What is a nanny?

A nanny is a caring and special person who provides support to families in need of childcare. The primary responsibility of a nanny is to ensure the safety and welfare of the children. Secondary responsibilities may include housekeeping that pertains to the children as well as other household duties. A nanny is not a housekeeper, dog walker, cook, laundress, baby nurse, or personal assistant. Asking nannies to do these jobs in addition to their own responsibilities not only takes away from their time with your loved ones, but it can also turn into a potentially dangerous situation. To avoid this, a nanny should be assigned only tasks directly related to childcare.

Who can be a nanny?

A nanny can be young or young-at-heart, male or female, have a high school diploma or a master’s degree, speak only English or several languages, have one-year or a lifetime of experience. The important thing to remember is that each nanny brings his/her own knowledge and experience to the position.

Who is the perfect nanny for us?

Matching is the key to finding the perfect nanny for your family. It is important to realize that not every qualified nanny may be suitable for your family. There are several factors that are taken into consideration when a family chooses a nanny. Some include nanny’s educational background, certifications, professional experience, personality compatibility, and required specialties.

What are the responsibilities of a nanny?

A nanny’s #1 responsibility is the safety of the children! Other daily responsibilities may include preparation of meals, hygiene, children’s laundry, the cleaning up after children (keeping bedrooms tidy, cleaning kitchen area after meals, load/unload dishwasher), scheduling play dates, administering medication, reading books, playing games, and helping with homework.

How many hours does a nanny work?

In general, most nannies work an average of 10 to 12 hours per day. Maximum hours for a live-out nanny are 50-hours per week, and maximum hours for a live-in nanny are 60-hours per week. These hours do not include hours on Saturday or Sunday. Remember: It is against the law to work your nanny more than 12-hours per day.

What is a nanny’s salary?

A nanny is often given a weekly salary. This salary is based on several factors including number of children, number of hours, live-in vs. live-out, parent’s budget, geographical location, and a combination of a nanny’s educational background & professional experience. Often a family will offer a nanny a benefits package as well. This may include one, any, or all of these components: health insurance, paid vacation days/holidays, sick leave, and a year-end bonus. To view a NYC salary chart, please email us at info@nannytraveler.com.

Does a nanny need special training and/or certifications?

We strongly believe that all childcare providers should take a training course prior to their date of hire. That is why we provide a free training class to any of our nanny candidates who are placed through our agency. Upon completion, our nannies are granted both a nanny certification as well as a newborn care specialist certification. Our nannies must also get their Infant and Child CPR certification.

FYI: For families intending to hire a nanny without our consultation services, please go to www.pctinstitute.com for more information on training courses and certifications. You may also visit your local chapter of American Red Cross to inquire about CPR certification classes.

Do we have to pay taxes on our nanny?

Yes, paying your nanny “off the books” is illegal. If you choose to disregard federal law, then you may be subject to a steep penalty. If you are unable to pay your nanny legally, then you can’t afford a nanny. There are other daycare options available. For more information, please log onto the International Nanny Association (INA) website at www.nanny.org.

What is the big deal if I hire an illegal immigrant?

Simply put, illegal workers—working for you—is illegal! Not only could you be subjected to a hefty fine but you may also be putting your child’s safety at risk. It is extremely difficult to do a thorough background check on an illegal immigrant. Not only that, but many illegal immigrants are in dire need of a job. They will do or say anything (even if that means leaving out pertinent information). Without proper documentation or paperwork, there is just no way to be sure that an illegal immigrant is not dangerous.  Don’t risk your child’s safety to save a few bucks! And if you are foolish enough to do so, proceed at your own risk!

We want to find someone who will clean our house and take care of our children. What do you recommend?

We do not recommend the hiring of one person to do both housekeeping and childcare services. Instead, we encourage our families to hire both a nanny and a cleaning service.

We want to find a nanny who will commit to a long-term position. What is the best way to do this?

