How Much Does an After School Nanny Cost? (2026)

after school nanny helping child with homework

For many families, the hardest part of the school day starts at 3 p.m. Here is what an after-school nanny costs in 2026 and how to budget for the help your family needs.

We’re sharing the current rates by U.S. city, five factors that can influence costs, and how to land a great hire.

How much does an after school nanny cost?

Rates vary based on location, job responsibilities, days per week, driving needs, skills, and experience. For most families, the range runs about $18 to $30 per hour depending on city, with the national average sitting around $26 per hour for one child.

These rates come from UrbanSitter booking data, tracked across major U.S. cities. The chart below shows the average for one child by city.

Average after school nanny rates by U.S. city

Area/U.S. City Average Hourly Rate Weekly Rate
(based on 15 hours)
National $26.24 $393.60
Atlanta, GA $20.78 $311.70
Austin, TX $23.39 $350.85
Boston, MA $25.52 $382.80
Charlotte, NC $23.56 $353.40
Chicago, IL $22.21 $333.15
Columbus, OH $19.98 $299.70
Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX $19.25 $288.75
Denver, CO $24.05 $360.75
Honolulu, HI $27.22 $408.30
Houston, TX $21.69 $325.35
Las Vegas, NV $21.16 $317.40
Los Angeles, CA $26.11 $391.65
Miami, FL $21.15 $317.25
Minneapolis, MN $21.35 $320.25
Nashville, TN $23.43 $351.45
New York City, NY $26.03 $390.45
North Jersey, NJ $25.38 $380.70
Orlando, FL $21.68 $325.20
Philadelphia, PA $20.10 $301.50
Phoenix, AZ $20.59 $308.85
Portland, OR $23.98 $359.70
Raleigh/Durham, NC $22.23 $333.45
Reno-Tahoe, NV $23.90 $358.50
Sacramento, CA $22.79 $341.85
San Antonio, TX $18.21 $273.15
San Diego, CA $24.39 $365.85
San Francisco, CA $29.63 $444.45
Seattle, WA $27.70 $415.50
Tampa Bay, FL $21.26 $318.90
Washington, DC $23.95 $359.25
Source: UrbanSitter booking data, updated January 2026.

What helps you attract a great after-school nanny

We surveyed 500 nannies looking for an after school job to determine what would influence them to take the after school job and what hourly rate they’d expect. Based on their feedback, here are 5 tips to help you secure your after school nanny. For a broader hiring playbook, see our 7 tips for hiring an after school nanny.

Related: After School Babysitter Guide for Parents

1. Provide a Gas Allowance

High gas prices are at the top of nannies’ minds when using their own car for school pick-ups. With 69% influenced by an allowance for gas, this is a factor nannies consider when determining if the job fits them. If you live in an area where public transportation is the prevalent method of getting around, consider a weekly transportation stipend.

2. Guarantee Weekly Hours

To make an after school job worthwhile, a majority of nannies (66%) want guaranteed hours each week. 50% prefer 10-20 hours per week and 24% between 20-25 hours per week.

3. Consider a Flexible Schedule

If your family’s schedule allows it, offering a flexible schedule for part-time care is highly sought after and would influence 64% of nannies to say yes to an after school job offer. One option for flexibility is allowing the nanny to choose which days of the week they work (M-W-F or Tu-Th-F) or certain days they stay later and others they don’t.

4. Pay a Competitive After School Nanny Rate

The average hourly after school nanny rate is around $26 per hour, that’s about $400 per week based on 15 hours. With that said, there is variability by city and region. San Francisco is the most expensive city per hour at $29.63/hr. San Antonio, TX, is the least expensive city, at $18.21/hr. Competitive pay matters most for part-time schedules that involve driving and afternoon availability.

If you’re looking for an alternative to an hourly rate, according to our survey, 49% of nannies would accept flat rates. Flat rates are usually provided by the day, with 51% stating they offer daily rates, 26% offer weekly flat rates, and 12% offer monthly flat rates.

5. Include Other Perks

Including a few other perks in the job, such as offering a car service when the nanny works late, is another popular deal sweetener. Easy parking and convenient location are also ranked highly for nannies. 

after school child care

Alternatives to after school nannies

Other after-school child care options include:

  1. School-based after-school programs. Often the most affordable choice. School-based and community programs (YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, school district after-school care) work well if your schedule fits the program hours and your child does well in a group setting.

