The Nanny Diary
The Nanny Diary is one of the most important tools in a nanny - employer
relationship. As day to day routines can become hectic, a Diary allows
parents and nannies to keep in touch with each other. A major bonus of
using a diary is you can prevent small issues snowballing into major concerns.
The Diary can take many forms, the main purpose is to provide
continuity of care for the children. Whether it be information
exchanged between parents and the nanny or the fulltime carer
with the weekend support. Communication is imperative if a
child's routine is to have stability.
A Diary will answer a parent's questions at 3am, if a child is sick or
needs to be taken to a hospital - record of their meals and moods
will be easily accessible.
A Diary is a nanny's programming book, by keeping a record of a
child's activities, it enables them to ensure a balanced routine.
The Diary also keeps everyone abreast of the children's future plans,
allowing for good management of hectic days.
Some forms I have experienced are - an exercise book, computer
program, A4 Diary, a whiteboard and A4 sheets with a graph table to
complete which was backed up by a small book filled with emergency
numbers and important information.
It is best to keep basic info on a card, which nannies can keep in their
wallets/car for when they are away from the home, or need to leave quickly.
(Parents contacts, Medicare, etc)
The following suggestions are an excerpt from
'A Note to Parents, from The Barefoot Nanny'
Diary Examples
Again these are just suggestions and you will probably come up
with a few of your own entries to include.
There are some fabulous prepared organisers available here in Australia
(see resource at the end). For those not wishing to create their own,
there is a practical nanny specific log already printed, which you can
access via the Internet from Nanny Essentials in the US.
Both will need some adjustments for an Australian nanny perspective.
DAILY NOTES
Day and Date
Parent Messages / Reminders
Activities and outline of days events
Food offered and eaten (record if it is a first time)
Sleeps - time, length and support items
Medication - name of child, prescription or non prescription, dose, time
Behaviour - anything unusual or to keep an eye on (pulling at ears,
temperature, scares, temperament, injuries etc)
Special things / Milestones
Nappies / Toileting Record (times, type and if creams required)
Expenses
Car Log (mileage / locations)
Nanny message for parents
Plans for next few days, may include permission slips for excursions etc
FAMILY INFORMATION
Family Name
Home Address
Nearest Cross Street
Home Phone
Medicare Number and individual numbers for names
Private Health Insurance Company, Member No & contact phone number
Car Insurance Company and contact phone
Car Make and Registration Plate
Home Insurance Company and contact phone
Security Alarm Company and contact phone
(I do not recommend that you keep the alarm code in the diary)
CHILDREN'S INFORMATION
Child's Name
Date of Birth
Sex
Eye Colour
Hair Colour
Approx weight and date (write in pencil)
Allergies / Medical Conditions
Any relevant info a nanny needs to know (child has two mums, etc)
Repeat for Every Child
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Emergency - Police, Ambulance and Fire - 000
Local Police Station (Phone and Address)
Poisons Info Line
Nearest Hospital admission number if the child has attended before
After hours Children's Hospital Helpline (e.g.Kidsnet -
The New Children's Hospital at Westmead)
Electrician
Plumber
Gardener
Adults to contact if Mum and Dad can't be reached -
Close relative whom the children know (name, location and phone number)
Family Friend (name location nd phone numbers)
Family Doctor ~ address, parking phone and hours
Early Childhood Clinic ~ address, parking, phone and hours
Dentist ~ address, parking, phone and hours
CONTACT DETAILS
Mother
Name (include all names used)
Position title
Employment Location (business name and address)
Secretary / PA / Colleague who can find you in an emergency
Work Phone
Pager Number
Mobile Number
Direct Line / Emergency Number
Father
Name (include all names used)
Position title
Employment Location (business name and address)
Secretary / PA / Colleague who can find you in an emergency
Work Phone
Pager Number
Mobile Number
Direct Line / Emergency Number
CHILDREN'S CONTACTS
Preschool / Day Care ~
List name, Carer's name, Phone, Address, Parking, Days and Times,
any items which go with the child (e.g.lunch, library, bag, sheets, teddy etc)
Planned Regular Activities ~
Swimming, Kindergyms, Music Classes, Playgroup etc.
List Name and Contact person, phone, address, parking, session name and times.
Play Friends ~
Mother / nanny's names, children's names, phone, address etc
Regular Outing Spots ~
Favourite Playgrounds, play-center, Museums, Library, swimming pools etc.
List name, phone, address, times, costs, parking.
ENVELOPE ATTACHED
It is best to keep permission slips within the Diary, for outings and medication.
Contact TACON if you require information about permission slips.
RESOURCES
www.busymothers.com.au
A comprehensive file organiser for the Australian Family
www.sydneyschild.com.au
A magnetic basic organiser, see things at a glance
www.cafepress/nannyessentials
An American log book for nannies.
You will find it under 'Tools and Resources' in the menu
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Posted by: commercial electrician westmead | November 01, 2011 at 06:41 PM