I'm a nanny, and I have a big question!

[Anonymous]

I've been working for four years with the same family and the boy is going to a daycare school 2 days a week from 9-12 and I drop him off and pick him up. (10 minute drive) Then I stay at their home cleaning. BUT there used to be a housecleaner every other Monday. My bosses recently told me that the two days that I stay at their home, I have to clean their house and do their laundry! Their house has four bathrooms, four bedrooms, a basement, etc. Honestly, the hours that I am there cleaning, I am very tired. When I applied for the job, I specifically said that I am a nanny, which includes doing the kids laundry, meals, and doing everything for the KID. not a housecleaner. Should I continue to clean their house with no extra charge? I talked to my boss and she said "I fired the housecleaner because I need the extra money for my sons school."

[Anonymous]

What else would you do for the six hours/week? Is there enough children's laundry and meals to keep you occupied for that entire time? If not, then it's completely fair for them to ask you to do work around the house. If you don't like it, find another job.

[Anonymous]

They're cheating you and being cheap. It was their decision to enroll their son in preschool while employing a full time nanny. My charge goes to school 2 days a week too. Sometimes MB asks me to drop off/pick up dry cleaning on the way home from dropping him off, or to pick up a few essential items from the store. Other than that, his time at school is my time, as long as I al around and available to pick him up if needed. Don't let them walk all over you.

[Anonymous]

Than you so much for you advise, of course I'll do it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you so much for you advise, of course I'll do it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What else would you do for the six hours/week? Is there enough children's laundry and meals to keep you occupied for that entire time? If not, then it's completely fair for them to ask you to do work around the house. If you don't like it, find another job.

Child related work, yes. Housecleaning, no.

[Anonymous]

It's fair of them to ask. I can see why it wouldn't make sense for them to pay a housekeeper and also pay you for hours that aren't needed for childcare. It's also totally reasonable for you to decline and move on to another job.

[Anonymous]

Did your bosses just fire the housekeeper and just assume you would take over the cleaning duties w/out discussing it w/you??! If that is the case, I would be very angry.

It sounds like there is a huge misunderstanding here and before things proceed, you need to let them know right now before you find yourself trapped in a dicey situation.

Let them know that you are a nanny and not a maid. Tell them that you do not mind doing nanny-related household tasks, yet you do not do heavy-duty cleaning by any means.

Now unless you need those hours still, you only have two options. A). Clean their house or B). Lose the hours and seek a very part-time position, if possible.

But you need to talk to your bosses ASAP because if you continue scrubbing their toilets week to week, you are going to end up very bitter indeed.

[Anonymous]

It would be reasonable to offer you the opportunity but not to assume you were obligated to accept. If they had you fewer hours per week the cleaning lady would not nanny for them - these are two separate jobs. You need to transition out of this job or set up a part time share if you need the money.

[Anonymous]

If you are willing to do a reasonable amount of cleaning (be specific about what you will and won't do it), ask them to increase your salary to reflect this. Maybe they can pay you such that it's still cheaper than having you and a housecleaner but still a nice increase for you. Be weary though of them turning you into THE housekeeper if that is not what you want.

Otherwise, let them know that your are willing to straighten up some ( if you are) but can't tire yourself out for baby.

[Anonymous]

What does your contract say? Sounds like it's time to revisit your duties and their expectations. If there isn't a good match, give your notice.

[Anonymous]

Yes this is a challenge and four years is a long time with one family and they may be finding ways to keep you on. Looking at it from their point they are trying to justify the expense of a full-time nanny and really want to keep you on. As the position has changed in the dynamics of the tasks you and your employer should really sit down and go over the changes and the options. The question is what do you want to do and where you want your career headed. Do you want to become a housekeeper? Housekeeping is a skill and six hours a week a professional one could do the work. It really is up to you if you want to grow with the position or move on.

[Anonymous]

I think they should have discussed it with you before adding the responsibilities. They should have decided how important it was for them to have the housekeeping part included. If it was important they should have come to you and said 'the role going forward will change to add xxx to your duties, will you be happy to do that?' If you had said no, they then would have to decide whether they keep you on or find someone who is willing to do it.
I would mention that you're unhappy about the lack of communication and see if you can come up with a compromise

[Anonymous]

I don't think its unreasonable to pick up on other areas, but reasonably you cannot clean a house well in a few hours, including laundry. Do what you can and they will have to do the rest. Do a quick wipe down and vacuum and laundry.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like they fired the housekeeper and are telling you that housekeeping is now part of your duties. If that's the case then that is not okay. Nanny jobs naturally evolve as children age but housekeeping is a totally different job. If you're willing to do the housekeeping then accept the new responsibilities. If you're not willing to become the housekeeper then be prepared for them to offer you part time hours.