  2. After-school programs at a child care center or daycare. A good fit if your child is already at a center that offers school-age care, since pickup and handoff stay simple.

  3. Full-time nanny. Families with long work hours, multiple kids, or sick-day and school-holiday gaps often prefer a full-time nanny because the schedule is consistent and flexible. If one child is with the nanny all day and a sibling joins after school, ask about a blended rate.

  4. Drop-in or pay-as-you-go sitters. If your schedule shifts week to week, drop-in care can work better than committing to a fixed after-school routine.

  5. Community and youth programs. Local YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, and rec centers often run after-school activities from sports to arts. Lower cost than in-home care, and many include transportation from school.

If you’re still mapping out the school year, start with our back-to-school child care guide.

What to nail down before your nanny starts

Clear expectations before the first day save a lot of friction later. Pin down which hours are firm and which have flexibility, agree on a weekly gas stipend if your nanny drives, and lock in the weekly hours you actually need so the schedule is real, not aspirational. 

UrbanSitter makes sharing all these details in a job description easy. A clear job description, a competitive rate, and a few thoughtful perks are usually enough to land a great after-school nanny.

After school nanny cost FAQs

How much does an after school nanny cost?

As of 2026, an after school nanny in the U.S. costs an average of $26.24 per hour for one child, based on UrbanSitter booking data. Rates range from about $18.21 per hour in San Antonio to $29.63 per hour in San Francisco. For a typical 15-hour week, that works out to roughly $273 to $444 depending on your city.

How much does an after school nanny cost for two kids?

After school nanny rates rise with each additional child. As of 2026, the national average is $29.87 per hour for two children, compared with $26.24 per hour for one child, based on UrbanSitter booking data. Most nannies add roughly $1 to $3 per hour for each additional child.

How many hours per week does an after school nanny work?

Most after school nannies work part-time, usually 10 to 25 hours per week, Monday through Friday from school pickup until parents are home in the early evening. A common schedule is about 3 hours a day, or roughly 15 hours a week. For help mapping your full school-year coverage including alternatives to a nanny, see our back-to-school child care guide.

How much should I pay an after school nanny for school pickup?

Expect to pay your local hourly rate for the full time, including travel. Many families round up to a one-hour minimum even when the pickup itself is short, and add a gas allowance if the nanny uses their own car.

Should I give my after school nanny a gas allowance?

If your after school nanny drives your kids to school pickup or activities in their own car, it is common to cover their gas. Many families offer a flat weekly stipend, often $20 to $50 depending on the driving involved, or reimburse mileage at the IRS standard rate. Agree on the arrangement before the nanny starts driving.

Is the cost of an after school nanny tax deductible?

After school care for children under 13 may qualify for the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit if it allows both parents to work or look for work, and this can include an after school nanny. Some employer Dependent Care FSAs also cover after school care. See our guide to child care and dependent care tax benefits for the basics. Eligibility depends on your situation, so check with a tax professional.

Ready to see what rates look like where you live? Browse after school nannies near you and compare hourly rates, experience, and availability.

Before and After School Child Care: 6 Practical Solutions

nanny packing child's lunch into backpack

The new school year is around the corner which means it’s time to nail down your before and after school child care. From morning drop-offs to shuttling kids to after school activities, the back to school hustle can leave you juggling a lot of different schedules. Not sure what kind of after school child care is right for you? Have no fear! We have 6 before and after school babysitter and nanny solutions that will help your family get an A+ this school year.

1. The Full-Time Nanny

before and after school child careDo you work full-time? Need a helping hand before and after school? Have a little one in school and one still at home? A full-time nanny may be just what you need to cover all your bases. This option not only provides a full-day of care, but also ensures a comfortable home environment for your children. Nanny-finding sites like UrbanSitter conveniently allow you to search or post a job for this type of “split shift” schedule. 

Pro-tip: Check our blog post for suggested questions to ask when interviewing potential nannies.

2. The Carpool-Driving Sitter

carpool driving sitters

Maybe your mornings start early and you need help getting the kids ready and dropped off on time to school. Or, maybe you can’t leave the office early enough to pick them up. Problem solved! Book a carpool driving sitter. During the summer, this service can also be beneficial for getting kids to and from summer camps or summer enrichment activities. This is a great option especially in school districts with limited transportation options.

Pro-tip: Use UrbanSitter’s search filter to find sitters ‘willing to drive kids’ in your car or theirs.

