure both your child and nanny wear socks to protect their feet.  

Additionally, if you are not present at the class have your nanny provide you with an overview or
report on the class, instructor, and activities.  Ask her if she believes the class to be worth
the time and money spent and if she thought the child seemed interested.  

One mother was surprised when her nanny returned from a
class and told her the instructor was not ideal.  She did not think he had much interest or
experience in dealing with children.  The
nanny thought that the environment was rather tense as opposed to relaxed and
joyful.  The nanny suggested she try a
different class with the child on a free trail basis.  The mother respected the nanny’s opinion and
enrolled the child in a different class with a different instructor.   

There are so many classes for children that it is often
difficult to decide which class to sign your child up for each season.  Ask your neighbors and friends for
suggestions regarding classes that their children may have taken in your
area.  Examples of children’s classes
include:
 

– music

– art

– gymnastics

– sign language

– foreign languages

– dance/movement

– cooking

– soccer, T-Ball, or other team sports

– religion

– theatrics

– yoga

– swimming

– day camps
 

You should ask your nanny if she is comfortable with the
specific class before you sign up your child. 
For instance, if your nanny is not comfortable in the water then do not
sign your child up for a swimming class that requires her participation with
your child in the pool.  Unless you can
get a private instructor for your child, save the swimming classes for a day
that you or your partner can participate. 
 

Be smart regarding what times you are scheduling your
child’s classes.  For instance, do not
schedule a class during naptime or mealtime. 
If the class is active, make sure your child had the proper amount of
time to digest his meal before partaking in the class.   

Do not over-schedule your child.  Most likely, you will have your child home
for almost 18 years so do not try to pack 18 years of classes in 1 year.  If you want your child to have variety, some
organizations offer combination classes such as:   

– art with music

– foreign language with music

– gymnastics with art