How to Write a Cover Letter for a Nanny Job

Submitted by Sarah Tucker
www.4nannies.com


Whether a nanny is looking for employment through an agency, word of mouth or online recruiting site like enannysource.com, having a well-drafted cover letter will start formal communications with a potential placement agency or employer off on the right foot. So how do you write a cover letter for a nanny job?

* Include the proper contact information for yourself and your letter recipient. Each time you send your letter out, whether through snail mail or email, you’ll want to personalize it to include the recipients’ proper contact information and salutation. If you’re responding to an online classified, you may wish to only include your email address and phone number. For electronic communications, include as much or as little contact information as you’re comfortable with.

* Make reference to the position for which you are applying. If you’re responding to an advertisement, mention the post ID number or reference number. If someone referred you to an agency or potential employer, include that information. The bottom line is that you want to identify what position you are seeking and how you learned of it. If you’re writing to an agency, you’ll want to be clear you’re seeking representation for a live-in or live-out nanny position and in what area.

* Clearly articulate why you want to work as a nanny. Agency representatives and employers want to know why you want to be a nanny and if you’re applying for a specific position, why you want that job. Clearly articulate what motivates you to seek employment as a nanny and what type of nanny position you are searching for. If you’ve been working as a nanny for the last several years and enjoy partnering with parents in raising their children, be sure to share that.

* Sell yourself strong. What makes you the right person for the job? You’ll want to highlight your work experience, education, training, special skills and professional affiliations in your cover letter. When selling yourself, consider what separates you from others applying for the same position. If you’re applying for a position with multiples and you have experience caring for twins, you’ll want to state that your experience in caring for twins has prepared you to meet the individual needs of each child while ensuring that they stay on the same schedule and routine.

* Ask for an interview request. Before closing out your letter, you’ll want to request the opportunity to learn more about the position and to evaluate the possibility of working together. Provide the best way to contact you and thank the reader for their consideration. Be sure your email address is professional sounding. If you’re currently using something like Teddybears4me@mailserver.com, you may wish to create a separate account for job search correspondence.

* Make reference to your resume and references. Indicate that you’ve enclosed your resume and reference information with the cover letter. If you prefer, you may replace reference information with a statement that says your references are available upon request.

Before sending your cover letter you’ll want to be sure it is in proper letter format and that your letter has been checked for spelling and grammar errors. Having a friend or family member proofread your letter is always a good idea. Oftentimes a cover letter is your chance to make a solid first impression. Take time to carve out a one page letter that presents you as the professional you are.

One Question, a Million Answers

Written by Lyn 
 www.beingpoppins.blogspot.com
As every Nanny knows, there comes a time when your friends, family, and total strangers in the park, stop to hound you with questions about your career. Their words are often veiled with cutesy tones, while the face is frozen with a look of polite confusion. You know the one, a slight smile, a wrinkled brow and a head cocked slightly to the side. Always with a slight undertone of disbelief.



Yesterday I must have had that look of blissful ignorance to the perils of my job as I climbed inside the toddler slide with my 1 year old charge and landed in a huge mud puddle at the bottom. Sigh. Gravity, you beat me yet again! At least M was laughing. A nice thing to hear after his past week of miserable teething. Molars, can't live with the pain of getting them, can't eat steak without them. My 3 year old charge (T) just loves being able to go up to complete strangers at the park so that she can loudly broadcast the latest embarrassing thing I've done. Not that I can blame her. I make some pretty amusing mistakes.

"So, why are you a Nanny?" The number one question I receive from playground parents, inquisitive friends, and a plethora of family members. And I have no answer. You'd think after the 4ish years I've been doing this I would have finally settled on one short and sweet response. But who loves their career and can narrow down why in just a few words?

I am a Nanny because I love children. Your children. I am a Nanny because I enjoy creating my own work environment and planning what each day will hold. I am a Nanny because it affords me the lifestyle I want without making me feel like I've sold my soul to a corporation. I am a Nanny because I love teaching little ones about the world around them and life's infinite possibilities. I am a Nanny because of that look that flashes in your children's eyes when they finally 'get' how to read a sentence, or tie their shoes. I am a Nanny, most selfishly, because I get a rare opportunity to relive my own childhood. Because I like crafts, field trips, puddle jumping and picnics. Why not get paid to partake in these activities?

There are a million and one reasons why I'm a Nanny. But the only one you should be concerned about is because I'm great at my job.

What are your answers? Why are you a Nanny?

10 Red Flags Parents Should Watch for During a Nanny Interview

Submitted by Savannah Lee


Finding the right nanny for your family can be a challenge, and the interview is often one of the most telling interactions as to whether a nanny will be a good fit for your family or not. Here are 10 things to look for that might indicate the nanny candidate isn’t the right match for your family.

1. The nanny is more interested in what the job offers than in any details about your children. Of course the nanny should be interested in what the job offers. However, if that seems to be more important than learning about your children and what they’re like, what they enjoy doing, and what struggles they may be facing, there might be a problem.

2. The nanny speaks negatively or shares confidential information about a former or current employer. Not every employment relationship ends well. A candidate may have left a difficult situation and may be feeling angry, frustrated or hurt by what happened. However it’s unprofessional to complain or share private information about a past boss with a potential new boss. If she’ll act that way towards a former employer, how much confidence do you have she won’t act the same way towards you one day?

3. You don’t connect with the nanny’s personality. Getting the right nanny/family match can be tricky. Even if the candidate has all the qualifications you’re looking for, if you don’t connect with her on a personal level chances are it’s not going to be a successful, long-term match.

4. The nanny can’t answer questions about how she handles discipline. Most nanny candidates know the standard answers to discipline questions. However, if she’s not able to describe her discipline approach in detail, she may lack any real experience or expertise. Because how she handles discipline is such an important part of her job, she should be able to easily talk about what’s she’s done in the past, new ideas she has for handling problematic behavior, and how she tailors her approach to fit each individual child.

5. The nanny mentions a past job not listed on her resume. Sometimes, as people get comfortable in a conversation, they let their guard drop and mention something they didn’t intend to. If a nanny candidate casually mentions a past employer that she didn’t list on her resume that may speak directly to her level of honesty. Some nannies don’t list bad references and hope parents won’t notice. But if she’s not honest with you about her full work history, can you trust she’s telling the truth about other things?

6. A nanny job is clearly her second choice. A nanny doesn’t have to be a career nanny to be an excellent caregiver. She can aspire to be a teacher, writer, dancer, or anything else and still be a wonderful caregiver. However, it’s important that while she’s a nanny, she’s fully present and committed to doing a great job. A nanny with one foot out the door before she even starts won’t give your child the love and attention he deserves.

7. She doesn’t take an active interest in your children. The interview is the time to see the nanny interact with your child and see how your child reacts to the nanny. Just because there’s not an instant bond doesn’t mean she’s the wrong nanny for your family. However, if she doesn’t genuinely enjoy talking and playing with your child, it could be an indicator that she’s not a caregiver that’s going to really engage your child day after day.

8. She’s not happy with many of the details about the job. If you need a nanny to travel with your family and she has major reservations about being away from her own family during vacations, it’s probably not a good match. If she really values working independently and you’re a hands-on stay-at-home mom, it’s probably not a good match. You want a nanny who’s flexible but not one who’s sacrificing her needs to land your job. She will quickly grow unhappy and you’ll be back on the nanny hunt.

9. She doesn’t really want to work with the age group your child is heading into. Some nannies love working with babies but not toddlers. Others love working with preschoolers but not school aged kids. If the nanny you’re interviewing is in love with your child right now, but in a year your child will be at an age the nanny struggles with, it’s probably not a good long term solution. It’s always a good idea to find a nanny that can grow and change with your family.