3. The Homework Tutor

homework tutorLet’s be real, school-age children have A LOT of homework these days and sometimes our kids need a little extra help. Find and book a sitter who’s ready to hit the books after school and provide quality homework assistance. This is particularly useful for 1st grade and older children needing extra academic support. Such sitters can also engage kids in educational activities to reinforce learning in a structured environment after school.

Pro-tip: Sites like UrbanSitter make it easy to search for sitters by the grade levels and subjects they teach or tutor.

4. The After-School Sitter

after school sitterSoccer practice, music lessons, dance class, or even just a trip to the park can be hard to juggle when you have more than one kid, errands to run, or when your work schedule keeps you late. Have no fear, an after-school sitter can help you feel like you are in more than one place at the same time. This option is perfect for parents who need a structured environment for their children after school.

Pro-tip: If you aren’t finding any sitters to cover every day of the week, consider splitting your job into two jobs with a sitter for Monday-Wednesday-Fridays and another for Tuesday-Thursdays.

5. The Last-Minute Sitter

last-minute sitterWhen the kids have an unexpected day off from school or their summer camp program or your usual nanny calls in sick, you’ll need access to a last-minute sitter for backup child care.

Pro-tip: Download UrbanSitter’s child care-finding app for free for access to last-minute child care providers. 

6. After School Programs

after school program

Some schools offer after school programs to give parents a few extra hours of child care beyond the school day. If your school doesn’t offer an after-school care program, many local YMCAs and community centers offer affordable school-age child care programs. These programs for children often include structured activities, physical activity, and a fun environment to keep kids engaged.

Pro-tip: Check out your local YMCA camps or recreation center for quality child care programs that offer both enrichment activities and physical activity.

Before and After School Child Care, Solved!

Found the right before and after school child care solution for you? Now get started on your search with UrbanSitter, it’s free to join!

If an after school nanny is the right fit, you can find after school nannies in your area and see who is available for your schedule.

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7 Back to School Traditions to Ease First-Day Jitters

first day jitters

As the school year approaches, excitement and anxiety can overwhelm parents and children. To help ease the back-to-school scaries and first-day jitters, start some special traditions that will motivate your kids for a fresh start and build lasting memories. These fun activities will make the return to school a positive experience and help alleviate school worries.

Start a New Back-to-School Tradition:

1. Super Star Shopping Date

Remember the thrill of picking out new school clothes when you were a kid? Maybe you have a new backpack, lunchbox, or some fresh kicks.  No matter how much or how little was on the shopping list or what’s on your list for your own kids, everyone loves starting the year with something new.

  • Take advantage of pre-fall sales and hit the stores with your child. Arrange to send siblings on a playdate or hire a sitter to take over while you two are on a date.
  • Stock up on school supplies, gear, and clothes for the new year.
  • Keep budgets in check by assessing your child’s closets and drawers and deciding what’s needed. 
  • Make shopping a fun event by including a stop for lunch.  Use this time with your child to discuss the summer’s highlights, plans, and goals for the new year.

2. Meet a New Teacher and Host a New Friend

For a child, walking into a new classroom can be a scary thing. Seeing a familiar face in the room always makes it more accessible.

  • Take advantage of opportunities to meet the new teacher and visit the classroom to build familiarity and calm first-day anxieties. 
  • If you have a class roster, schedule a playdate with a classmate in the same class to make the transition smoother.
  • Make it an annual project to find a new or long-lost friend to meet up with after orientation day. This can significantly reduce the school jitters associated with the first day.

3. Tweak Your Routine and Refresh Your Homework Station or Quiet Time Spot

Being organized feels fantastic, gives everyone in the family a sense of control and preparedness, and reduces back to-school scaries.

  • Hold a family meeting to discuss what could be improved from last year and to share the school routine once school starts.
  • Refresh supplies for homework and organize them in a location that’s easy for kids to access.
  • This is the time to roll out new calendars, introduce new sitters, and ensure kids know what to expect. Many free printables will help you organize expectations. Consider chore charts, weekly planners, or lunchbox planners you can create with your child. Even simple This is Our Morning Routine and This is Our After-School Routine printable charts to help kids stay focused.
  • For younger kids, perk up the quiet time area by adding a few new books or making the space more inviting.

Related: 15 Hilarious First Day of School Memes

back to school scaries

4. Share a Story and a Craft

Get kids excited about school and address concerns and worries by sharing a book about starting school. Picture books can help reassure kids about starting school or going to a new school, and they also serve as catalysts for better communication at home.

