Hi guys!
I'm am currently writing an article on nanny/employer horror stories, and I'm looking to add some of your experiences. If you've had a terrible employer/employee, please send your submission to xhumanwreckagex@gmail.com.
I will post a link to the article when it's complete. I look forward to hearing from you!
Wednesday
Nanny Asking for Much Needed Advice
Disclaimer: this question is going to be long. If you can wade through the many details and give me some much needed advice, I would really appreciate it.
I have been working for a family for 7 months, ever since their first child was born. It's an unusual situation, and while I had some idea about what I was getting into, I didn't know all of the specifics. Now I need some serious help renegotiating my contract. First let me explain what the job entails.
I work 6 days a week, 50 hour work week. I specified that I would like specific hours, though I can be flexible as long as I have notice. Anything over 50 hours would be overtime. MB shows horses, and that involves a LOT of travel. We spend 4 months of the year in the south at a house, and throughout the other months we are based further north but travel often to shows, typically a week or two at a time. I wasn't really aware of how long/often we would be at shows; I grew up in the equestrian world but didn't do the type of showing that she participates in.
DB expressed concern that during the winter (while we are at the secondary house) I would be making tons of overtime because the days are long. I don't have any issues with long days, but I suggested an OT bank, in which I would record my OT hours and we could decide together whether they would be paid out, or whether I could use them for future PTO at a time that would work for both of us. They liked the idea and I was happy with it because I knew with all of the traveling I would need some time off to decompress.
I'm finishing up my first winter at the other location, and I didn't bring up the issues with them because it was my own fault for not being more thorough initially. But I do need to sit down with them and explain that unless things change, there is no way I'm going to be able to do another winter. I just don't know exactly what to suggest that would work for both parties.
MB has a crazy schedule. I have Mondays off because that is the one day that the show doesn't run. Basically she doesn't even know the rough times she needs to ride until Tuesday night of that particular week, and often she doesn't have exact times until the day before. So every week she writes down what she *thinks* the schedule will be. The schedule always changes. DB is only here on the weekends so it's just her and me, and though I did ask her to find someone else to use in case I can't work, the baby cried when the other woman was with him so now she only uses her for date nights when the baby is sleeping. So it's either I watch him, or she can't "work".
I don't have a life here. I don't really have any drive to make a life considering I'm here for such a short time, but because of that I'm always in the house, and she knows that I have no plans. I could of course say that I'm not available when she asks me last minute, but I would just end up sitting in my room, or getting in my car and driving around just to not be in the house. I also can't really make plans such as taking a class or signing up for an activity, because my hours are so random.
Like I said before, I don't have an issue with the long hours. I'm here to work; the only reason I relocated to this area with them is to work. The problem has become the fact that MB doesn't want me to accumulate a lot of OT hours. To keep me from having a bunch of OT she will shorten my hours on various days by a few hours to make up for the 10-14 hour days that I sometimes have. And because the schedule is different every week, and constantly changes DURING the week, I never know exactly when I'm going to be working. Like yesterday for example she changed the time I got off 3 times, and I ended up having an early day. I hate having my start time change every day, and I don't like my days cut short to make up for extra long days later in the week. All that it does is make me feel like I'm working all of the time without getting reimbursed adequately. All of that talk about the huge amounts of OT I would be making during the winter hasn't translated into reality, because whenever MB gets done early she lets me off, which just leaves me sitting in my room with nothing to do, and not making money either. The only times I feel like I can say "no" to the schedule she sets out is date nights, and often I work them anyway because I want OT. Otherwise she just tells me what time we'll be starting in the morning, and what time we'll be ending in the evening. It is literally different every single day.
I've brought up the fact that I would like to have a set schedule, and both MB and DB like to mention that they said in our interview that they needed someone who could be "flexible". This is very true, and I have been MORE than flexible. I literally am available any time they need me. All of the time. I've worked some intense jobs before. I know that there are jobs where flexibility is key, and this is one of them. However, you need to be PAID for those jobs. Like, paid so much that it doesn't matter that you need to be available whenever. I make a decent salary, which DB never fails to bring up, in front of large groups of people. But I know that what I am giving up is worth way more than what I'm making.
The situation is particularly bad in this winter location because there is nobody else to watch the baby besides me. I know that the primary location will be better; I have my own apartment there and my own friends and life, but we'll also be traveling to shows a lot (one and half to two weeks every month) and the situation will be the same. Two weeks of working my tail off, whenever she needs me, having nothing to do in my time off, and getting very little overtime for it because she will cut me loose an hour early here or there to make up for the long days. It just feels like the traveling and giving up my life for long periods of time is completely not worth it, because I'm not even making more money.
 |
| Some good perks, but this nanny is looking for more pay. |
I like this job. I love the baby and I love where we live most of the year. I'm allowed to have my dog live with me and MB lets me ride her horses. They really are nice people and I like them. I need to figure out a way to present this to them to let them know that I need to be making more money when we're traveling otherwise it isn't worth it to me to have such an unpredictable schedule and give up long chunks of my life like this.
There are three options that I've thought of. #1- Ask for a raise to my weekly salary, year round. And then during the hard times just remember that the raised salary also applies to the easier times. #2- Ask for a higher weekly salary during travel times. Just explain that travel is harder and requires a complete time commitment and it should be paid accordingly. If that's the case, how much should I be asking for? What is complete availability worth? #3- During travel weeks, ask to maintain a specific minimum schedule, with anything additional being overtime. For example, my weekly schedule would always be 7:00-4:00. If MB doesn't need me until 7:45, it doesn't matter, I still start work, and start getting paid at 7:00. She can choose to use me or not. And then if 3 nights that week she needs me to work until 6:00, I do it, but those hours are OT. That way I would be making more money according to how much I was working and I would have a start time I could count on.
Maybe I'm being too demanding. If I am please let me know. Would any of you think that this was acceptable? All I know is that when a job starts feeling like it's not worth the money, something needs to change. Please give me any and all advice, I really need it.
Dealing with your own nanny or employer dilemma? Email isynblog@gmail.com.
Friday
Boss Freak Out!!
