Every year experts weigh in on what to do for those people in your life who care for your children. It is a tricky business for some, when a nanny is really part of your family but she is also an employee. Here are some great ideas!
1. Give her a small percentage of your holiday bonus. An employer once told me that she couldn't have earned this bonus without me and so she shared it with me. The words meant as much as the money- but nothing says love quite the same as cold hard cash!
2. Give her an extra week's pay.
3. Make sure the kids make something for your nanny. Or have a special picture of the nanny and kids framed. Make a video of the kids talking to you about the nanny and all the nice things she does for your family. Every mom treasures those homemade gifts and the nanny does too.
4. Give her a day or two off around the holidays - don't count it against her vacation.
5. Really think about your nanny's interests and hobbies. I would rather have something meaningful to me than an expensive piece of jewelry that I will never wear.
6. Give her the use of your vacation home or frequent flier miles! She won't care that you didn't spend a time- everyone loves to travel.
7. If you aren't sure what to get- give a gift card or cash. There are loads of stories in the nanny world of thoughtless gifts that employers gave the nanny. I don't think families mean to do this- but if you can't think of something that really seems to be special- give a gift card with a personal note of thanks.
It all really boils down to this, nannies want to be thanked and appreciated. They don't stay in this profession for the money, they do it because they love the kids and they are good at helping out the family. Make sure you take the time in this season to let them know you care about them.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Friday, November 09, 2007
What do I LOOK FOR IN A FAMILY- a nanny's view
There are an awful lot of posts and articles out there for families about what to look for in a nanny. But the real truth of the matter is that there are far more families looking for nannies than the other way around. Nannies, when you go on an interview you should be interviewing the family while they are interviewing you! It is essential that you find a family that you “fit” with. A family that will be comfortable for you to work with and with whom you can communicate. When I am out on an interview there are some very specific things I watch for. Here are a few
§ Does the family make arrangements for the kids for the first interview? It is impossible to properly interview with kids in the room. You should have at least one interview where you can talk about employment issues like pay, vacation and such. Also, it is hard to discuss philosophy of childcare when kids are in the room. A family that knows this will understand that the relationship you have with your employers is as important as your relationship with the kids.
§ Does the family have another interview with time to interact with the kids? Chemistry is key. Never work for a family if you cannot connect with the kids. It won’t last.
§ Is the atmosphere of the home one that you are comfortable with? Are they impossibly neat? Are you? Are they undtidy? Will this drive you crazy? Look around for clues as to the way they keep their home. If you are a organizing demon and they have stacks of things everywhere this should be a red flag!
§ Can I talk to them? Many nannies- really most I think- are not that assertive when it comes to tough conversations. If I am nervous talking to them at an interview- I won’t be able to bring up that vacation time they owe me or the other rough things we have to talk about.
§ Are they looking for a nanny like me? Are they looking for someone to be there for a long time and I know I only want to work here for a year- not a good sign. Do they want someone who will check in with them often but I am used to being on my own for the day- again not a good fit.
§ Do they ask pertinent questions? Nothing like going to an interview and being asked questions from the interview guide book- what are your discipline philosophies? What was your parenting like as a child? Those questions are good- but serious families ask more in depth questions that follow up anwers that I have already given
§ Do they treat me as a professional? The only way to tell this is by the questions they ask and the tone of the interview. But if you are looking for it- you will know. Do they ask you childcare questions? Do they make sure you are paid legally? Do they offer the benefits you deseve?
Finding a family is a difficult process. But like I always tell mothers who ask for advice finding nannies- trust your gut. If you don’t feel a connection with the family move on. The relationship is a difficult one already!
-- Sue Downey
§ Does the family make arrangements for the kids for the first interview? It is impossible to properly interview with kids in the room. You should have at least one interview where you can talk about employment issues like pay, vacation and such. Also, it is hard to discuss philosophy of childcare when kids are in the room. A family that knows this will understand that the relationship you have with your employers is as important as your relationship with the kids.
§ Does the family have another interview with time to interact with the kids? Chemistry is key. Never work for a family if you cannot connect with the kids. It won’t last.