10. Your older child doesn’t like her. If your child is actively involved in choosing the nanny and just doesn’t like the candidate you’re interviewing, it could mean there’s a real problem between them. Personality is an important element to both you and your child. Don’t eliminate a nanny simply because your child doesn’t immediately connect to her, but instead allow more time for the relationship to develop before hiring her.

By paying attention to these red flags during the interview, you can make sure you hire the nanny that’s the best match for your family.

Do you Feel Like your Nanny is Taking Over?

Submitted by Molly Cunningham

Ideally, the relationship between a nanny and her employers is one that is close enough that she becomes a valued member of the extended family in addition to being an employee. More often than not, however, a working relationship that gets too close becomes bereft of boundaries, in which nannies feel comfortable assuming far more control than is warranted and parents feel comfortable heaping more responsibility on her than she originally bargained for. If you find yourself in the position of feeling that your nanny is performing more of the tasks that keep your household running and is effectively taking over control of your home, it’s not too late to set those essential boundaries:

1) Institute Family Time – Most nannies understand that family time is just that, so make a production out of instituting a regular game or movie night, or a family outing. Let your nanny know that she’ll have that time off to do as she pleases, which sends a subtle but pointed message that you’re spending time with your children as a family, and that her services aren’t required during bonding time.

2) Relieve Her of Duties That Aren’t Related to Childcare – When your nanny does your laundry, makes your bed, and shops for all of your food, it’s easy for her to begin to feel as if she’s got a stake in the running of your household and justified in making decisions that affect it. Rather than blaming your nanny for the amount of control that you perceive her to have or even outright bossiness on her part, make an effort to narrow the scope of her responsibilities back to where it should be: caring for your children while you’re away.

3) Communicate Your Concerns Respectfully and Calmly – Your nanny has no way of knowing how you feel if you don’t communicate your feelings to her, but these situations can be so fraught with emotion that the conversation spirals out of control and degenerates into a shouting match that ends in tears and possibly the loss of a nanny. Approach the conversation as calmly and reasonably as possible, resisting the urge to level accusations or display resentment. Keep in mind that your nanny is almost certainly not trying to seize control of your home and children; she’s probably trying to do her job to the very best of her abilities and doesn’t realize that you feel she’s crossed a line.

4) Consider the Possibility That You’re Suffering from Nanny Jealousy – Being forced to spend the bulk of your day out of your home and away from your children while your nanny witnesses every milestone and major triumph can make even the most pragmatic parent a bit jealous. Unfortunately, this jealousy can cause you to feel subconsciously angry at a nanny whose only goal is to provide exemplary care. Before approaching your nanny with concerns or accusations, take a moment to carefully examine your true motivation; do you truly feel that your nanny is overstepping her bounds, or are you simply envious of the time that she gets to spend with your little ones?

5) Set Firm Rules About Discipline – One of the most common causes for contention between nannies and their employers is a fundamental disagreement about proper discipline. Your nanny should understand that, in the end, your style of parenting and methods of discipline should be respected above all else, as you and your partner are the ones who ultimately make decisions regarding the rearing of your children.

6) Play an Active Role – Sometimes nannies take on more than their fair share of child rearing responsibilities when they feel as if there’s a void left by busy parents. Rather than blaming your nanny for attempting to ensure that your kids get all the love and devotion that they need, try to take a more active role in their daily lives.

7) Avoid Being Passive-Aggressive – It’s easy to resort to passive-aggressive tactics in order to regain control that you feel you’ve lost to your nanny, but such methods are almost sure to backfire in the end. Instead, make the effort to confront the situation decisively and with as much respect and consideration for your nanny’s feelings as possible in order to effectively resolve the situation with a minimum amount of hurt feelings or resentment.

Nannies that actively try to take over a household in order to establish dominance or control are few and far between, because those that approach the profession from that angle tend to have short-lived careers. Keep in mind that the vast majority of nannies genuinely want to perform their jobs to the best of their abilities, and to keep their employers happy.

9 Positive Nanny News Stories of 2012

Submitted by Olivia Lewis

For every bad nanny story that is written, there are many great ones waiting to be told. While nannies come from diverse backgrounds and have various experiences, good nannies tend to have one thing in common: they are caretakers by nature. Whether it’s jetting around the world to accompany mom on a work trip, dedicating 40 years of their life to the same family, or saving their charge’s - or a stranger’s - life, most nannies are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty in any situation. While the media tends to focus most often on covering negative nanny stories, positive nanny stories do abound. Here are 9 positive nanny stories that have made the news so far in 2012:

Nanny Credited with Saving a Life – Chicago based nanny Emily Rogers put the CPR training, which she learned years before for a nanny job, to use as she is credited with helping to save Jorge Pedroso’s life.

Nanny Saves Charge from Carjacking – Nanny Kaitlyn McGrath safely escaped her work vehicle that was being carjacked with her one-year-old charge, Cash, in her arms. Cash is the son of ABC Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition trainer Chris Powell and his wife Heidi. Both credited her with saving their child’s life.

A Nanny’s Role is Reversed – Susane Lavinia Bowden served as a live-in nanny and housekeeper to the Hoare family for 40 years. Nanny Susane celebrates her 100th birthday living with her former employer as a member of their family. In her aging years her employer, turned friend, now cares for her.

The Norland Manny – Michael Kenny is the first male admitted to the world famous nanny training college, Norland College, to obtain an education degree. When he graduates he will be only the second male in history to graduate as a Norland Nanny from the 120-year-old college.

U.S. Soccer Fully Finances Nanny Services for Players and Coaches – Members of the U.S. Woman’s Soccer Team bring their children on the road, thanks to U.S. Soccer and its commitment to establishing family-friendly policies. U.S. Soccer pays the salaries of the nannies so that players and coaches can focus on their families and their sport.

Childhood Nanny Given Ultimate Honor – Wonder where actress Tori Spelling got her daughter Hattie Margaret’s middle name from? She named her daughter after her own childhood nanny, perhaps one of the greatest honors a nanny could receive.

Nanny of the Year –  Maryland based nanny Nikki Gribble was honored at the 2012 International Nanny Association Annual Conference as the association’s Nanny of the Year. This honor is awarded to nannies who exemplify who and what a nanny truly is. Nanny Saves Boy from Jeep – Quick-acting nanny Cindy Gatson saved her four-year-old charge from being struck by an out of control Jeep that was barreling towards him. The boy’s mom credits his nanny with saving his life. The Jeep came within inches of where the boy was.

Book Dedicated to Nanny – While Chicago nanny Vivian Maier may not have made the news during her lifetime, she’s certainly making it in her death. A new book, Vivian Maier: Out of the Shadows chronicles her life through the pictures she took of herself and others.

While not every positive nanny story will make the news, the ones that do are likely an indication of the everyday heroes who provide loving and nurturing childcare to the children in their care.

To the Administrator of I Saw Your Nanny,
My name is Dr. Paula Niedenthal and I am a professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. An important research article from my laboratory will appear in a scientific journal in the coming year that links the use of pacifiers during childhood to emotional development. The findings are very important. It is equally important to us to collect follow-up data before the publication of the research in order to get clear ideas of the characteristics of mothers (and fathers) who encourage pacifier use in their children (and those who do not). We have created an on-line questionnaire that has received approval from the University of Wisconsin board of ethics. Our interest is to be able to distribute this questionnaire to the broadest audience possible and to recruit many parents from many parts of the country. This is why we are asking to post a recruitment message on your website. The posting is not spam and does not involve violations of privacy or the sales of a product. We thank you in advance for any help you can give us in recruiting participants in this study, which has the potential to make important insights into styles of and strategies for parenting. The link to the questionnaire is below. It contains personality scales and questions about baby behavior and pacifier use. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Dr. Paula Niedenthal, Professor
Department of Psychology University of Wisconsin-Madison
https://uwmadison.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bkFcUCg04oXB15O

Is Light Housekeeping a Nanny's Responsibility?