I nanny an almost three year old boy who has some digestive issues. He hadn't had a bm in almost three days and so when it happened today you can only imagine the mess. He hates getting his diaper changed and screamed and squirmed resulting in mess getting everywhere on me and him. It even managed to get in my hair. So, I cleaned him up and put him down for a nap and hopped in the shower to try and wash it out of my hair. My hair is very long and it's not very possible to just wash it in the sink. I had my phone and the baby monster in the bathroom with me. My DB came home on lunch break (which he never does) and freaked out when he realized I had been in the shower. I was out and getting dressed again when he actually came in the house. I explained the situation to him and he said I should have called one of them to come home so that I could go home and change and clean up then come back to work. I live twenty minutes away so that just seems like a waste of time. Was the freak out from my boss acceptable? I was also wondering what other things have the nannies on this site had their bosses freak out about?
Wednesday
Bad Nanny @ NY Public Library
At Bloomingdale branch of NY Public Library on West 100th St., a dark-skinned nanny with very short curly hair, responsible for a baby boy less than a year old in a dark blue/black baby carriage with a gray hood. She stayed with him in the hallway talking to another nanny who was responsible for a baby girl. The nanny let the baby boy scream for easily 30 minutes, and looked like she was so annoyed with him. When I finally saw him out of the carriage, she was sort of holding him but there was no love or caring. I was shocked and thought that the parents should know because if this is occurring every day it will seriously impact the happiness of this child. The boy was wearing a light blue one piece with thin white stripes.
Tuesday
Nanny with Senioritis?
We hired our nanny in June of 2012, and when we hired her, she was great. However, as time goes on, I am very disappointed with her performance. My two year old son seems to notice this too, and it has me very worried now that we are expecting our second child. Our contract states that for $625 a week, our nanny is responsible for providing quality care for our son while also completing child related household duties: cleaning up toys, washing dishes used during the day, 1-2 loads of laundry per week, and straightening up any messes she makes. She no longer does this, and I am starting to wonder what we are paying her so much for. I was willing to let the chores things go because she was really great with our son, but now he wants nothing to do with her. I understand that this is normal behavior for a two years old, but it is very uncharacteristic of or son. Is it worth it to try and makes things work, or would it be better to start looking for a new nanny to start before our baby is born.
Please help!
Please help!
Help with Special Needs Child
Hi ISYN,
I was hoping that some of your readers could help me out with a dilema i have right now with a family that I babysit/tutor for who has an autistic child.
I was referred to this position by the mother of a friend who happens to be the piano teacher for one of the kids. She told me that there was a family looking for an after school babysitter/tutor for their two children, both girls ages 7 and 10. When I went to interview with the mother I was told that the older girl was "mildy autistic" and was shy around strangers but would eventually warm up. Because I was told that I did not press when I only got a glimpse of the older child assuming that she would warm up to me once I had time to get to know her.
Once I began this position, which is 15 hours a week, that the mother had clearly been lying/not upfront to me. The older child was not, as she put it "mildy autistic" but on the more sever end of the spectrum. She is 10 and in a special needs program at school learning on a 3rd grade level. She also has an awful atitude at home, which I'm pretty sure can be attributed to the fact that her mother works long hours owning a salon/spa in NYC and most of the time she is at home with her grandmother, who finds it easier to give her what she wants when she throws a fit rather then deal with her. As a result of that the older child throws a fit whenever she does not get whatever she wants/when I am trying to do homework with her. She is also verbally and physically abusive to her younger sister (7) and me saying things such as "I'm going to get someone to kill you"(said to me) "I'm going to sell you and send you away for ever"(said to her sister). She also has no issues with hitting and smacking various members of her family. The mother just seems to gloss over the older child's behavior with a "i cant do anything about it anyway" attitude.
My issue is I would have quit this job a long time ago if I had not bonded with the younger child who is really sweet. It is clear that the environment at home take a huge toll on her and I do not want to leave her there with no outside support. What should I do? If I quit I'm sure that I will forever feel awful because I did not do everything in my power to help the younger child but at the same time it is very grating on me to be working with a child that has had no discipline and is on the sever side of the autistic spectrum for minimal pay.
Help!
Monday
Holiday Bonus, Part 4
Holiday Bonus, Part 4
Bonus:
nothingGifts: $25 Old NavyWeekly
Salary: 0-40
hours: $500...any hour after 40 I get a set hourly rate for over time
Location:
Milwaukee, Wi
Length
worked for Family: it will be a year this January
Comments: I really
didn't expect a bonus because I have had more paid vacation in the last year
then Ive had in my whole life! Plus I'm getting nearly 2 weeks paid vacation
for Christmas...so that puts me at at least 4 since
I started.
They are a very generous and accomodating family who has allowed me the
pleasure of going back to school (they even have gottten additional child care
for nights I have to leave early). And
the gift card was a nice gesture. Not to
sound naive but I'm very satisfied with what I got. When you factor in all the
paid vacation its more then any family has ever given me. They are wonderful
* Bonus this
year (2012): nothing monetary
* Your
weekly salary:$800 (live in)
* Any
supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus: A Marc Jacobs computer case that I
mentioned wanting, and a couple of Nike clothing items.
* Length of
time you have worked for the Family: 5 months
* City, State
and Country where you live: Virginia and Florida. We spend 4
months of
the winter in Florida.
* Additional
comments: I'm pretty sure that my bosses don't know that bonuses are mostly
standard in the nanny biz. I'm not really upset by it because I know it's not a
reflection on how they feel about my
performance,
but it would have been nice. I think even though I didn't really expect one, on
some level I was still hopeful so I can't help but feel a bit let down. Oh
well.
Bonus
(2012): zero
Weekly
Salary: $315
Other
Gifts: Cooking Tools
Length of
Time with Family: two years PT then two years FT
Location:
Des Moines Iowa USA
Comments: In the past, I got $100. This year the family is going through a few
hard financial situations. Therefore, I
am honestly pleased that I get to keep my job.
My clients could choose an in-home
daycare for
a third of the cost of what I get paid.
I enjoy the children, and am glad I get to work with them.
bonus: $1300
weekly
salary: $600
supplemental
gifts: ! years gym membership, 6 sessions with private trainer of my choice,
cashmere
scarf,
scented candle, kitchen equipment, gold leather diary, photo box, book,body
lotion.
length of
time worked for family: 14 years
city: London,
UK
Additional
comments. very happy with all my beautiful gifts and my bonus which i also get
on my birthday every year.