§ Is the atmosphere of the home one that you are comfortable with? Are they impossibly neat? Are you? Are they undtidy? Will this drive you crazy? Look around for clues as to the way they keep their home. If you are a organizing demon and they have stacks of things everywhere this should be a red flag!
§ Can I talk to them? Many nannies- really most I think- are not that assertive when it comes to tough conversations. If I am nervous talking to them at an interview- I won’t be able to bring up that vacation time they owe me or the other rough things we have to talk about.
§ Are they looking for a nanny like me? Are they looking for someone to be there for a long time and I know I only want to work here for a year- not a good sign. Do they want someone who will check in with them often but I am used to being on my own for the day- again not a good fit.
§ Do they ask pertinent questions? Nothing like going to an interview and being asked questions from the interview guide book- what are your discipline philosophies? What was your parenting like as a child? Those questions are good- but serious families ask more in depth questions that follow up anwers that I have already given
§ Do they treat me as a professional? The only way to tell this is by the questions they ask and the tone of the interview. But if you are looking for it- you will know. Do they ask you childcare questions? Do they make sure you are paid legally? Do they offer the benefits you deseve?
Finding a family is a difficult process. But like I always tell mothers who ask for advice finding nannies- trust your gut. If you don’t feel a connection with the family move on. The relationship is a difficult one already!
-- Sue Downey
Monday, November 05, 2007
Why nannies get fired-- a list
TOP 12 REASONS NANNIES ARE FIREDAnd who is responsible (contributed by nannies, parents, agency owners)
15. (Parent) Parent realizes that nanny care is more expensive than day care, and switches.
14. (Nanny) Listening to inappropriate music ( with violent, sexualized, or profane language), watching inappropriate television or using inappropriate language with the children.
13 (No fault, but could have been avoided with communication before job began) Nanny has lifestyle to which parents don’t want children exposed (religious differences, dating outside of race or inside of gender, wearing tattoos, etc.).
12. (Nanny) Showing lack of initiative and failure to plan age appropriate activities for the children
11. (Nanny) Showing lack of respect for employers’ home and property: Parents finding the house worse off than when they left to go to work, or live-in nanny keeping her room (and the house) dirty and messy.
10. (Nanny) Failure to bond with the children, sometimes including using yelling or other authoritative style that intimidates them.
9. (?) Nanny is in car accident, whether or not it is her fault, during her own time or during work hours, with or without children in the car.
8. (Nanny) Staying out and drinking and/or partying so late the night before, that nanny is unable to be alert and responsive to the children during her scheduled hours. (Live-in, usually)
7. (Nanny) Excessive on duty time spent on personal tasks such as internet surfing, telephone calls, television watching.
6. (Nanny) Failure to comply with parents expressed wishes on issues such as nutrition (feeding them fast food), discipline (undermining parents’ rules) and safety (using cell phone while driving, not using car seat, etc.). Also, failure to follow through on other issues the parents have talked with the nanny about.
5. (Nanny) "Threatening the Mom" by the nanny allowing the little ones to call her "Mommy", or through an "I'm a better mommy than you" attitude.
4 (Parent) Insecure mom, who has unresolved conflicts about letting someone else take care of her kids (the nanny is fired for being a great nanny and having a close relationship with the kids, or having any tiny flaw that the mother can use to believe she’s not good enough).
3. (Nanny) Being undependable: being habitually late or absent (even with notice) during scheduled work hours. (Parent) Or, nanny needing time off for surgery or recovery from an injury.
2, (Parent) Nanny giving generous notice about leaving the job, parent firing nanny immediately or well before notice period ends. (Parents often feel betrayed and vengeful when nannies plan to leave.)
1. (Nanny and Parent) Lack of communication, which leads to confusion about nanny duties and responsiblities, and any number of other issues.
compiled by Jan St Clair
15. (Parent) Parent realizes that nanny care is more expensive than day care, and switches.
14. (Nanny) Listening to inappropriate music ( with violent, sexualized, or profane language), watching inappropriate television or using inappropriate language with the children.
13 (No fault, but could have been avoided with communication before job began) Nanny has lifestyle to which parents don’t want children exposed (religious differences, dating outside of race or inside of gender, wearing tattoos, etc.).
