How to say an appropriate thank you?

[Anonymous]

I've been a nanny for a family for about 18 months, simply the nicest people I've ever worked for. We have an excellent relationship, I love their kids, there is always mutual flexibility and understanding, and we haven't had a single issue on either side since I started with them.

I recently learned that I'm going to need fairly urgent and very serious surgery in the next month or two. My bosses have been incredibly flexible in allowing me to schedule doctor's appointments etc. and today my MB emailed me to say that they are going to pay me as usual while I'm out so to please take as much time as I need to heal.

I am so happy I cried. What a relief to know that as I pour thousands of dollars into medical bills I will still have paychecks coming in. I can't even begin to describe the weight this has lifted from me during an extremely stressful time.

I will, of course, write them back to say thank you, and will thank them in person tomorrow, but I wonder either now or when all this is over...is there a way I can say thank you in a way that, even in some small measure, helps to repay their generosity? Once I'm well I would be happy to offer a free weekend - including overnights - of care so they can get away together? Or is there anything else any MBs out there would appreciate? This means so much to me and I can't think of a way to say thank you that properly acknowledges the enormity of their offer.

[Anonymous]

It's not necessary. Really, just take the time you need so you can get back to doing the great job you do. If after you're better, you want to tell them you'd like to give them an evening of free babysitting as a thank you for letting you not worry about your job or income while you were out, I think that would be lovely and something they're comfortable accepting.

[Anonymous]

No, a thank you is enough. Maybe bake some cookies for them.

[Anonymous]

I agree you don't need to do anything other than thank them, but I think that writing them a thank you note or letter (versus just an email or in person) would really mean a lot. You should tell them pretty much everything you told us here.

[Anonymous]

I think that letting you have time off for Drs appointments and some paid time for your surgery and recovery is to be expected. If they are providing several weeks paid for you, however, as well as having to hire a replacement, it can get really costly and that is a really nice thing for them to do for you when legally they would not have to. If I were your MB, I would really appreciate the weekend care offer. I think that is a nice way to thank them if they are really going above and beyond what would be expected.

[Anonymous]

OP, You have the most wonderful bosses on the planet!! What a thoughtful gesture! I agree that this takes a HUGE weight off your shoulders and will make your recovery much more easier.

I know you want to express gratitude to your employers..I would too, but this is one of those instances where you must graciously accept what they are giving you w/out paying them back.

You can give them a nice home made Thank You card, but to offer free childcare or purchase them anything will just make them feel uncomfortable in the long run.

Remember:
Never EVER look a gift horse in the mouth.

You must be a stellar nanny and this is your family's way of telling you just that.

I am sure you have earned every penny of this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think that letting you have time off for Drs appointments and some paid time for your surgery and recovery is to be expected. If they are providing several weeks paid for you, however, as well as having to hire a replacement, it can get really costly and that is a really nice thing for them to do for you when legally they would not have to. If I were your MB, I would really appreciate the weekend care offer. I think that is a nice way to thank them if they are really going above and beyond what would be expected.

+1

[Anonymous]

I would thank them now by writing a nice thank you note accompanied by a special treat such as a coffee cake, something a little more extravagant than cookies. Then, when all is said and done I would thank them again and offer a weekend getaway for them. Personally, I think that is a great idea, and if you are going to be gone for over 2 weeks without loss in vacation time, well deserved. If you plan to forgo your future vacation time, I might reconsider. If you are going to be out for at least 3 weeks, then definitely offer it. Again, wait until later to even mention it to them!

[Anonymous]

OP, I'm so glad your family is doing this for you. I'm an MB and we have a very similar situation occurring with our nanny (which we will handle much the same way your family is managing it with you).

We are doing this for our nanny because she is a terrific nanny, takes amazing care of our kids, has stepped in and helped us out once when the entire family was sick and she wasn't scheduled to work, will work a few extra minutes when I'm stuck in traffic, or stay an extra hour when we have an evening conflict, picks up a gallon of milk if she notices we're low, etc... She has our back so we have hers.

Her longevity with us, and happiness in the position, is what we want to ensure - and supporting her health and recovery (and doing what we can to minimize any financial stress) is all in our best interests as well.

So I'm being long-winded, but my main point is that the greatest way you can show your appreciation to your employers is by continuing to be the great nanny you must already be for them to support you this way. Obviously a card and perhaps even an offer to babysit for an overnight when you're healed are great, but I think the thing your employers want most is to know that the investment they are making in you will pay off in your continued great service.

Hope your surgery and recovery go smoothly!

[Anonymous]

A few years ago, our stellar nanny had a death in her family and was gone for three weeks as she traveled to another country and helped her mother with everything. We paid her throughout and didn't expect anything in return -- never gave it much thought, really, beyond figuring out how we'd cover the time while she was away.

Things happen, and if you are great and they are great the only thing you really need to do is say thank you. The weekend offer is very sweet, but I wouldn't make it until you are back on your feet and are sure you can handle it.

Good luck!