Bonus this
year-$500 cash
Weekly
salary-$725 take home for 40 hours
Supplementary
gifts- iPad, lululemon coat, makeup from sephora and a bunch of stuff from
there the kids chose for me, Starbucks card, a gift certificate for a Mani-pedi
Last spring as a gift this family bought me a car for my personal use, separate
from the nanny vehicle. Included
the extended
warranty and prepaid maintainance
Length of
employment-3 years
Pittsburgh,
PA
I truly am blessed to have wonderful employers
who care about me and treat me like family. They are always kind and always nice
and never difficult to work for. I love their children as if they are my own.
1,000 bonus
and card plus cookies and a bag of pop corn :))).
Weekly pay
of 450.
Worked for
family sinceJuly.
Columbus,
Ohio. :))) My bosses and little one are awesome :)))).
Overnight Logistics
I have just recently discovered your website and love it! Very insightful, informative & the responses offer different perspectives on important topics. I am writing to you as an experienced caregiver hoping to get some feedback regarding contracts. I am a 24 year old live-out nanny from Massachusetts with 6 years nannying experience, CPR/First Aid certified, a bachelors degree in Psychology with some daycare experience. I currently work for an amazing family, and I have been with them for a year and a half. I love their (3) children and feel very appreciated by MB and DB. We agree on practically everything regarding their children, discipline, sleep training etc. and because I respect them so much I always try to go above and beyond my cleaning/laundry duties when time permits. The family had a baby 3 months ago and MB has stressed that she would love to keep me for another 1-2 years if I were willing to commit. (I am!). However I do not have a contract with them. After reading extensively on ISYN, it seems like I should put one in place. My question to you is what specifically should be in there? I currently work Tues-Friday 8:30-6pm and am paid an hourly rate. Do you think I could consider salary as opposed to hourly if this situation will essentially be staying the same? What should I be asking in terms of vacation time? What is a reasonable overnight and/or weekend rate? Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Bay State Nanny
Spring Break
Hello everyone!
NOt sure how to go about this situation so some advice would be greatly appreciated. I currently work for three different families. I have my morning family, in which I drive the two boys to school everyday. My afternoon family for whom I work approx. 15 hrs/wk and my Saturday night family. Spring break is coming up and I'm in a bit of a financial bind. I had told both families that I would be going away for my college break which is the last week of March. I knew it matched my morning families break and when the kids aren't in school I don't have to work, but I normally still get paid. However, for my afternoon family, I was also hoping my break would coincide for when they went on vacation, but they have decided to go the week before instead (the eldest child has two weeks off, and the younger one is only in preschool). I do not get paid when I don't work for my afternoon family. I am now left with two weeks of no pay because they'll be gone one week, and I'll be gone the next. I've tried looking fr a parttime spring break, but I've had no luck. Should I ask my afternoon family to be compensated? Is that rude? I try very hard to be available for them. I work extra hours when I can. Thanks everyone!
Sunday
CL-WTF
Need A Babysitter (Tuskegee,AL)
Hello I am looking for babysitter for my 2 boys ages 1 and
2. I will need them 2 nights a week TUESDAY AND THEURSDAY FROM 5-10 STARTING IN
MAY WHILE I AM IN CLASS. I NEED SOMBODY DEPENDABLE AND RLIABLE AND LOVE KIDS
AND CAN KEEP UP WITH THEM VERY BUSY BOYS. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU ARE SERIOUS
AND HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH TODDLERS. I WILL LET YOU KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS POSITION
SO WE CAN DISSCUSS FEES. I PERFER AT MY HOUSE AND YOU HAVE YOUR OWN
TRANSPORTATION. I WILL NEED REFERENCES OF YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH TODDLERS.POSITION
WILL BE STEADY FOR A GOOD 2 YEARS AT THE LEAST SO I REALLY NEED SOMEONE WHO I
CAN DEPEND ON. EMAIL ME SERIOUS APPLICANTS ONLY THANK YOU
Childcare Needed ASAP (Anchorage)
I need childcare on Saturdays from 9-630 in my home, I live
in Mountain View off of N. Lane st. The pay is $200 a month($50 a day or $25
per child which ever way you would like to put it.) Pay day is the 15th of
every month. Depending on the tips I make you might get paid the day of but
only if I make enough. But mostly you will be paid on the 15th. Also in a few
weeks I will need you to come over Thursday and Friday from 530pm-930pm so I
can work my night shift but that is not for a couple months yet.
About my children, My daughter will be 2 in April, She is
still in diapers but working on Potty training, But she is a easy little girl,
Always happy! My son is 4 and is potty trained, he is also a pretty happy child
as long as he is not bored. They love to play and watch movies! They both love
going for walks and to the park. Pretty simple children.
You will be making them lunch and dinner and snack which
will be provided by me. Also helping them clean up after them if they make a
mess, They pretty much clean there own room but need a little help.
You need to have a vehicle and be there every Saturday. Have
references and previous childcare experience. This would be perfect for a
student or teenager to make some extra cash. give me a call if interested XXX-XXXX
during the day I can only text since I am at work. Will be meeting with people
this weekend and will make a decision by Tuesday. Look forward to hearing from
you =)
$5 per hour BABYSITTING (fremont / union
city / newark)
Hello to all
Parents!
I'm a 40
years old Stay At Home Mom available to BABYSIT IN MY HOME here in Union
City...
I am
Filipina and I'm a mom who is looking to help out parents in need of childcare
for any reason or while you're still at work...
My home is
child friendly and I have a lot of experience with children of all ages...
I also
prepare Healthy food, Snack & Drinks for your child FOR FREE...
You must
DROP OFF and PICK-UP your child here in my home....
My rate is
only $5 per hour.... I'm available ANY HOURS, ANY DAY, even on WEEKENDS...
Please feel
free to call or text me so we can work out the details...
Thank You!