5. Make the First Day Extra Special

Create a tradition of great fanfare on the first day of school! This doesn’t mean you must spend hours planning menus and creating DIY decorations. It just means adding extra TLC to the day to make it exciting and memorable. Here are some simple ideas you can do each year:

  • Get up earlier to set a pretty breakfast table with fresh flowers and a favorite breakfast you don’t typically serve on a weekday morning. 
  • Have each child pose for a first-day-of-school photo you can save in a special photo album. Take it up a notch by having your child hold a small sign or chalkboard marked with the date and a personal note.
  • Pack a special lunchbox treat with a note reminding the recipient that you are thinking of them all day.
  • Pick up a special after-school snack, such as these Chocolate Coconut Graham Crackers, which take good ole graham crackers to a new level. Take time out of your day to sit with your child after they get off the school bus to hear the highlights of the big day.

6. First Day Celebration Dinner

Celebrate the successful return to school with a special dinner. This school night tradition can help ease the first-day jitters and provide something for kids to look forward to after their first day.

  • Let your child pick their favorite meal for dinner.
  • Use the time to discuss the highlights and any challenges of the first day.
  • Consider a fun dessert or a family movie night to end the day on a high note.

7. Plan a Back-to-School Family Fun Day

Plan a special family-friendly day before school starts to ease the transition from summer to the new school season.

  • Choose a fun activity that the whole family enjoys, such as a trip to the zoo, a picnic in the park, or a day at an amusement park.
  • Use this day to relax, bond, and make positive memories before the school routine kicks in.
  • This tradition can help reduce anxiety levels and create a sense of excitement for the upcoming school year.

By incorporating these traditions, you can help reduce back-to-school scaries and first-day jitters and make returning to school a positive experience for the whole family.

One more tradition to start (just for mom and dad): The occasional night out! Find a trusted date night babysitter at UrbanSitter.

Related: 6 Ways to Help Your Child Adjust to Preschool

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Acing Back-to-School Night this Year

back to school night

It’s the start of the school year, which means it’s time for Back-To-School Night, open houses, Curriculum Nights, and Meet the Teacher events. The irony? No kids are allowed, meaning you’ll have to find a sitter. These evening events, usually held a few weeks after school starts, are a chance for parents to meet their child’s teachers and find out about the class schedule, homework policies, and plans for the year.

It’s also an important opportunity to meet other parents and get involved in the school community. Here are helpful school tips for making the most of the evening and getting the school year off on the right foot.

1. Introduce Yourself to the Teacher

It’s obvious, yes, but worth the reminder. Even if you’ve already met your child’s teacher, you don’t want to miss the chance to say hello and introduce yourself as the mother or father of a student they are just getting to know. Curriculum night is a valuable opportunity to support the teacher and your child. Every other parent in the room will be waiting to say hello, too, so keep it brief. This simple act can help build a successful school relationship from the start.

2. Save Some Questions for Later

Unless a lot of time is allotted to Q&A, you may want to wait to ask your questions, at least the big ones, when the teacher has more time to respond. They likely have a big agenda for the night and a lot to include in a short period of time. Send them an email when you get home instead. This is especially true for questions about academic achievement, school days, and specific classroom experience details.

3. Don’t Overcommit

Hoping to take advantage of a captive audience, teachers, administrators, the PTA, and the Class Parents will likely seek your help. As much as you want to support your child’s education, refrain from committing to more than your schedule can handle. If you overcommit, the year will quickly become a burdensome blur, and you’ll miss out on enjoying the ride. Focus on volunteer opportunities that truly fit your schedule and interests.

4. Volunteer for Jobs You Really Want to Do

You’ll get much more out of your volunteer time and have much more to give if you choose opportunities that appeal to you and your skills. You don’t need to plan the class party, chaperone the field trip, or head up the fundraiser unless you want to. Instead, you may like to help by tutoring a struggling student, designing a flyer, or assembling workbooks in your own living room. This allows you to contribute meaningfully to the school community and ensure you are part of a thriving school environment.

