The Little Things

[Anonymous]

I am working for a wonderful family who are very considerate in every way. I try to find little things that will make their lives easier, for example, keeping the keurig cup holder filled, so that my (short) MB doesn't have to get the box down from the cupboard. Nannies, what are some little tasks that you like to do to be helpful? Employers, what is something that a nann has done that really touched you or made your day go more smoothly?

[Anonymous]

The manny is always on time, and totally reliable. If I ask him to do something, I can consider it done. And if I ask once, he will continue doing it on a regular basis. That is priceless.

[Anonymous]

As a Nanny, I try to do the "little things" for my family to keep their lives as stress free as possible. I want them to be able to spend as much time as possible w/their babies too.

Examples:
Washing any dishes left in sink before they leave for work.
Bringing in any packages received by FedEx or UPS during the day.
Making sure the remote control NEVER gets lost. (Keeps Dad happy!!)

[Anonymous]

"Bringing in any packages received by FedEx or UPS during the day. "

This struck me as funny - other nannies would just leave the packages on the porch?

The biggest "little things" that I so appreciate my nanny doing are:
- being 100% on time. always. it's awesome.
- restocking the diaper baskets often

the Biggest non-little thing that she does that I so appreciate (aside from great kid-care) is our laundry. Not required but SOOOOO helpful and appreciated.

[Anonymous]

My NF is very laid back and only expects me to provide childcare yet I still try to go above and beyond their expectations.

Examples:

-I bring the mail in
-I keep a log of our day for MB even though she said it wasn't necessary
-I arrive early by 10 minutes every day
-I make sure the playroom is tidy before I leave
-I spend my downtime researching activities and classes for the children

[Anonymous]

Aside from arriving on time and doing my job well (like a PP said, if my MB asks me to do something once she can consider it done - and if it's a recurring task I'll continue to do it daily/weekly as required) I do things like loading, running, and emptying the dishwasher (their dishes - I hand wash the ones we use during the day usually), taking out the trash and recycling when we go out for a walk (we walk right past the dumpsters, so though it isn't part of my duties it seems silly not to), throwing out rotten fruits/veggies (especially on Mondays), and picking up milk, cheerios, wipes, etc. when I see they're out (shopping is not part of my job normally).

[Anonymous]

I try to have all clothes washed and put away, the house tidy, kids fed/new diapers/content, Garbages(and diaper genie) taken out and dishes clean and put away when the parents arrive. Then their only focus can be on the little ones and not on housework

[Anonymous]

I don't know if it counts as a little thing, but our part-time nanny always keeps in mind that we are juggling busy schedules and balancing them against her needs to take classes, visit home, etc. She always lets us know long in advance if the schedule may need to change or she needs time off. She really doesn't HAVE to inform us so quickly, but it helps us a great deal to be able to anticipate and plan.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't know if it counts as a little thing, but our part-time nanny always keeps in mind that we are juggling busy schedules and balancing them against her needs to take classes, visit home, etc. She always lets us know long in advance if the schedule may need to change or she needs time off. She really doesn't HAVE to inform us so quickly, but it helps us a great deal to be able to anticipate and plan.

Thanks. My employers travel a lot, so I appreciate this advice.

[Anonymous]

I NEVER touch my employer's mail even though the mail comes in during my shift. I just feel like it isn't my place to take it in and they have never asked me to.

I do take in their packages so no one passes by and steals them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I NEVER touch my employer's mail even though the mail comes in during my shift. I just feel like it isn't my place to take it in and they have never asked me to.

I do take in their packages so no one passes by and steals them.[/quote



Agree.

Those MB are so lazy

[Anonymous]

I organize all the kids craft stuff.. Stock up on new supplies when needed
Also do deep cleaning in the play room every once and a while. And do seasonal and growing clothe changes! I really do t mind doing these things. It keeps me busy during the day. I hope my Mb finds it helpful!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I NEVER touch my employer's mail even though the mail comes in during my shift. I just feel like it isn't my place to take it in and they have never asked me to.

I do take in their packages so no one passes by and steals them.[/quote



Agree.

Those MB are so lazy. "

Way to turn a nice thread into an negative one. The point of this thread is little things nannies do for their bosses that they HAVEN'T been asked to do. I had a nanny once who used to bring in our heavy trash cans if she was outside playing with the children on trash day. We never once asked her to do it and I told her several times she didn't have to. She did several things like that and we REALLY appreciated her for going above and beyond the things she needed to do. Does that make me lazy or her just really helpful and smart? When we had to move we gave her a great recommendation.

[Anonymous]

I try to do little extras around the house, but I a, always self conscious about wether they'd actually like appreciate me doing certain things. For example, I'd be a little embarrassed if someone took it upon themselves to do my laundry, appreciative but uncomfortable. I will dishes if I see them pile up, take out the trash if needed, etc. I just not sure where the line between helpful and too personal is.

[Anonymous]

Our nanny occasionally makes dinner with DD for us when she knows I am in a particularly busy patch at work. This isn't part of her job. She does it without asking and it is the nicest surprise.

She is awesome and thoughtful and I never forget this kind of kindness.