NEEDING SPECIAL NEEDS SITTER ASAP
(RUSSELLVILLE,AR)
I'll be starting CNA classes soon and will be in need of a
sitter until I can get my 4 1/2 year old son into MyChild. He is
Autistic/ADHD/Behavior Disorder. Is not potty trained as of now and has speech
problems. Very active and hyper but is on medication. Prefere someone who has experience
with special needs kids. Would be nice to have someone to watch all 3 kids
while hubby and I go out once in awhile as well. My 9 year old daughter has the
same issues as her baby brother. So is more like a 2 and 4-5 year olds verses 4
and 9. Also have a 15 year old daughter. Can not pay a lot just yet as I will
only be in class at first. But needing a long term sitter. Both younger 2 are
on medication. Must be mature and love children as well as our small chihuahua
who is 7 weeks old. Would be in home as my son is more comfortable here at home
with his toys.
Childcare needed for 2 year old twins
(Goleta)
Hello. I am a mother to two beautiful, sweet, good natured,
outgoing, and fun 2 year old twins. I have one boy and one girl. For two years,
we have been doing great without needing any consistent childcare, but recently
my husband got hired to work full time and is no longer able to watch the kids
during the day. I currently work full time as a teacher. We are looking for
someone to watch our munchkins from 2:00 to 4:00ish each day. Luckily, they
still nap from 1-3:30 each day, so an hour and a half of you pay will be to
just wait for them to wake up and keep the house from burning down. I am
usually home from work anywhere from 4:00-at the latest, 4:30 in the afternoon.
Some days might be earlier and some days might be later. We just need someone
consistently here that we can count on to watch them.
Here is what we are looking for:
1) Good, local references that we WILL be contacting for
sure.
2) Experience: we prefer that you have at least 1 year of
experience working with young children and preferably with more than one child
at a time. Let's be honest...twin toddlers are a handful!
3) Kind, easy going, good natured, but yet firm and
consistent with discipline practices that we implement in our home. You will
have to be willing to take guidance from us on how we choose to raise our
children. We definitely don't want some nut yelling needlessly at our children,
nor do we want someone laying back with a pina colada as they make a fort out
of toilet paper.
4) We prefer that if you do have children of your own
(that's a plus!), that you don't bring them with you. Sorry to say, but we want
your attention on our kids.
5) No drugs, drinking, partying or inviting of people over
to our house while we are not home. That's just not cool.
6) I would prefer if you didn't drive them anywhere. So if
you have kids of your own, we don't want you taking our kids in your car to
pick them up. No driving with them unless it's an emergency.
7) You have to love dogs--we have 3 rambunctious, ridiculous
labs who will sniff you inappropriately.
8) If they are sick, it would be great if you were still
willing to watch them. If you are sick, we want you to let us know ASAP because
we will find someone to cover.
9) Love our kids as you would love your own. They really are
sweet. I may be biased, but my kids totally rock!
And yes, we are parents of multiples, so obviously we are
not extremely wealthy as they daily eat us out of house and home. So you have
to be willing to accept $12.50/hr. It's a screaming deal since you will only
spend at the most an hour with them both awake. Email me with a resume and a
list of references with phone numbers if you're interested.
Babysitter needed 600$/month (Thornton)
Our current sitter has chosen a different career path.
Looking for a full time, flexible person. Preferably to come to our home to
watch our 3 year old son. Depending on your arrangements we can consider your
place. Husband leaves for work around 5am, and works from 10-14hours/day, on
a5&1 5&2 schedule so his days off always change. Wife schedule varies.
Currently we have the pay bracket set at 1-19 hours paid at 5$/hour 20-29
hours/100$ flat rate and anything over that 150$/flat rate, with a 50 hour
maximum before additional pay will be added. Our son is potty trained, and very
active. We have memberships to the zoo and museum. He enjoys the outdoors
immensely. Loves to learn (very fun age). Transportation very helpful however
not required. Were open to ideas and hope to hear from you soon. Call, text or
reply
looking to care for an infant (orlando/
e colonial)
hello my name is Veronica, iam looking to babysit an infant
iam a mother/ housewife i have 3 kids of my own that go to school..iam looking
to make some extra cash since my hubby is our only income..i have references if
needed..plz contact me thru email or call {} thank u god bless
$40day experienced nanny (somerville)
hello my name is mage i m a mother .i am looking to wath 2
children
in my home part time or full time i am very flexible with
drop off and
pick up times we live in a nice puiet neighborhood in
somerville with a huge bak yard i have lots of fun activities planned
throughout the day
as well as playtime out side and iam first aid and cpr my
rates reasonsable 40$full day no time limits you can drop off anytime and you
can pick up anytime thanks
please call me dont email me at 617 386 3150 thank you
Fall Part time Nanny Needed (Jackson)
Family of four, with two children ages 3.5 and 1 (by Sept
1), are looking for a nanny/mother's helper starting in September (but will
need some help in August). In September, it will be regular hours:
Mon-Fri, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
One Fri or Sat night per week from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM (not
both, unless something comes up and you are okay with doing both, but we don't
plan on going out two nights per week on a regular basis...that would just be
nuts :)
AND Sat mornings from 8:00 AM until 11:00 PM.
We are looking for 23 to 25 hours per week. If we increase
hours beyond 25 hours, you will be paid $15.00/hour (but this shouldn't happen
very often).
Salary is $1,150 per month.
Please note that for 6 weeks out of the year, we will be
away, but we you will still be paid for those weeks. We might ask you to come
over and check on plants, but that's about it!
Duties:
*Must be comfortable with parents coming and going. We are
moving from NYC and will need at least 6 months to get stuff done around the
house.
*We have no television, so we are looking for someone to
engage with the kiddos. Reading, going over letters, numbers, developmental
stuff for the one year old.
*Adhering to our discipline style (love and logic, is
probably what we are aligned with the most--talking a lot about things with
kiddos).
*From time to time, accompanying family to after school
events, to the grocery store, etc.
*Preparing meals (for the kids, not for parents. If it's for
the parents, it's basic food prep).
*Keeping kid areas tidy.
*Laundry (kids laundry, not parents...again, this won't
happen much, just during downtime, say, if naps are taking place).
*Bath time, if needed.
*You will not have to drive kids anywhere, but during less
hot months, play outside!
Qualifications:
*Possess or are working on a college degree
*Early childhood ed experience
*Sense of humor and a great disposition
*Willing to go through background check
*Please be professional.
*Be on time and...
*Be a part of our family!