12. (Nanny) Showing lack of initiative and failure to plan age appropriate activities for the children
11. (Nanny) Showing lack of respect for employers’ home and property: Parents finding the house worse off than when they left to go to work, or live-in nanny keeping her room (and the house) dirty and messy.
10. (Nanny) Failure to bond with the children, sometimes including using yelling or other authoritative style that intimidates them.
9. (?) Nanny is in car accident, whether or not it is her fault, during her own time or during work hours, with or without children in the car.
8. (Nanny) Staying out and drinking and/or partying so late the night before, that nanny is unable to be alert and responsive to the children during her scheduled hours. (Live-in, usually)
7. (Nanny) Excessive on duty time spent on personal tasks such as internet surfing, telephone calls, television watching.
6. (Nanny) Failure to comply with parents expressed wishes on issues such as nutrition (feeding them fast food), discipline (undermining parents’ rules) and safety (using cell phone while driving, not using car seat, etc.). Also, failure to follow through on other issues the parents have talked with the nanny about.
5. (Nanny) "Threatening the Mom" by the nanny allowing the little ones to call her "Mommy", or through an "I'm a better mommy than you" attitude.
4 (Parent) Insecure mom, who has unresolved conflicts about letting someone else take care of her kids (the nanny is fired for being a great nanny and having a close relationship with the kids, or having any tiny flaw that the mother can use to believe she’s not good enough).
3. (Nanny) Being undependable: being habitually late or absent (even with notice) during scheduled work hours. (Parent) Or, nanny needing time off for surgery or recovery from an injury.
2, (Parent) Nanny giving generous notice about leaving the job, parent firing nanny immediately or well before notice period ends. (Parents often feel betrayed and vengeful when nannies plan to leave.)
1. (Nanny and Parent) Lack of communication, which leads to confusion about nanny duties and responsiblities, and any number of other issues.
compiled by Jan St Clair
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Forbes Magazine article
Forbes magazine had this article Money To Be Maid - Forbes.com. In it they talk about with the increasing number of very wealthy people in the US, there are increasing larger salaries for the workers who care for those families. Personal assistants, housekeepers, estate managers and yes, NANNIES. This is no surprise! At Nannypalooza, our yearly conference, we had a session on being a $100,000 nanny. And while those jobs are not common, Jonathan Frye of the Lindquist Agency assured many in the session that there are quite a few $50-60,000 a year jobs for qualified candidates. This is great news for us! Now we just have to get everyone to pay their nannies legally!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Nannypalooza
Last weekend was Nannypalooza o7- a fiesta of fun and learning. This conference provides training and networking to many and I am proud of it. It is still in its infancy. This year was only the second year. It really started with a dream of creating a place where nannies could get affordable classes. In college I learned of the value of conferences and seminars as continuing education. These kind of conferences are common in corporate America, and even in educational situations. But for nannies they are really only an option for the elite level nanny. INA (International Nanny Association) has a great conference but the fees to attend alone are well over $2oo dollars- not to mention hotel and travel. NAEYC has a great conference- better than any other early childhood one I think- but it is really geared toward preschool TEACHERS and doesn't have much specifically for nannies. And even NAEYC is more than $150 to attend. Nannypalooza is $75. It includes 3 meals. It includes 6 workshops. It will continue to be $75 for as long as we can keep it there- even if we have to make sacrifices to keep it that way. I am adamant about this. Why? Because if I had come to a conference like this in the first years of my nanny career, I would have been a better nanny. I would have been happier. I would have improved the lives of the families I worked for, and for the kids I loved. It makes a difference to have the conference experience. And even though the "vintage" nannies make up a good portion of the conference, I am beyond thrilled to think about the nannies who really need this education, connection and inspiration.