Submitted by Abby Nelson
nannyclassifieds.com

There’s hardly a phrase more confusing in nanny lingo than that of “light housekeeping,” yet it’s a phrase that is widely and consistently used in job descriptions and work agreements all of the time. In the nanny world, light housekeeping typically means leaving the home in the same condition it was in when the nanny arrived. If there were no dishes in the sink in the morning when the parents left for work, there should be no dishes in the sink when they return home. If a nanny arrived in the morning and the floors were sparkling clean, and then she and her charge tracked in mud after playing outside, it would be reasonable and expected for her to clean up the mess and restore the floor to its original morning condition prior to the end of her workday.

In addition to childcare, nannies are also generally responsible for undertaking all tasks related to providing care for the children. While each job will vary slightly, depending on the family’s needs and if a housekeeper is also employed, most nanny jobs require that the nanny do the same household tasks as they relate to providing childcare. Nannies typically: do the children’s laundry, launder the children’s linens, keep the children’s areas neat and tidy, sanitize and disinfect toys, sterilize and clean bottles, prepare nutritious meals and snacks for the children, pick up after activities and arts and crafts, pick up after themselves and the children, keep the family provided vehicle clean, organize the children’s toys, and organize the children’s closets.

Some nannies may also take on additional household related tasks. They may do the children’s grocery and clothes shopping, as well as purchase the supplies needed to properly stock the nursery. In some cases, nannies may also be responsible for ordering age-appropriate supplies, toys, and arts and crafts, depending on the arrangement that was made. Nannies typically do not: do the parent’s laundry, clean the bathrooms, mop the floors, dust the furniture, or prepare family meals regularly. In each family and nanny work arrangement, light housekeeping should be clearly defined. It’s what is in the contract that will dictate what the family’s housekeeping expectations are and what the nanny’s housekeeping responsibilities are. Instead of, or in addition to, using the term “light housekeeping” an employer’s definition of what light housekeeping means should be defined.

Many nannies do agree to take on additional non-childcare related housekeeping tasks. They may do this because the children spend mornings in school or they simply enjoy cleaning and would gladly take on the housekeeping tasks in exchange for increased compensation. If your nanny agrees to take on additional housekeeping tasks, she should be provided additional compensation for them and allowed adequate time to complete them when childcare is not her responsibility. For these nannies/housekeepers, it should be stressed that when the children are in her care, childcare should be her main responsibility.

Often times a nanny will go above and beyond the call of duty simply out of practicality. If a nanny is doing the dishes from lunch and her employer left a knife and dish in the sink after breakfast, for example, she’s likely going to wash them too, rather than simply leave them sitting there in the sink. If a nanny is preparing one of her favorite homemade pasta recipes for the children’s dinner, she may make enough for the entire family, since it’s easier than tweaking the recipe for smaller portions. When these random acts of kindness become expected by employers through, resentment and relationship problems in the nanny relationship can occur. Light housekeeping is going to mean different things to different people. Clearly articulating the duties and responsibilities that meet an employer’s definition of light housekeeping will help to prevent job creep and miscommunication over housekeeping related expectations.

Top 10 Parent Concerns About Hiring a Nanny

Submitted by Jessica Jackson
nannyagencies.net
 
Today’s unstable economy almost demands that all families be two-working-parent households, which creates an enormous need for quality, capable childcare. New parents on the verge of returning to work, as well as those that are considering a shift from daycare to in-home childcare, are faced with the often daunting task of finding and hiring a nanny to care for their children in their home. Regardless of how appealing the idea of having a nanny may be, there are still plenty of concerns that the majority of parents have.

1. Nanny Tax Compliance – CNN reported in 2004 that the compliance rate for families and nannies regarding tax laws was less than 13%, meaning that roughly 87% of families that employ domestic workers do so illegally. The penalties for being discovered are quite steep, with interest rates and back taxes adding up to a significant chunk of change. More nannies are beginning to understand the importance of being paid legally, and are unlikely to accept posts that require them to evade taxes. The laws that govern nanny taxes are very complex, which is a deterrent for many families that would otherwise be compliant; fortunately, there are services and specially-designed software available to help parents pay their childcare providers legally.

2. Qualifications – Every parent in search of a nanny dreams that they’ll find one with an advanced degree in child development and years of experience, but the truth is that those nannies can be difficult to come by. It’s not uncommon for parents to become disillusioned soon after beginning their nanny search when they discover how many individuals without education or nanny experience apply for nanny positions, leaving them concerned about the level of care a more accessible candidate may provide.

3. Lack of Regulation – Daycare centers have their drawbacks, but properly licensed ones are almost always regulated by impartial state agencies that ensure the environment is as safe as possible, and that workers are reasonably competent. As yet, the nanny industry has no such set of regulations, making it easy for almost anyone to apply for a post.

4. Disciplinary Styles – Disciplinary tactics can be a contentious, hot-button issue between couples; worries about the stance of a stranger can be enough to make a parent worry themselves to distraction. Concerns that a nanny might be too harsh, or even physically punish their child, has contributed to the rise in nanny cam usage.

5. Criminal Background – The advent of the Internet has simplified the process of running a background check on a prospective employee dramatically; before the web made ordering searches possible, parents were often forced to rely on the word of a nanny and her references alone. Still, parents worry about a nanny’s potential criminal history until those reports come in.

6. Questionable Driving Record – Parents that don’t expect their nanny to transport the children and aren’t planning to require her to run any errands outside the home may choose to save their time and money from being spent on a check for moving violations. Those that do have these expectations, however, may find themselves in a sea of worry regarding their new nanny’s ability to transport their children safely.

7. Eligibility For Employment – In areas with a large immigrant population, employers must confirm that any nanny candidate is legally allowed to accept work in the United States, which may be a challenge if the bulk of the domestic worker hiring pool is made up of those seeking to work illegally.

8. Insurance Requirements – In addition to any contributions to health insurance premiums that an employer may choose to make, many states require that nannies be covered under a worker’s compensation and disability policy.

9. The Children Might Love Her More – Despite the unlikelihood of a child coming to love his nanny more than his parents, it’s a very real concern for some. Terms like “mommy guilt” and “nanny jealousy” are so common that they’ve become part of the childcare provider lexicon, and can be difficult to combat.

10. Negotiating a Salary Package – Hiring a nanny requires parents to undertake the sometimes harrowing process of negotiating a compensation package that meets the needs and expectations of both parties; additionally, drafting a written nanny contract can also be quite tedious.

Despite the concerns and occasional problems finding and securing a competent and qualified nanny, most families that employ a private childcare provider are loath to consider any other options due to the exceptional level of one-one-one care and personalized attention that their children can receive from in-home care.

Attack of the Hot Lava Dog Vomit

Submitted by Sara Forrest 
saraforrest.blogspot.com
I am a nanny for a wonderful family with a dog. Oribi is an extremely sweet Labradoodle who loves playing, napping, going for walks, having her butt scratched, and fishing food droppings from the seat of the high chair. And also throws up sometimes. Attending to this, when necessary, has never been An Issue Of Monumental Proportions. Being a pet owner myself and, especially, a nanny, I am exceedingly accustomed to having to rid my surrounding area of vomitrocious disgusting crap, such as vomit, diarhhea, urine, snot, drool, unwanted bodily fluids. Today, however, did not bring with it An Ordinary Amount Of Bodily Fluids That Needed To Be Cleaned Off Of Wherever They Happened To Land. Today brought all that it could carry. And then some. 