*No electronics, like texting when you are with the kids.
This has been an issue for us in the past.
*Active and engaging personality.
If you are willing to travel with us, that would be great.
We will be going to Miami, NYC, Barbados and New Orleans and would love help on
some of those trips. We will pay your weekly salary + flights + lodging + food.
This is not mandatory, though.
We are hoping someone can help us out starting August 15,
but between then and Sept. 1, we don't know the hours. After Sept. 1, it will
be the hours above. Please be able to commit for one year.
Nanny needed in my home (north
springfield)
Nanny needed in my home for 4 year old and 1year old. Need
to have own transportation, non smoker, must be reliable, loving, and
trustworthy. Must be registered day care provider or willing to become
registered with the state. Pay from state is $130 a week. Flexible hours
sometimes but base is 10-6pm m-f. Needs to be willing to complete housework,
some cooking, and be active. Kids love to go swimming, to park, and outside
activities. email if you think you would be a good fit.
http://springfield.craigslist.org/kid/3656416538.html
Looking for Part-Time Summer Babysitter
(Southwest Omaha)
We are looking for someone to babysit our 5 year old this
summer (May 30 - August 14) from 12:30 - 5:30 and help with some care for our
13 and 11 year olds. Our 5 year old will be starting school in the fall, so he
will start the summer taking a nap but we would like you to wean him off them
by the end of the summer.
We have a neighborhood pool and membership, so a lot of time
the older kids will be up there. We would like to have our youngest spend time
up there, as well. He needs 1:1 supervision in the pool, so you would need to
be with him at all times.
The older kids have sports 3x/week at 5:30 across town. I
would like for the sitter to meet me at a designated place after I get off work
at 5:00 so we can make it to practice on time. It takes too long to go home,
pick up the kids, and make it across town in 30 minutes during rush hour. :)
Basic Daily Schedule
12:30 - Put 5 year old down for nap
2:30 - Wake up from nap
2:45 - Snack, pool, outside play
4:15 - Everyone needs to be home - call older kids home
(most of the time they will be at the pool)
4:30 - Light dinner/heavy snack (will provide options)
5:00 - Load everyone in car to meet me at 5:10
Requirements
1. Reliability and timeliness a must!
2. Have reliable transportation, a valid driver's license,
and a good driving record
3. CPR/First Aid certified preferred
4. Be FUN! We are not looking for a strict nanny, but a fun
companion for our youngest.
The pay is $30/day and general days are Monday - Friday,
although there may be occasional days when you will not be needed.
Please contact me via email if you are interested or if you
would like more information.
Thank you!
10 Lessons Parents Learn from Nannies
10 Lessons Parents Learn from Nannies
Nannies not only teach the children in their care, they often teach the parents too. Since many nannies have several more years of childcare experience than their employers, parents often welcome to the opportunity to learn childcare tips and techniques from their nannies.
Some of the lessons parents commonly learn from their nannies include:
- Structure is Everything – A consistent schedule is very important to children, as it provides a sense of safety and security. Nannies know that having a reliable routine can help prevent many common behavioral issues.
- The Best Laid Plans Can Fall Apart – Though a structured routine is imperative, plans can quickly change when there are children involved. Nannies often teach parents to go with the flow, instead of struggling to maintain a schedule that has fallen apart.
- Never Be Swayed By a Tantrum – When a child starts to scream, it can be tempting to give in to their demands to stop a tantrum in its tracks. While it might be effective in the short term, children will quickly learn that this behavior is effective, and it’ll make the habit even harder to break.
- Yelling is Counter-Productive – Good nannies seem to be able to handle any crisis without ever raising their voice. Seasoned nannies model how to manage most any situation in a calm, but firm manner.
- Positive Reinforcement Works – Whether it’s a chart with stickers or a few extra minutes of television time, children with an incentive to behave usually do.
- Bored Kids Are Likely to Cause Trouble – Most any nanny will agree that boredom is one of the biggest contributors to mischief. Keeping children engaged is one of the best ways to avoid bad behavior.
- Repetition is Key – When charges are small, nannies will repeat phrases and questions several times throughout the day; children need to hear things several times before they are really able to absorb the information.
- Outings Are Worth the Effort – Parents usually balk at the idea of loading up the children and heading out for the day, but nannies seem to handle outings with ease. That’s because they’ve learned that the payoff is well worth the effort; children learn by experiencing and interacting with their world.
- Boundaries Must Be Clear – Children who aren’t sure of the boundaries can’t be blamed when they cross them. As such, children who don’t understand the expectations can’t live up to them.
- Getting Dirty is Half the Fun – It’s not unusual to come home to a disheveled, paint-spattered nanny with grass stains on her clothes and a twinkle in her eye. Nannies who aren’t afraid to get dirty are usually the ones with the happiest charges, and the same holds true for parents who will let down their hair to enjoy time with the kids.
It can be difficult for some parents to acknowledge that their nannies may know more about parenting than they do, but embracing that idea can create opportunities for parents and nannies to work together to find the best strategies and parenting solutions for the children.
-Become a Nanny
http://www.becomeananny.com/
Saturday
Relocating to Portland
I will be relocating to Portland, Oregon soon and was wondering if anyone in the area can tell me the market rates and their experience finding jobs? I'm currently in Seattle and my rates are in the $15-18 range. I've researched a little bit and read that rates in Portland are in the $11-13/hourly range. Is this correct? Also, I'd be grateful for any other tips or agency recommendations! Thanks!
Friday
A Nanny’s Guide to Common Childhood Illnesses
Working as a private, in-home childcare provider gives you access to more than just the hugs, cuddles and giggles of your adorable charges. You’re also responsible for their care when they’re sick, and your close proximity to them throughout the day may also position you as the only person to notice their symptoms when an illness is beginning to manifest itself. There are a handful of childhood illnesses that are more common than others, and you’ll need to be well-versed in how to recognize the early signs to ensure that your charges get the care they need in a timely manner.
- The common cold – Everyone knows about the common cold, and there are plenty of old wives’ tales about how kids get them. Generally, the common cold is spread by germs that enter the body through the mouth or nose. Keeping little hands clean will help some in warding off this unpleasant experience. Always carry kid friendly hand sanitizer with you when going out in public and see to it that little ones do not gnaw on shopping cart handles or touch public door handles. Many stores now provide disinfectant wipes for the customer’s use, so take advantage of them when they’re available.
