Holiday Bonus Survey

 

The Nannies Responded:

Bonus this year (2012): 400.00
Your weekly salary: 13.00/hr
Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus: board game from the kids
Length of time you have worked for the Family: 5.5 years
City, State and Country where you live: San Jose, CA
Additional comments:  I know that this comes a month late but I had to share after seeing how many of you didn't receive anything.  I am very surprised by this!

Bonus this year (2012): $685
Your weekly salary:   $685

Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus:  Yes. The family I worked paid for me, my brother and mother to fly to Brazil when my Grandmother died this month. 
Length of time you have worked for the Family: almost three years.
City, State and Country where you live:  Pound Ridge, NY
Additional comments:  My husband always tells me I am underpaid and they are taking advantage of me. Finally, maybe he will shut up.

Bonus this year (2012): 0
Your weekly salary:   $850/net
Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus:  Owl calendar
Length of time you have worked for the Family: 8 months
City, State and Country where you live:  UES, NYC, USA
Additional comments:  Who likes owls?

Bonus this year (2012): $500
Your weekly salary:   $20/hour, approx. 25 hours per week
Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus:  
Length of time you have worked for the Family: 2 years
City, State and Country where you live:  Rye, NY

Bonus this year (2012): $1,500
Your weekly salary:   Salary of $936 per week is based on 36 hours.
Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus:  Football tickets, cheesecake factory gift certificate.
Length of time you have worked for the Family: 3.5 years
City, State and Country where you live:  Ardsley, NY
Additional comments:  I have been with this family almost 3 ½ years. I went to my boss in the beginning of December and asked again about health insurance. She referred me to her husband. I finally made my case for health insurance (I get sick from the kids, etc.). The end result of that discussion was NEGATIVE. I did not get health insurance and I got $1,000 less as a bonus this year. HE handles the bonus and money, she the gifts. I really don’t think she knows he screwed me. I don’t think I deserved this. I am loyal to this family and other parents are always trying to steal me for a night, a week, or permanently and I have been steadfast in my devotion to this family.

Bonus this year (2012): 0
Your weekly salary:   $750/net
Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus:  mug of tootsie rolls in Passover Mug. (I’m Hindu)
Length of time you have worked for the Family: 10 months
City, State and Country where you live:  Upper West Side, NYC
Additional comments:  Cheap Bastards. Suck it!

Bonus this year (2012): 2500.00
Your weekly salary:  900 for 38 hours per week
Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus: Pictures of the children in real silver frames, Three perfumes!!! All good stuff, Burberry, Ralph Lauren Blue & Gucci Guilty, a Cole Haan tote,
Length of time you have worked for the Family: 1 year, 9 months.
City, State and Country where you live: Walnut Creek, CA
Additional comments:  I was with this family for nine months by the time last Christmas rolled around and they gave me a $2000.00 bonus and a sweater. This year they were so wonderful to me.

Bonus this year (2012): 800.00
Your weekly salary: 800 per week for forty hours, $20 per hour for hours over 40. Usually about $1,000 a week.
Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus:
Length of time you have worked for the Family: 2 years
City, State and Country where you live: Westchester NY
Additional comments:  Last year the family got me some thoughtful gifts like a bathrobe, slippers and a gift certificate in addition to the bonus. This year, they just gave me the bonus. They did tell me that starting January, I would be paid $25 net for each hour of overtime, but then explained that it was so they were more aware of how much they were working, so I shouldn’t “count on it”.

Bonus this year (2012): $100

Your weekly salary:  $1100.00
Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus:  Lord & Taylor Gift Certificate in the amount of $100.
Length of time you have worked for the Family: 10 months
City, State and Country where you live: Westchester County, NY

Bonus this year (2012): $1500 cash, $1000 visa card
Your weekly salary:  $975 after taxes
Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus:  two sweaters, a gorgeous pair of boots I would never splurge on for myself, a winter coat, hat and cashmere scarf, candy, a stocking full of make up and toiletries.
Length of time you have worked for the Family: 4 ½ incredible years
City, State and Country where you live: Harrison, NY
Additional Comments: You get what you give.

Bonus this year (2012): $2000.00
Your weekly salary:  roughly 915 net
Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus:   a basket of makeup and toiletries.
Length of time you have worked for the Family:  almost two years
City, State and Country where you live: outside Boston
Additional comments:  I think the basket of makeup was all recycled stuff she didn’t want, but I don’t care. I work for a totally cool family that treats me with respect on a daily basis and involves me in raising their child. I know it could be much worse.