5. Leave Your Child a Note

In the flurry of meeting the teacher, catching up with other parents, and watching the PowerPoint about mandatory testing, it’s easy to forget that your child sees the night as a chance to show off their classroom and work. Leave a note of encouragement on their desk, letting them know how much you like the room, how friendly the teacher is, and how proud you are of their “All About Me” collage. This small gesture can make your child’s first few weeks of school feel extra special.

back to school night

6. Consider Being the Class Photographer

If you’re the parent constantly snapping pics on your phone, chances are you’ll take many pictures to document your child’s school year. Offer to share your photos with the teacher and the class. The other parents will love it (you’re taking some pressure off of them!), and the teacher will appreciate having photos to use for presentations, fliers, slide shows, and projects. This role allows you to stay involved without overcommitting to multiple tasks.

7. Remember That It’s Not Social Hour

It’s easy to get caught up reconnecting with parents you haven’t seen all summer or since your kids were in kindergarten together. It’s important to reconnect and initiate new friendships, but don’t spend so much time chatting that you miss out on the presentation or tour. Do go the extra mile to track down the parents of the new friend your child’s incessantly talked about since the first day of school, and trade numbers. Building relationships within the school community is valuable but should not overshadow the evening’s primary purpose.

8. Explore the School Library and Resources

Make sure to visit the school library during the back-to-school night. The library is a treasure trove of favorite school book titles and resources that greatly benefit your child’s learning experience. Ask the librarian about upcoming book fairs or special events that could spark your child’s interest in reading. The library often has classroom-tested ideas and materials to support your child’s education, especially in English, Language Arts and other subjects.

9. Check the School Calendar and Important Dates

Before you leave the curriculum night, grab a copy of the school calendar or check the bulletin boards. This will help you keep track of important dates such as parent-teacher conferences, grade-level school events, and holidays. Being aware of the school calendar ensures you can plan ahead and not miss out on significant activities throughout the year. Having extra copies of the calendar at home can be helpful.

10. Utilize Newsletters and Communication Tools

Many schools provide newsletters, such as a weekly newsletter or an editable newsletter template, to keep parents informed about classroom and school-wide activities. Sign up for these newsletters or check if they are available on the school’s website. Effective parent-teacher communication is key to staying engaged and supporting your child’s education. Consider discussing different forms of communication that work best for you, whether email, newsletters, or even articles for parents.

Making a good impression and learning as much as you can about your child’s upcoming school year is a wonderful way to start the week of school off on the right foot. Back-to-school night (or Curriculum Night) is well worth your time and the cost of the sitter. You’ll be glad you attended.

Related: 5 Helpful Tips to Get an After-School Care Sitter and Rates

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15 Hilarious First Day of School Memes

The first day of school is an exciting (and stressful) time! A good laugh is just what you need right now and that’s why we scoured the internet to find 15 of the funniest going back-to-school memes.

1. Can the first day of school come any sooner?

The countdown to the first day of school arrives with mixed emotions. Some parents can’t wait, while others dread it.

first day of school meme
Image via Mamás Latinas

2. Back to school is the best (or the worst) time of year!

Saying goodbye to summer break and diving into the annoyances of school can be tough for parents and kids alike.

parenting meme
Image via memes.relate.x / Instagram

3. The first day of middle school can be a culture shock!

Middle school brings a whole new set of challenges and experiences that can be quite the adjustment.

Screen Shot 2023-07-14 at 2.03.27 PM
Image via Katie Didn't / Twitter

4. Time flies when you’re having fun.

Days of summers are long gone, and the school season is officially in full swing.

school meme
Image via MomTransparenting / Twitter

5. Going back to school is an adjustment for the kids too!

The day of school brings new routines and responsibilities, a shift from the care-free lifestyle of summers.

Image via No-Guilt Life

6. Is it a Thursday or a Friday?

The first school week can blur together, leaving everyone confused about what day it is.

back to school meme
Image via Readers Digest

7. Where did those colored pencils go again?

School supply shopping is critical, but somehow those shiny school supplies always seem to disappear.

back to school meme
Image via AparnaRC / Twitter

8. Only three months until Thanksgiving!

The first day of school excitement quickly transitions to counting down the days until the next break. 

first day of school meme
Image via Readers Digest

9. That first day of school excitement wears off quickly…

By the end of the first week of school, the excitement can fade as the reality of school day responsibilities sets in.

first day of school meme
Image via Distractify

10. Back to school takes a lot out of the little ones!

The adjustment back to school can be exhausting for kids, especially after a long summer vacation.

school meme
Image via biotchandmeme / Instagram

11. Are your kids Type 1 or Type 2?

Parents often find themselves categorizing their kids’ reactions to the first day of school excitement.

