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10 Things Nannies Can Do To Give Working Parents More Family Time

Posted on September 20, 2012 by Erin

One of the great things about hiring a nanny is that you can create a job description that meets your family’s unique needs. By having your nanny take on tasks that you normally do, you can free up your time so that you can connect with your family in new ways. While typical nanny duties only include child-related tasks, many nannies are willing to take on additional duties if they don’t interfere with providing great care and the nanny is compensated fairly.

1. Get the kids ready for the next day. Morning routines can be tough for parents. However, if you can get out from under the details of getting out the door, you can enjoy a relaxing breakfast with your child. Your nanny can help make this happen by establishing routines that ease morning struggles. Each afternoon, she can help your child pick out clothes for the next day, complete her homework, pack a healthy lunch, and pull together anything else needed, like a toy for show-and-tell or her science fair project.
2. Keep track of and prepare for school-related happenings. There’s always something happening at school, whether it’s a big project that’s due in two weeks, the class is involved in a fundraising project, or a field trip is coming up. Your nanny can tackle the information overload by emptying your child’s backpack every afternoon, entering important dates on the family calendar, rounding up permission slips and other forms that need to be signed, buying that Get Well card for the sick teacher, baking cupcakes for the class party, and all the other jobs that keep things running smoothly.
3. Inventory needed kid supplies and clothes. Kids always need something. While many parents enjoy shopping for their children, they don’t always have the time to go through what they have to figure out exactly what they need, rotate clothes each season, or figure out what fits and what doesn’t and keep a running shopping list. Your nanny can do all that for you so you can take full advantage of the shopping moments you have.
4. Do the grocery shopping. How much time do you spend every week doing a big grocery shop and then stopping off for a gallon of milk or loaf of bread? Your nanny can take on that weekly task and make it a learning opportunity for your child to boot.
5. Start or cook dinner. It might be important to you that your family has dinner together at least a few evenings each week, but rushing home to cook after working all day isn’t your idea of quality time. Having your nanny do the dinner prep or cooking dinner for you will give your whole family a little extra relaxing time together.
6. Organize the family calendar. Families are busy, and it’s hard to keep track of who needs to be where and what they need to bring with them. Your nanny can act as the activity coordinator and make sure event dates, due dates, and supply lists are added to the family calendar. With several great online calendar options, she can make sure that every family member has access to updated information online.
7. Wait for the service guy or the delivery guy. Who has time to spend 4 hours in the morning waiting for the cable or Fed Ex guy to show up? Your nanny does! With some advance notice she can invite others over for a play date or plan a fun craft with your child, making the most of the time at home.
8. Run personal errands. Going to the pharmacy, picking up the dry cleaning, and dropping off a package to be mailed are time consuming errands that can quickly eat away at your weekend family time. Having your nanny run errands on her way to the park or after a play date is an easy way to get things done.
9. Give you one on one time with an older child. It’s hard to find time to spend individual time with an older child when a new baby or toddler is demanding your attention. By having your nanny care for your younger child in the evening or on a weekend morning, you can connect in an important way with an older child.
10. Tackle family laundry. Another time consuming task your nanny can take on is keeping up with laundry. Your nanny already does your child’s laundry, but she can also take on household towels, sheets, and your laundry. This means you won’t spend Sunday afternoon washing, drying, folding, and putting away clothes to get ready for the upcoming week.

Finding family time is hard for working parents. Nanny employers are lucky to have a trusted caregiver and household partner to help them squeeze out extra time with their kids.

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10 Reasons Why Nanny Employers Should Hold Weekly Meetings With Their Nannies