Bonus this year (2012): $300
Your weekly salary:  640
Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus:   GAP gift certificate
Length of time you have worked for the Family:  three years, 4 months.
City, State and Country where you live: Bronxville, NY

Bonus this year (2012): $745
Your weekly salary:  $745
Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus:  photo album
Length of time you have worked for the Family: 4 years
City, State and Country where you live:  Illinois
Additional comments:  I helped my “family” through a medical crisis by working weekends three weekends in a row in November. They never paid me. I thought they would make it up to me at Christmas time. They didn’t. I feel used and have applied with agencies in the area to find a new gig.

Bonus this year (2012): $500
Your weekly salary:  $613 after taxes, $750 GROSS
Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus:   a smartphone from Walmart and twelve months of straight talk unlimited service.
Length of time you have worked for the Family:  6 years
City, State and Country where you live: Darien, CT

Bonus this year (2012): $1800
Your weekly salary:  $600
Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus:
Length of time you have worked for the Family:  3 years plus
City, State and Country where you live:  Upper Saddle River, NJ
Additional comments:  I am a nanny with three children of my own under ten. This is my third year with the family. Two years in a row they got my children each a gift. This year, they didn’t give any gifts for the kids.  I don’t know how they could do that.

Bonus this year (2012): $3,000
Your weekly salary:  $22 per hour, average 38 hours= $836
Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus:  
Length of time you have worked for the Family: 4 months
City, State and Country where you live:  Fairfield, CT
Additional comments:  The family told me not to worry about separating my gas from theirs since I use my own vehicle. They said they will pay for all gas and gave me a carwash a month gift certificate, a tune up gift certificate, an oil change. This wasn’t part of Christmas, but about a week before. The Mrs. told me that she “gets a headache looking at receipts, so just use this for all the gas”. (Special credit card for gas purchases). I didn’t let myself think of a bonus this year since I only started in September with school. I was pleasantly surprised, not by the amount, because I think that is relative to many things, but I work for generous people.

Bonus this year (2012):  $2500
Your weekly salary: $1170 per week/net/ T-F 12-9.
Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus:  parenting magazines, design books, key ring,
Length of time you have worked for the Family:  1 year, 5 months
City, State and Country where you live: Larchmont, NY
Additional comments:  Mom is expecting twins. I might stick around. Wink. Wink.

Bonus this year (2012): $600
Your weekly salary:  $575
Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus:  box of chocolates
Length of time you have worked for the Family:  Almost two months.
City, State and Country where you live:  Montclair, NJ
Additional comments:  The chocolates came from a store I used to work near when I lived in the city.  I moved to live in their (basement) in their home from the city. After a week or so, they asked if I was getting adjusted to life outside the city and a said I was and listed some things I missed from the city. One of them was chocolates from Teuscher.I was touched by the thoughtfulness of that. And then on my last day of work before holiday they gave me a bonus check. I wasn’t expecting it.

Bonus this year (2012): $525
Your weekly salary:  $525
Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus:  George Foreman Grill
Length of time you have worked for the Family:  9 yrs, 2 months.
City, State and Country where you live:  Washington DC

The Employers Responded:

Bonus paid this year (2012):  $500
Nanny’s weekly salary:   Between $625-$800 per week, dependent on my needs.
Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus:  We offered to pay her Y membership.
Length of time nanny has worked  for the Family:  4 months
City, State and Country where you live:  Rye, NY
Additional comments:  I saw her reflection in the glass cupboard when she opened the envelope. I had given her five one hundred dollar bills. She looked disappointed. I thought the bonus was fair given that she had only worked for us for 1/3 of the year. 

Bonus paid this year (2012):  $875
Nanny’s weekly salary:   $875
Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus:  Box of upscale chocolates,  journal & PS4 system with gadgets, controls and games.
Length of time nanny has worked  for the Family:  14 months
City, State and Country where you live:  Washington
Additional comments:  I appreciate my nanny! I hope she knows.

Bonus paid this year (2012):  $525
Nanny’s weekly salary:   $525
Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus:  box of handkerchiefs, purse, iron
Length of time nanny has worked  for the Family:  3 years
City, State and Country where you live:  NY State


And even a few Daycares Responded:

Bonus received this year (2012):  $20
Daycare Weekly Fee:   $200/ $800 month
Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus:   movie tickets for my whole family.
Length of time you have provided daycare for this family:  9 months
City, State and Country where you live:  Port Chester, NY

Bonus received this year (2012):  $500
Daycare Cost:   $1100/month
Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus:   washing machine and dryer combo, brand new, delivered from Sears.
Length of time you have provided daycare for this family:  3 years
City, State and Country where you live:  Massachusetts
Additional comments: I think you should include this. Not all daycares are bad. Some of us ar professionally trained as well.