- Sue Downey
NANC
- Sue Downey
NANC
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Workers of the World Unite
Recently, this article was in the Washington Post. Nannies on a Quest for Rights - washingtonpost.com It highlights nannies who are searching for a decent living wage and benefits. This illustrates the diversity in our profession. In this same area of D.C. many "career" nannies are making $100,000 or more a year. I have such mixed feelings about this. On one hand, there are many nannies I know taking care of kids who work so hard for peanuts. They have no rights in our unregulated industry and because nannies are often nurturers instead of negotiators they are taken advantage of. On the other hand, I have seen nannies who are really not great caregivers get grossly inflated salaries because the demand for a certain type of nanny is high. And the sad but true thing is - that if you are white and speak English it is much easier to get a decent living wage. Does that make you a better caregiver? I don't think so. I dream of a day when our credential is up and running and there are some tangibles in our profession. Of course this does not mean that parents will pay on the books or stop looking for a "cheaper" nanny who will also clean the house.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Nanny Diaries
I first became a nanny at the end of 1991. Moving from small-town Michigan to a suburb of Manhattan was certainly a shock, but what was even more shocking was the whole nanny culture. When I made the decision to become a nanny, I wasn't even sure what one was. Some friends who had graduated with teaching degrees learned that they could make quite a bit more nannying than they could teaching, so they packed up and headed east. I followed a few months after. My parents thought it was a scam for sure. "These people are going to let you live in their house AND eat their food AND drive their car AND pay you - all for babysitting?!?" Apparently they were.
I soon realized that being a nanny was not the same as being a babysitter. I met other nannies in my area, who took me under their wing and showed me what a difference I could make in the life of my charge. I couldn't believe how many nannies there were! They were from all over the world and from many varying backgrounds. They gently guided me and taught me to plan outings and activities to stimulate and socialize the baby. I soon felt a passion growing for my job. I could do this - and I could do it well.
When The Hand That Rocks the Cradle was released in January of 1992 I had been a nanny for two months. A few nannies that I had met through my placement agency made a date to attend as a group. At dinner afterwards, we discussed the film. A few of the women stated how nervous they were about the movie. They were worried that it would portray nannies in a bad way, and not give enough credit for the jobs that we do. I remember thinking that they were a little crazy. After all, it was just a movie. No one was actually going to believe that all nannies were like this. Then the media got ahold of it. Soon stories of horror at the hands of nannies were on the news nightly. People were anxious to make it sound like they had lived through similar situations. Now when I talked to friends from college and told them what I was doing with my life, I had to hear, "Oh. Are you sleeping with the husband? Have you killed anyone?" Ha. It got old very quickly.
Tonight we are going as a group to see The Nanny Diaries. In fact, groups from all across the country are planning to go. I have read the book and am not expecting people to come out of the movie extolling the virtues of nannies. I do, however, hope that it portrays us in a more positive light. Instead of painting nannies as sex-starved lunatics, this story seems to be told more from the nanny's point of view. I'm sure that it will be sensationalized a bit for the movie. A movie depicting my life as a nanny might be amusing at times... but it certainly wouldn't make an engrossing film. Oh well. Let's be honest - we're all really going for the popcorn anyway.
-Charlotte Hilliker from Pa
I soon realized that being a nanny was not the same as being a babysitter. I met other nannies in my area, who took me under their wing and showed me what a difference I could make in the life of my charge. I couldn't believe how many nannies there were! They were from all over the world and from many varying backgrounds. They gently guided me and taught me to plan outings and activities to stimulate and socialize the baby. I soon felt a passion growing for my job. I could do this - and I could do it well.
When The Hand That Rocks the Cradle was released in January of 1992 I had been a nanny for two months. A few nannies that I had met through my placement agency made a date to attend as a group. At dinner afterwards, we discussed the film. A few of the women stated how nervous they were about the movie. They were worried that it would portray nannies in a bad way, and not give enough credit for the jobs that we do. I remember thinking that they were a little crazy. After all, it was just a movie. No one was actually going to believe that all nannies were like this. Then the media got ahold of it. Soon stories of horror at the hands of nannies were on the news nightly. People were anxious to make it sound like they had lived through similar situations. Now when I talked to friends from college and told them what I was doing with my life, I had to hear, "Oh. Are you sleeping with the husband? Have you killed anyone?" Ha. It got old very quickly.
