Question For Traveling Nannies

[Anonymous]

I have been working with this family only for about a month now and at the end of this month, I will be going on my first work trip "vacation" with a family. My employer is great at paying me for my minimum since they travel a lot but this time i'm going with them. I am not too stingy with money and as long as I make my minimum to pay bills, I don't fret the small things. I am only asking this in case it happens so I can be professional about it. My employer has invited their friend on their family trip. This friend has a child the same age and who is friends with one of my nanny children. In the case that all of the parents decide to go out, what would I do if I was asked to be responsible for the friends child as well? We will be gone for about a week. If i watch the child one day for a few hours, is it worth asking for compensation? If I end up watching the friends child for more than a day or few hours, how would I go about asking for compensation? I am responsible for 3 children so the friends child would be 4. I just hate to make things awkward but have been a nanny for long enough to know I won't be taken advantage of. Again, this has not happened. I just would like to know what I should do if the situation presents itself. Thank you

[Anonymous]

You need to talk to them.

[Anonymous]

You are smart. Because you think in this case if that would be happen. I'm sure this will happen. Parents enjoy having their adult time with their friends without kids. Also this is the main reason why families decide to bring their nanny. But this is talked in the interview, if nanny is willing to travel with them. Even they travel for work or for vacation; it's always lots of work and stress for the nanny, mentally and physical. Living and being with parents around 24/7. Don't feel bad asking. If this happen, feel free to ask them if those hours will be compensated for the other family. It's up to you what you decide. If both families are nice, they will be the first who tell you; that you will be compensated that extra kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You are smart. Because you think in this case if that would be happen. I'm sure this will happen. Parents enjoy having their adult time with their friends without kids. Also this is the main reason why families decide to bring their nanny. But this is talked in the interview, if nanny is willing to travel with them. Even they travel for work or for vacation; it's always lots of work and stress for the nanny, mentally and physical. Living and being with parents around 24/7. Don't feel bad asking. If this happen, feel free to ask them if those hours will be compensated for the other family. It's up to you what you decide. If both families are nice, they will be the first who tell you; that you will be compensated that extra kid.

Thank you for your input!

[Anonymous]

You absolutely must have a conversation before the trip.

If you’re feeling uncomfortable, text or email them a list of questions:
- what are the sleeping arrangements? Will you have a private room or be asked to share with the kids? (I had a family who expected me to sleep on a sofa sleeper in the living room - it was a nightmare to navigate)
- will you be expected to work your normal schedule, or adjusted hours?
- what notice will you have for schedule changes?
- will you be expected to watch friends child? If so, what will the additional compensation be?
- are you flying to driving to location? Are they paying for your plane ticket? Gas?
- will you have a car at the location?
- what activities will there be for your own down time?

[Anonymous]

It's would be great if you have the chance to ask those questions that PP mentioned too. In details to avoid some misunderstanding. Sometimes nannies think it's nice to travel with families and they can enjoy a time for themselves too. But it's not always how you picture it. It's really tired most than relaxing and you have to be flexible about schedule as it's not always going to be your typical set schedule. They would want to hang out, party, dinners so they will be expecting you lots of flexibility. And it would be fair that you would be compensated if the other family ask you to babysitt their child too.

[Anonymous]

You most definitely should be compensated for that extra time . And I hope you’re making more then just one weeks pay. You should be paid for your time away etc

[Anonymous]

Yes, OP…..
You should definitely ask or be compensated a few more dollars for being responsible for another child.

If your NF does not initially offer this - then you likely will have to bring it up yourself.
If your bosses expect you to do it gratis > then I likely would reconsider traveling w/them.

Good luck!