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Erin

While setting aside time each week to meet with your nanny may seem like overkill, it actually can be quite beneficial to your working relationship. Here are 10 reasons why doing so is important to maintaining a healthy nanny and employer relationship. 1. Weekly meetings help to keep the lines of communication open. The key to a successful nanny and employer relationship is open communication. Having a time set aside each week to discuss your nanny’s job, her performance, or any concerns either of you may have helps take the pressure off busy parents and nannies who find it hard to say more than two words to each other during the often hectic hello and goodbye routines. 2. Weekly meetings provide an opportunity to discuss non-pressing, but important issues. Sometimes something comes up that you want to discuss with your nanny, but you don’t want to start the conversation off the cuff. Knowing that you have time scheduled to meet with your nanny can elevate concerns of when and how to broach a discussion. 3. Weekly meetings create accountability. Most nannies work alone and unsupervised. When this is the case, nannies and employers rarely care for the kids at the same time. In addition to providing incentive for your nanny to do her best since she knows you’ll be evaluating her performance, weekly meetings help to ensure that everyone is keeping their commitments when it comes to childcare issues, like taking a pacifier away or potty training. 4. Weekly meetings open the door to air grievances. Often times the anger and resentment that builds over an issue is worse than the issue itself. Perhaps your nanny doesn’t load the dishwasher to your standards or she shrunk a chenille blanket in the wash. Knowing that you’ll have a forum to discuss non-pressing and non-safety related issues can help keep the negative emotions in check. 5. Weekly meetings give everyone the opportunity to regroup. Behind every busy nanny employer is a busy nanny. With crazy schedules and out of sync routines, it can be easy for parents and nannies to stray in different directions. Meeting weekly provides an opportunity to regroup, reaffirm goals, and regain strength as a team. 6. Weekly meetings allow for uninterrupted, private conversation. Finding unscheduled time to speak with your nanny sans kids can feel like a mission impossible. However having uninterrupted time to speak to your nanny is essential, especially when the topics aren’t appropriate for little ears to hear. 7. Weekly meetings provide a chance to talk about what works and what doesn’t. Perhaps you’ve started your baby on solid foods or you’ve transitioned to one nap a day. Having a weekly meeting allows you the opportunity to evaluate and reevaluate your schedule, routine, and decisions. 8. Weekly meetings establish an opportunity to discuss scheduling changes. Flexibility is required in most nanny posts. Providing your nanny with information about any scheduling changes, conflicts, or upcoming appointments is essential to ensuring everyone is where they are supposed to be, when they are supposed to be. 9. Weekly meetings help avoid tension build up. In the nanny and employer relationship, addressing issues as they come up is essential. When safety issues arise, it is vital to discuss them on the spot. However, when other issues come up, however minor they may be, meeting once a week guarantees you have the opportunity to discuss them before they become bigger. 10. Weekly meetings lend themselves to an annual review. If you’ve established a pattern of meeting with your nanny regularly, you’ll naturally want to end the year with an annual performance review. In addition to discussing your nanny’s performance, during an annual review you are able to examine and amend your job description, your nannies duties and responsibilities, adjust the schedule if needed,

and reward your nanny for a job well done with a bonus, along with an updated and executed work agreement. While meeting once per week is ideal, each family and nanny will need to determine a meeting schedule that works for them. And while some meetings may be longer than others, most parents and nannies find that 20 to 30 minutes of discussion time is sufficient. Working the meeting into your nanny’s working hours is essential, as she should be compensated for her time during this important work related activity. Some nannies and families prefer to meet by phone, once the children are asleep. If this is the case, be sure to compensate the nanny for her time.

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Pay for Quality Childcare or Save for Your Child’s College Education

Posted on September 10, 2012 by Erin

With the cost of childcare equaling the cost of college tuition in some states, some parents must consider if they want to pay for quality childcare or save for their child’s college education. According to a report from Child Care Aware of America, as reported on Time Moneyland, in 35 states plus D.C., the average annual cost for an infant in center-based care was higher than a year’s tuition and fees at a four-year public college. If a parent finds that they can afford to either pay for high-quality childcare or save for college, choosing quality childcare is probably the right decision. Here’s why: The early childhood years shape who a child is and what that child thinks, feels, and becomes. According to J. Fraser Mustard, PhD, “The early years of human development establish the basic architecture and function of the brain. The early period of development (conception to ages 6-8), affects the next stage of human development, as well as the later stages.” While many parents opt for center based care, hiring a professional and qualified nanny allows parents to hand select the childcare provider who will help shape who the child will become and govern the practices, principles, and philosophies under which that care is provided. Low quality child-care can leave lasting damage. According to a Washington Post article that reported on the 2010 federally funded study published in the May-June issue of Child Development, teenagers who received high-quality care were less likely to engage in problem behaviors and scored higher on tests designed to gauge cognitive and academic achievement. Choosing high-quality childcare where children receive consistent customized, personalized, and individualized care sets children up for later success. Children can finance their own college education. While most parents cringe at the thought of their children having to take out loans to pay for their college education, for many families that will be their reality. According to a Huffington Post article reporting on a study conducted by the Associated Press, 60% of college kids take out loans to help pay for college. Unfortunately for parents there are no loans or viable long-term financing options for childcare and children can’t contribute to their own childcare fund, so financing a college education may be more realistic. As parents consider their childcare choices, oftentimes private in-home childcare in the family’s home is automatically dismissed as unaffordable, when in fact for many families, hiring a nanny can be the most cost-effective childcare option. For families with two or more children who need childcare and parents who have long workdays and require flexible care, hiring a nanny can cost the same or even be less expensive than using daycare. Unlike with daycare, nannies are paid per family, not per child. And because the parents are the employers, they set the schedule and hours for the nanny to work. When you add up early care, late care, and the per minute rate most daycares charge to parents who are running late, in addition to being a high-quality option,