Tonight we are going as a group to see The Nanny Diaries. In fact, groups from all across the country are planning to go. I have read the book and am not expecting people to come out of the movie extolling the virtues of nannies. I do, however, hope that it portrays us in a more positive light. Instead of painting nannies as sex-starved lunatics, this story seems to be told more from the nanny's point of view. I'm sure that it will be sensationalized a bit for the movie. A movie depicting my life as a nanny might be amusing at times... but it certainly wouldn't make an engrossing film. Oh well. Let's be honest - we're all really going for the popcorn anyway.
-Charlotte Hilliker from Pa
Friday, March 30, 2007
Baby Nurse?
I was introduced to the world of nursery nurses a few years after I began working as a nanny. I met some Manhattan nannies and many of the households they worked in had a nursery nurse as part of the staff. I was intrigued by these women, dressed in full uniform, overseeing the nursery. Guarding the babies like a mother cub. Unlike my nanny friends whose job it was to accommodate their at-home employer, these nurses accommodated no one. They did what was best for the baby and didn’t budge if others, including the parents, balked. Ah, the confidence that comes from not needing your next paycheck.
All of the women I met were pediatric nurses who had retired from their jobs early and worked 3 or 4 months in a row so they could afford to relax for next 8 or 9 months. They were paid extremely well, often received substantial bonuses or gifts at the end of their term and had a waiting list of potential clients. Of course their formal training and years of nursing experience played a big part in that equation. Training and experience matter. I still see these types of jobs today in fully staffed households and the women that fill them are still retired nurses.
I know several nannies that have entered the nursery nurse market. While many call themselves infant specialists (the term our industry is turning towards) some fight to use the term Nursery Nurse. I believe the title should be reserved for those that have invested the time, money and effort into obtaining a nursing degree and gaining the requisite experience. Because titles do matter. That’s why nannies go crazy when an 18 year old babysitter declares herself to be a nanny. There’s a difference between nannies and babysitters and we want that difference to be recognized and acknowledged.
I’m not saying that nannies shouldn’t work as newborn caregivers. Night Nannies and Infant Specialists provide a great service to families and are a hot commodity in today’s market. I’m just saying they should take on the title that accurately represents their level of education and experience.
Lora Brawley
nanny of 18 years
All of the women I met were pediatric nurses who had retired from their jobs early and worked 3 or 4 months in a row so they could afford to relax for next 8 or 9 months. They were paid extremely well, often received substantial bonuses or gifts at the end of their term and had a waiting list of potential clients. Of course their formal training and years of nursing experience played a big part in that equation. Training and experience matter. I still see these types of jobs today in fully staffed households and the women that fill them are still retired nurses.
I know several nannies that have entered the nursery nurse market. While many call themselves infant specialists (the term our industry is turning towards) some fight to use the term Nursery Nurse. I believe the title should be reserved for those that have invested the time, money and effort into obtaining a nursing degree and gaining the requisite experience. Because titles do matter. That’s why nannies go crazy when an 18 year old babysitter declares herself to be a nanny. There’s a difference between nannies and babysitters and we want that difference to be recognized and acknowledged.
I’m not saying that nannies shouldn’t work as newborn caregivers. Night Nannies and Infant Specialists provide a great service to families and are a hot commodity in today’s market. I’m just saying they should take on the title that accurately represents their level of education and experience.
