Category: Blog
One statement we hear from parents on a daily basis is: “I’m looking for a Mary Poppins nanny.”
But what exactly does that mean? What kind of nanny is a Mary Poppins nanny? In this article, we break down what people really mean by the term, and why this style of nanny may NOT be what some families are actually looking for.
Read on to learn more, and consider what comes to mind for you when you hear the phrase “Mary Poppins nanny.”
Rest breaks are one of the most overlooked parts of a nanny’s day. Because nannying doesn’t come with the built-in pauses most jobs have, it’s easy for families to forget that their nanny needs real time to sit down, eat, and recharge. In this article, we walk through why rest breaks matter, what they can look like, and how to set clear expectations so your nanny feels supported.
We encourage parents to keep clear communication with their nanny about their daily workload so that there’s time built in for breaks and meals. Having a specific conversation about rest breaks helps create an atmosphere where your nanny feels comfortable and welcome to take a breather and rest for a bit.
For a closer look at the legal side of rest breaks, you can also read the post by Nanny Cara, linked here.
Should you restrict your nanny’s cell phone use during work hours?
In most cases, the answer is no.
Most nannies are professionals and know how to conduct themselves when it comes to topics such as cell phone usage.
We always caution parents that including a cell phone policy in the job description can be a big “turn off” to nannies and can lead to feelings of mistrust, micromanagement, and “helicopter” parenting later in the relationship.
Below, we explain why you shouldn’t restrict your nanny’s cell phone usage and how to discuss cell phone use with your nanny when it comes to:
PLUS a bonus tip at the end that all parents and nannies should check out!
There is a new payroll tax we want to make you aware of. This tax affects both nannies and parents.
Nannies – if you work in Washington state, you are responsible for paying this new tax starting January 1, 2022… BUT you must take action by November 1, 2021.
Parents – while you are not responsible for paying this tax, you do need to collect and remit the tax to the Employment Security Department.
Below, we break down the new Washington Cares Act with insight from Tom Breedlove – Senior Director of HomePay. HomePay is the nation’s leading payroll company. They are amazing to work with and we recommend them to all of our members!
The Washington Cares Act payroll tax will provide employees with up to $36,500 in long term care benefits.
We cover what the Washington Cares Act is, what it does, how to navigate it, and how it affects employees (nannies) and employers (parents).
Parents – if you would like HomePay to handle paying your nanny and taking care of all of the forms, taxes, deadlines, etc. (including this new payroll tax), please click here.
Learn more about the Washington Cares Act by clicking here.
Happy October!
Nanny pay is one of the topics we get asked about most, so we’ve pulled together answers to the questions we hear again and again. This guide is geared toward nannies, but we encourage parents to read through it as well.
Below, we cover four of the most common pay questions:
When To Ask For A Raise
How Much of A Raise Should I Ask For
What You Should Do If Not Being Paid Overtime
How To Receive Paid Sick Time
Nannies, remember that being paid overtime is the LAW!
As COVID continues to circulate, one of the most common questions we hear is what to do when you, your family, or your nanny may have been exposed. It can be hard to know how to handle canceling care, paying your nanny, and deciding when it’s safe to resume child care.
Below, we walk through four different scenarios and explain how to handle each one, including payroll and when care can safely resume. We hope you find it helpful.
To view the COVID-19 Return to Work/School Flow Chart referenced in these scenarios, please click here.
If you have (or are considering hiring) a nanny or other household employee, this is one topic we hope you’ll take a few minutes to read. Below, we share an emotional, real-world story from one of our customers about why background checks are SO IMPORTANT to ensuring your family is safe.
Roughly 75% of parents do not run background checks on their nanny. Many of these parents rely solely on personal recommendations or “word of mouth” when looking for their next nanny.
In this article, we’ll show you why relying strictly on recommendations from friends or neighbors when looking for your next nanny, sitter or household employee can be a recipe for disaster.
You can check out our background check packages by clicking here.
A quick note: this story does get emotional. The nanny discussed here is not a member of the Nanny Parent Connection community.
Read on, and we hope that you never skip the background check!
Want to show your nanny just how much you appreciate them? National Nanny Recognition Week is coming up this September 19-25!
You didn’t know that was a thing? It most DEFINITELY is and chances are that your nanny knows about it as well.
While we appreciate our nannies everyday, this is the perfect time to put a little extra thought into showing your nanny how much you care during National Nanny Recognition Week.
Below, we share some thoughtful ideas to consider, including:
Keep reading and we hope you find these tips helpful!
Happy September, and welcome to a new school year!
The start of the school year can be a stressful time for parents. Shopping for new clothes, getting the kids back on their school bedtime schedule, and figuring out drop-off/pickup times can be a real pain!
Don’t forget that back to school can mean changes for your nanny as well.
Below is a checklist of seven items worth going over with your nanny when the school year kicks off. We hope you find it helpful!
A professional nanny resume is one of the most powerful tools you have in your job search.
We interview dozens of nannies each week for placement with our Concierge Service families, and one question comes up again and again:
“How can I increase my chances of finding an amazing family to work with?”
Our first piece of advice is to always have a professional nanny resume ready to go that clearly shows why you would be an excellent choice.
Below, we’ll walk you through one of our favorite nanny resume templates and highlight what really makes a resume stand out, plus some additional tips about including hobbies, experience and a cover letter.
Click here to check out the nanny resume template we reference from resumegenius.com