Appropriate sympathy sentiment from a nanny

[Anonymous]

My employers had a death in their family (uncle) and I don't know what would be appropriate for me to do - a card? A gift of food? Flowers? Donation to a named charity? Nothing? I have never met the deceased.

Since my charge has four living great-grandmother's, I think this question might come up again.

I have offered to babysit for free when they sit shiva.

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Maybe food. You should never offer to babysit free. It's not professional.

[Anonymous]

Nothing. A simple "sorry for your lost" is sufficient.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe food. You should never offer to babysit free. It's not professional.

I disagree. It is a gift. Especially poignant when the employers are at the actual funeral, viewing, wake or sitting shiva.

[Anonymous]

At least "I'm sorry for your loss." At most, a sympathy card. Since they're jewish, don't do flowers.

[Anonymous]

"I'm sorry for your loss" is enough.
You're not part of their family.

Nanny.

[Anonymous]

Four living great-grandmothers? Wow!

[Anonymous]

I would have just said how sorry I was for their loss. You don't know him and you are not a family member. Offering to babysit for free is a slippery slope that I wouldn't go down for something like this.

[Anonymous]

If you want to keep it simple I would get a card. If you want to go above and beyond I would make a casserole dish they would enjoy. Don't even consider offering free babysitting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe food. You should never offer to babysit free. It's not professional.

I disagree. It is a gift. Especially poignant when the employers are at the actual funeral, viewing, wake or sitting shiva.

+ 1. A card (sent thru the mail) and free coverage if the funeral, viewing, shiva extends past your usual hours.

[Anonymous]

Keep it simple + professional OP.

Simply offer them sympathy for their loss & leave it at that.

NEVER offer to babysit for free.
It is highly unprofessional and could set a bad precedent for everyone.

[Anonymous]

When my MB's mother was dying I made sure to be as flexible as possible and stayed late/came early/took on other small tasks as needed. I offered to babysit for free during the funeral and the wake, but she wouldn't hear of it. So I think offering flexibility and a 'sorry for you loss' is enough.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Four living great-grandmothers? Wow!

Yes wow! DS only has 1 set of GG!