Typical Nanny Duties and "Light Housework"

[Anonymous]

This is a spinoff of a thread that was recently revived, but I want to be more explicit so I can make sure our agreement specifies things appropriately.


Our nanny is responsible for all things kid related -- caretaking, pickups, activities, kid laundry, kid dishes/bottles/pans, meal prep (whether defrosting BM, prepping formula, making purees or older kid food), tidying toys/kids rooms and the like. This would also include maybe seasonally or as appropriate setting aside toys that are broken/not played with, or clothes that are outgrown, for the parents to deal with. I think of these as "typical nanny duties" --- is that a correct assumption?

Then, in the "light housework" category, this would be things like running/emptying the dishwasher as needed (which is a combo of kids stuff and adult dishes), taking out the kitchen trash or kids bathroom trash as needed (definitely no one else's), swiffer/stick vacuum meal crumbs (that kids created, if needed), wipe countertops, wash/fold household sheets/towels (occasionally, no adult personal laundry - most likely this is a load of kitchen linens and bathroom handtowels) -- things that in the normal routine of the household keep things running smoothly.

For sake of argument - "housekeeper" duties are the weekly deep cleans, fridge clean out, mopping, vacuuming, baseboards, bedding swaps, etc....

As I've laid it out above, is that fairly typical? Unless "light housework" is specified, and somewhat detailed with types of tasks, it becomes a point of debate down the line. Are any of the kid-related laundry/cleaning duties a-typical and therefore things that need to be equally spelled out and detailed in the agreement?

[Anonymous]

Nanny here and I agree. I think you've covered everything and it's great you want to spell it out. These are all things I've done in my positions. One thing you can ask nanny to change and wash kids bedding weekly or as needed. This is especially helpful if you are potty training and still having accidents at night. You can toss sheets in the washer in the am and nanny can get the bed made back up before bedtime.

[Anonymous]

our nanny mops the floors when the kid is at preschool

[Anonymous]

The only thing that may be a-typical is the linens.

Im a nanny and for my light housework these are my duties:
childs laundry, childs room (swiffer/vaccum/keep it tidy.) my charge is 7 so he cleans his room but I help with the big stuff. I also change and wash his bedding as needed. I cook him dinner when we get home (easy kid food type stuff) and I sweep and mop the kitchen when it needs it (about 2 times a week)

It isn't in my contract but I also tidy the living room and entry way since my charge plays in those areas I consider them my responsibility.

Loading and unloading the dishwasher are not in my contract but if I see it is full of clean dishes I unload it or if there are dishes in the sink I handle them. My MB is alway appreciative because she gets home late so it is one less thing for her to do which means more time to spend with her son. I think when we renegotiate my contract we will add the dishwasher to it. There has only been 2 days where I saw it was clean but did not unload it and that was because my charge had a busy day.

My first responsibility is to my charge and then the housework happens if we have time for it (which I normally do. I do most of it while he is eating his dinner).

[Anonymous]

Everyone has their own ideas of what "light housework" means and it can be very subjective so instead of just using the term and not clarifying it, it is best to be as detailed as possible when stating exactly what your needs are and coming to an agreement with your nanny.

While childcare is the number one duty, common sense dictates that us nannies also are to wash any dishes that we use during our stay. If there are any previous dirty dishes in the sink or on the counters or table, it is not up to us to rinse them or even wash them. If we do that, it is just a favor and shouldn't be expected. And or course, whatever crumbs or food spills/messes the child makes, the nanny should wipe them up immediately as well as clean the high/toddler chair or seat.

But I don't think you should expect a nanny to empty out your dishwasher for you or load it because those dishes are not her responsibility. Nor is it her duty to take out your family's garbage for you. Maybe if the diaper pail gets full, she can take that out if needed, but to expect a nanny to be responsible for taking out the kitchen and bathroom garbage just isn't a nanny duty.

Some nannies will do laundry, some prefer not to.

However I do not think a nanny should do family linens such as sheets and towels. For the children, that would be acceptable, but not the family stuff.

And cleaning floors is only her duty if she is sweeping up any crumbs the child made during her shift. She shouldn't have to dry mop or vacuum up any mess that was made prior to her arrival.