Get Ready

Expect it, Friday, February 28, 2013 at 09:00 Eastern Time.

The Cost of the Fourth Child?

Hello, I have a question concerning salary. I currently nanny full time for 3 children and make 550 a week. The family is expecting their fourth child in June and I was wondering if I should expect a raise when she comes. I would love to here from both parents and nannies. Did you give/get a raise when a new addition was added to the family? If so, how much was it? Thank you very much!

Nanny Wants to Offer Her Help to Parents

Hi! I was hoping to get some advice from my fellow nannies & perhaps some parents about my current position. I'm a full time nanny for sweet eight month old E. He's an absolute joy & I love working with him. He has a five year old brother B for whom I am not responsible & only see in the mornings before he goes to preschool. The last week has proved to be not so healthy in the house (MB was sick on Tuesday & stayed home, DB was sick Wednesday-Friday & stayed home & B stayed home Thursday & Friday) so I've had almost zero space for E & me, which is fine, but I've gotten to know B & his habits a lot more in the past two days. I've always known he was disrespectful to his parents (he doesn't listen, says "no," throws phrases back at his parents "you took that away without asking" or "you need to be patient" when they tell him to do something 'now') & it pains me to sit by & watch him act like that to his dad because I know *I* would *never* let children act like that towards me. The parents & I have a fantastic relationship & have each separately complained to me about his behavior but fail to do anything to correct it. For example, B was sitting at the table with a bowl of soup in front of him not interested in eating because he said he wasn't hungry. He was also flipping through a coloring book & ignoring his father's directives. DB would say "take a few bites of soup," B would ignore, DB says if he doesn't listen he's going to take the book,doesn't do anything, DB takes the book, B says "you can't take things without asking," DB doesn't respond, DB says "if you take a few bites of soup you can have the book back," B takes two bites & gets the book back. This literally happened three times back to back within a few minutes. My last position was with a six year old & four year old triplets so I have plenty of experience with children in this age group & especially children who don't listen (those four were fairly bad until I got there) so I want to offer my help so badly but I don't know if it's out of line because I neither actually care for B nor am around him that often. It's just so frustrating to see his parents frustrated with his behavior but not taking active steps to correct it because I know these behaviors will only intensify with age. Do I offer my help?? Sorry this was so long I am just really in need of some advice. Thanks!!

Serious Temper Problem

Alright fellow nannies (and parents), I need some serious advice. I have over five years experience working with children on a professional level, so temperamental children and handling "fits" is nothing new to me. However, my current charge is really starting to push me over the edge. I have been with this family for about eight months, and care for three children (fifteen months, five, and twelve). As far as the older children go, I have absolutely zero issues and deeply enjoying spending time with them. And although I deeply care for the toddler as well, he has the worst temper of any child I have ever met. This has been consistent for the past eight months, and hasn't slowed down in the slightest. From what I can tell, he seems to be the exact same way with his parents, so I know it isn't me. His mom comments to me all the time how "he has a temper" or she "doesn't know what to do about all of these fits". Throughout the day, despite all of my efforts, he just can't seem to be pleased. He spends most of his day screaming or banging his head on hard surfaces. I always make sure his needs are met, so I strongly don't think he is tired or hungry. However, he is SUPER difficult to put down for nap, so maybe he actually is overtired? I know toddlers have fits often, but I *really* feel like this guy is a bit out of hand, and don't know how much longer I can handle it. What efforts can I make to reduce these tantrums and temperamental behavior for both the parents and myself? I think MB solution currently is just to give in to his every whim At least that is how it appears to me. He is allowed to play in the kitchen cabinets (I'm not talking pots and pans, I'm talking putting his mouth on chemicals and other dangerous things). When I'm with him, I don't allow this behavior, so maybe he is even more temperamental with me because of the inconsistency?

Nanny is making up down time on the weekend. Why?