I arrived this morning to learn that Oribi had recently vomited in one of the upstairs bedrooms - no big deal. A couple of hours later, while we were in the playroom, she threw up again. Whatevs, it happens - a little Pepto, Ginger Ale, and Saltines, and she'd be good as new. This, however, was not the case.

Fast forward several hours. The kids are upstairs napping, and I'm in the living room mindlessly entertaining myself and enjoying a break from the sound of my name. (You know the phrase, "that's my name, don't wear it out"? I'm relatively positive that some nanny, somewhere, coined it. And I'm pretty sure mine is actually worn out.) Anyway, there I was, completely engrossed in a magazine article on how to find the most flattering shoe for my toe shape, when Oribi wanders into the living room and steps onto the oriental rug. "Hi, Oribi", I say, and then reach my hand out, offering to scratch her butt. She takes one step toward me, and then stops in her tracks and starts heaving. At that moment, two thoughts enter my head. 1) I wouldn't have pegged myself as a pointy-toed shoe person, because my foot is already pretty narrow - maybe I should go back and read the first part of that article again to see if I misunderstood something. 2) Dog vomit + oriental rug = OHCRAP. I leap off the couch and rush to her side, gently but firmly trying to guide her off of the rug so that whatever comes up will land on the hard floor. After several seconds, I switched from Gentle Yet Firm to GETOFFTHISEFFINGRUGNOW (as much as could be done without hurting with her, at least) but she wasn't budging, and I sure as HEdoublehockeysticks wasn't strong enough to pick her up, so the situation seemed Inevitably Disastrous. As I stood there, trying to hear myself think over the sound of her dry heaving, it suddenly came to me - if I went to the kitchen and grabbed a paper plate, I could have her blow her cookies onto that and the rug could escape unharmed. Instantly, I took off toward the kitchen like a deranged cheetah swift-legged gazelle to apprehend the paper plate. With lightning speed, I fished it out of the cabinet and headed back towards the (potential) scene of the crime. The veryexactprecise second I darkened the doorway, clutching my green and white flowered Circle of Salvation, I saw the vomit drop onto the rug with a mocking "SLOP" sound. I stood there for a brief moment, looking back and forth between the plate and the vomit. Really? 

Oh well, no use crying over spilled barf - the deed had been done; I decided to quickly use the bathroom before I started cleaning it up. Upon exiting the restroom, I was greeted by Oribi and three more piles of vomit - one on the high chair mat and two on the kitchen floor. Sigh. But, it wasn't her fault, and I really did feel bad for her. I decided to clean the rug first. I went and got the cleaner out from under the kitchen sink and made my way back to the living room, carefully avoiding the gigantic piles of Hot Lava Dog Vomit. I got the excess off of the rug with a paper towel and went to spray the cleaner, but nothing would come out. I realized it was practically empty, but had seen another bottle next to it in the cabinet. I got up and made my way back through the kitchen, examining the bottle (aka: not looking at the floor) as I went. Suddenly, I felt something cold and mushy under my left foot. I was desperately hoping that I had been bitten by some radio-active gelatin during the night and was now involuntarily manifesting my new ability to shoot Jell-o out of my feet. This, however, was not the case. I looked down, and my worst fears were confirmed - I had dog vomit all over the bottom of my foot; chunks and all. After cleaning up my own vomit, I washed off my foot, the rug (it was fine, so, no worries), the mat, and the floor and, thank goodness, Oribi didn't throw up again after that. 

But, I still think it would be the shiz to be able to shoot Jell-o out of my feet.

10 Hard Hitting But Important Nanny Interview Questions

Submitted by Sandra McAubre
www.hireananny.com

Asking difficult questions during an interview can be intimidating for both the parents who are asking the questions and the nanny candidates who are answering them. However, you are seeking a person who will be instrumental in the upbringing of your children and therefore you need to get the right answers to all the questions you ask, no matter how difficult they may be. Some of the important and hard hitting questions you may want to consider asking nanny candidates include:

1. What do you do when you become angry with a child? – Obviously, it is critical that you know how your prospective nanny will handle anger towards your children. Even the best behaved children can, at times, test the mettle of a caretaker. How the caretaker responds is central.
2. Will you consent to a pre-employment background screening? –If a candidate will not commit to a background check, this should be a red flag. When securing a background check, be aware that some background checks are only national or statewide and only cover felony offenses. Charges that are leveled and then dropped against someone will not show up in most generic background checks. You want to dig a little deeper and run county court checks to find out if there isanything in the person’s history that could have an impact on your children.
3. What is your philosophy on discipline? – This is another very critical question to ask during the interview process. You want to know how candidates will handle disciplining your kids because it will come up from time to time. Your nanny’s philosophy in this area must be compatible with your own.
4. What is your educational background? – This person will be responsible for the intellectual stimulation, as well as the general welfare, of your kids in your absence. Therefore, you will want someone who values education and educational pursuits, whether it’s reading to the little ones, engaging in creative play, pursuing musical interests, practicing everyday math, or experimenting with scientific exploration in the kitchen. A nanny who can contribute to the education of your children is a must.
5. How have you handled sibling rivalry? – If you have more than one child then at some point your nanny will probably need to deal with sibling rivalry. How she has handled it in the past is something you will want to know.
6. How have you handled a temper tantrum in public? – Even moms can have issues handling their kid’s temper tantrums in public. Will the nanny be firm or will she allow the child to have the upper hand? Exactly what would she do if your little one decided to fall down screaming in the middle of the store?
7. Have you ever suspected anyone of abusing a child in your care? If so, what did you do? – This question allows you to find out how the candidate will handle serious situations. You want someone who will stand up and protect your kids; not someone who will turn their head and pretend that there is not a problem.
8. Have you ever been in an emergency situation? How did you handle it? – Knowing that the person you are looking to hire can handle an emergency with quick thinking and a calm demeanor is vital. Should an emergency arise you don’t want someone who may panic and not be able to handle it.
9. What would you do if my child told you something you knew I wouldn’t approve of? – As children get older, they may confide in the nanny and share things they may not feel comfortable sharing with their parents. You want to know how this person would handle such confessions.
10. Are there any circumstances in your life that could affect our family’s safety? – This is a crucial question considering that very good and well qualified nannies can have people in their lives that pose a safety or security threat.

These are only some of the hard hitting questions you may want to ask during your nanny interview. As you formulate questions, remember that your paramount concern is how the nanny candidate is going to care for your children. Questions about the person’s background should be directly related to the impact on the care of your children. Put yourself in the candidate’s shoes and ask questions that are respectful of their privacy, but get to the heart of the matter, which is the quality of care that they will provide your children.

6 Reasons Why Being a Nanny is Different than Being a Daycare Worker

Submitted by Sandra McAubre
www.hireananny.com

All quality caregivers have a genuine love and working knowledge of children; however different care giving environments require a different type of childcare. For caregivers with other types of care giving experience who enter into the world of nannying, the change of environment often comes along with an unexpected change in expectations. While daycare providers and nannies may share similar skill sets, the dynamics of working in a private home are much different than those in a home, family, or daycare setting.

When considering a career as a nanny, there are several differences from being a daycare worker that you should be aware of. Here are 6 reasons why being a nanny is different than being a daycare worker.

1. Accountability. Unlike in a daycare environment, nannies typically work unsupervised. Parents depend on nannies to be totally transparent about everything while on the clock. The level of trust a nanny employer must extend to a nanny is typically far beyond what is extended to daycare providers, since nannies work alone, without coworkers or supervisors. They must be trusted to do what their employer asks and to report any questions, concerns or problems that arise.  Nannies must be transparent and trustworthy to succeed in providing in-home child care.