nanny care is surprisingly a financially attractive one too. Some parents believe that they should foot the bill for their child’s college education, while others feel that their child should foot the bill, and most feel that they should help out as much as they can. But when it comes to childcare, there’s no real option. While some low-income parents may qualify for daycare vouchers or subsidized care, for most families the rising costs of childcare will just be something that parents struggle with until their children outgrow the need for it – leaving parents plenty of time to begin worrying about and saving for college.

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10 Nanny Interview Questions About Salary and Benefits

Posted on September 6, 2012 by Erin

As you interview candidates for a nanny position, at some point, salary and benefits need to be discussed. Typically this discussion occurs during the second interview, when both the nanny and the nanny family have an expressed interest in seriously exploring the possibilities of working together. For all parties to be happy, you will want to be on the same page, or at least in the same chapter, of the salary and benefits book as your potential nanny. Consider asking these salary and benefits related questions when you come to this juncture in the interview process.

1. What was your salary at your last position? – This will give you some idea of the general range you can expect to offer. The candidate may or may not expect an increase over what was received at her previous post.
2. What experience do you have as a nanny? – Like in any profession, the more experience a candidate has, the higher the salary they typically demand.
3. What level of education do you have? – Even though this is a question about education, it directly impacts the salary you will want to offer the candidate. A well trained and educated nanny is a valuable asset; this person will have the duty of giving your children the care and attention they require and should encourage and inspire kids to do well academically. A college educated nanny typically earns more than a nanny who has no formal education.
4. Do you have a particular salary in mind? – If you choose to ask this question, you will most likely get a salary range. Take all the qualifications into consideration when deciding on a figure within that range. Keep in mind that a good nanny can be turned off of a potential position if underpaid and not appreciated.
5. Will you be willing to live-in? – If you are providing room and board for your nanny you may be able to pay a little less in wages, but keep in mind that there still is a standard wage expected. If you are hiring a nanny with experience, you will want to pay her what she is worth.
6. Are you willing to chauffeur the children? – If you want your nanny to drive the children around, you will need to decide whose vehicle will be used and how that will figure into her compensation. If she is using her own car you will need to provide some kind of reimbursement for her gas, mileage, and general wear and tear. If you provide a car and have it available for driving the kids to and from places, running errands, and for her own personal use, then the personal use mileage can be considered as a benefit.
7. Are you willing to travel with the family? – If your nanny is willing to travel with the family on vacations and outings, it may entice a nanny who likes to travel, provided you also provide non-duty time during the travel. Since the nanny is expected to work and be available during the vacation, you will still want to provide
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   paid vacation time, however.

8. What kinds of benefits did you receive in your last position? – This question will give you an idea of what type of benefits the candidate may be expecting you to provide.
9. Do you have health insurance? – Some nanny
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   candidates may have health insurance provided through another source, such as a parent or spouse. If you are planning to provide health insurance or financial help toward health insurance, it is wise to know if the applicant is in need of it.

10. Do you have dental insurance? – If you plan on providing dental insurance or assistance in paying for it, again, you may first wish to determine if your candidate is already covered.

Be prepared as you interview prospective nannies. Do your research ahead of time, learn what the going rates for nanny care in your area are, and check to see what benefit packages are most often offered. Well qualified nannies can be expensive, but they are definitely worth the cost. Nanny candidates will be impressed that you have taken the time to do your homework and offer them a salary and benefit package worthy of their services.

