What to expect of nanny

[Anonymous]

I'm considering hiring a nanny for the weekends. What should I expect? What are typical nanny duties other than feeding, bathing and playing with child? My son is 18 months old by the way. Would she make his meals? Help with any household chores? Do I need to pick out activities for them? Do I need to provide meals/snacks for her if she is here from 8 to 5?

[Anonymous]

You'll get varied responses regarding household chores, but typically you can expect your nanny to take care of child related tasks. (Baby's laundry, bottles, dishes, food prep, tidying room, etc) A good nanny will find activities for your child, but it never hurts to tell her of a few nearby things to do upon her starting. Snacks and meals are not required, but it is definitely nice to have them!

[Anonymous]

Is it reasonable to expect the nanny to drive DS to gymboree, library etc?

[Anonymous]

Hiring a weekend nanny is certainly different than hiring a full time nanny. How many hours are you wanting? You certainly should not leave a large amount of chores piled up from the week for nanny to do. I wash children's clothes, cloth diapers, and bed linens. I prepare foods that we are eating, but not for family. I premade baby food, but at 18 months you are beyond that. Bathrooms, dusting, and even vacuuming (other than toddler's room) should not be expected of a weekend nanny, not that chores unrelated to children should ever be expected. What you need to prepare as far as activities will be dependent of the type of care provider you hire.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is it reasonable to expect the nanny to drive DS to gymboree, library etc?

Yes. Are you providing the vehicle?

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't really call someone who watches your kid on the weekend a nanny, and therefore would not expect typical "nanny" duties. If you find someone committed to the schedule (difficult on the weekend), who clicks with your kid, is willing to drive to various activities, you thank your lucky stars and don't make things more difficult. I think it'd be reasonable to ask whoever you hire to clean up after themselves and the child, not you if you'll be home, maybe straighten their bedroom, fold kid laundry, and prepare meals when they are there. Anything else is going to burn this person out if they already work a full time job/go to school during the week. Snacks and meals are not required of course, but nice to offer and go a long way toward making someone feel welcome in your home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't really call someone who watches your kid on the weekend a nanny, and therefore would not expect typical "nanny" duties. If you find someone committed to the schedule (difficult on the weekend), who clicks with your kid, is willing to drive to various activities, you thank your lucky stars and don't make things more difficult. I think it'd be reasonable to ask whoever you hire to clean up after themselves and the child, not you if you'll be home, maybe straighten their bedroom, fold kid laundry, and prepare meals when they are there. Anything else is going to burn this person out if they already work a full time job/go to school during the week. Snacks and meals are not required of course, but nice to offer and go a long way toward making someone feel welcome in your home.

Thanks. This person is a nanny for a nanny share in my neighborhood and is looking for regular work on the weekends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't really call someone who watches your kid on the weekend a nanny, and therefore would not expect typical "nanny" duties. If you find someone committed to the schedule (difficult on the weekend), who clicks with your kid, is willing to drive to various activities, you thank your lucky stars and don't make things more difficult. I think it'd be reasonable to ask whoever you hire to clean up after themselves and the child, not you if you'll be home, maybe straighten their bedroom, fold kid laundry, and prepare meals when they are there. Anything else is going to burn this person out if they already work a full time job/go to school during the week. Snacks and meals are not required of course, but nice to offer and go a long way toward making someone feel welcome in your home.

Thanks. This person is a nanny for a nanny share in my neighborhood and is looking for regular work on the weekends.

I should clarify that I meant prepare meals for the child while they are on duty, not for the whole family.