Tips for keeping our amazing nanny?

[Anonymous]

I'm obsessed with our nanny. Obsessed! She is amazing, and I never want her to ever leave. She's only been on board for two weeks now but I'm already so attached to her. What are things I can do to be a good employer?

Also, I need help: I want to give her a small gift for working so hard with my high needs baby these past two weeks. I want it to be a thoughtful gift, but also responsible in that the other family wouldn't feel that we are making them look bad. (I should mention it's a nanny share, so there is another family's feelings to consider too). I also want to give a gift that is not too expensive since it's not a raise or a bonus, but something more like a performance-based award. Any ideas you might have would be wonderful!

Thanks so much in advance!

[Anonymous]

I think a bottle of wine or some chocolates is a good 'just because we appreciate you' gift.

[Anonymous]

And of course all the be considerate of the nanny's time, be punctual, be forthcoming, don't micromanage, be open about your concerns, make sure you treat the nanny with respect, let her know of any changes in advance, and all that.

[Anonymous]

I thought of those things too! However, she doesn't eat sweets really (her older son does, but she doesn't), and I'm not sure that she drinks. I guess I could find out but it would be an awkward question to ask. She is somewhat shy and I never want to make her feel like she's being scrutinized.

[Anonymous]

My DB comes home about once a month with a 40 dollar gift card to my favorite store as a nice performance gift. I really appreciate it.

[Anonymous]

Does she drink coffee? A nice mug like a tervis tumbler with a bag of coffee.

[Anonymous]

That's really nice to see that people like you still exists! I still have hopes to find a family that appreciate what I do for them. Not necessary gifts for me, just respect and not abuse, let her go a little earlier if you are around... that's what I would rather anyway..

[Anonymous]

I like 13:27's idea of a gift card to one of her favorite stores. If you're not sure where she likes to shop maybe a GC for the grocery store. If you do that and tell her how awesome she is I think she'll be really appreciative and happy, I know I would be!

[Anonymous]

Treat her exactly as you wish to be treated. Say thank you , please, no job creep. Be considerate of her needs, be punctual, dp mot ley your friends use her as a free babysitter.

[Anonymous]

Try to keep the relationship professional, OP. Showing appreciation for a job done very well with gifts, raises and bonuses at appropriate times is great but when you say that you are "obsessed" and "so attached" to her after only two weeks is concerning.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Try to keep the relationship professional, OP. Showing appreciation for a job done very well with gifts, raises and bonuses at appropriate times is great but when you say that you are "obsessed" and "so attached" to her after only two weeks is concerning.

Nanny here. I would be flattered if my bosses thought of me like this . Job security!

[Anonymous]

Oh no! It didn't even occur to me that I was being an unprofessional employer. I don't want to make her feel uncomfortable. I do email her and tell her a lot in person how much we appreciate and are thankful for her. Maybe I need to tone it down a notch. I am not wanting to be creepy.

[Anonymous]

another MB here. My advice is to calm down a little and give things time.

No one is perfect (you, your kids, or the nanny). Don't put her on such a pedastal so early in the game.

Hopefully she will be as fantastic in 18 months as she is right now. But you're all still in the honeymoon stage, and you're still learning how to be a boss.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh no! It didn't even occur to me that I was being an unprofessional employer. I don't want to make her feel uncomfortable. I do email her and tell her a lot in person how much we appreciate and are thankful for her. Maybe I need to tone it down a notch. I am not wanting to be creepy.

Be happy you found one of the few great nannies. But, as many posters have stated in other posts, their nanny started out great and then it went downhill.
It is fine to tell her you appreciate her and she is doing a great job. It is nice to hear that the boss notices that you are doing well. But a gift certificate here or there would be a nice thing to show your appreciation. Even a card is nice.

I hope it works out for you!

[Anonymous]

Oh no! It didn't even occur to me that I was being an unprofessional employer. I don't want to make her feel uncomfortable. I do email her and tell her a lot in person how much we appreciate and are thankful for her. Maybe I need to tone it down a notch. I am not wanting to be creepy.

It makes sense that you are happy with her, but, yes, honestly, two weeks in is a little early to be obsessed and giving her gifts. I think maybe at three months, if you are still incredibly happy, consider a gift. In the meantime, just show her respect every day. Keep to your agreements, say thank you, be on time. These everyday things show her that you appreciate her.