Image via Distractify

12. School supply shopping is the best part of back to school!

Despite the school preparation pressure, buying new school essentials can be a fun experience for kids and parents.

Image via Readers Digest

13. Finally some peace and quiet!

After the hectic days of summer break, parents might find themselves relieved as the first day of school brings some calm.

back to school meme
Image via Someecards

14. Target moms get it.

School supply shopping at Target is almost a ritual for some parents amidst the chaos of returning to school.

first day of school meme
Image via Mila / Twitter

15. Have they invented a way to be in two places at once yet?

Between school drop-offs, work, and after-school activities, parents wish they could clone themselves.

parenting meme
Image via Sara Says Stop / Twitter

What better way to destress from the first day of school than with some school memes? Back to school can be hectic for parents and a big adjustment for kids as well, but it’s also a chance to start some new family traditions. There are new school supplies to buy and new schedules to figure out. We hope these first day of school memes made you smile!

Between school drop-offs, work, and after school activities, a little help goes a long way. You can find an after school nanny near you to cover pickup and the hours before dinner.

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Back to School: The Nanny Conundrum

how much to pay a house sitter

whitney_tang_nanny_magContributed by guest author Whitney Tang, Executive Editor of Nanny Magazine

It’s September, which means hordes of children have headed off to school, many for the first time. As you gear up for that first day of meeting the teachers and kissing your munchkin goodbye, a momentary thought might pass through your mind: What in the world will your nanny do for these three or so odd hours every day? Not paying her is out of the question. You need your nanny to be on call for all those sick days, snow days, and, heaven forbid, any emergencies. But should you really be paying her to sit around your house all morning with nothing to do? Here are some things you might want to consider to maximize your nanny’s time on the clock.

Keep Her Busy

Depending on where school is located, your nanny might not have the flexibility to go all the way back home during school hours. This is a great opportunity to ask her to pick up your child’s much-needed rain boots or craft supplies. Keep in mind that just because your child isn’t in the house doesn’t mean it’s your nanny’s downtime. School hours are the perfect time for your nanny to get caught up on your kids’ laundry and other child-related chores around the house, such as meal prep. Do you already have this covered? Let your nanny invest some time in her own professional development. Register her for an online course to enrich her childcare skills or hook her up with some great nanny-related reading to help her sharpen her skills and get new ideas to better take care of your children. The ways to make the time while your child is in class count toward your nanny’s paycheck are endless.

But Don’t Keep Her Too Busy

Keep in mind that your nanny’s top priority is your child. Even with some “free” time, you can rest assured that she is most likely planning the next great museum outing or tomorrow’s very messy (but educational!) science experiment. Good nannies rarely stop brainstorming new activities, planning new adventures, or educating themselves on caring for your child. Let your nanny use this open time to rest, think, and plot. Even the best minds need a few minutes away from the constant commotion to come up with truly great ideas.

Encourage Conversations

Do you really need eggs for tonight’s dinner but don’t have time to pick them up after work? Don’t be afraid to ask your nanny for some help. But also don’t be upset if she has something else planned. She might be busy picking up craft supplies for the afternoon’s art project or returning the nearly late library book just in time. In order to prevent yourself from becoming annoyed and your nanny from feeling pressured, be sure to open up various communication outlets. As long as a conversation is always going, each party will have better expectations for the school days ahead.

It’s Simple

Your nanny has more scheduling flexibility to take care of errands and chores when her charges are not in her direct care. Make the most of the time but don’t underestimate her. Just because your kids aren’t with her doesn’t mean she isn’t busy with their care. How do you keep your nanny busy when your kids are away at school?

If you’re looking for an after school nanny, review these tips for finding the right one for your family!

Whitney Tang, Executive Editor of Nanny Magazine is a freelance writer, a graphic design artist, and most importantly, a nanny! But the best part of her day involves a lot less typing and a lot more mess making, with glitter and flour being the usual suspects!

Find trusted nannies near you at UrbanSitter.com.

Back To School Transitions Tips for Parents During COVID-19

anxious child

Contributed by our friends at Brightline

When you became a parent, you probably didn’t envision 18 months hunkered down at home with your whole family (or that spending some extra time hiding out in the bathroom would be keeping you sane). And we’re guessing you didn’t picture that you’d feel so weird about finally sending your kid or teen back to the classroom after that year and a half. Excited to be going back to the new “normal?” Yes. Confused about what that looks like? Also, yes. Worried about how your kid might handle it? Triple yes.