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Nannies and Vacation Time

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Erin

One of the most effective weapons against burnout in a nanny’s arsenal is vacation time. Being able to slip away from the rigors of caring for your charges can be a blessing when you’re feeling overworked. Negotiating this time and making the necessary arrangements to take it, however, can be tricky for nannies and their employers. In fact, the inclusion of paid vacation days, personal days, and sick days can be a deal breaker for some parents. Rather than letting a desirable job slip through your fingers during the negotiation and final interview stage, make the

effort to hammer out an agreement that works for all involved parties. Negotiations 101 While paid vacation days, sick days, and personal days are standard for professional nannies, some nanny employers, especially first-time ones, may balk at the idea. This, however, doesn’t mean you should give up hope and accept the post on the employer’s terms. Negotiating is always an option. There are several tactics that nannies can employ while negotiating their vacation days, personal days, and sick days during the process of drafting a nanny work agreement. One of the most effective ways of encouraging an employer to grant paid time off is to communicate the necessity of it. Nannies who don’t take time off or care for themselves properly when they are ill are more likely to suffer burnout, something most employers will want to avoid. Explaining to your new or potential employers that a healthy work/life balance is important to you, and that you want to provide them with the highest possible quality of care by approaching each day with enthusiasm and vigor can also be appealing, especially if you’re willing to forgo periodic performance bonuses, health benefits, or a portion of your salary in exchange for much-needed vacation time. One thing to avoid, however, is any negotiations regarding a switch to illegal, tax-free salary payments or an “off the books” arrangement. While this can significantly increase your take-home pay and save your employer’s the hassle and expense of dealing with complex nanny taxes, the repercussions can be severe and far-reaching. When to Take Vacation Time and How to Make Arrangements Many families offer their full-time nanny two weeks of paid vacation time: one week that coincides with their own vacation and one week of the nanny’s choosing. Some employers may require their nanny to accompany them on their family vacation and instead offer their nanny one week of paid vacation of her choosing. When this is the case, employers typically pay their nanny’s salary, an additional per diem, and any and all travel related expenses during the family’s vacation. In most cases, full-time nannies can expect to be paid for the full 52 weeks

of the year, regardless of any vacations that the employing family opts to take without her. Ideally, you should give your employer at least 30 days of notice before planning to take your personal paid week of vacation. However, some employers may insist on having the exact vacation week included in the work agreement. This allows the parents ample time to make back-up arrangements for that week, and to prepare younger children for a new, albeit temporary, childcare provider. Your employer may stipulate more or less notice in the written nanny agreement that you draft together; 30 days is merely a general rule of thumb and does not supersede what you and your employer agree upon in your contract. The Importance of the Nanny Contract Though some nannies and their employers opt to forgo a written agreement, also known as a nanny contract, these documents are the single most effective way of preventing disputes, hurt feelings, and even a possible parting of ways over the course of your employment. By including the terms of any vacation, flex days, sick days, and personal days in your contract, along with the amount of notice that your employers require and any other information relating to time off, you’ll be able to ensure that any and all paid time off is in accordance with the agreement you made during the final interview stages of the hiring process. When all of the terms and conditions are in black and white both you and your employers are able to refer back to the agreement without relying on the fallible nature of human memory. This reduces disagreements and creates a healthier and happier working relationship for all.

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10 Spanish Phrases Parents Must Learn to Communicate with Their Bilingual Nanny

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Erin

As an increasing number of workers in the private childcare industry are bilingual, many parents are discovering a need to become passably fluent in Spanish themselves in the interest of simplifying communication. Additionally, learning a bit of Spanish allows parents to reinforce any second language skills that they’ve acquired from time spent with their predominantly-Spanish speaking nanny. If your childcare provider’s Spanish language skills are much stronger than her English ones, here are 10 phrases that can help everyday communication a bit easier.