2. Relationships. The nanny and employer relationship one is complex. Nannies and parents develop a true partnership in raising the children. Nannies step in to meet the child’s physical, emotional, social, and intellectual needs while the parents are away from the home. This requires nannies and parents to closely work together. While a nanny is an employee of the family, she often becomes more than just a worker. She becomes a valued contributor of the family unit that is significantly depended on for the family to function as desired. Since the nanny’s workplace is the private home of the children, the relationship is naturally more intimate than the relationship between a daycare worker and the family.

3. Employee status. Unlike in a daycare center where the caregivers are the employees of the center owner, nannies are employees of the families for whom they work. Rather than the family adapting to the policies of the program, as employers, the parents set the rules, establish the policies, and call the shots that the nanny must adhere to.

4. Isolation. Since nannies typically work alone with the children, there isn’t regular interaction with other adults throughout the day. There’s no one to take over for a formal break and no one to lend assistance should the need arise. Nannies must facilitate social opportunities for the children and avoid isolation by attending playgroups, going on outings and developing relationships with other parents and caregivers and their similar aged children so that they can connect during the week.

5. Hours. On average, nannies work 40 to 60 hours per week. A nanny’s work day often starts hours before centers open and extends well past when they would close. Nannies must be prepared and be willing to work 10 to 12 hour days. Given the nature of the job, flexibility is also required. If a parent gets stuck in traffic on the way home or if a meeting runs over, they can’t leave work until the parents return home.

6. Regulation. Daycare centers, at least licensed ones, are overseen by local and state regulations. Nannies work in a largely unregulated industry. Unlike preschool teachers, there is no universal certification for nannies, and unlike centers, no one comes to inspect the private home for safety standards and concerns. Nannies must be proactive and work with the parents to develop a safe environment that encourages exploration. Nannies may also opt to attend formalized nanny training or take voluntary exams, like the International Nanny Association Nanny Credential Exam. Nannies should also maintain current CPR and first aid certification.

While all caregivers play an important role in the lives of the children for whom the care for, nannies tend to work for a family for at least one year and typically, if they start when a child is an infant, will work for several years with the same family. For caregivers wishing to become a nanny, careful consideration of the differing expectations and demands is required.

What Nannies Need to Know About Workers’ Compensation

Submitted by Carol Watson
www.nationalnannies.com

Workers’ compensation insurance provides injured workers with wage replacement benefits and covers medical costs incurred as a result of injuries sustained in the workplace. The laws governing workers’ compensation vary widely from state to state, creating a confusing situation for many nannies and their employers. Often, domestic workers and the families that employ them are unaware of the financial risk that failure to carry such insurance carries; in the event of an injury, either or both party can sustain significant financial damage when injuries occur during the course of work-related activity. Additionally, employers that fail to provide workers’ compensation coverage in states that require such insurance are likely to find themselves in a financially risky situation in the event of even a relatively minor injury.

State-to-State Variation

Employers of domestic workers in Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Utah and Washington are only required to obtain workers’ compensation insurance if their nanny is a full-time employee. Part-time and full-time employees in Alaska, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma and South Dakota are required by state law to be covered under an employer-provided workers’ compensation policy. Other states don’t require employers of a single domestic worker to carry insurance, though the laws governing liability vary among them. These complex laws are made even more difficult to decipher by variations in wording and particular requirements.

Homeowners’ Insurance Will Not Cover Domestic Workers

Many nannies and their employers make the mistake of believing that a homeowners’ insurance policy will cover any claims of injury, regardless of fault, to a non-family member on the property. This is, however, almost never the case. Guests and visitors injured in your employers’ home can file injury claims for medical bills and other related expenses, but these benefits are not designed to cover domestic employees.

Nanny Taxes and Workers’ Compensation

The Internal Revenue Service estimates that up to 70% of domestic workers in the United States are not compliant with tax regulations. Failure to comply with these laws, in addition to creating the potential for significant penalties for both parties, also typically precludes employers from obtaining the required workers’ compensation insurance. Non-compliant nannies that are injured in the course of their duties are not eligible for any workers’ compensation benefits; in the event of a severe injury that requires hospitalization or prevents a return to work, the loss of wages and medical bills can be financially devastating.

Nannies without personal insurance coverage that work “off the books” or in a state that does not require their employer to carry a workers’ compensation policy are likely to be responsible for any expenses incurred as a result of a workplace injury. Though non-compliant families are excluded from obtaining workers’ compensation coverage, paying employment taxes does not automatically include workers’ compensation benefits. Your employer will still have to obtain a separate workers’ comp policy, though it’s often available through their homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy as a rider.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits and Litigation

Nannies that are injured on the job who have accepted a workers’ compensation settlement are prevented under the insurance laws of most states from suing their employers for pain and suffering; before accepting a settlement, nannies are encouraged to seek legal counsel. If you’ve been injured on the job and your employers don’t carry workers compensation coverage, you may be able to file a civil suit to reclaim lost wages and reimburse medical fees. Some states also allow workers to sue their employers outside of the workers’ compensation insurance system for injuries sustained as a result of intentional or egregious conduct, such as physical violence or refusal to correct unsafe working conditions.

Though a civil suit provides the opportunity for an uninsured, injured worker to receive a higher pay-out than a workers’ compensation settlement typically provides, the burden of proof regarding working conditions, willful negligence, and other contributing factors rests with the plaintiff. Workers’ compensation benefits are usually paid regardless of fault.

Working with children is unpredictable and exciting, which is part of the appeal for many nannies. This very unpredictability, however, can expose a childcare provider to potentially-serious injuries that affect her career, whether on a short-term or permanent basis. Before accepting a post, you should always discuss any concerns you have regarding workplace injury compensation and insurance. For added security and peace of mind, these provisions can and should be included in your written nanny agreement.

5 Steps to Securing Your First Nanny Job

Submitted by Martina Keyhell
www.becomeananny.com


Getting into the nanny business is not as easy as you may initially think. Perhaps you’ve raised your own children and feel qualified to help others raise theirs, or maybe you’ve been laid off from work and think working as a nanny is a quick way to earn an easy buck. The reality, however, is that many parents and placement agencies will only work with nannies that have several years of documented childcare experience. So while landing your first job isn’t impossible, it’s definitely going to take a concentrated effort. So you’d like to secure your first nanny job. Now what?

Step 1. Gain childcare experience. To be considered as a viable nanny candidate, you must have some prior experience working with children. If you’ve done limited babysitting, consider expanding your client base and doing more. You could also gain experience by working as a “mother’s helper” or as an au pair. If you are not yet 100% confident in caring for children on your own, consider volunteering as an assistant in your church nursery or preschool, or connect with other organizations that service young children. There you’ll likely have experienced role models to learn from.

Step 2. Expand your training, knowledge and skills. If you aren’t yet CPR and first aid certified, make getting so a high priority. Consider taking early childhood education courses at your local community college or participating in a distance learning program especially for nannies or childcare workers. Attending conferences geared towards early childhood educators can also help you acquire knowledge and strengthen your skills. Read books on child development, subscribe to parenting magazines and educate yourself on best practices for nannies. Joining a local nanny support group or professional nanny association, like the International Nanny Association, can provide you with nanny specific resources.

Step 3. Secure letters of reference. As you gain childcare experience, either through volunteering or working, gather letters of reference. Keep a childcare journal and be sure to document the hours that you spend caring for children, along with the dates of care, parents contact information, children’s ages and your specific duties and responsibilities. In addition to childcare related references, secure a written character reference or two from a reputable member of your community that knows you well.

Step 4. Create a resume and portfolio. Put together a resume that outlines your work history, educational background and child care experience. Include a letter of intent that states why you wish to work as a nanny. In your portfolio, include any certificates that you have earned and letters of reference that you have gathered. You may also wish to include some photos that show you interacting with the children in your care (with their parent’s permission of course), as well as photos of any special projects you and the children have done.

