I'm back to work a month (today). This is the first time I’ve ever hired help. Nanny is live in (but separate apartment in our carriage house). She has been working for us for 10 weeks, she started before I returned to work. We do have drop cams (nanny cams) but they are obvious and I discussed them with her before we got them. I do like to check in on the baby throughout the day, makes me feel better to see her and see what she is doing. I also spy on the dog, last night he jumped on the couch to steal the baby’s pacifier. Bad Dog!
My question: Now that I’ve been back to work a month and Nanny’s been when us 2.5 months, as we approach 3 months (90 days), should we do some type of 90 day review (informal or formal). My husband and I were discussing this last night. We are happy with Nanny, the baby is happy and we’d like to express our happiness while asking her for feedback on us/baby/arrangement. I know cash is king, but my husband doesn’t want her to get used to us throwing cash around since having a nanny and having the live in expense is expensive. We also pay her babysitting fee if she babysits for us. Husband suggested $50 gift card as an expression of our happiness. Thoughts? Too little, more than enough? Should we ask her for feedback before we give her expression of our happiness (so she doesn’t feel obligated to say nice things if she has critical feedback). Thoughts, have any of the Nannies had a sit down with employers at 90 days?
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8 comments:
She has been with u 3 months... Yes- gift card and thank u card is wonderful. $50 is plenty.
I have always had 90 day reviews. One of my employers gave me two movie tickets and a gift card that was enough to cover two meals at the restaurant. It was so nice! I think a $50 gift card is more than enough! I will say too, my current employees give me (very occasionally!) bonuses and when they do they always include a note with why they appreciate me. That always means more to me than the gift!
A gift card is a very thoughtful gift for your nanny. I also love the idea of the sit down. It's always great to have a meeting to just touch base... It give you both space and freedom to mention the little things and make necessary adjustments. My employers and I have a formal time every two months, which is great and I really enjoy.
A gift card is nice.
But hold it in reserve in case she says something crappy during meeting.
A three month sit-down is a great idea. You sound like wonderful employers. I would be overjoyed to receive 50$, I almost think it's too much! But if you truly think she's worth it, then it's great to show it.
Awesome responces to a wonderful OP.
That is so thoughtful of you, and will be so appreciated by your nanny! It's also such a great idea to have a 90-day review (and open discussions every few months). Sometimes it's just so hectic during the workweek, and both you and your nanny are tired at the end of the day - it can be difficult to find the right time to bring up any issues, even small ones. Way to be conscientious employers!!
You sound like such a nice family to work for. I've worked for some moms that don't even thank you when their child has had some behavioral problems and I'm patient. Yes, give lots of feedback and praise when it's going well, I don't know about other people but when I was a nanny, if the kids didn't have a good day, I'd feel like a failure. It's nice to know that the work is appreciated.
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