1. “Repita, por favor.” – Whether you’re speaking Spanish with your nanny and her speed in her native tongue makes it difficult for you to comprehend what she’s saying, or her accent and pronunciation of a particular English word is hard to make out, there will inevitably come a time when one of you will have to ask the other to “Repeat, please.”
2. “Yo no entiendo.” – Sometimes one of you will have to say, “I don’t understand,” in acknowledgment of a difficulty in communicating or understanding one another’s intentions. This simple phrase can help to prevent a number of misconceptions or misunderstandings before they start.
3. “Me olvidé’ – Harried working parents with tight schedules and little downtime can be justifiably absentminded from time to time. Letting your nanny know that something slipped your mind by using the Spanish equivalent of “I forgot,” especially if you’ve forgotten something important, is a great way to get her attention and be sure that she understands your flub completely.
4. “¿Entiende usted?” – Even if your nanny is strongly bilingual, learning the intricacies and similes of a second language is sometimes tough. Ensuring
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   that she understands her instructions or responsibilities for the day by using her native language to ask the question can help stave off mishaps born from miscommunications.

5. “¡Escríbalo, Por Favor!” – When pronunciation is garbled or difficult to make out, being able to read what your nanny is trying to say can be very beneficial. If you’re still having trouble deciphering an unfamiliar word after she’s written it down, being able to see the exact spelling can help you look the word up in a Spanish to English dictionary or on an online translating service.
6. “Regreso En Un Momentito.” – Quick trips to run errands or even popping into the next room for a bit still require some kind of explanation to your kids’ caregiver; if you expect to return momentarily, letting your nanny know that you’ll
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   “be right back” or being able to understand the phrase when she uses it can be helpful.

7. “Estoy Buscando A Juan” – Kids like to slip away to hide in strange places and to generally strike terror in the hearts of their caregivers and parents. Being able to quickly and confidently share news that you’re looking for a particular child can help you and your nanny speed the process and find the tiny escapee.
8. “¿Qué haces?” – Every person, regardless of culture or language, has their own way of accomplishing certain tasks. If your nanny’s way is different from your own and you’re curious, or vice versa, being able to ask “what are you doing” without struggle can help you both understand each other.
9. “¿Qué Quiere Decir ‘___’ En Inglés?” – Learning Spanish is likely to be just as difficult for you as learning English was for your nanny, so you’re sure to have questions from time to time about translations and proper usage. “How do I say ____ in English?” is the quickest way to ask your nanny for help in this area.
10. “¿Cómo Se llama a Esto En Español?” – Just as you’ll need to know how to translate Spanish words into English, you’ll also need to be able to do the opposite. Asking how to say something in Spanish when you have doubts is an effective way of enlisting the help of your nanny and polishing your second language skills.

Investing in a Spanish to English dictionary, phrase book, or Smartphone app can help you navigate conversational obstacle courses with your bilingual nanny, as the needs and demands of your individual household will likely create the need to refer back to such aides. Keep in mind that speaking more slowly might help your nanny understand you better, but increasing your volume does absolutely nothing productive unless she’s also hard of hearing. Maintain a casual, conversational tone to avoid further misunderstandings or create the impression that you’re angry.

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Key Components of a Nanny’s Annual Review

Posted on August 27, 2012 by Erin

For nannies and their employers, an annual review can be a nerve-wracking experience. While private, in-home childcare providers who have been with their employers for an extended period of time may be less nervous when the time for the review rolls around, it’s almost impossible for either party to feel completely comfortable with the process. Parents that are approaching their first-ever annual review with their very first nanny may find that they’re even more anxious than their employee due to inexperience with the process and a less-than-clear understanding of what an annual nanny review should entail. In the interest of making your first (or fifteenth) nanny review as simple and painless as possible, here are the key components that you should focus on.

• Wage Reviews – The first thing on your nanny’s mind, especially if she’s performed exceptionally well and she’s aware of it, is likely to be whether or not she’s receiving a higher wage in return for her excellent service. Just as professionals in the business world that consistently meet and exceed employer demands are compensated for their level of dedication and determination, your nanny should be as well. While this subject tends to come up at the very end of the review, it’s important for employers to realize that it’s almost always a nanny’s primary concern and should be addressed, even if a wage increase is not in the cards.
• Cost of Living Increases – Cost of
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  they should be calculated regularly to ensure that your childcare provider is still receiving a fair living wage. This is especially true when your nanny has been with you for several years without a cost of living evaluation, as things can change dramatically over the course of as little as one year.

• Change of Duties – Traditionally, nannies are only responsible for chores directly related to the care of the children in a household; however, some are willing to provide light housekeeping, do some cooking, and run errands, as long as they’re fairly compensated for these additional duties. Arrangements are as unique as each individual family and the nanny who works for them, and can include a restructuring of a work agreement due to a child beginning school or other adjustments within the household; an
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  annual review is a great time to discuss any changes in duty.