Raising kids can have its challenging days (don’t you love trying to convince a tired kid to…go to sleep?), but parenting your way through a global pandemic? It’s been like a chaos-filled Groundhog Day, but in real life. Nobody should have to navigate this uncharted territory alone. Whether you’re wondering if constant tantrums are “normal,” or you want to figure out if your kid might have anxiety or ADHD, it might be time to enlist a bit more support.

Not sure exactly where to start? Here are a few key back to school transitions tips for parents during this weird and challenging time.

5 Tips To Navigate Back to School Transitions

1. Talk to your child’s teacher

Wondering about your kids’ behavior, but you’re not sure what steps to take? Your child’s teacher — who observes them in close proximity every day and probably has years of experience with kids and behavior — can be a great resource. If the teacher notices your kid’s been struggling to focus or is having a hard time making friends, they might recommend resources at the school, or habits you can try at home as a family. And if your kid is struggling at school, but not at home, you can offer up your expert suggestions to help the teacher.

The more you work together, the more your kid will thrive at home and in the classroom!

2. Establish dependable routines

Consistency is the key to stability and enlisting more child care support, like a reliable morning or after school nanny—to pack up backpacks and lunches, then help with pickups and homework—could make a world of difference for a child struggling with the newfound busyness of their life. Not sure what kind of school year child care solutions are out there? Check out Before and After School Child Care: 6 Practical Solutions.

3. Consult your family doctor

Another great support to add to your team is your kid or teen’s doctor. Along with ruling out medical concerns that could be contributing to your kid’s behavior, pediatricians are trained broadly in kids’ health, so they can help you pinpoint potential issues and whether extra support (or evaluation) could be useful for you. And since your family doctor knows other professionals and your child, they can provide personal suggestions about which behavioral or mental health experts your kid would gel with (and send through a referral, if needed).

4. Try behavioral health coaching

If you’ve tried all the things to help your kid with tantrums or your teen with self-confidence, a behavioral health coach who specializes in parenting and family issues can work with you to identify growth areas and, more importantly, goals and ways to meet them.

While therapists tend to focus on the “why” behind the “what,” coaches hone in on the present and future — helping you reframe struggles and find and implement practical opportunities to get where you want to be. Coaching is grounded in evidence-based methods for kids and teens, then applied to work for everyday challenges and situations that might not meet a clinical level of need. So if your elementary school kid is struggling with worries or your high schooler just can’t seem to stay on top of homework, a coach can help you figure out the right tools — and how to use them to help your family grow.

“Coaching is a way to reframe your goals and push you or your child to the next level,” says Charlene Montgomery, MS, a behavioral health coach at Brightline. “Together, we’ll identify where you want to be, and give you the tools to help you get there.”

Coaching is a great way to set goals, so you and your family can thrive. Consider a behavioral health coach an investment in your family’s well-being — the cheerleader you need to power through this tough season.

Want to learn more about coaching? Check out 5 coaching programs that will help you tackle back-to-school.

5. Consider therapy

If things just aren’t getting better, or you think your child may need a greater level of care, it might be time to think about looping in a therapist — someone who is specially trained in identifying and treating behavioral health issues.

When you’re worried about how your child is doing — maybe they’re really stressed or feeling down lately, or maybe you think they might have ADHD, or tough behavior is really wearing you down — it can be seriously tough on everyone in the family. And asking for help can feel like a big (and scary) step. The first thing to know? “All of these things are totally normal, especially during a time of transition and uncertainty,” says Angel Herrera, LMFT, a Brightline behavioral therapist. “We all experience stress in one way or another, and it’s OK to need help sometimes.”

There are tons of therapists out there, and it can be hard to figure out where to start. In your search aim for a licensed behavioral health clinician who can diagnose and treat behavioral health conditions in kids and teens. You may also want to partner with a therapist who has experience in your child’s specific struggle, whether that’s anxiety, depression, or ADHD.

For kids, it can be especially helpful to work with a therapist who takes a positive approach. Strengths-based therapists will help your kid or teen to grow coping skills out of what they’re already amazing at, which can infuse the whole process with confidence and motivation.

Coaching or Therapy?

Need help figuring out what type of support is best for your family? Reach out to Brightline for a free, 15-minute consultation or download the Brightline Connect app for videos, articles, tips and resources, and more to help you through it all. 
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Taking the Next Step

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by next steps, take a deep breath and remind yourself you’re absolutely not alone — and there are plenty more resources to build into your support system.