Remember: A nanny is there to provide care for a child. She is there to provide nourishment on demand, keep the child comfortable and safe, ensure he is well-engaged and active plus keep him clean and well rested and happy until his parents come home.

Isn't that a huge job in itself??

[Anonymous]

"Light Housework" means something different to everyone and I have been told that mentioning it in an ad will turn off the best candidates.

Our nanny does everything child related (his laundry, marketing, cooking, cleaning up after cooking for him, cleans his room) and absolutely nothing more. She never uses the dishwasher and would never empty it. She made this clear in our interview. And I respect her position. It would change the dynamics of our relationship if she did.

[Anonymous]

If you get a foreign born nanny they will be motivated to take on tasks. Ours does the household laundry, dishes, dishwasher, mops floors and cooks for the family. It is excellent and our family is going to keep her far longer than typical child age duties.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you get a foreign born nanny they will be motivated to take on tasks. Ours does the household laundry, dishes, dishwasher, mops floors and cooks for the family. It is excellent and our family is going to keep her far longer than typical child age duties.

She also picks up dry cleaning and drives them to and from school.
My point is that there are lots of idle times when the kids are at school and it is unethical and a waste of money to sit idlely doing nothing or posting on dcum all day long.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is a spinoff of a thread that was recently revived, but I want to be more explicit so I can make sure our agreement specifies things appropriately.


Our nanny is responsible for all things kid related -- caretaking, pickups, activities, kid laundry, kid dishes/bottles/pans, meal prep (whether defrosting BM, prepping formula, making purees or older kid food), tidying toys/kids rooms and the like. This would also include maybe seasonally or as appropriate setting aside toys that are broken/not played with, or clothes that are outgrown, for the parents to deal with. I think of these as "typical nanny duties" --- is that a correct assumption?

Then, in the "light housework" category, this would be things like running/emptying the dishwasher as needed (which is a combo of kids stuff and adult dishes), taking out the kitchen trash or kids bathroom trash as needed (definitely no one else's), swiffer/stick vacuum meal crumbs (that kids created, if needed), wipe countertops, wash/fold household sheets/towels (occasionally, no adult personal laundry - most likely this is a load of kitchen linens and bathroom handtowels) -- things that in the normal routine of the household keep things running smoothly.

For sake of argument - "housekeeper" duties are the weekly deep cleans, fridge clean out, mopping, vacuuming, baseboards, bedding swaps, etc....

As I've laid it out above, is that fairly typical? Unless "light housework" is specified, and somewhat detailed with types of tasks, it becomes a point of debate down the line. Are any of the kid-related laundry/cleaning duties a-typical and therefore things that need to be equally spelled out and detailed in the agreement?

If that is "light" housework then what is left? You are asking her to do 80% of a housekeepers job without the pay. "Light" housekeeping would be one or two minor things like quickly wipe down the kitchen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a spinoff of a thread that was recently revived, but I want to be more explicit so I can make sure our agreement specifies things appropriately.


Our nanny is responsible for all things kid related -- caretaking, pickups, activities, kid laundry, kid dishes/bottles/pans, meal prep (whether defrosting BM, prepping formula, making purees or older kid food), tidying toys/kids rooms and the like. This would also include maybe seasonally or as appropriate setting aside toys that are broken/not played with, or clothes that are outgrown, for the parents to deal with. I think of these as "typical nanny duties" --- is that a correct assumption?

Then, in the "light housework" category, this would be things like running/emptying the dishwasher as needed (which is a combo of kids stuff and adult dishes), taking out the kitchen trash or kids bathroom trash as needed (definitely no one else's), swiffer/stick vacuum meal crumbs (that kids created, if needed), wipe countertops, wash/fold household sheets/towels (occasionally, no adult personal laundry - most likely this is a load of kitchen linens and bathroom handtowels) -- things that in the normal routine of the household keep things running smoothly.

For sake of argument - "housekeeper" duties are the weekly deep cleans, fridge clean out, mopping, vacuuming, baseboards, bedding swaps, etc....

