How to thank MB/DB for being so flexible

[Anonymous]

I've been with my NF for 3 years. They are an amazing family and I love working for them.
Over the past month or two, I've had several doctor/dentist appointments come up.
I had 3 appointments with a dentist to have a crown replaced, an emergency appointment with a dermatologist to check on a suspicious mole and 2 appointments with my doctor to deal with an abnormal Pap smear (TMI-sorry). They also haven't counted any of this against my PTO.
It's a lot and I know it isn't easy for them to find coverage, but they do it. DB mentioned that they'd like me to babysit this weekend for an evening out.
I thought I could offer to do it without pay as a way to thank them for their flexibility.
I don't call out often at all (I think once per year when I am extremely sick). I shouldn't have many appointments coming up hopefully. Do you think this is a good gesture? I really want to return the goodwill they've extended to me.

[Anonymous]

I think that is a lovely idea OP.

I also think that just telling them what you've written above would go a long way also. But the best thing you've done is build a long-standing relationship such that your current circumstances are clearly not the norm for you. So I imagine that your employers are good, decent people who understand that people go through tough stretches. Their flexibility with you will pay off in your loyalty to them - so it's a win win.

If it were me I would still pay you for the babysitting, but it would mean a great deal to me that you offered to do it for free in appreciation.

- MB

[Anonymous]

You should find doctors and dentists that work on Saturdays, they exist you know. You're lucky your bosses are understanding. Personally I only plan my appts on weekends out of consideration to my employers.

[Anonymous]

Agree with finding after-hours and Saturday doctors. Also, it's much easier for me to just take an entire day off or work from home all day, than to have you leaving early or coming in late 4 or 5 times. So try to bundle all appointments into one day (I understand you had some unexpected stuff come up).

Say thank you. That's it.

[Anonymous]

Yes good idea

[Anonymous]

No, it isn't. This is how you make your living and stop giving your hours away free. In three years, I am sure you have given them air more flexibility than they have given you.

[Anonymous]

I think it's a fine idea, but I would probably just get them a big bunch of flowers and properly thank them for being so flexible with you in the last few months.

[Anonymous]

While in theory, it is a lovely idea I personally wouldn't do it because I don't think you should ever work free-of-charge no matter what.

Remember this is first & foremost your job....Your livelihood.
Even though your bosses have been really awesome in dealing w/your appointments, I still wouldn't offer them my services for free.

Instead I would let them know personally by telling them in person + letting them know how grateful you are to them for everything they have done for you.

An actual gift may make them a little uncomfortable since it would mean you actually spent money on them instead of yourself!

You sound like a very considerate nanny and one who does not take anything for granted.

[Anonymous]

I'd cook dinner or make cookies or something nice for them.

[Anonymous]

I did something similar a year or so ago for my employers. I was driving the kids home from an activity, it was storming, I drove through a deep puddle, and when I went to turn on to their street, my serpentine belt slipped off and my van was disabled. The dad got home from work a few minutes later and spent a couple hours fixing my van. If not for that, I would have called a tow truck, taken it to a mechanic, etc. So his help saved me a bunch of money.
So I offered them six free hours of Saturday night babysitting. Which they happily accepted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I did something similar a year or so ago for my employers. I was driving the kids home from an activity, it was storming, I drove through a deep puddle, and when I went to turn on to their street, my serpentine belt slipped off and my van was disabled. The dad got home from work a few minutes later and spent a couple hours fixing my van. If not for that, I would have called a tow truck, taken it to a mechanic, etc. So his help saved me a bunch of money.
So I offered them six free hours of Saturday night babysitting. Which they happily accepted.

Let me get this straight?! You tore up your personal vehicle transporting their kids in bad weather in their neighborhood and the dad fixed it for you (which he should have anyway or paid the deductible) and you offered to sit for them for free for 6 hours and they GREEDILY accepted? Disgusting

[Anonymous]

I honestly think the best thing you can do is be a great nanny. If you are normally reliable they will understand.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You should find doctors and dentists that work on Saturdays, they exist you know. You're lucky your bosses are understanding. Personally I only plan my appts on weekends out of consideration to my employers.

And how do you think the rest of the world does it? MOST people use sick days to cover dr appointments. Why is nannying so different?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I did something similar a year or so ago for my employers. I was driving the kids home from an activity, it was storming, I drove through a deep puddle, and when I went to turn on to their street, my serpentine belt slipped off and my van was disabled. The dad got home from work a few minutes later and spent a couple hours fixing my van. If not for that, I would have called a tow truck, taken it to a mechanic, etc. So his help saved me a bunch of money.
So I offered them six free hours of Saturday night babysitting. Which they happily accepted.

Let me get this straight?! You tore up your personal vehicle transporting their kids in bad weather in their neighborhood and the dad fixed it for you (which he should have anyway or paid the deductible) and you offered to sit for them for free for 6 hours and they GREEDILY accepted? Disgusting

I charge them for driving their kids around, and always have. I charge my normal sitter rate, plus 40 cents a mile. And yes, I am aware that 40 cents a mile is under the government rate of 54 cents a mile. You can tell me I am disgusting again if you want to, but I am happy with the arrangement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it's a fine idea, but I would probably just get them a big bunch of flowers and properly thank them for being so flexible with you in the last few months.

A sincere thanks is enough. I wouldn't want our nanny spending hard-earned money on flowers.