• Performance Review – Arguably the most important part of a nanny’s annual review is the honest and fair appraisal of her performance as an employee over the last calendar year. Merit-based wage increases, performance bonuses, and other key aspects of the salary agreement and nanny contract are based upon her performance and fulfillment of duties. It’s best to keep any negative observations on a strictly professional level, as they’re likely to hurt her feelings and may even cause her to become somewhat defensive. Address these concerns frankly, but avoid any language that seems accusatory or mean-spirited.
• Discussing Areas of Improvement – Even the world’s best nanny has areas where she could stand to make some improvements, however small they may be. Take the time to address these observations with your nanny, especially if a problem such as tardiness or absenteeism is becoming a pattern. It’s also a good idea to let your nanny address any concerns she has about her working conditions and your fulfillment of the work agreement. Remember that her concerns are also valid, and accept them as such without becoming defensive yourself.
• Reviewing Nanny Log and Documented Events – Looking over your nanny’s log for the year and the events she’s documented at her annual review is a great way to evaluate the developmental impact she’s had on your children over the course of that year. Discussing any upcoming major changes that could affect your nanny, like a child starting school or a family move, are appropriately discussed prior to closing out the annual review.

At the end of your nanny’s annual review, it’s a good idea to begin the process of negotiating the terms of your next contract and drafting it, if changes will be made. Letting your written work agreement lapse is not advised, as the document is one of the most effective tools that either of you have to prevent confusion that leads to discord and dispute. Use discussion points from your review and the resultant conversation to create an agreement that is suitable to both parties, especially if there will be a change in duties or compensation.

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Nanny Alert: Signs You’re Getting Fired

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Erin

Every nanny hopes that when they enter into a new nanny position that it will be a long-lasting one. However not all nanny jobs end up being a good fit for the families or the nanny. Unfortunately, some parents are unhappy with their nanny choice and decide to fire her and move onto a new person, or opt for a different type of care. It can happen during the first month or after a few years. No matter when it happens, getting fired is a disheartening blow. There are, however, some clues you can look for that can give you some advance warning. Your employer has repeatedly corrected the way you do a task, handle a situation, or your attitude. If your employers like you and feel you’re doing a great job in most areas, but have one area where they think you need to improve, the majority of the time they will try to talk with you about what they’re not happy with first. Official performance reviews or reprimands aren’t regularly used by nanny employers, so most feedback will come through informal conversations and comments. However, just because it feels casual doesn’t mean it’s not critical to the parent. For instance, your employer may take a couple of minutes in the morning to ask you to make more of an effort to get all the household chores done by the end of the day. If you’re still struggling to get things done before you leave in the evening, she might ask why you didn’t get the laundry finished or clean-up the play room. However it’s presented, it’s important for

you to take the concerns your employer has seriously. If she feels she’s talked about the problem with you but you haven’t corrected it, her next step may be to find a nanny who can better meet her needs and expectations. Your employer starts to distance herself from your personal relationship. Parents typically don’t like to fire their nanny, and even when they’re not happy with the nanny’s performance and feel confident that letting her go is the best decision it can still be hard to do. They worry about how it will affect their children, and often struggle to find ways to make the transition as easy as possible on their family. Parents are also usually genuinely concerned for the nanny. Many employers like and care for their nanny on a personal level even when she’s not great at her job. If your employer begins to distance herself from your personal relationship there’s a chance she’s preparing herself for the end of your professional relationship. The emotional distance helps her stay in employer mode and make decisions based on your job performance rather than her friendly feelings toward

you. It also eases the stress and anxiety that firing someone brings up. It’s a lot easier mentally and emotionally to fire a bad employee than it is to fire a nice person trying to do a good job. Your employer’s overall attitude toward you takes a negative turn. Negative emotions tend to spill over into other parts of a relationship, and this is especially true