- Chicken pox – Those little itchy dots can make for a miserable time for kids, and it’s one of the most common afflictions of childhood. Usually one child will come down with the pox and then others will fall one by one as it makes the rounds. Unfortunately, it usually gets spread around before the rash shows up. Kids are contagious for two or three days before the appearance of the rash through the crusting over of the blisters.
There are medicines that will help the itching, and oatmeal baths can also help keep irritation in check. Dr. Stephen Dowshen suggests avoiding the sun during the outbreak and for a few days after to prevent burning sensitive skin and increased scarring. Itching is exacerbated by heat and sweating; cold, damp washcloths applied to affected areas should help.
If you have not had chicken pox yourself and you have not had a vaccine, use precautionary measures to protect yourself while caring for an infected child. This illness takes quite a toll on teens and adults and can actually be dangerous for them, possibly leading to complications such as pneumonia, hepatitis and encephalitis. Scarring is permanent for adults who contract the disease.
- Ear infections – Most kids experience ear infections from time to time. Don’t be surprised if your little charge has two or three of them during the year. Some children have chronic infections, meaning they are plagued with ear pain four or more times a year, or three or more times within a six month period.
Usually ear infections will occur with upper respiratory infections or colds. The estuation tube, which is much smaller in little ones, begins to swell. This tube connects the middle ear to the nose and back of the throat. Blockage here causes fluid to build up in the middle ear behind the eardrum. This build up can lead to infection due to germs multiplying, but doesn’t always happen. When it does, it often results in the child fighting off the infection and fever ensues. Temporary hearing loss can also be present as a result of the pressure on the eardrum caused by the excessive fluid.
Since some ear infections tend to be viral rather than bacterial, many doctors take a wait and see attitude rather than prescribing antibiotics. They will often suggest pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and usually the infection runs its course in a matter of a few days. If it becomes severe, then more aggressive treatment is called for.
- Fifth disease – For being a common illness, Fifth disease, caused by Parvovirus B19, is not talked about much. It’s a rash that leaves a child looking as if she’s been slapped. It is also commonly called “slapped cheek” rash since it is the most recognized manifestation of the illness. Initial symptoms – fever, runny nose and headache – are fairly mild. The rash typically shows up several days after the onset of the more non-specific symptoms.
Except for rare instances where the child has a very weak immune system, Fifth disease tends to be mild and usually disappears within a few days. Most kids have full recovery and future immunity to the virus. In cases where the immune system is compromised, serious complications such as chronic anemia can crop up that will require medical treatment.
The historical name, Fifth disease, comes from the rash being number five on a list of common skin rash illnesses affecting children. Measles was first on the list followed by scarlet fever, rubella and Duke’s disease.
- Croup – This illness is common among the very young. It is often the result of infection caused by human parainfluenza viruses (not to be confused with the flu virus). The upper respiratory tract becomes infected, and fever, runny nose and cough show up as symptoms. In the case of croup, the upper airways become inflamed. This inflammation of the larynx and trachea often results in a barking cough. It can also lead to hoarseness.
Children have a tendency to get worse at night. This is especially true for the child who is upset or crying. Since the swollen tissue of the windpipe can make breathing difficult, you may hear a high pitched noise called stridor during inhalations.
Plenty of rest and fluids, along with acetaminophen or ibuprofen for discomfort and fever, are generally enough to get the child through this uncomfortable illness.
Most of the common illnesses children will contract are fairly benign and will pass within a few days. You need to be aware of what illness they are contending with though, so that you can take necessary precautions to protect your own health. If you have a strong immune system, generally you will have nothing to be concerned about; still, you need to be diligent around those diseases that affect adults more adversely then children.
Always remember that washing hands, proper etiquette for sneezing and coughing and a healthy lifestyle will help keep most illnesses at bay. When illness does strike, lots of TLC and a nice steaming bowl of chicken soup seem to work wonders in combatting those pesky bugs.
-Become a Nanny
http://www.becomeananny.com/blog/a-nanny%E2%80%99s-guide-to-common-childhood-illnesses/
Wednesday
Approach or Quit?
I've been working with the family I've been with almost 5 months. I'm now on the fence about quitting because I feel it's a little to late to approach her with these things. Im honestly tired of being nickeled and dimed and treated like an indentured servant. I deserve better. Dont get me wring they aren't rude or disrespectful to me. Don't leave me with a long list of chores and are nice people. I feel like sitting down with her could resolve my issues with the position but I feel it's a little to late of both parts. Ilove her kids but at the end of the day I have needs. I get NO PTO (Paid time off) or sick days- I've been sick a few times since I started this position and have never said a word about it and still came to work. I've never wanted to call out because once it hits me its mostly the night before and I think that's to short of notice. What should I do. I still need to be paid. NO Paid vacation- they are planning a week long vacation and I believe they are planning on just not paying me for the entire week. For me this will not work out. I have a monthly budget and this will set me back if we do do so. When i sat down and talked to MB about a similar topic (Guaranteed hours) and it somewhat got resolved. It works for them, not so much for me We came to the conclusion that if there was ever a time she didn't need me she would calculate the hours and I would make them up. For example if she came home early or decided to stay home. Now that I think about this a kinda feel like an indentured servant and that she should be paying for my availability on the days and times she stated she would need me. I have decided to let this go and go with the flow because I should have added what I wanted in the contract in the beginning and went over this at the interview. So I know for next time. Pretty much I'm ready to quit and find something else but the smart way. Since I don't have my license yet I already know this puts me at the low end of the nanny jobs basically people want someone who drives. Is it a smart idea to wait it out in this position until I get my license and then find something else. It will take me about eight months. Or should I just quit now. I also have drawn up my own detailed contract addressing the issues above. I really love this family outside of these issues. What should I do????
Bad Nanny Sighting in Charlotte, NC
Small park off of Providence Road right beside Presbyterian Hospital. Tues., March 12, 2013. 3-4pm. There was a nanny (Caucasian with short dark hair in her 20's) in charge of two small boys (around ages 3-5 with sandy blonde hair). She hardly interacted with them, but when she did, she was very unpleasant. The oldest boy accidentally knocked over her tea, which somehow caused her iPhone to crack, and she was very ugly to him. I was shocked at how cold she was to them.