This may be kind of confusing, but I'll do my best to explain this odd situation! I work for a family M-F 8-5. When they give me unexpected time off (i.e., not listed as a specified holiday off in the contract), they have asked me to come in and "help them out" on a weekend day. This has happened two times, and neither time was I aware that I was not going to get paid, and that it was going to be a trade for the time off I had during the week. I guess what I'm asking is: has anyone ever encountered this before? This isn't fair, right? Am I crazy to think that having me work on a weekend day/night is completely different than working my normally schedule time during the week between 8-5. The one instance where this really upset me was I agreed to babysit on a Saturday evening thinking I would be able to make a little extra money as a babysitter, not a nanny, and they did not pay me, only making the comment "thanks for helping us out in exchange for the time off this week" AFTER THEY GOT HOME FOR THE NIGHT. I want to specify that I don't really agree with this, and that if they need to give me time off during the week, it should be just that, time off, not to be made up during a weekend since it wasn't my choice to have time off anyway! I don't know how to explain that though for our contract renegotiation. Please help! Sorry if it's confusing! Thank you!

Fed up and slightly creeped out...Help?

What happened is the family I currently work for is over a half hour away from where I live. I don't get reimbursed for gas except when I have the child in the car, although hes not a child hes 14. He's starting drivers ed in June and I am basically superfluous as it is, just a chauffeur. I am supposed to work 4 days a week from 3-6 and they are very nice but very inconsistent. So I decided to look for another position. I had an interview with a mother of 3 children who was very nice, recently divorced. She hired me and gave me the specs of the 4 days a week I did before but with the hours of 4-10 pm since she co owns a restaurant. We agreed and I was ready to hand in my 2 weeks notice. I sent her a message saying I was going to turn it in assuming everything was still ok and she writes back saying she changed her schedule so that she would only need me on the weekends overnight and get the kids ready Monday mornings and asked if that was still ok. I would not have known about the changes had I not sent her a message so I said I am unable to do those hours and I am sorry and hope she found someone who fit the hours because her children were wonderful. And I went about my business. Then ever since (been 2-4 weeks now) she calls me or texts me or emails me, even when I'm in class to see if I can work for a couple hours. Despite my saying no, over and over and over again, she continues to call and text and email. She has my schedule written down and calls me when I'm in class or at my other job and unavailable. I have tried being nice, now I'm getting annoyed and slightly creeped out, and I can't explain why. I don't want to be rude and just ignore her because she found me on a website and through her friends, which can cut more potential jobs for me later and yes I realize how selfish that sounds. What the heck do I do?

Nannies as Guardians? Do Tell!

Have any nannies here been asked to be appointed as the guardian of their charge in the parents' will? My MB and DB jokingly (I think) mentioned this morning that if they die they are leaving their baby and all of their stuff to me. That made me wonder how many nannies actually get asked that question. I can see parents wanting their child to remain with someone who is the closest to them, but I know that I wouldn't have any idea what to say if I was approached seriously about it.

The Grandparent Dilemma

Omg, my MB's dad just blew his nose on the kitchen sink.... eeewwwwwww!!!!! The grandparents have been here for a few weeks and grandpa is nasty. He pees outside the toilet and the bathroom stinks, the kitchen sink now is offlimits for me... I'm not washing any more bottles there until they are gone! I don't think my BM knows he does that... and it's not my duty to say something, but ewwwwwww!!! Please, tell me I am not alone and more nannies have grandparents at home and they are nasty. Thank you!! San Diegan Nanny

Shopping for Crazy Nanny Ancedotes

Hello ISYN Readers, I am working on a story about some of the challenges nannies, housekeepers, drivers, etc face with difficult clients, odd requests and so on. I am looking for anecdotes or stories to include in the piece from the caregiver's point-of-view. Please post here or contact me directly dailydeadline@aol.com. ​Thank you in advance.

Nannies that do everything??

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.

National Nanny Training Day

National Nanny Training Day will be taking place on Saturday April 20th. Here is the link to the complete list of events. http://www.nannybizreviews.com/nntd