for nanny/family relationships because the relationship has both personal and professional aspects. When your employer is feeling angry, frustrated, disappointed, or impatient with you she expresses that through her tone of voice, body language, attitude, and, of course, what she says to you. If the problem isn’t being directly or successfully addressed, she may increasingly give you the cold shoulder, micro-manage your day, find fault with new or unimportant things, or criticize you personally. These negative behaviors are a sign that her tolerance for the situation is reaching its limit and a change may come soon. Even though you try, you just can’t meet your employer’s expectations. Sometimes, your best just isn’t good enough for a particular situation. Maybe you simply don’t have the right skills to meet your employer’s needs. Maybe your definition of an organized play room, a well-rounded day, or an effective discipline approach doesn’t line up with hers. Maybe your personality doesn’t mesh with hers. If your employer has talked with you about a problem and you’ve made a real effort to do things differently, but your employer still isn’t happy, there’s a good chance she’ll start to look for a new nanny. In every unsuccessful nanny employment relationship there’s that point when the parent realizes that it just isn’t going to work. Once that point is reached, the parent usually begins the search for a new caregiver. You see things that point to a new nanny search. A nanny doesn’t have to snoop to see clues of a nanny search. A candidate calls and leaves a detailed message on the family’s answering machine. A large envelope from the local placement agency arrives in the mail. The kids talk about meeting a new ‘friend” over the weekend and it sounds very much like an interview. When you know there are problems on the job, those things can point to an active job search by your nanny family. Being fired is never easy. But it doesn’t mean you’re a bad nanny or person. It also doesn’t mean it’s the end of your relationship with the children you’ve cared for and come to love. With some effort you can make the transition smooth for everyone involved. If there’s a bright spot to leaving, it’s the knowledge that you can still have a close relationship with your former charges, should the parents allow.

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Life Insurance Options for Nannies

Posted on August 21, 2012 by Erin

Whether they simply put off obtaining insurance or are afraid that they cannot afford the premiums, many nannies opt-out of securing life insurance. However choosing to forgo life insurance can have financially devastating results on those left behind in the event of a tragedy. Often nannies mistakenly believe that life insurance policies are only important for those with families and dependent children, but this isn’t actually the case. Should the unthinkable happen, your family may be left responsible for burial and funeral costs that you leave behind, along with any outstanding debts you may owe. Taken as a whole, your final expenses could easily add up to several thousand dollars. By obtaining a life insurance policy you’re insuring that the beneficiary of the benefits can afford to handle any remaining expenses in the event of your untimely death. Types of Life Insurance The first step to choosing a life insurance plan that suits your needs is to understand the different types of life insurance commonly available.

• Term Life Insurance — By purchasing a term life insurance policy you will be covered for the entire length of the contract, or term, as long as you pay the premiums. Annual-renewable term insurance, which you can buy each year, allows you to renew without undergoing health exams or physicals every year. Nannies with no dependent children or a spouse that relies upon their income to survive may find that term life insurance is their best bet, especially if they have no immediate plans to build investments.
• Whole-Life Insurance — On the opposite end of the life insurance spectrum from term coverage is whole-life insurance, which is permanent and tied to an investment fund. Each year, part of your premium goes toward the fixed-amount death benefit, while the rest is contributed to investments made by your insurance
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  company. Over the course of your life and policy, you will accrue additional income. Holders of whole-life policies are able to borrow against that income, which isn’t taxable.

• Universal Life – A permanent policy that combines term insurance with investment power, a universal life policy doesn’t typically guarantee specific rates in order to obtain higher returns. While these policies can generate a significant amount of money by the time a young nanny reaches retirement age, they’re not generally considered a wise alternative to more traditional retirement investments like 401(k) or IRA.
• Variable Life and Universal Life – A bit riskier than whole-life or universal life policies, a permanent variable policy includes an investment fund tied to mutual fund investments or stocks. Such policies do not guarantee returns on investments.