As I've laid it out above, is that fairly typical? Unless "light housework" is specified, and somewhat detailed with types of tasks, it becomes a point of debate down the line. Are any of the kid-related laundry/cleaning duties a-typical and therefore things that need to be equally spelled out and detailed in the agreement?

If that is "light" housework then what is left? You are asking her to do 80% of a housekeepers job without the pay. "Light" housekeeping would be one or two minor things like quickly wipe down the kitchen.

Wrong there is no threshold, do what you need to help out and stop complaining. I would expect light house work to be about 1-2 hours of total time a day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a spinoff of a thread that was recently revived, but I want to be more explicit so I can make sure our agreement specifies things appropriately.


Our nanny is responsible for all things kid related -- caretaking, pickups, activities, kid laundry, kid dishes/bottles/pans, meal prep (whether defrosting BM, prepping formula, making purees or older kid food), tidying toys/kids rooms and the like. This would also include maybe seasonally or as appropriate setting aside toys that are broken/not played with, or clothes that are outgrown, for the parents to deal with. I think of these as "typical nanny duties" --- is that a correct assumption?

Then, in the "light housework" category, this would be things like running/emptying the dishwasher as needed (which is a combo of kids stuff and adult dishes), taking out the kitchen trash or kids bathroom trash as needed (definitely no one else's), swiffer/stick vacuum meal crumbs (that kids created, if needed), wipe countertops, wash/fold household sheets/towels (occasionally, no adult personal laundry - most likely this is a load of kitchen linens and bathroom handtowels) -- things that in the normal routine of the household keep things running smoothly.

For sake of argument - "housekeeper" duties are the weekly deep cleans, fridge clean out, mopping, vacuuming, baseboards, bedding swaps, etc....

As I've laid it out above, is that fairly typical? Unless "light housework" is specified, and somewhat detailed with types of tasks, it becomes a point of debate down the line. Are any of the kid-related laundry/cleaning duties a-typical and therefore things that need to be equally spelled out and detailed in the agreement?

If that is "light" housework then what is left? You are asking her to do 80% of a housekeepers job without the pay. "Light" housekeeping would be one or two minor things like quickly wipe down the kitchen.

Of course it's not 80% housekeeper's job. Housekeepers vacuum and mop floors in the entire house, shine and polish the kitchen, do all laundry, clean bathrooms, sinks, toilets etc. What is described above (other than occasional laundry) is very light housekeeping that's mostly related to cleaning up the normal messes created during the nanny's day at home with an active child - i.e. clean up after the meals, wipe countertops if they got dirty etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is a spinoff of a thread that was recently revived, but I want to be more explicit so I can make sure our agreement specifies things appropriately.


Our nanny is responsible for all things kid related -- caretaking, pickups, activities, kid laundry, kid dishes/bottles/pans, meal prep (whether defrosting BM, prepping formula, making purees or older kid food), tidying toys/kids rooms and the like. This would also include maybe seasonally or as appropriate setting aside toys that are broken/not played with, or clothes that are outgrown, for the parents to deal with. I think of these as "typical nanny duties" --- is that a correct assumption?

Then, in the "light housework" category, this would be things like running/emptying the dishwasher as needed (which is a combo of kids stuff and adult dishes), taking out the kitchen trash or kids bathroom trash as needed (definitely no one else's), swiffer/stick vacuum meal crumbs (that kids created, if needed), wipe countertops, wash/fold household sheets/towels (occasionally, no adult personal laundry - most likely this is a load of kitchen linens and bathroom handtowels) -- things that in the normal routine of the household keep things running smoothly.

For sake of argument - "housekeeper" duties are the weekly deep cleans, fridge clean out, mopping, vacuuming, baseboards, bedding swaps, etc....

As I've laid it out above, is that fairly typical? Unless "light housework" is specified, and somewhat detailed with types of tasks, it becomes a point of debate down the line. Are any of the kid-related laundry/cleaning duties a-typical and therefore things that need to be equally spelled out and detailed in the agreement?

Usually cleaning, cooking and laundry duties related to the child ONLY are not considered housework, light or heavy. This is a normal part of nanny duties. Another normal part of nanny duties is cleaning up after herself and the kid at the end of the day. I.e. - did you cook his dinner? please clean up the kitchen after yourself. Did you play in the playroom for two hours? Please straighten up the toys. Did you make a pillow fort in the living room? Please return the cushions to their regular upright position. Etc.

