Yearly Review Questions...

[Anonymous]

Hi DCUM MBs and nannies,
I am a MB with a 14 mo old little girl. Our nanny had been with her since she was 7 weeks. We love our nanny but are new to having a nanny as this is our first child. In our contract, it states that we will have a yearly review sit down meeting. What does this generally entail? Should I write up the review? Will she "review" me as a MB as well as the other way around? I will ask the nanny what she is looking for obviously, but wondering how other MBs generally do reviews...
Thanks!

[Anonymous]

The level of formality annual reviews takes can vary depending on the needs of the family and the nanny, or the relationship they have. If you're generally happy with her I'd consider this a fairly informal review where you have the opportunity to verbalize all the things you're happy with and to discuss things that might change in the next year (as DD enters toddlerhood) - so planning out new or anticipated duties, talking about discipline strategies, discussing a raise, etc. Nanny will not review you so it would be appropriate for you to ask, "Is there anything we're doing that you're unhappy with, or anything we're not doing that you'd like us to?" so she has an opportunity to give some feedback, but she won't come to the meeting with anything written down. A written review from you is great, particularly if it's positive, because she can include that in her portfolio if she wants to down the line.

[Anonymous]

I am actually a nanny and have a 6 month review coming up and was kind of wondering what to expect... I look forward to seeing any responses...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The level of formality annual reviews takes can vary depending on the needs of the family and the nanny, or the relationship they have. If you're generally happy with her I'd consider this a fairly informal review where you have the opportunity to verbalize all the things you're happy with and to discuss things that might change in the next year (as DD enters toddlerhood) - so planning out new or anticipated duties, talking about discipline strategies, discussing a raise, etc. Nanny will not review you so it would be appropriate for you to ask, "Is there anything we're doing that you're unhappy with, or anything we're not doing that you'd like us to?" so she has an opportunity to give some feedback, but she won't come to the meeting with anything written down. A written review from you is great, particularly if it's positive, because she can include that in her portfolio if she wants to down the line.

OP here, thank you so much, this is really helpful! She is really great and I will definitely write up a nice review for her. She has a lot of toddler experience so it will be great to talk about discipline and activity planning a little with her and make sure we are all on the same page. I am planning to offer her a raise as well which we had planned on. Thank you for the advice on asking her about her experience as well, I want to make sure she is happy with everything too!

[Anonymous]

Why do you need a yearly review ?
You never speak to each other on a regular basis ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why do you need a yearly review ?
You never speak to each other on a regular basis ?

Why are you even here?

Most professional nannies request an annual review, and most professionals in other fields receive one too. Welcome to the world of adults.

[Anonymous]

We've had the same nanny for 5 years. Each year, we go out to lunch and I give her a written review of the year. We talk about it, and any issues she wants to discuss. Then, we make goals for the next year and clarify any changes we want to make to our contract and anything else.

It's a nice long one on one conversation that helps us focus on the bigger picture. Also, she has all the written reviews to use when she decides to interview for a new position. They're basically progress reports that detail all her successes with our family. Of course, when she does want to move on, she'll get a letter of reference and any other help we can give her.

[Anonymous]

I am a nanny in much the same situation as yours. I started nannying for a little girl when she was 8 weeks old, she is currently 16 months. Here are things I brought up at our one year review.

1. Do you feel her outings are appropriate? Are there to many, to few, are they to expensive or to far away? Would you like to see anything changed? If so what?

2. Do you feel her diet is healthy enough and has enough variety?

3. Do you feel that the discipline and rules established are appropriate and realistic for her age? Am I to stern or to lack? Does my current discipline style align with yours? What do you feel is the best approach as she grows? Would you like to see anything changed? If so what?

4. Do you feel that I overstep myself in making decisions regarding her daily life? Or that I am to assertive in my opinions?

5. The possibility of contributing to health insurance. Is this still a possibility?

These were questions she brought up.

1. Do you think we need to start "teaching" her more now that she is older, ie- should I/we start teaching colors, shapes, etc like they would in day care/pre school. I don't know much about what goes on in day care, but wonder if I'm supposed to be more active now that she seems to be learning so much.

2. Should I have her around kids more, like play groups and such so she learns to share, play, etc?

3. Are you okay with your hours, off time, the overall way the job has been working?

We emailed these to each other a few days before we were scheduled to meet so that we would have a chance to formulate responses.

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much! These are great questions to think about!