I thought the recession was over

I have a horrible dilemma to share with you. I have worked for a family for five and a half years, since the birth of their first child. I work M-F from 8-6, always. This morning, both parents returned home at 9AM. They hadn't been to work but went to breakfast in town and returned when I had just the youngest to speak to me. This put me off right away because like I said, I have worked for them for five and a half years and the first three, I lived in their home. So I tried to prepare myself, but, it was even worse than I thought. They started by thanking me for all my years of service and telling me how much I meant to them personally. Then they said they had a business problem to deal with as they looked at managing costs over this next year in particular. (?). He apologized and said our relationship never felt like business, and that this was hard for him. He says he has contacted two nanny agencies to inquire about hiring a nanny to work from 1-8, Monday through Saturday. They said that they had gotten costs estimates. In respect for our relationship, they would "half the difference" between what I make and what they would pay brand new nanny. (For example, if I made $1200K and the replacement nanny made $900, they would split the difference for me at $1050 as my new salary) but I would need to work the same proposed hours, because this is the arrangement that would best serve their family. This family knows my personal life. They know I am now a single parent with a two year old myself. I feel so hurt because they went behind my back and looked into so many things without so much as a warning to me that my job was in jeopardy. I feel like they know I couldn't work those hours, too. I almost wonder if they proposed those hours just to make sure I didn't want to stay on. But I am so emotional right now, I don't know what to think. You said you would get this up on the site right away, so please do. I can't even begin to process this. I ended with a very strained but polite, "you've given me a lot to think about." Then they gave me the rest of the day off. I am so confused. I don't even understand the money thing because they just planned a trip to Maldives for Spring Break and no expense was spared.

Snoopy

Hi,
I have a problem that isn't mine but may become my problem. I am working for a woman with two amazing children and a new live in boyfriend. He is always polite to me and acts completely normal most of the time. The problem is, when my boss leaves the house and he is home, he is going all through her house. He only moved in in January. Gradually he has become more and more comfortable going through things. I have even seen him retrieve mail from the mailbox and steam it open. I ignore him and pretend I don't see what I'm seeing. My female boss is so nice. I don't want to give her any bad news, but all his sifting through her things makes me think she is going to eventually think I am the one going through her things. Do I say anything? If so, how?

14 Questions and Tips for Hiring a Nanny, Drama Free, While Pregnant

Maybe you’re so on the ball this pregnancy that you’ve got childcare all figured out. Maybe it’s crazy work hours. Maybe it’s the fear of the flu. Maybe daycare in your area isn’t the best. Maybe it’s just easier on everyone. If you’re thinking of in home care, read on:

As a former nanny who now employs one, I’m here to give you my tried and true advice on hiring someone before your baby arrives. Things that you may think aren’t important (but they are down the road!) or that you might hesitate to bring up in an interview. These are questions and considerations I found myself wishing time and time again parents had taken the time to figure out prior to me sitting in their living room.

Read the full article here.

Hello Loyal Supporters of ISYN,
Since my move to New Mexico, MPP has been instrumental in keeping the blog going. I am incredibly indebted to her for her effort and loyalty. This has been a rough period for MPP. In order to keep the blog going until her return, I have set up an alternate email address for submissions. Anything sent to this address will post to the blog immediately. Send your submisisons to isynjane@aol.com.

 I am working on finishing the Bonus Feature MPP had invested so much time in. Look for that on the blog on Valentine's Day and many more changes to update the blog!

 Best to you all, L

Nanny Rubbing Step Mother the Wrong Way

Hi,
I am writing to understand from your nannies if this is a situation that can be improved, or if I need to just find a way out, and if so, how. My husband of four months has recently hired the nanny that worked for he and his first wife. The nanny has a bond (too close if you ask me) with the children which puts me at a disadvantage. I wonder if she's as smart as everyone thinks she is, does that mean, she is intentionally ensuring there is no room for me to grow in to my role as stepmother?  The children's mother is a contemptable character which gives me great range to hone my mothering techniques. My husbands has hired the nanny for weekends Friday-Monday Monring to get the children off to school. This is incredibly helpful. The children all have activities. It isn't that I don't want childcare help, I do. This nanny is just to much. She also has a very chippy relationship with my husband, and while it isn't sexual in nature, it does sometime feel more personal than our own.

The Good Heart
(Lost in Scarsdale)

Nanny Navigating Through Employer's Divorce & Needs Guidance

I have a situation that is a "first" for me. Your input would be appreciated. My current family is going through a divorce. Although I have tried to maintain neutrality, it has been difficult. My priority is the welfare and happiness of the 2 young kids, 4 and 8. The divorce process is dragging on and the father is so angry, he isn't very patient or loving, during his visits. I realize that the children need me more than ever, as does their mother. Quitting is out of the question, as I am more like their grandmother, and mom has named me as their legal guardian( in the event of her demise). It is all very sad and I love them all! Any thoughts? Thank you!

Nanny Caught on Camera Slapping 5 Month Old

  A Staten Island couple's worst suspicions were confirmed when a hidden camera showed their 52-year-old nanny slapping and shaking their 5-month-old daughter inside the family's Grasmere home, according to police.