You venture into the "light housework" category when you go into duties that neither related to the child, nor to cleanup after their normal activities at home. Such as vacuuming the floors, doing laundry for other family members, running a dishwasher, taking out the trash etc. On this, there is no agreed upon list of duties, every family and nanny must come to an agreement on what is most useful for this particular family and not objectionable to the nanny. For instance, our nanny ran the dishwasher and vacuumed the living room and the playroom, simply because that's where they spent most of their time and she wanted to make sure it's good for a crawling child. That worked for us, we did not ask or need anything else as we had a cleaning lady come regularly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a spinoff of a thread that was recently revived, but I want to be more explicit so I can make sure our agreement specifies things appropriately.


Our nanny is responsible for all things kid related -- caretaking, pickups, activities, kid laundry, kid dishes/bottles/pans, meal prep (whether defrosting BM, prepping formula, making purees or older kid food), tidying toys/kids rooms and the like. This would also include maybe seasonally or as appropriate setting aside toys that are broken/not played with, or clothes that are outgrown, for the parents to deal with. I think of these as "typical nanny duties" --- is that a correct assumption?

Then, in the "light housework" category, this would be things like running/emptying the dishwasher as needed (which is a combo of kids stuff and adult dishes), taking out the kitchen trash or kids bathroom trash as needed (definitely no one else's), swiffer/stick vacuum meal crumbs (that kids created, if needed), wipe countertops, wash/fold household sheets/towels (occasionally, no adult personal laundry - most likely this is a load of kitchen linens and bathroom handtowels) -- things that in the normal routine of the household keep things running smoothly.

For sake of argument - "housekeeper" duties are the weekly deep cleans, fridge clean out, mopping, vacuuming, baseboards, bedding swaps, etc....

As I've laid it out above, is that fairly typical? Unless "light housework" is specified, and somewhat detailed with types of tasks, it becomes a point of debate down the line. Are any of the kid-related laundry/cleaning duties a-typical and therefore things that need to be equally spelled out and detailed in the agreement?

Usually cleaning, cooking and laundry duties related to the child ONLY are not considered housework, light or heavy. This is a normal part of nanny duties. Another normal part of nanny duties is cleaning up after herself and the kid at the end of the day. I.e. - did you cook his dinner? please clean up the kitchen after yourself. Did you play in the playroom for two hours? Please straighten up the toys. Did you make a pillow fort in the living room? Please return the cushions to their regular upright position. Etc.

You venture into the "light housework" category when you go into duties that neither related to the child, nor to cleanup after their normal activities at home. Such as vacuuming the floors, doing laundry for other family members, running a dishwasher, taking out the trash etc. On this, there is no agreed upon list of duties, every family and nanny must come to an agreement on what is most useful for this particular family and not objectionable to the nanny. For instance, our nanny ran the dishwasher and vacuumed the living room and the playroom, simply because that's where they spent most of their time and she wanted to make sure it's good for a crawling child. That worked for us, we did not ask or need anything else as we had a cleaning lady come regularly.

Here's a thought if you want a raise or to stay past preschool age, pitch in extra and it will be rewarding. In america no one owes you anything and to lazy around doing the absolute minimum will get you no where.

[Anonymous]

My nanny duties entail anything and everything that is directly related to my charge. All his laundry, meals, shopping, errands, cleaning his bedroom and toys. I would not have time for more even if I wanted to do more.

And I would not respond to any job posting that required "light housework" as that is a slippery slope and the people who post that are looking for a maid not a nanny.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My nanny duties entail anything and everything that is directly related to my charge. All his laundry, meals, shopping, errands, cleaning his bedroom and toys. I would not have time for more even if I wanted to do more.

And I would not respond to any job posting that required "light housework" as that is a slippery slope and the people who post that are looking for a maid not a nanny.

I assume your charge isn't going to preschool. What happens after the charge goes to preschool, do you slow down and take 10x as long to do those same duties? You people complain about overtime and minimum hours, if you aren't working you shouldn't be charging hours.