Childcare emergencies

Returning to work after maternity leave can be a period of adjustment for everyone with new routines, demands and expectations.  Whilst you’re navigating your way through the early months the last call you want to receive is one to say there is an emergency childcare problem.  However, forewarned is forearmed and having strategies up your sleeve to deal with situations can help you stay calm and focused.

My top seven tips for managing childcare emergencies

1.     Remember emergencies happen to all working parents

2.     Choose childcare carefully

3.     Have a backup plan

4.     Communicate with people at home and work

5.     Keep organised

6.     Check your company policy

7.     Don’t forget to look after yourself

1. You’re not alone

According to the ONS over half of all employees are also parents so you can rest assured that managers, colleagues and clients will all have been in the same boat as you at one time or another.  Don’t feel like you’re the only one trying to juggle the demands of children alongside a full or part-time job.  Unfortunately, extra coughs and colds tend to go hand in hand with starting nursery or school and whilst this is an additional aspect to juggle the benefit is a rapidly boosted immune system alongside all the positive social experiences an external childcare setting can offer.  Little people can get struck down with bugs very quickly, but they often bounce back with staggering speed too.

2. Choosing Childcare

Having confidence in your childcare setting is really important.  To give you the greatest flexibility try and explore all the options that are available well in advance.  There are pros and cons to nannies and nurseries, au pairs and childminders but some have extensive waiting lists so try not to leave it until the last minute.  If you have faith in your childcare setting you can respond with greater confidence in an emergency, safe in the knowledge that your child is in the best possible hands until you can get there.

3. Have a backup plan

Chatting through different emergency scenarios before you return to work can stand you in good stead to deal with the unexpected.  Discussing who could scoop up your child(ren) in an emergency with your partner or close family will mean you know who is happy to dash in at a minute’s notice.  This is a movable feast and what works one week may have to completely change the following week.

If your nanny is suddenly unable to come to work, or a nursery is shut, other parents may be in the same boat and very willing to step in, don’t be afraid to ask for help.  As a single parent a strong support network of friends can be really valuable.

If your child is poorly, you will probably want to be the one looking after them.  Fortunately, most of us are now set up to work from home very effectively so if you need to complete key pieces of work you might have pockets of time whilst your child is resting. But try to be realistic about what you can achieve.

4. Communication

Good communication is vital.  If you get a call in the middle of the working day, depending on the nature of the emergency, take five minutes to gather your thoughts. Let managers and clients know that you may need to reschedule meetings or deadlines.  If everyone is in the loop it is easier to manage peoples’ expectations.

5. Keep organised

Organisation is part of the job description for mums and being uber organised at work will enable you to react effectively in the case of any emergency.  If you’re on top of your task list you should be able to quickly re-assign any key projects or feel confident that certain things can wait.

6. Check your company policy

Everyone is entitled to unpaid leave to look after a dependent.  However, different companies have different policies. Some might even organise for an approved nanny to step in so that you can still carry on working.  It’s worthwhile making sure you are across the finer details in advance.

7. Don’t forget to look after yourself!

It can be an anxious time looking after a poorly child, especially when you are trying to juggle work in between naps or when they’re resting.  Don’t forget to keep hydrated and well-nourished so that you have the strength to keep focused.  Tap into your support network of friends or colleagues who have recently returned to work so that you can chat through things if you feel you need to.

Bear in mind that initial teething issues are a standard part of settling back into work. They tend to pass quickly, and soon enough you’ll be managing childcare hiccups with the same confidence as every other seasoned working parent.