Does your nanny ask for her bonus?

[Anonymous]

Is this some sort of cultural difference that we don't know about? I know in other cultures some people are much more up front about money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you for the responses. I am really just plain offended - both asking for the bonus and the amount. I have my own employees at work and have never had anything come close to this in 15 years. She is a great nanny and that what makes me so offended - I feel like I am being treated like an ATM that can dispense cash at the asking. Her pay is almost $800 after tax a week, so three weeks pay would be $2400. I gave her $1,000 last year.

$1000 is a very generous bonus.

[Anonymous]

Nanny here.

I don't ever expect bonuses, but they are nice. I would flip my shit if MB gave be $1000' I'd be ecstatic with a card.

I find that EXTREMELY rude and unprofessional! Who asks for bonuses, they aren't necessary, they are a gift!

[Anonymous]

Wow, that was extremely rude of her. How did you react when she asked for it?

[Anonymous]

Wow, the nerve.

[Anonymous]

Hmm ... I wonder if she's planning to quit. Take the money and run, basically.

[Anonymous]

I would say something like:

We are all having to make due with a little less in this economy, but giving you a holiday GIFT that shows you how valued you are is important to me. I was really proud that we were able to give you $1000 last year. I am hurt that this gift was not good enough for you, and disappointed that it did not make you feel special. I am not sure what I can do to resolve this issue this year. Is there a non-monetary gift that you would enjoy?

[Anonymous]

Another example of what a professional nanny would NOT do-ask for a bonus that isn't written into the contract. Crazy!

[Anonymous]

Was she joking? That is crazy if she isn't. How many hours does she work to take home 800 net.

[Anonymous]

Wow, I would actually just give her a small gift card for her christmas gift because of that! That is just not done. To ask for it, by a certain date and 3 weeks? That is rude and I just wouldn't be able to give any cash bonus after someone demanding it like that. I am happy with anything that I get, as it is better than nothing!

[Anonymous]

I would say something like:

We are all having to make due with a little less in this economy, but giving you a holiday GIFT that shows you how valued you are is important to me. I was really proud that we were able to give you $1000 last year. I am hurt that this gift was not good enough for you, and disappointed that it did not make you feel special. I am not sure what I can do to resolve this issue this year. Is there a non-monetary gift that you would enjoy?

This is terrible advice. You are basically rewarding this nanny for awful behavior. Why on earth would you offer a non-monetary gift to someone who is so rude and unprofessional? The passive-aggressive tone trying to hint at how she should sort of feel guilty because you may be hurt that she does't feel special is just stupid and not the way to manage a good relationship.

OP your nanny is trying to take advantage of you and hopes that you are an idiot like the poster above who will give in to anything. Be upfront and tell her that her request is inappropriate and a bonus is discretionary. If she presses it let her know that she shouldn't bank on anything let alone a tripled amount several weeks early. If she pulls this sort of thing again (or has in the past) look for someone else.

[Anonymous]

OP, can we get an update? It's Christmas so i'm assuming the ''bonus'' conversation happened? Please let us no.. I'm very curious and I hope you put this rude nanny in check.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I would say something like:

We are all having to make due with a little less in this economy, but giving you a holiday GIFT that shows you how valued you are is important to me. I was really proud that we were able to give you $1000 last year. I am hurt that this gift was not good enough for you, and disappointed that it did not make you feel special. I am not sure what I can do to resolve this issue this year. Is there a non-monetary gift that you would enjoy?

This is terrible advice. You are basically rewarding this nanny for awful behavior. Why on earth would you offer a non-monetary gift to someone who is so rude and unprofessional? The passive-aggressive tone trying to hint at how she should sort of feel guilty because you may be hurt that she does't feel special is just stupid and not the way to manage a good relationship.

OP your nanny is trying to take advantage of you and hopes that you are an idiot like the poster above who will give in to anything. Be upfront and tell her that her request is inappropriate and a bonus is discretionary. If she presses it let her know that she shouldn't bank on anything let alone a tripled amount several weeks early. If she pulls this sort of thing again (or has in the past) look for someone else.

Actually, I'd rather go with PPP's suggestion rather than yours. You sound like low-class trash.

[Anonymous]

Yikes! Asking for a bonus IS strange, but maybe she got the idea from someone else. I would have a good talk with her and maybe find out where all that came from. Does she feel unappreciated or underpaid? Did she misunderstand something she read on a nanny blog? It's easy to just think someone is rude or stupid, but it's hard to find out what the real issue is.

[Anonymous]

Here's the deal. In the real world where people can work hard corporate jobs for 60 hour weeks, most people do. It get bonuses. They may get a small raise based on performance but no bonus. I've experienced one entitled Nanny before and she wanted to be treated like royalty. From that experience, I've learned that sometimes the laziest people are the most entitled. I'd fire that nanny.