Recognition and respect are among the top issues nannies care about most. Nannies want to be respected as professionals and recognized for the valuable work they do in our society.
In this article, we’ll walk through the steps nannies can take to ensure they are recognized and respected, as well as the steps parents should be taking too.
Remember, nannies, you are not “just a nanny”!
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What makes a nanny tick? What issues are the most important to nannies these days?
There are seven issues nannies care about most: fair pay, job security, respect and recognition, clear communication, benefits, workplace safety, and continuing education.
Here, we’re focusing on recognition and respect in the nanny field.
Nannies want to be respected as professionals and recognized for the valuable work they do in the childcare field.
You are not just a nanny! Nannies play very important roles in our society.
Here are some of the steps that nannies can take to help gain and propagate respect and recognition within the nanny industry.
#1: Nanny and Child Care Positions Should Absolutely Be Included on Your Resume
Include it, even if you don’t feel it’s necessarily relevant. Any nanny or child care positions SHOULD be listed on your resume.
Nanny positions require skill sets that are relevant in many other Industries such as attention to detail, trustworthiness, and reliability.
Employers who don’t value a nanny/child care position on a resume likely will not be valuing you as an employee much either.
#2: Have a Resume!
This helps you to convey that you are a professional from your first interaction with any potential employers.
#3: Always Conduct Yourself in a Professional Manner When Interacting With Potential Employers
This includes having good communication, follow-up and follow-through, returning messages in a timely manner, and being on time for interviews.
#4: Educate Yourself on Workplace Laws in Your Areas
Many big cities have domestic workers’ laws that pertain to nannies. Get familiar with those laws and make sure those laws are being followed within your working environment.
#5: Work With a Contract
Having a working agreement in place allows everyone to discuss and agree upon, and list out all of the details of the position so that everybody is on the same page.
#6: Insist on Legal Pay
Being paid legally allows you to file your taxes properly. It allows you to apply for loans if needed, or to apply for places to rent, it also allows you to be eligible for unemployment, should you be laid off from your nanny position.
Does anybody remember the COVID shutdown? This is really important nannies!
#7: Know What the Nanny Industry Standards Are For Compensation In Your Area
This includes what the average going rates are as a nanny, family assistant or a household manager as well as compensation package.
The compensation package should include benefits such as guaranteed hours, paid time off, paid sick leave, paid federal holidays, mileage reimbursement, and potentially even a healthcare stipend.
#8: Know What Those Job Duty Differences Are Between a Nanny, Family Assistant, and Household Manager
Different job duties of course come with different pay rate levels.
You should familiarize yourself with the different job levels as well as the commesurate pay rate levels for each position.
#9: Become A Member of a Local Facebook Nanny Community Group or a Nanny Association
Stay on top of industry standards! As mentioned, this could be a local community Facebook group, this could also be an association such as the International Nanny Association or US Nanny Association.
#10: Further Your Education in Your Field
This could be training in early childhood education, this could be newborn care specialist, this could even mean staying on top of that CPR/First Aid certification.
True professionals never stop learning!
Now, here are some steps that families can take to ensure their nannies are feeling respected and recognized.
#1: A Nanny Position Is Like Any Other Employment Position
Nannies should be paid legally and receive benefits.
#2: Respect Professional Boundaries
A nanny family should not be calling/texting their nanny incessantly during their time off, nor should a family be dictating when a nanny is able to use their paid time off.
#3: Plan On Quarterly and Annual Reviews
This is a chance to come together with your nanny to discuss what’s working, or to collaborate on a plan for anything that might not be working as well as you’d hoped.
Respect and recognition go a long way toward building a strong, lasting nanny-family relationship.