Deciding What’s Best For You As with so many other things in life, there’s no hard and fast answer regarding the different types of life insurance policies. Every situation, and every potential policyholder, is at a different place in their life and has different needs. In order to accurately determine the best fit for your household, even if that household is currently situated in your employers’ home, you should examine every aspect of each potential choice. Young, unmarried nannies with no dependent children and minimal outstanding debt are likely to have all the coverage they need from a relatively small term policy; live-out nannies that have started families of their own should definitely consider a larger policy in order to replace the income loss the household would sustain in the event of their unexpected demise. In order to accurately assess your needs, it’s wise to speak with a licensed insurance agent; however, you should also arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible before your meeting in order to prevent the accidental purchase of more insurance than is actually necessary. There are some agencies that specialize in insurance for nannies and household employees, like Eisenberg Associates, based in Newton, Massachusetts. Due to their intimate understanding of the industry and the inherent needs of domestic workers, they may be the best choice. Have a strong idea of what you’re looking for in an insurance policy, what your budget is for paying premiums and how much of a death benefit you wish your family or beneficiaries to receive. Depending on how much you want to leave to your beneficiaries, you may opt for a policy small enough to cover only final expenses or one large enough to ensure that a spouse does not have to return to work in the event of your death. While you should take your time in order to make the best possible decision under minimal pressure, it’s not wise to put off the process until it’s too late.

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Advantages of Paying Your Nanny Legally

Posted on August 2, 2012 by Erin

Paying employer taxes is a legal requirement for all nanny employers. However many families make the choice to pay their nanny “under the table” to avoid having to pay these taxes. While this may seem like a financially beneficial choice on the surface, it can cause a lot of expensive problems. Here are some reasons why paying your nanny legally is advantageous to both employers and nannies. Employers can avoid paying back taxes, fines, penalties, and interest. At any point your nanny can trigger an audit by the IRS. She can raise a

red flag by filing for benefits she’s not entitled to, like unemployment or workers compensation, by filing an employment claim with a state office or by simply reporting her nanny income on her income tax return without submitting a corresponding W-2 form. If you are audited and you haven’t paid your nanny legally you could end up owing thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in back taxes, fines, penalties, and interest. The IRS will also scrutinize all the other information on your tax return, so if there are other mistakes, they will also

be brought to light. Employers can avoid paying claims for non-payment and underpayment of overtime. More and more employers are getting caught in this trap every year. Live-out nannies, and some live-in nannies, are legally entitled to overtime for all hours worked over 40 in a work week. Employers that don’t follow the Fair Labor Standards Act and fail to pay overtime correctly can be required to pay their nanny back wages,

interest, and in some cases, additional fees. Employers can take advantage of the Childcare Tax Credit or their workplace flexible spending plan. The government offers two great ways for nanny employers to save money on their nanny bill, but both ways require employers to pay their nanny legally. Flexible spending plans allow parents to use pre-tax dollars to pay their nanny’s wages. Since many nanny employers are in an above average tax bracket, these savings can add up quickly. Employers who don’t have access to a flexible spending plan can take

advantage of the federal Childcare Tax Credit. This allows parents to claim a credit equal to a portion of their nanny’s wages on their personal tax return. In some cases, these two things can be used together. Employers can lower the out-of-pocket cost of their nanny through non-taxable compensation. Employers can provide their nanny with several benefits that are tax free for both the nanny and the employer: health insurance, college tuition and books, public transportation used to commute to and from work, parking fees, and limited cell phone costs. By offering these benefits parents can lower the out-of-pocket costs of employing a nanny. Their nanny will also save money because she won’t have to pay taxes on the benefit amount. Employers that pay their nanny legally are often more attractive to job hunters. There are many benefits to nannies that are paid legally. Many quality caregivers, especially nannies interested in staying in a job long term, look specifically for employers who pay taxes on their nanny’s full gross income. This means employers who choose to go the “off the books” route can lose out on some great candidates during the search process. Paying legally is a way to show your nanny you view her as a professional. When a parent chooses to hire a nanny, that parent becomes an employer. Accepting the responsibilities that come with being an employer, including paying taxes, is a wonderful way to show your nanny you value the work she does and recognize her as a childcare professional. This attitude is the key to a successful, long term nanny / family relationship and is one of the top reasons a nanny stays with a family over the long haul. Your nanny will be able to collect unemployment if you have to let her go. Unemployment benefits are an important safety net for caregivers that have lost their jobs, especially in today’s economy. It’s important to provide your nanny with this financial resource to fall back on in case she’s not able to leave your position and quickly begin a new one. Your nanny will be able to provide proof of her income. This is extremely important to nannies who are trying to purchase a car or a home, rent an apartment, or build a credit history. Paying your nanny legally offers a lot of benefits to both you and your caregiver. It’s also much less costly

than most people think. By structuring your nanny’s salary and benefit package to take advantage of tax credits and non-taxable compensation, many families can save a significant amount each year.

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