Lora Brawley
nanny of 18 years
Thursday, March 08, 2007
How becoming a mom changed the way I nanny:
I was a full time nanny for six years before my son was born, and a part time nanny/babysitter for seven years before that. Children were always my love and my life. While other children wanted to be doctors, firefighters, ballerinas, etc. when they grew up, I always wanted to be a stay at home mom who volunteered while her kids were in school. I didn't know there were such things as nannies, but I knew the only thing that I would be happy doing is spending my days one on one with a few children at a time. I was not called to be a teacher, or work in a daycare, or to work with large groups of children. I firmly believe that my gifts are best fulfilled when I work with one or two families at a time to help raise a few precious children for a period of time. So when I moved to North Carolina 8 yrs. ago, after going to college, and found a high demand for nannies in my area, I was overjoyed.I've always considered myself a good nanny. I would connect with my charges in a special way, and take them into my heart and life. I even missed the kids on weekends and vacations. There was one special girl, who I started with when she was only 2 months old. Her mother and I became close friends, and this child became "my little girl." I am close to her to this day, and while I was her nanny I was truly her second mommy.After my son was born I had a hard time finding a nanny job. I went from being a high demand nanny to an unemployed nanny. The families I talked to did not want to hire a nanny who brought her child for a variety of reasons. Some just had too many children in the house already, and could not add to the chaos. Some feared I would not care for their child as well as I cared for my own. Some were open to me bringing my child, but wanted to cut the pay in half. And I believe some were simply jealous that I had the option of staying home with my child and still getting paid. I do not say that to be judgmental. The choice to return to work or stay home is heartbreaking to a mother, and most mother's are never fully comfortable with what they choose.But having my child with me has only deepened my love for what I do. Being a mother has touched every fiber of my being, and is the closest thing I have found to true happiness. That love and happiness overflows onto my charges. I feel everything deeper. I notice the milestones more. I pay closer attention to the little details. I have the mother instincts now, and they're tuned in to my charges as well as my own child. Safety is more important than ever to me.And I have empathy for my employers like I never had before. I understand now what it means to work all day, stay up all night with a sick child, and still have to work the next day. I can relate to the guilt and anxiety that comes with leaving your child in the hands of another. I can also understand the need be out in the world as something other than a mommy for a little while.Having a child has definitely made me a better, more empathetic nanny. And the kids enjoy having a playmate as well. I know my son loves his "big brother," and would be devastated if I switched jobs. I never planned on raising an only child, and I love that my son gets to have these "siblings."I know I am blessed to be doing exactly what I love, and getting to be with my own child at the same time. There are challenges when you can't leave your child along with your charges at the end of the day, however. Sometimes I find myself getting drained. It's then that I have to turn my son over to my husband and take some time for myself. No one can be Super Woman 24/7 all alone. We all need a little help sometimes.
Melanie Schlimm
Melanie Schlimm
Monday, February 12, 2007
10 ways to find a really great nanny
When you are a nanny people like to talk to you. They ask you where you came from. I of course came from the planet Poppins but people rarely believe it. Seriously- everyone is looking for fabulous, loving, reliable child care. And when they see you in public providing that care they ask- where can I get someone like you? Again I must resist the urge to say that you can "get" one at the NANNYS-R-Us on the corner. However, to help those of you in cyberland really looking for a nanny here are my top ten answers to that question.
1. Find a good nanny agency. Don't just call the one in the phone book with the biggest ad! Ask your friends, co- workers or nannies you know which agency in your area is great. Then interview the agency like you would interview your nanny. Bad agencies rarely place fabulous nannies. NANC has a great list of agencies on thier website.
2. Tell everyone you are looking for a great nanny. EVERYONE. Your kids teachers, your friends, at your church, and anyone you can think of. Word of mouth can work wonders and it is cost effective.
3. Look online- but carefully. Be specific about what you are willing to pay, your hours and honest about the nannies duties. Weed out candidates by email first- then over the phone and only then in a face to face interview.
4. If you need part time help and you are on a budget- check out the local college. Place an ad in the college paper or through the education department. But know that the schedules for this type of nanny are flexible- both your way and thiers.
5. Don't be afraid to contact local nanny support groups. Most of them do not place nannies- but some will circulate the job to see if anyone is interested. Know that this is not the same as using an agency. There are no reference checks or anything- you have to do the work.
6. BE HONEST about what you want a nanny to do. If you need help with the housework feel free to ask, however, the best nannies I know- the ones who are a cross between Maria Von Trapp and Mary Poppins do not do housework. Picking up after the kids- ok. Picking up after the adults- no way!
7. Interview at least 2 times. Once with no kids around. Once with the kids for part of the time. Ask a zillion and one questions. Then ask more. Check references even if the agency has done this.
8. Go with your gut. Eliminate anyone who rubs you the wrong way. Whether it is a real concern or jsut a personality thing- if you don't get along with your nanny for some reason it will end badly. Every time. Every single time.
9. Use a work agreement (contract) and be specific.
10. Treat your nanny as you would want to be treated. I know sounds like silly "everyone knows this advice" but it doesn't always work that way. Nannies are insanely loyal to employers who treat them fairly and with kindness and respect.
