For Nannies

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Parent Category: Advice - Childcare and Education

Category: Advice For Nannies

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Before You're Hired
Work Situation
Pay
Appearance
On The Job

BEFORE YOU’RE HIRED

Look over the Nanny Contract. Even if your employer does not want to sign it, you should be aware of all the things that it spells out. Discussing things up front will save a lot of trouble in the long run.


Work Situation   

Holidays - Negotiate ALL holidays up front. Some employers don’t get basic days off like MLK Day and Presidents’ Day, while others do but may expect you to work anyway, so know what to expect. Spell it out! There’s nothing so awkward as finding out that you have to work when you thought you’d have the day off.

Nanny Vacation Time Off - If an employer travels a lot and gives you a month off during the year, they may be shocked to find out that you want time off of your own choosing and feel like you’re taking advantage of them. Negotiate whether you will be able to take your own time off or if you’re expected to take time off only when they are off. Discuss this time up front so in case you want to take a trip for a family reunion you don’t have to feel like you’re putting them out.

Sick Days - If you don’t take your sick days off, do you expect to get extra pay? Do the days roll into another year (like at some jobs) or are they lost?

Other Duties - Some employers want their person they hire to be both a nanny and a “mother’s helper,” doing laundry and other housework on a regular basis when they have the opportunity. Others don’t mind if you just stick to childcare. Either way, make sure you’re clear on each other’s expectations before you take the job.


Pay

Salary vs. Hourly - Some employers will pay you for a certain number of hours and if they go over those hours they’ll pay you overtime. Others will pay you a set salary for a number of hours (e.g., 35 hours) but expect that over the course of the year you’ll work a few more hours one week and a few less another, averaging out in the end to be fair.

Guaranteed Hours - Will you get paid even if you don’t work? While there’s an underlying assumption that nannies get paid even when the family is on vacation, some employers instead pay on a “pay as you work” basis. Discuss this up front so you aren’t surprised to find out that you only get paid if you work and it’s the employer who decides. Other employers may want to have you do errand running or cleaning at times when they are home with the kids.
   
Raises - When can you expect to get a raise? After 6 months? A year? If you’re being hired to work for one child will pay be increased if they have a second child? If so, how much (normal pay is $2-$3/hr). Know this beforehand so you can be prepared. Realize that you may have to broach the subject of a raise because it may not be on the employer’s radar screen.

Meetings - Ask for reviews of your work or “monthly sit-downs” (or as necessary). They provide an appropriate time and space to discuss your working relationship when you’re not in the middle of the comings and goings of daily routine. They don’t have to be long meetings. You may want to discuss subtle changes to your work (coming earlier, staying later), upcoming kid changes (potty training, transition to a new bed, etc.), and also any lingering questions or issues that shouldn’t be left to “fester” and create negativity. They should also happen during your working hours, during time you’re being paid for.

Nanny Camera - Be clear that you are absolutely okay if your employer wants to videotape your behavior when you’re on the job. Request that if they DO want to videotape you that you’d appreciate honesty rather than finding out that there’s a secret nanny camera. There’s nothing to ruin a working relationship than deceit.


Appearance

Ask about cologne—Some parents don’t like their babies to smell like the nanny’s cologne.

Fingernails—Some parents worry that their children will get scratched if the nanny has long fingernails.

Dress Code—If your employer expects you to slide down the slide and chase your ward in the park, this is difficult to do in high heels, so make sure you know what’s expected in your dress. This is true as well for too much make-up.



ON THE JOB

Cell-phones/Earphones - Have a clear idea of what employers expect in terms of your ability to talk on your cell phone or listen to music when you are on the job. Realize that they may not be okay with you listening to music or talking on the phone, even if they do.

Taking Personal Days Off—Give your employer as much notice as possible if you need to take a day off. Obviously this doesn’t include emergencies, but if you have medical appointments, etc., lead time is crucial for working parents to make necessary plans. If you can help with replacements that the employer knows and trusts, all the better.

Your Relationship with the Kids— Face it, mothers don’t want their kids to like the nanny better, so balance your feelings and relationships with the kids carefully. If the kids are calling you “Mommy,” quickly teach them to call you something else. Furthermore, comments such as, “I’ve raised that baby since she was born. She’s really my child” can be taken as a slight to the mother and cause employers to feel that you are undermining their job as “primary caretaker.” No matter who you are talking to (especially the mother) keep these comments or feelings to yourself (even if they are true!)

Discussing Bad Mommies in Public - Unhappy in your job or with your employer? While you may be frustrated with your employer, watch what you say to other people and don’t badmouth them. Especially don’t talk about your frustrations in front of 1) the kids (no matter how old) and 2) at the playground in earshot of mothers who might know your employer. Talk to people you trust in a secure location. (Don’t worry, I’ll be telling mommies the same thing in another document).

Gossip - No matter what you do or how well you’re doing your job, at some point you may end up having people talk about you behind your back, either to your employer or among their friends. There are even websites devoted to anonymous reports of “bad” nannies (some of whom might deserve it, alongside others who are being unfairly targeted). Either way, it’s an unfortunate part of the territory, and there’s little you can do to stop it except to keep doing your job the way you know how and hope that the gossipers eventually lose interest and move on. If you feel like it’s getting out of hand, you might want to bring it up with your employer so they know your side of the story; they’ll appreciate your candor, and you won’t be as distracted wondering what they might be hearing from somebody else.

Whatever you do, don’t let it draw you into arguments or conflicts with the people involved. Fair or not, no employer wants a nanny who seems to attract drama. Just turn the other cheek and stay positive about your work and yourself. And remember that the gossips are a small minority among the thousands of people who appreciate and respect the nannies in our community.

OTHER JOB RESOURCES:

Interviewing for a Nanny Job - Nanny Interview Tips

Nanny Interview Tips | Guide for Nannies Preparing for a Nanny Job

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