Diary/communication book

A diary is great as a tool. A diary can show how occupied the child was within the day.

It generally allows room for the parents and nanny’s comments and suggestions.

A nanny diary is a great communication tool.

Whatever you call it, nanny diary, diary, communication book, daily summary,  it provides an invaluable aid to communication and shows professionalism.

A diary is one form of communication and is not to replace one to one communication.

Ideally there is still time at the beginning and end of the day to discuss things to ensure you are all on the same page and chat about relevant happenings and events in the care of the child.

Sometimes this isn’t possible so the communication diary then comes into its own.

A good diary allows a page a day to write the important events of the day, in as much detail as you want (or the parents have requested) regarding the child, from important friends, what they have eaten, groups they attend, etc.

If you care for a baby it is particularly helpful to note down for future record for the parents just what they have done during the day in relation to their sleep, what they have eaten and what bowel movements they have done.

The front of the diary is generally a good spot to allocate essential names and addresses the parent or nanny requires, such as doctors, dentists, parent’s work telephone numbers, and emergency contact numbers, etc.

Of course the actual make up of the contents of the diary will depend on the individual needs and wants of the family. This is best done in consultation at the beginning of the commencement of the nanny role.

Having this established right from the get go is key to the development of an effective and useful communication tool.

A diary provides a perfect point to aid communication between yourself and the parent.

It is simply is a written form of tracking and remembering the changes in the child as they develop but can be priceless.

It is a perfect reference point.

It can provide a parent a certain amount of peace of mind. Should they return home to an empty house, one look in the diary shows where the nanny and child are expected to be at that particular time can allay any fears or it can help in understanding a child’s temperament- if they are cranky because of a very busy day, if the baby hasn’t moved their bowels properly, etc.

If ever there is the need for a temporary nanny it helps to make a smooth transition for that period,. The temp nanny can refer to the permanent nanny’s notes and vice versa when the permanent nanny returns.

Even simple things like meal times can be made easier, as the parent or nanny can avoid repeating the same menu the following day, simply by looking at the day’s record.

It is a great point to be able to track developmental milestones as well. It also good as at the beginning of each month; there is an area to write notes on goals for the following weeks (if this is applicable in your position).

It allows you to record events of each day such as:

• Parent instructions.
• Sleep times.
• Meal times.
• Nappy changes and/or potty times.
• Appointments.
• Outings.
• Nursery duties completed or relevant information regarding these duties.
• The potential to note things that need to be discussed such as problems or concerns (not necessarily written the concern but rather noted that there needs to be a time made for a discussion).
• Activities that have taken place.
• Medications.
• Child’s general mood for the day.
• Spending. It is great way to keep a toll of the kitty if one if provided or the spending on activities/needs/etc.
• Shopping required.
• Milestones that have been reached.