Step 5. Use all available resources. Once you are ready to secure your first nanny position, let the world know. Tell your friends and family members, create a profile on eNannySource.com, contact your local placement agency, and put flyers in places where parents and children frequent. Not every parent will consider hiring a nanny that doesn’t have nanny experience. Cast your nets wide to find the parents that will.

Like with any career, getting your foot in the door is always the hardest part. Once you secure your first nanny job, provided you excel at it, getting future ones shouldn’t be so hard.

10 Nanny Interview Questions About Discipline Techniques

Submitted by Debbie Denard                       nanny.net

One of the most important aspects of being in charge of children has to do with the philosophies of discipline. There are various schools of thought on what’s the most effective method of disciplining children, and when interviewing nannies for a position with your family you need to make sure that you and any potential candidates agree upon the disciplinary tactics to be used with the children. Asking the right questions during the interview can help you determine which nanny candidates will fit with your vision.

1. Do you make a distinction between punishment and discipline? – For some, this may be a matter of semantics, but for others, it can make a difference in how misdeeds are dealt with. It’s best to ensure that you and the candidates are on the same page when it comes to understanding what is meant by punishment and discipline.
2. Do you know what style of disciplinarian you are? – Disciplinarians usually fall into one of three categories: authoritarian, permissive, or authoritative. Each has its pros and cons. You will also want to know if your style of discipline is one that your nanny candidate embraces; otherwise it can be stressful, particularly on the nanny, if the styles do not mix.
3. How do you handle misbehavior? – During the interview, give examples of behaviors you know your children are most likely to exhibit. It is good to have an understanding of how potential caregivers will respond to your child’s inappropriate behavior.
4. How do you feel about corporal punishment? Spanking is frowned upon in many circles and even outlawed in some places, but for some parents it remains a viable and sometimes preferred method of discipline. Nannies, however, should never engage in corporal punishment. Parents should make this absolutely clear with all nanny candidates.
5. Can you tell me about a time when a child made you very angry? – There may be a time when your child will drive the nanny to distraction. Kids have a way of pushing the limits as far as they will go, and sometimes it seems like they just want to know what a very angry adult looks like. It’s at these times that a good nanny will have a way to disrupt the bad behavior in her arsenal of tools, as well as a way to keep her own anger in check.
6. How have you dealt with a biter? – Toddlers will often bite other kids and/or those who are in charge of them. This can take a person by surprise if they are not expecting it, and it can be upsetting when someone else’s child is the victim. Handling the situation effectively and diplomatically is going to be imperative.
7. Can you tell me about a time when you had to discipline a child for a serious transgression? – Examples of past performance will help you determine how future issues will most likely be handled.
8. How do you encourage positive behavior? – Discipline has as much to do with positive behavior as it does negative actions, if not more. Learning how your nanny applicants plan to reinforce positive behavior is critical, because that is a part of your child’s development that you definitely want enhanced.
9. What do you do to get kids to mind you? – There is always the chance that the children are going to manipulate situations and play adults against each other. A nanny must command the respect of a child in order for her to be effective in her position. How the nanny achieves this is vital in creating a relationship with the child that is mutually respectful and beneficial.
10. Have you attended any positive discipline classes or read such books? – A candidate who has gone above and beyond by attending classes or educating themselves on positive discipline techniques is certainly worth serious consideration, especially if everything else is in good order.

It is not easy to turn the discipline of your children over to someone else. Your nanny needs to be of the same mindset as you when it comes to how your children are going to be reared. Children need to see a united front between their authority figures so they will know that they cannot pit one against the other. Discussing discipline with your nanny and confirming that you are both in agreement will go a long way in creating a positive environment for your kids, and a pleasant working relationship between you and your nanny.

5 Phrases to Use with Caution Around Your Nanny

Submitted by Debbie Denard                    nanny.net

The key to a successful nanny and employer relationship is open and honest communication. While nannies and parents should be able to communicate effectively about all aspects of the job, there are some phrases that employers should use with caution when speaking with or about their nanny.

These include:

1. Light housekeeping. Light housekeeping means different things to different people. To nannies, light housekeeping typically means cleaning up after the children and keeping the children’s areas, including their bedrooms, play areas and bathroom, clean, neat, and organized. It also generally includes doing all of the children’s laundry and putting it away. This vague phrase is the source of both confusion and contention in the nanny-employer relationship. Clarifying the specific tasks and duties that relate to light housekeeping responsibilities will ensure that both the nanny and the employer are on the same page and that the nanny completely understands her employer’s expectations. While many nannies are willing to take on additional housekeeping tasks for additional compensation, it’s important to make that agreement in advance to allow extra time for those duties to be done and to reaffirm that the children are the nanny’s first priority.

2. You need to stay late. While most nannies are willing to be accommodating and flexible, when they are presented with this directive, rather than a request, it conveys the message that their time isn’t seen as valuable. As an employer, parents are within their grounds to give directives, however when asking for something outside of the agreed upon duties and expectations, asking instead of telling will go a long way in making your nanny feel valued and respected. The reality is that sometimes things do come up that cause parents to run late and most nannies understand this. Nannies also know that they can’t leave work until the parents return home. Being apologetic and taking responsibility for not being home at the agreed upon time, letting your nanny know that you appreciate her for staying late, and compensating her for the additional time she’ll be working is good practice to follow to maintain a healthy relationship.

3. Your salary. One of the most trouble causing phrases in the nanny employer relationship is “your salary.” Typically problems arise when this phrase is used because the clarification of if the salary is gross salary (before taxes) or net salary (after taxes) has not been made. When speaking in terms of salary, it is always important that both the nanny and parents are clear on if they are speaking in gross or net terms. The difference in gross and net nanny salary is significant enough that it could result in a demise of the working relationship. If a nanny thinks she is earning $800 per week and her first paycheck is for much less, she’s not going to be happy. Likewise, if a parent believes she secured the perfect nanny for $600 per week, only to learn later that $600 was the salary which the nanny expected to take home, the parents may no longer be able to afford the nanny they want.

4. My babysitter. When it comes to childcare terms, nannies are generally sensitive about being misclassified. Calling your nanny a babysitter, especially in front of others, will likely be perceived as an insult. If your nanny views herself as a dedicated part of your parenting team, reducing her role to one that provides only custodial care (simply keeping the children safe when you aren’t home generally on an informal or occasional basis) will convey that her work and contributions aren’t valued. While all child care providers play an important role in the lives of the children they care for, most nannies want their employers and others to understand and validate the unique role they play in the lives of families.

5. My nanny won’t mind. While chances are your nanny really won’t mind doing what you have planned for her, assuming that she won’t mind, rather than asking her if she does or not, can lead to trouble. Many times nanny employers will volunteer their nanny to care for a family member or friend’s children while they are visiting. Even if your nanny won’t mind, she’s going to care about the logistics. If transportation is going to be needed for the children, for example, your nanny will want to ensure she has the proper seating. If she feels uncomfortable caring for a large number of children she doesn’t know well, you’ll want to know that. If you do ask your nanny to go above and beyond her typical duties, you’ll also want to compensate her for it.

Developing a mutually respectful relationship with your nanny will promote feelings of trust and security. Being aware of and avoiding phrases that can spark contention will help facilitate a good working relationship.

5 Reasons Nanny Care May be Cheaper than Daycare

Submitted by Teresa Blecher
nannyagency.net

While many parents think that nanny care is the most expensive childcare option available, this isn’t always the case. For families with several children in need of care or parents who work odd hours, nanny care may actually be cheaper than daycare. If you’re looking for quality childcare, don’t rule out the possibility of hiring a nanny, because it may be more affordable than you think. Here are five reasons why:


1. With a nanny you pay per family, not per child. According to the International Nanny Association 2012 Salary and Benefits Survey, nannies earn $700 gross per week on average. While nannies are often given a 5% increase if a child is born during their employment with a family, the gross weekly salary doesn’t vary much based on family size. With daycare, you are paying per slot. If daycare costs you $1500 per month, per child, hiring a nanny could end up being cheaper.