That video -- recorded by a "nanny cam" hidden inside a carbon monoxide detector -- made its way onto YouTube.com the same day as the alleged Jan. 28 incident, a law enforcement source confirmed, with more than 4,500 views so far. 

The Ark Indoor Playground at Gracepoint Church in Coppell, TX

Where: The Ark Indoor Playground at Gracepoint Church in Coppell, TX

When: Wednesday January 30th 3 pm

Children: Landon approx 2-3 orange shirt, khaki pants and blue pacifier also an older boy about 6-7 in blue and gray pajamas.

Nanny: 40s Hispanic woman about 5'2" heavy set

Incidents: Another little boy hit Landon with a soft block and the nanny encouraged Landon to hit him back several times and then praised Landon for hitting another child! (Not my charge)

They moved to have a snack where the older boy joined them and he immediately threw a screaming hitting fit because of the flavor or his Capri Sun. Started punching his little brother while the nanny looked on and did nothing.

Please send your nanny sightings to isynblog@gmail.com . #isyn #isawyournanny #nannysighting #texasnanny

New Nanny's Speed Bumps or Warning Signs?

I am a new nanny, age 24 working for a family of one child, 5 months old. I must also mention the work from home father. I have been working for this family since the beginning of October, but have hit some speed bumps along the way already, and sometimes I question if this family is the right fit for me. I will mention a few important issues, and I am in need of advice as to how to handle these problems as a responsible and professional nanny.

- I have been paid irregularly more than 5 Times. Basically I have been paid late many times, even after speaking with the father about the situation. I think I may finally have that one ruled out. (knock on wood)

- The father comes into the room I'm in with the baby multiple times a day to interrupt naps, bottles etc. Also, in a passive aggressive way speaks to me through the baby. I.E. "Is she being mean to you?" "Have you taken a nap yet?" I feel unimportant and disrespected.

-I bathe the baby Monday Wednesday and Friday. when I return to work on Mondays, the baby hasn't been bathed all weekend. And most times he smells. I feel terrible for him.

- Today tops the cake. The mother finally bought cereal for the baby to try over the weekend. When I came in today she told me to try giving it to him on a spoon. So I did and he wasn't interested. I told her I'd try it in a bottle later on. After the mother left for work, the father let into me. "Don't feed him anymore cereal. you got to try feeding him even before I did." Wow! now I feel like I'm being ping pinged between two bosses an being scolded for doing what I'm told! I am now dealing with a jealous lazy father who has the day off today and is sleeping as I type this. instead he could be hanging out with his baby and feeding him!

I realize this is a lot to take in. any advice would be great! Thank you!

Good News from MPP

Thank you to everyone who has been patient while MPP continues through a healthcare emergency. She is hoping to return very soon, and has just let me know that she plans to publish the Holiday Christmas Survey. She asked me to thank you all for your thoughts, prayers and support.

We're looking for more ways to illustrate the difference between a professional child care provider and the housekeeper who watches your children or the unliscenced daycare provider!

Looking forward to an amazing 2013!

Beware of ABC Nanny Source NJ

Hello everyone,

I just want to warn you that ABC Nannysource NJ was rude unprofessional and mean to me. I assume if they were like this to me they are like this to all of their nannies.

I signed up with them 3 years ago. They seemed excited to have me and I was excited to be with them. I showed up on a Fri so I can sign their paper work and they can take my picture so I can be on file with them. They they told me I need to take their online CPR and FIrst aid course (even though I was already certified $25) and I needed to pass a drug test ($25 dollars) that once they found me a position they would 100 percent re-emberse me. Okay no problem.

They sent me on 2 interviews that during the time I would need to be there would take me 2 hours with traffic! I called up and told them exactly where I would want to be placed and where I wouldn't be comfortable driving. I haven't heard from them in 6 months and I saw on America choice nanny that this agency had perfect family's for me in the exact location I would love to work in so I called them up and I was told I was under qualified. (I have a BA in early childhood education and 10 years’ experience)

Thank God I found sittercity and care.com. I called them up today and I was told I needed to re-certify myself with them and come in on a Sat. Well my main position just moved to Europe and I work only on Sat. I was told that since I cause them a lot of "trouble and annoyance" they don't want to represent me.

I asked about my $50 dollars and they hung up on me..........I am confused, hurt and pissed I lost my 50 bucks. What should I do? Does anyone have a similar experience