Tuesday
Holiday Bonus, Part 3
Holiday
Bonus Part 3
* Bonus this
year (2012): $400 from Full Time Nanny Family, $250 from
Weekly
Babysitting Position
* Your
weekly salary: App. $800 Gross (45-50 Hours Per Week), $20 Per
Hour for
Babysitting Positions* Any supplementary gifts aside from the
Bonus: Cute
and thoughtful pair of yoga pants from my nanny family (I
always wear
sweats since the toddler makes a mess of my pants on a
daily
basis!), beautiful cashmere wrap from Regular Babysitting Family,
Beat
Headphones from Sporadic Babysitting Family* Length of time you
have worked
for the Family: 8 Months for Nanny and Regular Babysitting,
1 Month for
Sporadic Babysitting* City, State and Country where you
live: Los
Angeles, CA
* Additional
comments: I was kind of hoping for the "standard" week's
salary from
my nanny family but I am very grateful for what they gave
me. They
wrote me a very heartfelt, sincere card and I know how
appreciated
I am. I am sure if they could have given more, they would
have and I
realize that in this economy I am lucky to have found such
an
incredible family and to have received a bonus at all. I also
received a
gift from them for my birthday ($100 movie gift card and a
thoughtful
gift "from" the baby) and they have been very generous with
paid time
off. This position has a lot of perks. Most importantly
though, they
make me feel like a member of the family. My weekly
babysitting
family (I babysit on Saturday nights regularly) is also
wonderful
and wrote me a beautiful note in addition to the cash bonus
and gift.
The third sporadic babysitting family's gift was a total and
very
pleasant surprise since I have only worked for them a handful of
times. I
feel very lucky and appreciated. Happy Holidays!
* Bonus this
year (2012): Gifts
* Your
weekly salary: at least $450, more if more hours
* Any
supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus: A nice messenger bag,
chocolates,
gift cards to the cheesecake factory, lone star and
amazon.com
($25 each) , a nice card.
* Length of
time you have worked for the Family: 18 months
* City,
State and Country where you live: Durham, NC, USA
* Additional
comments: I was happy to receive the bag, and then I
opened it
and all the other stuff was in there!
* Bonus this
year (2012): $550.00
* Your
weekly salary: $400.00
* Any supplementary
gifts aside from the Bonus: a very lovely, thoughtful
card from
the family saying how much they have enjoyed working with me
this year.
* Length of
time you have worked for the Family: eight months
* City,
State and Country where you live: Kentucky, USA
* Additional
comments: I could not be more grateful for the holiday
bonus I
received this year, and the card they gave me was such a sweet
gift as
well. They are a wonderful family, and I
am so lucky to be
able to work
with their adorable children.
* Bonus this year (2012):$750
* Your weekly salary: $950
* Any supplementary gifts aside from the
Bonus: a boxed wine tool
kit,
nook,picture of kids and a box of chocolate
* Length of time you have worked for the
Family: 4yrs
* City, State and Country where you live:
Los Angeles
Nannyshare:
Family 1-
* Bonus this
year (2012):$0
* Your
weekly salary:$525
* Any
supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus: north face jacket and
$100 Amex
* Length of
time you have worked for the Family:7months
Family2-
* Bonus this
year (2012):$450
* Your
weekly salary: $450
* Any
supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus: none
* Length of
time you have worked for the Family: 1month
* City,
State and Country where you live: Boston, MA
* Additional
comments: I work for two very lovely and
kind families.
The bonus
from family 2 was completely unexpected and unnecessary
considering
the length of time I've been with them. I am very grateful
for both my
families. Compared to my previous families who I would bend
over
backwards for and never felt appreciated, having these two
families is
all the Xmas gift I need.
Monday
Nanny Tricks of The Trade
1. Use kitchen shears to cut food.
Forget using a fork and knife to slice foods into bite-sized pieces. Instead, use kitchen shears. They’re good for cutting everything from cheese to toast.
2. Toss dirty clothes directly into the washing machine.
If you’re caring for little ones, it’s pretty much guaranteed you’ll be doing at least a load of laundry per day. If your employers are okay with mixing colors on cold, skip the hamper and toss dirty clothes directly in the washer.
3. Use baby wipes to wipe up spills and clean off water rings on microfiber furniture.
Drool, sippy cups and bottles can leave microfiber in a mess. Use a wet wipe around the edges of the water ring and buff out the fabric with your hand. Voila, the spot will be gone.
4. Store art supplies in plastic rolling carts.
If you’re looking to keep crafts convenient but not easily accessible, store them in a closet. Roll it out when you’re ready to use them.
5. Keep a stocked diaper bag by the door.
Keep a fully loaded diaper bag ready to go by the front door. It will make getting out of the house a breeze, especially when there is no time to spare.
6. Use a straw to quickly hull strawberries.
Pop a straw into the bottom of the strawberry and out the top to get perfectly hulled strawberries every time.Less waste, less mess.
7. Create your own back-up care network.
Want to look like a hero? Have a list of recommended nannies ready to step in and provide care should you need a day off. Some families will even allow the nannies to cover for each other, should the nanny have an appointment come up during the day.
8. Always have a written work agreement.
Make having a written contact part of your job search process. Always use one, and never chance working without one.
9. Insist on written reviews in your contract.
When jobs go south, they go south fast. Asking for a reference after you’ve given notice or have been let go isn’t going to result in an accurate reference that takes into consideration all of your years of service. Insist via your work agreement a written reference before signing on with a family for another year.
10. Encourage employers to use a payroll service.
Want to guarantee you’ll never have to ask for your paycheck again? Insist your family enrolls in a nanny payroll service.
11. Save notes and cards from your work family.
It’s always good to hang on to proof of how great the family thinks you are. These notes and cards will come in handy if you find yourself hard pressed to secure a written reference.
12. Keep a nanny journal.
A nanny journal not only facilitates communication between the nanny and her employers, it allows you to track your day and any inconsistencies in it.If a child seems off or falls down and gets hurt, there’s a plan in place for recording that information.