Most families want to find someone who will accept a permanent position and stay long term. However, many families have no idea what to do to keep their nanny. Here are 10 suggestions we believe are essential in creating and maintaining a good relationship with your nanny:  

• Welcome your nanny into your family with open arms! Not only will your nanny be responsible for your most precious asset, but she/he will also be one of the most influential people in your child’s life. A nanny needs and deserves your respect. Make her/him feel welcome!
• Get to know your nanny!
• To ensure household harmony, a great deal of compromise is required! Both parties must be willing to be flexible, to be understanding, and to keep an open line of communication. This means that if a problem arises, both parents and nanny are willing to sit down immediately and resolve the issue at hand.
• Be consistent! From discipline to food choices, both parents and the nanny must be on the same page at all times. Parents will only undermine a nanny’s authority if they give in to their child after a nanny has already told them “no” (and vice versa). This is not only hazardous for your child’s development but may also be detrimental to the parent/nanny relationship. It is very important to sit down with your nanny and discuss the rules of your home.
• High expectations are important, but unrealistic expectations are a deal breaker! Do not ask your nanny to perform tasks or set rules that you as parents are unable to abide by. Know your limitations!
• This is not a competition! A nanny is hired to make your life easier and not more difficult. Even though it may seem like it at times, your nanny is not trying to compete for your child’s affection. It is a natural reaction to feel frustrated when someone else has the opportunity to spend more time than you do with your child. However, it is imperative for parents to realize that their current circumstances are in no way the fault of their nanny. Embrace your frustration, but do not take it out on your nanny!
• Do not overwork and underpay your nanny! (I can’t stress this enough.) The #1 reason why nannies leave their jobs today is because they are overworked and underpaid. I think that many times parents forget that a nanny’s primary responsibility is their child and not the overall household—and over time, the extra duties add up and become unbearable. It is a parent’s responsibility to be proactive and make sure that a nanny’s job description does not change over time (or at least without his/her permission).  As for compensation, parents often unknowingly underpay their nannies. For instance, if a nanny’s hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and you (as the parent) arrive home at 6:15 p.m., you owe your nanny overtime. This may seem insignificant to you, but I guarantee that it is not insignificant to your nanny. If you are commonly late, it is highly probable that your nanny is working an extra 5-7 hours per month without pay. Conservatively speaking, that is over $1000 per year. Another example: if your nanny is required to travel on vacation with your family, you owe your nanny both “travel pay” and “overnight pay.” Your family may be on vacation, but your nanny is still working. A good rule of thumb when paying your nanny is this: Every time your nanny walks into your home, she/he is walking into work to care for your child (not your household). Remember that, and you will never underpay or overwork your nanny.
• Your nanny works in your home and not in an office! It is important to be aware of this so that your personal life does not spill into her/his working time. For example, if you and your spouse are having marital problems, do not ask your nanny to take sides. It is unfair and can often lead to a nanny’s resignation. Remember, it may be your home, but it is still your nanny’s place of employment. She/he does not need to be a witness to your good, bad, and ugly!
• Show your appreciation by rewarding your nanny! If parenting is the hardest job, then providing care to someone else’s child must be the second hardest job. Simply put, everyone likes to hear that they are doing a good job—your nanny is no different. There are many ways to show your appreciation. Be creative! The important thing to remember is that making an effort goes a long way. You may also reward your nanny for all of his/her hard work and devotion by compensating him/her. Examples include bonuses (holiday, year-end, and longevity), yearly salary increases, health insurance, additional vacation time, and gift certificates.
• Your nanny is your employee! At the end of the day, it is important for parents to remember that your nanny was hired to do a job. There should be clear and concise boundaries between parents and the nanny. From art classes to nutrition to discipline, you as the parent should make the final decision. Your nanny is there in a supporting role, but her/his assistance in no way should replace your job as a parent. Severe problems may occur when this line is blurred!