When the nanny was away

As I write this, my two-year-old is dragging my cooking pans from the kitchen and using them as drums. The other one is playing dress up with my clothes and shoes and creating a mess. But I need some minutes to file a story. And if this is how I get some peace, I will take it.  Robbie, my children’s nanny is away for her two-week Christmas holiday. And it has been an enlightening time. I have definitely not gained any pounds despite the festive meals because of the running around. I now know that she is a champ, no scratch that...she is indeed a super woman. Every day I come home from work, the children are usually fed, had a bath and sometimes even a nap and they are smiling. Nanny too.  The first day after she left, I realized that I had to have a plan for the 14 days. A plan that would help me manage everything; work, babies and household without anything falling by the wayside. And I soon learnt some tips that helped me through. So much so that now I don't have to panic every time I have nanny issues. 

1. Find a trusted daycare

While it would be better to have the kids at home, it isn't always possible. I didn't get a break from work, and when their dad wasn't home, the only choice was a daycare. And there is one in the neighbouring estate, ran by a motherly lady who welcomed us on the first day with milk and cookies. A good sign if there ever was one, as that is my children's favourite meal. 

2. Peace and quiet for intense work Usually, they wake up at 6.30 am. So I make sure to be up one hour earlier. That way, I get some work done and make breakfast before I have to attend to them. 

3. Activities and more activities

When they wake up, they take their breakfast then it is activity time. They either draw or colour for about five minutes before the 'mum mum' choruses begin. They play a bit with their board games before switching to cartoons.  By the time that bores them too, I am ready to focus on them. We go out and ride our bikes and then they don't want to come back to the house. So I let them play outside with their friends, giving me time to work some more.  Fill up their time with loads of activities to keep their active minds occupied and you will enjoy some time to get your chores done. 

3. Give them chores too Sometimes they get bored. And that explains the endless bids for your attention. Let them feel useful. My five-year old would pester me to wash the dishes and I finally relented. So armed with some warm water and some soap. She set to work. And while I checked in time to time, I was amazed at how calm the little rubble raiser was. After that, she swept the floors and put the shoes away. Besides the calm house, she looked really happy helping out. So now I will check if she wants to take up massaging mama's legs.

4. Early to bed  Lucky for me, the girls are trained to sleep at 7.45 pm. Any time after that and I will have cranky, droopy eyed little people creating chaos. So after tucking them in bed, I have about three hours to squeeze in some reading and some self-pampering. 

As much as I have enjoyed playing house this December, I can't wait to have the nanny back this January. 

Happy New Year