Hi! I am a younger nanny who is currently working for my first nanny family, I have an associates degree in ECE. I work with a one year old and a six year old. The family I work for travels often, at least once a month. This was something that was mentioned to me during the interview process and I am happy to report that I am always paid the same while they are traveling. My question is about packing for the children, which has never been discussed between me and my employers. I am expected to completely pack for them on my own and when they return I am expected to completely unpack. I am curious if this is a common nanny duty? Any and all input is appreciated!
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I pack for my charges when they go out of town. I usually ask for a list of how many outfits, pajamas or if there is anything specific outfit wise that the mom wants packed. Then while I'm packing I make a list of everything that I have packed (including specific outfits) so mom can add or change anything. I also leave a list of things that need to be packed the day of (certain toys, medicines, blankets...). When they come home usually mom and dad are awesome enough to have dirty clothes and clean clothes separated, so I unpack their suitcases and put everything away. Plus I start on the kids laundry of everything that is dirty from their trip plus maybe anything dirty from before they left. I personally don't find it to be an unreasonable nanny task but if you do, that's something you'll have to bring up to MB & DB.
ReplyDeleteIt is common that a nanny would pack for her charges but never for the parents. You need to get a work agreement stating all of the duties you and the parents agree on so there is no confusion as to what you are required to do and not required to do. This can be really helpful in the future especially when job creep starts to creep in. I also highly suggest a contract and make sure they give you PTO, paid vacation and holidays and also a weekly pay guarantee to make sure that you are always paid the same amount regardless if they need you to work or not.
ReplyDeleteYes, totally normal duty for families that travel often.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely say anything, within reason, related to the children is fair game. As several others have stated, it's a great idea to have a contract. It protects both parties if anything ever came down to he said, she said. Hopefully it would never get to that point. My nanny parents are very understanding and for that I'm extremely grateful. They expect nothing more than great care for their children. I feel respected in that aspect and so it makes me want to go the extra mile. If I have time, I'll do the parents' laundry and sometimes even prepare meals. But I don't sweat it if I can't get to it on a particular day. It's great to have a family like that!
ReplyDeleteYes absolutely normal. I always do the packing and unpacking for the children plus laundry for them before/after trip etc. MB always gives me a general list of everything she wants packed, and she's usually very good about giving it to me ahead of time so I can get it done in plenty of time. If it's a long trip, I really just get everything laid out/in a pile next to the suitcases so MB can double check everything and know where everything is in the suitcases/bags.
ReplyDeleteThat's great news that you still get paid in full while they're away!
I always pack and unpack my charge's luggage, whether I am going on the trip or not. Housekeeper packs the parents.
ReplyDeleteI don't think this is common at all. Never did that with any of my families,nor have any of my many nanny friends. I think it depends on location and what's common for that area. I also think that you either need a contract or to set up some boundaries. All nannies should. Because in this situation they assumed you'd do this and you did, which will lead to another request until you say no. Unless it is specified at interview or is in the contact, you were paid to care for the kids. If they want you to do extra things, then you should be paid for it.
ReplyDeleteAll nannies are paid to care for the children and take care of child related issues...which includes packing for them if requested. It is not out of the ordinary. I pack and unpack because I have to wash their clothes anyway...
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