2. When you have a nanny, you set the hours. Daycares tend to have standard hours that start and end somewhere between 6am and 6pm. Securing daycare outside of these hours typically involves an added expense. In fact, some daycares charge parents per minute for every minute that they are late for a scheduled pickup. As a nanny employer, you can set the nanny’s hours to coordinate with your work schedule. If you require childcare for long or odd hours, having a nanny may be cheaper than sending the kids to daycare when you factor in the added expenses for early or late care.


3. When the kids are mildly ill, you still have coverage. Most daycares have strict rules when it comes to sending kids to daycare with any type of illness. When you have a nanny, caring for mildly ill children is part of the job. If you have to secure a backup babysitter for when the kids can’t go to daycare then it’s an added expense over and above what you are already spending. With a nanny, it’s an expense you won’t have to incur.


4. During school vacations and breaks, your nanny is still there. Many daycares follow public school schedules. If there is a break or holiday, the daycare may close. When this happens, you’ll incur additional expenses to secure childcare. While nannies typically get the major holidays off as well, you can negotiate what holidays she will get off when she is hired.


5. You’re the boss, you set the pay scale. Unlike with the price of daycare, a nanny’s salary can be negotiable. As a nanny employer, it’s up to you what to offer to pay your nanny. You set the rules, you outline the duties and responsibilities, and you establish the salary you are willing to offer. Nannies salaries differ greatly depending on geographical area, experience, education, and the duties and responsibilities of the job.

When you consider the overall cost of childcare, you may be surprised to find out that hiring a nanny is within your reach. Looking at the big picture and depending on your care needs, you may find that daycare could end up costing you more than having a nanny in the long run.

10 Things That Will Make You a Great Nanny Employer

Submitted by Nancy Parker enannysource.com

All nanny employers aren’t created equally. Like with any career there are both good employers and bad ones. As you enter into a nanny relationship, commit to being the best employer you can be. Remember, it is no secret that the best bosses tend to have the best employees. Begin setting yourself apart as a great employer today. You can be a great nanny employer by:

1. Giving your nanny respect. Treating your nanny as a valued employee will go a long way in establishing yourself as a great nanny employer. More than anything, your nanny wants to know that you respect the work she does, the relationship she has with your children and the special insight she brings to the parenting table.


2. Paying your nanny well. Your nanny deserves to be paid more than minimum wage. She deserves to be paid well. When it comes to nanny care, you get what you pay for. Nannies who are paid well tend to be more committed to staying for a long-term position and to going above and beyond to ensure that their job is done well.


3. Showing your appreciation. From small things like saying “Thank you. I appreciate the quality of care you give to my children,” to bigger things like giving a year-end bonus, let your nanny know in tangible ways that you appreciate the work she does.


4. Encouraging your nanny’s relationship with your children. Give your children and your nanny permission to have a loving relationship. Allow and encourage them to bond. If your child says he misses his nanny on the weekend, don’t simply dismiss it. Instead, reaffirm that their relationship is important and missing his nanny is okay.


5. Encouraging regular communication. Set the stage for solid communication. Establish a time to have weekly meetings to review different things that are going on, what’s working, and what isn’t. Ensure that you are home a few minutes before your nanny is due to leave so you can talk about how the day went. Provide ongoing opportunities for regular communication to happen.


6. Covering your nanny’s expenses. It shouldn’t cost your nanny to do her job well. If your nanny keeps a nanny journal, offer to reimburse her for it. If she brings her lunch every day and you can afford to supply it, offer to do so. If your nanny is accompanying you on a family vacation, be sure it doesn’t cost her any money out of her own pocket to do so.


7. Giving your nanny petty cash. Provide your nanny with cash to purchase incidentals like craft supplies, snacks or other items she may need from time to time. Having money on hand for tolls, gas, lunch or other things that come up can help to ensure that the costs incurred when taking care of your child don’t eat into her pay.


8. Offering incentives for continuing education. Offer a membership to the International Nanny Association (INA) or better yet, consider paying for her to attend the INA Annual Conference. Encourage your nanny to take early childhood education classes at the local community college and offer to reimburse her. Providing an opportunity for your nanny to increase her skills and connect with other caregivers will boost her self-confidence, self-esteem and care giving abilities, all of which will benefit you and your child.


9. Scheduling periodic reviews. Whether it’s every six months or once per year, schedule a specific time without the children to sit down with your nanny and have a formal performance review. During this time share all the good things your nanny is doing, as well as any things that could use improvement. You’ll also want to give her an opportunity to provide feedback on how things are going from her perspective. End the meeting by giving her a written evaluation that includes any action steps designed to improve the quality of her work. Consider giving a merit raise (5-7%) or bonus (1-2 weeks’ pay) if your nanny has been performing well.


10. Keeping things professional. While it can be tempting to talk to your nanny about marital problems or to share the latest piece of gossip about the in-laws, don’t. If you ask your nanny to babysit Friday night and she declines because she has plans, resist the urge to ask her exactly what those plans are. To maintain a healthy nanny and employer relationship, there has to be healthy boundaries.

In any type of management situation the general rule of thumb is that things flow from the top down. If you as the nanny employer set the standard for excellence your nanny will follow suit. Great employers breed great employees. And it’s not by mistake.

10 Reasons You Need a Written Nanny/Employer Work Agreement

Submitted by Nancy Parker enannysource.com

While having a written work agreement may seem like a simple formality between a nanny and employer, the reality is a written work agreement is essential for a successful employment arrangement. In fact, in some jurisdictions, a written work agreement may actually be required. There are many reasons why a written nanny/employer work agreement is essential. These include:

Reason 1. A written work agreement establishes a professional relationship between the nanny and the employer from the start of the relationship. When a written work agreement is executed, the employer, employee relationship is formally created.

Reason 2. A written work agreement spells out the logistics of employment. From the nanny’s role and responsibilities, to who is responsible for withholding payroll taxes, to the nanny’s salary and benefits package, a work agreement outlines each of the parties’ duties, responsibilities and expectations.

Reason 3. A written work agreement gives you something to refer back to when questions arise. How many times has a nanny gone home on a Friday night thinking she has the Monday holiday off, only to get a phone call Monday morning from her employer asking where she is? A written work agreement allows you to say “Let’s look at what we agreed to” when questions about holidays, paid time off, or other topics arise.

Reason 4. A written work agreement foresees possible situations and outlines how they will be handled. What happens if the family decides to move across the country a few months after they have hired their nanny? Who pays the insurance deductable if the nanny is in a car accident while on duty? A written work agreement addresses how things like early termination, insurance coverage and deductibles and relocation will he handled.

Reason 5. A written work agreement may remove you from at-will status. In at-will states, workers can be fired for any reason at anytime, provided the reason is not illegal. A written work agreement that includes a specific start and end date may override a nanny’s at-will status. However, if the written work agreement cites that a nanny may be fired for cause, no cause or for specific reasons, she can still be fired according to the terms in her agreement.

Reason 6. A written work agreement offers proof of employment terms. Perhaps a nanny is forced to quit her job because her employer changed her role or responsibilities drastically. Or maybe the nanny’s employer didn’t pay her portion of state payroll taxes, although the employer agreed to. What if a nanny claims her employer was supposed to be withholding her portion of state payroll taxes, but her employer never agreed to do so? Having written documentation of the employment terms can protect both the nanny and employer when sticky situations arise.

