Has this ever happened to you? You leave work on Friday, having cleaned the kitchen after the kids’ meals, tidied up their playroom, and cleaned up after craft activities. Then, you come back on Monday morning, and the house looks like a bomb went off. What do you do? Silent resentment? Talk to the family again?
Let’s go over a few strategies you can use to deal with the Monday morning mess.
Understanding the Problem
This is a huge topic we hear about from nannies all the time. Many feel disrespected by families who leave their homes in disarray over the weekend. But let’s remember, families can be overworked and overtired, and when the weekend comes around, they just need a break. Sometimes, they want to spend time with their kids instead of cleaning up.
As a nanny, your work environment starts the moment you walk through the door. Coming into a messy house on Monday morning can feel overwhelming and frustrating. So, how do you deal with this and maintain a good working relationship with the family?
Communication is Key
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: communication is key. And not just after you get the job. Let’s go through some tips to ensure this doesn’t happen to you, or at least keep it to a minimum.
Know Yourself
First, know yourself. Are you an OCD nanny who can’t walk past a mess without cleaning it up? Or are you okay with a few dishes on the counter? Understanding your tolerance level for cleanliness is crucial.
Be Preemptive
Discuss these topics during the interview. Look around the house when you go for the interview. If the house is messy when they knew you were coming, that’s likely as clean as you’ll ever see it. Conversely, if the house is spotless, you might not be able to keep up with that level of cleanliness.
Ask open-ended questions during the interview to gauge their expectations. For example:
– “Let’s say I come into work on Monday morning, and the house is a disaster. What is your expectation of me?”
– “You’re working from home during the week, and you leave your dishes by the sink. What’s your expectation of me?”
Include it in Your Contract
Once you’ve discussed their expectations, include it in your contract. Whether you’re okay with cleaning up or not, make sure it’s documented. If you’re expected to clean up, consider negotiating a higher rate for the additional duties.
Address Issues Directly
If you’re already working for the family and didn’t discuss this during the interview, it’s never too late. Ask for a time to talk and clarify their expectations. A conversation might go something like this:
“On Mondays, when I come in, I notice the house is quite dirty. I wanted to clarify what your expectations are of me.”
If they expect you to clean up, you can renegotiate your contract or look for more money if you’re willing to do so.
Find Alternatives
If the problem persists, suggest hiring a housekeeper to help over the weekend or involve the children in cleaning up as a life skill. This way, you avoid resentment and maintain a positive working environment.
Quick Tips for Minimizing Resentment
If it takes less than 15 seconds, just do it. Whether it’s putting a dish in the dishwasher or picking up a toy, the minimal effort can save you a lot of mental stress.
Choosing the right family who shares your level of cleanliness is vital and can prevent many issues. At the end of the day, everyone wants what’s best for the children. If families spend more time with their kids because they aren’t cleaning, and you aren’t overwhelmed with a mess, then everyone wins.