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:

  • Driving your kids
  • At the park or another “out of the house” activity
  • While working in your home

PLUS a bonus tip at the end that all parents and nannies should check out!

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!

 

If you’re starting to think about nanny care, or considering switching from a temporary/short term nanny to a full time nanny, understanding the true cost is one of the most important steps you can take.

Too often, families only focus on the hourly wage when thinking about a budget for a nanny. In this article, we break down every expense that is associated with hiring and employing a nanny, so you can plan with confidence.

Below, we walk you through:

  • The costs to search for a nanny
  • All details of what nannies expect in a “compensation package”

Continue reading “Video Blog: How Much Does Nanny Care TRULY Cost? 💰”

 

This is Part 2 of our guide, “Top 10 Questions Answered About Working With A Nanny.” It’s designed to be super helpful for families thinking about hiring a nanny this summer or when school starts in the fall.

Click here to check out Part 1.

Every month our team speaks with dozens of parents who are thinking about working with a nanny (last month alone, we spoke with almost 200 parents!). We’ve been compiling a list of their questions, and here is the second part of our series, “Top 10 Questions Answered About Working With A Nanny.”

Some of the questions that we answer here are:

How do I pay my nanny? Over the table? Or under the table in cash?

What are nanny taxes?

What are the most common job responsibilities for a nanny?

Can I ask my nanny to do household chores?

What standard benefits should I offer a nanny?

Continue reading “Video Blog: Top 10 Questions Answered About Working With A Nanny: Part 2 🤨”

 

One of the questions we hear on a regular basis—especially from parents who are new to the child care world—is, “how do I pay my nanny legally?” or “when do I need to start paying my nanny or sitter over the table?”

In this article, we cover:

  • the difference between paying your care provider “under the table” versus “over the table”
  • when you need to start paying your care provider “over the table”
  • some of the benefits your family can receive when paying your nanny or sitter legally
  • what can happen if you are caught paying your nanny illegally (hint: it’s not good!)

Continue reading “Video Blog: What Can Happen If You Don’t Pay Your Nanny Legally”

 

Many parents in the Seattle area (and in other regions of the United States) are reporting that it is taking longer than usual to find the right care provider for their family. We have been noticing this as well since about the beginning of March 2021 as we work with parents in our community and through our Concierge Service.

Below, we share our top five tips on how parents can quickly and effectively find a nanny when the supply of available care providers is lower than normal.

Continue reading “Video Blog: How To Find A Nanny In A Hot Market! 🔥👩‍👧⁉️”

 

“What costs besides the hourly rate should I expect to pay for nanny childcare?”

This is one of the top questions I hear from parents who are new to considering working with a nanny. And with distance learning and care centers closed or at reduced capacity this year (thanks, COVID-19) it seems like more families than ever are throwing their hats into the “working with a nanny” ring.

nanny and baby scaled

My joke with them is that it’s the blog post I keep meaning to write. Well, the wait is over!

And the short answer is that the hourly rate is just the beginning. Today, I will walk you through the various line items of your “all in” cost for finding and working with a nanny for one year.

Continue reading “How Much Does Nanny Childcare Truly Cost?”

 

If you are a nanny or employ a nanny in Seattle, you need to read this:

Last summer the Seattle Office of Labor and Standards passed the Domestic Worker’s Ordinance. This ordinance went into effect July 1, 2019 and it requires meal and rest breaks for nannies.

new nanny law

Meal breaks must be 30 minutes of uninterrupted time where the nanny is completely relieved of their duties. This is effective for nannies who work more than five hours in a day. A nanny can choose to waive their meal period.

Continue reading “Guest Blog Post: New Nanny Rest Break Law Alert!”