Reason 7. A written work agreement provides clarity to both the employer and employee on crucial issues. Unlike with a verbal agreement that may be subject to the memory of each party, with a written agreement, there is no question as to what both parties agreed to. A written work agreement should spell out things like house rules, daily responsibilities and duties, pay periods, tax responsibilities, pay and benefits packages, sick days, personal days, holidays off, the nanny’s start date, end date, weekly schedule and more.

Reason 8. A written work agreement is legally binding. A written work agreement, or contract, is enforceable in court. So if an employer doesn’t allow her nanny to take the agreed upon vacation time or if the nanny quits without giving the two weeks’ notice that was agreed upon, legal action can be taken.

Reason 9. A written work agreement serves as a starting point for negotiating. Each year, both the nanny and employer should review the written work agreement and evaluate if it needs to be changed or altered. Even if no changes are needed, a new written work agreement should be executed.

Reason 10. A written work agreement articulates household and employment policies. If a nanny wakes up with a stomach bug and can’t get into work, knowing how and when to notify her employer can help ease anxiety for the nanny and allow enough time for the employer to secure back-up care, should it be needed.

While there are many reasons to have a written nanny/employer agreement, there is really no good reason not to. Take the time to do things right and lay everything out on the table. That way there are no surprises and everyone knows what to expect. A healthy working relationship is vital.

End Of The Nanny State

Submitted by Daddy Confidential
So we’ve moved from Manhattan to the Boston suburbs. A few days ago we loaded up the sedan with toddler, dog, cat, and whatever possessions we couldn’t entrust to the movers. I packed the trunk tighter than a crab’s ass. Mercifully, Fox’s nanny came along too. Maria agreed to join us until we were installed in a temporary apartment. (We move into a house later in the year – long story.) We were concerned the move would be traumatic for our son, who’s not quite two. But he’s proven surprisingly adaptable. It would appear Fox just thinks we’re away on vacation, albeit having seriously over-packed.

Our immediate priority is finding a new nanny, stat. It’s not clear how we’ll replace Maria. She’s the only caretaker Fox has ever known. Plus she has some next-level nanny superpowers, like sewing torn blankies. Also the ability to produce pacifiers from her bosom. A native Colombian and devout Catholic, Maria has a classic nanny appearance: heavyset, mountainous bosom, long skirts, and deceptively dexterous when the situation demands. She speaks to Fox solely in Spanish with a solicitous voice that trills through the scales. She is fiercely protective of her charge. She will stare down nasty girls on the playground – and also their huffy mothers.

As with all nanny arrangements, there was a lengthy adjustment period. In our case, it lasted roughly until last Tuesday. This was due largely to my wife, who is about as trusting as a feral cat. Case in point: When Maria leaves the apartment with Fox, Sarah runs through an exhaustive list of instructions, contingencies, hypotheticals, and emergency directives. NASA has sent people into space with shorter checklists. It’s all a bit comical to overhear because Maria always nods her understanding, despite having deplorable English skills. (Maria: if you’re reading this, “deplorable” means muy bueno.) When Maria and Fox return from orbiting the neighborhood, the door barely closes before Sarah requests a debriefing: How long did he nap? How much did he eat? When was his last bite? Did he poop? What did it look like? The grilling always makes Maria tense. Like when you see a cop and you stiffen; and even though you’ve done nothing wrong, his mere presence makes innocent behavior feel fraudulent.

Maria has a tendency to overindulge my son. She scurries to meet his every demand. I’ve looked up from my desk to see Fox sitting in Maria’s arms, facing forward, with an outstretched finger imperiously pointing in the direction she must carry him. He’s like a boy emperor whose feet must never touch earth. But since spoiling my son is her biggest fault, I tend to ignore it. Who else would patiently sit with Fox as he arranges his animal figures? And no one but Maria would indulge Fox’s obsession with carefully inspecting every parked motorcycle in the neighborhood. I freely accept that Fox and his nanny share some deep intimacies to which I’ll never be privy. Maria probably sneaks sweets to Fox, even though I don’t allow him juice, let alone candy. And while Maria is bizarrely secretive about hygiene, she is out and about with Fox for hours. Odds are good my son has seen heavy action behind enemy lines.

Maria is extremely emotional. She cries easily and often, whether from happiness or despair, or possibly heartburn. I can never tell. As she has known Fox since birth, their final days together have had a looming sorrow. Each night after I give Fox his bath before bed, I bring him out to say goodnight to Maria and the pets. The last two nights were too much for Maria. After Fox said his usual “[Buenos] noches,” and “[Te gusta] mucho,” Maria has fled in a Trail of Tears. Sarah and I exchange silent cringes and helpless shrugs, then hustle Fox to his crib.

This morning I put Maria on the train back to New York. I gave her a hug and told her how much we all love her. She thanked me through tears and responded in kind. I fought back some tears of my own. Because despite the amazing influence she’s had on my son, we both knew he’ll never remember her.

6 Tips for Parents Interviewing Nannies

Submitted by Nancy Parker enannysource.com

In addition to the basic interview questions regarding experience, work history, and salary expectations that parents should ask prospective nannies during an interview, there are several other important factors that should also be taken into consideration.

During the nanny selection process, consider these 6 tips when interviewing nannies:
1. Do your homework. Regardless of how you found your potential nanny, the ultimate hiring responsibility rests with you. Parents should speak personally with nanny references, verify proof of education and experience (even if this is reviewing the documentation a nanny agency has secured), review any background screenings that were conducted and have their own in-person interview with the nanny candidate.

2. Use past-tense, situational questions. When asking your nanny candidate questions about her care giving experiences and expectations, phrase situations in the past-tense. Instead of asking “What would you do if a child fell down the stairs on your watch” ask “How have you handled any injuries that occurred while the children were in your care?” Ask “How did you spend your day with your previous two-year-old charge” rather than “How do you envision a day with my child?” You want to know what the candidate has actually done, not what she thinks she may do.

3. Ask why other positions have ended. Nanny and family relationships end for various reasons. These reasons range from a nanny leaving because the children went off to school and her services were no longer needed to a nanny breaching a parent’s trust. Sometimes the relationship ends on good terms, and other times not so much. It’s good to get the nanny’s perspective on why a relationship ended prior to contacting a reference. Knowing why a nanny left previous positions also helps you to identify any potential patterns in employment history.

4. Inquire about child care ideas and philosophies. It’s important that the parents and the nanny share a similar style of parenting, discipline and communication. A nanny should be able to articulate what her parenting style is and the method of discipline she believes in. While the nanny should always follow the parents lead, in some cases the gap in styles is too grand (for example a family that embraces attachment parenting and a nanny who does not) to meet on and the nanny and family won’t be a good match.

5. Consider the nanny’s goals and aspirations. Before investing your time and energy into such an intimate relationship, it’s important to have an understanding of how long the relationship could last. If you are looking for a nanny for your newborn to stay for several years, it would be important to know if a candidate just wants to nanny for a year while she decides what she really wants to do, or if this the career path she wants to follow long-term. Ask why she chooses to work as a nanny and where she sees herself in 2, 5 and 10 years.

6. Clarify the type of care you want. Just like there are different types of families, there are also different types of nannies. Some nannies prefer to work strictly according to the daily schedule the parents have lined out and others like to have the authority to plan how they will spend their day with the children in their care. If you don’t want your nanny transporting your children to events and activities, for example, it’s important that you clarify that and confirm your nanny candidate is willing to accept a position that requires her to stick close to home. When nannies and parents do not address the type of care situation that is desired, there is a potential for trouble to brew.

Conducting nanny interviews is outside the comfort zone of many parents. Even those parents with a HR background often have trouble transitioning their corporate skills to the household environment. View the nanny interview as an opportunity to gain insight into the person you may consider trusting with your most prized position. Most nannies understand how important the interview and decision making process is and are eager to answer most any question that you may have.