Many people think about how their relationship with their children might change when they go through a divorce. It’s true that you’re going to have less time with the children since they have to split their time between both homes. Being able to provide consistency during this time is imperative.
Some parents opt to continue using or hire a nanny throughout the divorce and after. It’s important to have some ground rules if you’re going to do this.
- Don’t try to have the nanny be a messenger between parents. Not only is the awkward for the nanny, but it can also lead to misunderstandings. Parents should always communicate directly with each other so that they know exactly what’s being said.
- Keep the nanny informed of the schedule. The nanny shouldn’t have to try to guess what’s going on. Using a master calendar that covers events and appointments for the child helps to ensure the child gets where they need to go. You should include the parenting time schedule so the nanny knows which home the child will be at each day.
- Discuss the terms of the nanny’s employment. This includes exactly what the nanny is responsible for, as well as who will pay the nanny for their work hours. You should also outline vacation policies and similar points.
Different situations might require specific details. Be sure to discuss how the situation with the nanny will work with your ex so that everyone is on the same page. You can have these terms put into the parenting plan so you can refer back to them later if necessary.