13. Put identification tags on car seats.
The assumption is typically that the kids in the car belong to you. Having a label on the car seats with the children’s information and parent’s contact information can be super helpful if there is ever an accident and you are unable to provide such information.
14. Have a CPST check your installation.
Good nannies don’t take chances with car seat safety. Visit safekids.org to find a certified passenger safety technician near you to check your car seat installation.
15. Use spring rods to keep sliding closets closed.
Wondering how to keep those sliding closet doors closed? Use adjustable café style curtain rods. Place them high up between the edge of the door and the closet door jam and presto chango, the kids can’t get in.
16. Answer questions about your personal life in general terms.
Do you have plans tonight? Yes, I do, thanks for asking. Taking a shower in peace is certainly a highlight of the day, especially if shutting the bathroom door is something that simply doesn’t occur during working hours.
-Morningside Nannies
Sunday
Extra Jobs for a Worn Out Nanny
So, I know a lot of nannies experience job creep, but this is a little different. My MB is always asking me to do very un-nanny-like jobs, like driving her sister around when she was injured and couldn't drive, organizing her arts and crafts room, cleaning out her car, picking up dog poop, mowing the lawn, etc. She always says I don't have to do any of these things, and will pay me extra for doing them, but I feel like if I say no, it will create animosity. I'm a nanny, and I take extra babysitting jobs for extra money, but that doesn't mean I will take any job for extra money. I do some housework, but I am not a housekeeper. I always state clearly what extra chores I am willing to do, (dishes, childrens laundry, light cooking, general tidying up), but a few weeks after getting hired, MB asked me to take care of her sister while she was recovering from surgery. This is not what I do, I'm a nanny, not an adult caregiver. I had a family once ask me to return phone calls for their business while the kids napped or watched TV. Why do so many people assume that a nanny will do anything? Do you ask your doctor to change the oil in your car? Do you ask your gardener to fill your cavities? Would you ask a gas station attendant to tutor your child? Of course not. So why do you think a nanny should do other people's jobs? Don't parents realize that asking a nanny to do something, even if it is "optional" puts pressure on the nanny? I can't think of a way to say no without seeming rude or lazy or just a bad employee. I've been hinting around, but that often doesn't ge the point across. I'm just too chicken to come out and say no.
Friday
Fastastic Nanny Sighting
McDonalds play place at Hall Johnson and HWY 26 in Colleyville TX.
Hispanic nanny in her 60's, very short about 5 ft. She had two boys with her that she called Oliver and Luciano. Oliver was in 1st grade (he told me) and Luciano (shoulder length curly blonde hair) looked about 20 months. She spoke only spanish but was constantly engaging the youngest and eventually climbed into the play space to help Luciano up where his brother took care of him. When he got frustrated she redirected and encouraged him. She engaged all the kids and made my charges laugh (even when they didn't understand her).
Fantastic nanny!
10 Tips for Helping Kids Be Independent
Raising independent children is hard work, but it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do, for them and for you! Children who are able to solve their own problems and do things for themselves are happier and more relaxed about the world around them. They are less stressed about how everything is going to get done because they are in control of the situation. It takes time to teach kids how to be independent, so be patient with the process and expect a few messes along the way!
- Set clear boundaries – Let children know what their boundaries are and what is expected of them. There should be no surprises in what they are allowed to do on their own and when they should ask for help. If there are questions, kids should talk to the grown-up in charge and discuss the situation with them.
- Create structure and routine that encourages independence – Set kids up to be able to help themselves as much as possible. Put cups on lower shelves, keep drinks on the lowest shelf in the fridge, have children sort and put away their own laundry, let them pick out their own clothes and dress themselves in the mornings and create a snack shelf in the fridge with healthy options. The more they can do for themselves, the more that a sense of independence will be created for them.
- Teach problem solving skills – If children have a problem, teach them the skills they need to solve it. A common problem children have is fighting among siblings. Instead of always stepping in, give them the option of resolving the conflict with each other on their own. Role-playing is a great way to introduce these skills without having all the emotion of a real conflict in the way.
- Show empathy – It’s important for kids to know you care while they are figuring out how to solve a situation. Tell them that you care about what happens to them, but that you’d also like for them to be the one who figures out the solution. You won’t allow them to get physically hurt, but they do need to find a solution that they think will work.
- Let them fail – It sounds harsh, but allow for mistakes. The best consequences are the ones that occur naturally. For example, forgetting your homework at home will mean you will suffer a consequence at school. It’s a learning experience, but one that is sure to help your child remember their homework next time! Let them spill the milk when trying to pour it into their glass, then show them how to clean it up and try again!
- Let them do it themselves – Have children be responsible for their own belongings on a trip. They can pack a small backpack of toys and books to bring on a trip, be responsible for carrying it through the airport and onto the plane and make sure that all of their belongings get back into the backpack for the trip home.
- Give choices – Let children think for themselves and give them reasonable choices about their day. If they need to be dressed up that day, allow them to choose the blue or the grey shirt. Have them help you decide which snacks to prepare, what project to work on, what homework they’d like to do first and other choices throughout the day.
- Let them speak for themselves – When you are at a restaurant have your child order their own food or if you’re at a medical appointment have them speak to the receptionist, nurse and doctor. This gives them the opportunity to learn how to interact with people outside of their social groups and in professional settings.
- Interject, but don’t intervene – When children are in the middle of figuring out a problem, but are struggling a bit, don’t solve the problem for them. It’s okay to offer suggestions and ideas if they are truly stuck, but it’s important that they use the thought process to get themselves out of the situation. Your children will probably surprise you by coming up with solutions that you may have not even thought of!
- Practice how to practice – Practicing is a life-long skill that we all use on a daily basis. If your child takes up a musical instrument, but halfway through the year decides they no longer want to play it, use the experience as a practicing experience. They need to finish their commitment and should consider it practice for life. Make sure to explain that to them.
Being independent isn’t easy, nor is it fast. There are times when you are truly in a hurry and kids won’t be able to practice, but try to allow for times when your children can do things on their own, even if that means waking up 15 minutes earlier in the morning! Kids who are independent will turn into teenagers who are independent and able to make solid choices, because at some point, you won’t be there to guide their every move. It’s important to give them the tools today so that they grow to be successful adults
-Erin McNeill