This is just my advice. But I think it holds true. Of course you can always just travel to the planet Poppins.
-Sue Downey
1. Find a good nanny agency. Don't just call the one in the phone book with the biggest ad! Ask your friends, co- workers or nannies you know which agency in your area is great. Then interview the agency like you would interview your nanny. Bad agencies rarely place fabulous nannies. NANC has a great list of agencies on thier website.
2. Tell everyone you are looking for a great nanny. EVERYONE. Your kids teachers, your friends, at your church, and anyone you can think of. Word of mouth can work wonders and it is cost effective.
3. Look online- but carefully. Be specific about what you are willing to pay, your hours and honest about the nannies duties. Weed out candidates by email first- then over the phone and only then in a face to face interview.
4. If you need part time help and you are on a budget- check out the local college. Place an ad in the college paper or through the education department. But know that the schedules for this type of nanny are flexible- both your way and thiers.
5. Don't be afraid to contact local nanny support groups. Most of them do not place nannies- but some will circulate the job to see if anyone is interested. Know that this is not the same as using an agency. There are no reference checks or anything- you have to do the work.
6. BE HONEST about what you want a nanny to do. If you need help with the housework feel free to ask, however, the best nannies I know- the ones who are a cross between Maria Von Trapp and Mary Poppins do not do housework. Picking up after the kids- ok. Picking up after the adults- no way!
7. Interview at least 2 times. Once with no kids around. Once with the kids for part of the time. Ask a zillion and one questions. Then ask more. Check references even if the agency has done this.
8. Go with your gut. Eliminate anyone who rubs you the wrong way. Whether it is a real concern or jsut a personality thing- if you don't get along with your nanny for some reason it will end badly. Every time. Every single time.
9. Use a work agreement (contract) and be specific.
10. Treat your nanny as you would want to be treated. I know sounds like silly "everyone knows this advice" but it doesn't always work that way. Nannies are insanely loyal to employers who treat them fairly and with kindness and respect.
This is just my advice. But I think it holds true. Of course you can always just travel to the planet Poppins.
-Sue Downey
Thursday, January 18, 2007
A special announcement
Here it is- what you have been waiting for! NANNYPALOOZA 07!
We have a date! We have a hotel! We have some enthusiasm and we have some of the details!
If you don't know what I am talking about let me fill you in. Nannies have a few special needs. We need to talk to adults every once in awhile. We need to have a "co-worker" chat every once in awhile. We need training on the child related issues as well as the unique concerns of our profession. There are not many places where nannies can fill these needs. And at a low cost. SO we held Nannypalooza (woo-hooo) last year in Philadelphia. It was a 2 day weekend conference that gave nannies plenty of chances to socialize and learn. It was HUGELY successful (if I do say so myself) and the response was great. We have now planned to do this conference again. We are staying in Philly because it is close to a large majority of the East Coast nannies and it is fairly inexpensive as far as these things go. We had to up the price a little- but we include 3 meals and over 15 workshops to choose from so you get lots of bang for your buck. Check out the website NANCWebsite for more details including hotel information.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
We have a date! We have a hotel! We have some enthusiasm and we have some of the details!
If you don't know what I am talking about let me fill you in. Nannies have a few special needs. We need to talk to adults every once in awhile. We need to have a "co-worker" chat every once in awhile. We need training on the child related issues as well as the unique concerns of our profession. There are not many places where nannies can fill these needs. And at a low cost. SO we held Nannypalooza (woo-hooo) last year in Philadelphia. It was a 2 day weekend conference that gave nannies plenty of chances to socialize and learn. It was HUGELY successful (if I do say so myself) and the response was great. We have now planned to do this conference again. We are staying in Philly because it is close to a large majority of the East Coast nannies and it is fairly inexpensive as far as these things go. We had to up the price a little- but we include 3 meals and over 15 workshops to choose from so you get lots of bang for your buck. Check out the website NANCWebsite for more details including hotel information.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Nannypalooza! ‘07
Saturday, October 20th and Sunday, October 21st
Philadelphia, PA
Saturday, October 20th and Sunday, October 21st
Philadelphia, PA
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