It can be difficult to take the first step and ask for help, but an incredibly important one. “I feel like the more parents are involved in their child’s treatment, the better results we see,” says Herrera. Remember: you’re not alone, and help is available. You got this!

Additional Online Resources for Children’s Mental Health

Start the School Year Right With an Eye Exam

By Dr. Gabriel Taub

The American Optometric Association (AOA) estimates that up to 80 percent of learning occurs through a child’s eyes. That’s why, as we find ourselves at the beginning of another school year, your child’s eye health should be as important as your annual visit to the pediatrician. An eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist can help prevent potential vision issues that could impede your child’s progress both in school and during extracurricular activities.

With the amount of time children spend looking at smart boards, tablets, and computers, it is important to make sure that they entering the classroom without any vision issues that may prevent them from doing their best. Schedule regular eye exams just prior to the beginning of each school year—and if you haven’t made an appointment yet, don’t fret—it’s never too late to look after your kid’s eyes!

You should also schedule an eye exam at any time of year if you notice that your child is experiencing any of the following:

  • Squinting while reading or watching television
  • Losing his place when reading
  • Avoiding reading and other close-up activities altogether
  • Headaches
  • Blinking
  • Rubbing eyes constantly
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Redness and tearing of the eyes
  •  Tilting his head to one side when viewing something
  • Holding reading materials very close to his eyes

Some children might be stressed or frightened about a pending eye exam. Below are a few things you can tell them to expect, to alleviate some of their anxiety.

With a little knowledge beforehand about what is involved, eye exams don’t have to be stressful or scary for either the child or the parent. They should know that none of these tests are painful or difficult!

  • History:  This will cover any complaints and pre-existing conditions
  • Age-appropriate visual acuity testing: Using an eye chart, the doctor asks the child to read letters or name pictures
  • Cover testing: This test detects misalignment of the eyes. While the child focuses on a target, the examiner covers each eye one at a time to look for a “shift.”
  • Motilities:  The child is told to follow a target over a circular path.  Tracking problems and head movements are noted.
  • Stereopsis:  Testing the ability to see a 3-D image with polarized lenses.  A fun test that children enjoy that also reveals important information about their vision.
  • Color Vision Testing:  This is especially important for boys, since 8-10% of males have color vision deficiencies.  Less than 1% of females have such deficiencies.
  • Retinoscopy:  While the child looks at a far target (picture chart) the optometrist uses a retinoscope to measure the amount of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism (an oval shaped cornea).

Finally, sports injuries resulted in 20 percent of emergency room visits for kids aged 5 to 9 and 41% of visits for children aged 10 to 14, according to a recent study.

Thankfully, protective eyewear can prevent 90 percent of eye injuries. Children’s sports glasses, which are traditionally made from impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses, feature a goggle shape in plastic or polycarbonate with padding to absorb impact. Be sure to ask your optometrist about options that are just right for your little sports star!

Dr. Gabriel Taub has practiced at Cohen’s Fashion Optical for 18 years. Throughout the month of September, the store is offering free eye exams to kids ages 5-16 at participating locations. 

Photograph by Ernst Vikne via Creative Commons

Crafty Kids: Nifty Back-To-School Projects– with Tape!

Duct tape crafts have been hot for the past couple of years because a) they’re easy to put together and b) pretty much every child loves tape! You can help boost the excitement for back-to-school in your kids and tweens with these two fun (and useful) crafts from our friends at Duck Brand Tape.

Chalk Circle Calendar

You will need:

  • Cardstock
  • Scissors
  • Duck brand chalkboard tap
  • Duck tape

1. Make a 1-1/2-inch template for your day-of-the-week circles out of cardstock, then trace the template on the back of the chalkboard tape, 42 times, at cut each circle out.

2. Trace letters for the days of the week on the back of the Duck tape, then cut out and stick one of each to 7 of the circles.

3. Now, piece by piece, stick your calendar to your wall, inside your closet, wherever it’s handy!

Desk Organizer

You will need:

  • 12 empty Duck tape rolls
  • Duck tape
  • Scissors

1. Tape 2 empty Duck tape rolls together to get a double-long tube. Fold over any excess tape. Then, cover the inside of the roll with Duck tape, too. Repeat 5 times.

2. Using thin strips of Duck tape, attach the tubes to make a pyramid shape. Now you’re ready to load your organizer up with all your pens and pencils for the school year!