Am I the only nanny who does not expect a birthday gift?

[Anonymous]

Seriously.

I'm 23 and I have never expected a birthday gift from any of my MB's, nor have I given cards/gifts to my MB on her birthday. I have given small gifts to my charges on their birthdays, but that's about it. I don't expect anything special, and if I want the day off I would book it well in advance. I have received birthday gifts, which I appreciated but I would never expect it and get chuffed if MB didn't make a big deal about my birthday. Maybe it's just me, but I feel like birthdays are something you celebrate with family and friends and not your boss.

[Anonymous]

Uhhh. Okay. Cool. Good for you? Pat on the back? Cookie? What is it that you want?

[Anonymous]

I don't think it makes someone a bad nanny or person to expect their boss to at least acknowledge their birthday. It doesn't take much effort to pick up a card (or have the kids make a card) for the person responsible for the well being of your " most precious gift".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it makes someone a bad nanny or person to expect their boss to at least acknowledge their birthday. It doesn't take much effort to pick up a card (or have the kids make a card) for the person responsible for the well being of your " most precious gift".

But why is that an MB's responsibility? At all?

OP, I agree with you. I'm not sure if my MB even knows this Sunday is my birthday, so if I get a "happy birthday" next week I'll consider that very thoughtful (and I love my job/MB).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it makes someone a bad nanny or person to expect their boss to at least acknowledge their birthday. It doesn't take much effort to pick up a card (or have the kids make a card) for the person responsible for the well being of your " most precious gift".

But why is that an MB's responsibility? At all?

OP, I agree with you. I'm not sure if my MB even knows this Sunday is my birthday, so if I get a "happy birthday" next week I'll consider that very thoughtful (and I love my job/MB).

It's not. Never said it was. But why wouldn't you want to do it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it makes someone a bad nanny or person to expect their boss to at least acknowledge their birthday. It doesn't take much effort to pick up a card (or have the kids make a card) for the person responsible for the well being of your " most precious gift".

But why is that an MB's responsibility? At all?

OP, I agree with you. I'm not sure if my MB even knows this Sunday is my birthday, so if I get a "happy birthday" next week I'll consider that very thoughtful (and I love my job/MB).

It's not. Never said it was. But why wouldn't you want to do it?

Because people are busy, and it is not customary in any other business for employers and employees to buy each other birthday gifts.

[Anonymous]

Last mother's day was my birthday too ,my boss even say helloooo,today is your birthday too?!!!nothing come from them,that is ok for me .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it makes someone a bad nanny or person to expect their boss to at least acknowledge their birthday. It doesn't take much effort to pick up a card (or have the kids make a card) for the person responsible for the well being of your " most precious gift".

But why is that an MB's responsibility? At all?

OP, I agree with you. I'm not sure if my MB even knows this Sunday is my birthday, so if I get a "happy birthday" next week I'll consider that very thoughtful (and I love my job/MB).

It's not. Never said it was. But why wouldn't you want to do it?

Because people are busy, and it is not customary in any other business for employers and employees to buy each other birthday gifts.

Hey, as long as you are happy with that then good! I was just saying that I think it's a nice gesture to give a card to the person who is helping raising your kids. It's not like some random co-worker. This is a very important person in your child's life you should WANT to do something nice for them. Picking up a card or having the kids make one does not take anytime out of the even busiest of schedules so it's not like someone would be going out of their way. But, yes you are right no one is OBLIGATED to do anything. But you know what? Every family I worked for acknowledged my birthday. Especially, the children. They always liked to celebrate my birthday with me. I never told anyone my birth date they always asked because they WANTED to do something special. I guess I just figured this is how normal people who work in such an intimate setting and are co-raising children together do things. I know professional boundaries should be kept but that doesn't mean you can't do kind things for your "employee".

[Anonymous]

I had a friend who worked as a live-in nanny and her employers didn't even know it was her birthday. They had all of her information from when she was hired, but it's not something they chose to keep track of which I think is pretty pathetic on their part. She was taking care of their children, living in their home and had essentially become a part of their family. This was pretty much in line with how she was treated by them anyway.

I don't think nannies are expecting anything, but it's certainly a nice way of showing her she's appreciated and valued. Especially since she's most likely the one who remembers your birthday and has the kids put something together for you

[Anonymous]

I don't even mention my birthday to my employers. If they go out of their way to remember, I see that at something extra. I don't think my employers have some obligation to put me up on a pedestal just because I take great care of their kids. I agree with the OP.

[Anonymous]

Seriously ladies, how do your bosses even know when your birthday is? Are you 22 and still talking about it all the time?

I didn't tell my MB or DB that my birthday is this weekend. It's in my file, but in no sane world would I expect them to go back and look it up on a whim one day. They have a lot of other things going on that are actually important. My friends and family and I will celebrate privately and that will be that. My bosses show my how much they appreciate me in many other ways.

[Anonymous]

I've worked in different settings from offices to bars and I've always received some type of acknowledgement or gift for my birthday. All of my nanny positions have acknowledged and give me gifts for my birthday. I have never once mentioned it or asked for a day off. The only way I could imagine they found out was by looking at my birthdate on my website or resume. Every time it's a huge surprise to me and I'm beyond grateful for such thoughtful employers. However, I learned that if you are a grateful and generous person, people respond the same way back. My previous employers would bring me back presents from all their vacations and I would always buy presents (even little ones) for every holiday for their son. I did it because I wanted too and they responded the same way. You get what you give.

[Anonymous]

Why would nannies think they are so very special and deserve birthday presents? Grow up! Adults don't expect everyone to treat them like royalty on their birthday, "nanniversary" or any other day. Adults do their jobs and celebrate their personal holidays with their friends and family.

[Anonymous]

It has nothing to do that picking up/gifting a gift is an easy process, it has more to do with the fact that so many nannies on DCUM seem to expect it. Maybe it's just me, but I feel like the rule of gifts is that you never expect them, but always appreciate them. Yes, a nanny's work is important. But I don't feel you can always pull the "I take care of your kids" adage so that you can justify free lunch, free use of a car, birthday gifts, christmas gifts, bonuses, and paid time off.

[Anonymous]

No, don't even think they know when my birthday is..... I would feel so odd.