Tips & advice for Nannies supporting families through divorce.

This week I’ve been writing the module for Nannies for my ‘Navigating Family Transitions: A CPD Course for Professionals Supporting Children, Parents & Families through Divorce, Separation, or Family Breakup’ Course.

Supporting families through divorce can be challenging but rewarding for nannies as they play a really important role in supporting children through the process as I remember telling Norland Nannies when I gave a talk to them a few years ago.

Here are some tips and advice:

• Remain Neutral: Avoid taking sides or expressing opinions about the divorce. Stay neutral & provide emotional support to the children.
• Open Communication: Encourage open communication with the children. Let them express their feelings & concerns & reassure them that their feelings are valid.
• Consistency: Maintain a consistent routine & rules to provide stability during a turbulent time.
• Be Patient: Understand that children may act out or exhibit emotional distress during the divorce process. Be patient & empathetic.
• Listen Actively: Pay close attention when the children talk & show empathy and understanding. Sometimes, they just need someone to listen.
• Coordinate with Parents: Keep open communication with both parents to ensure you are on the same page regarding schedules, rules, & the children’s needs.
• Support Coparenting: Encourage a healthy coparenting relationship. Avoid participating in conflicts between the parents & promote cooperation for the children’s sake.
• Maintain Boundaries: It’s important to maintain a professional relationship with the family. Avoid becoming too emotionally involved in the divorce process.
• Educate Yourself: Learn about the potential impact of divorce on children and how to support them through it. Books and online resources can be helpful.
• Self-Care: Caring for children in a divorced family can be emotionally taxing. Don’t forget to take care of yourself and seek support when needed.
• Report Concerns: If you notice signs of serious distress or behavior changes in the children, communicate this to the parents so they can address it with professional help if necessary.

Remember that your role is to provide stability & support during a challenging time. Your presence and care can make a significant difference in the children’s well-being.