Asking nanny to do some extra chores

[Anonymous]

Nannies, would you be offended if your employer offered to pay you extra for vacuuming and doing the household laundry? And if not, how much extra pay would be appropriate? It would take about 3 hours a week. Our toddler takes a 2 hours each day and she could do the chores during that time, but I also wouldn't mind if she does it while our child is awake.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nannies, would you be offended if your employer offered to pay you extra for vacuuming and doing the household laundry? And if not, how much extra pay would be appropriate? It would take about 3 hours a week. Our toddler takes a 2 hours each day and she could do the chores during that time, but I also wouldn't mind if she does it while our child is awake.

OP here. I meant to say our toddler takes a 2 hour nap each day.

[Anonymous]

Just a question. When your child takes a nap, does your nanny get a break to rest and have lunch? Like you would get a break during your work day?

[Anonymous]

Nanny here. I would personally do it for the extra money if it was only 3hrs of work . Not daily because taking care of kids is exhausting and we need a break too

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just a question. When your child takes a nap, does your nanny get a break to rest and have lunch? Like you would get a break during your work day?

Employee break time is ~30 min per day so 2.5 hrs per week. Nanny currently has 10 hours break and chore is only 3 hours. So they are still left with 7 hours which is plenty. OP, what does your nanny currently do during break time?

[Anonymous]

Yes, she gets a long break every day. She eats with our toddler and during the nap she cleans up the lunch dishes and puts away toys. That takes 15 minutes. She usually reads during the rest of naptime but sometimes takes her own nap or leaves the house for a bit (I’m home so it’s fine.)

[Anonymous]

Yes, I'd be offended and may start looking for employment elsewhere. I'm a childcare professional not a housekeeper. Would you ask any of your other service providers- your hair dresser, plumber, electrician, landscapers, etc to clean your home and wash your dirty clothes? Can you imagine a plumber waiting for a clogged tub to drain and saying "Hey- while you're waiting for that tub to be done draining (or kid to be done sleeping), can you wash my dirty clothes for me? I'll pay you!".

Yikes.

[Anonymous]

I would not be offended but would not agree to this extra work no matter how much extra I am paid. By nap time I am exhausted, and just need a break/cuppa coffee. My job is back breaking as it is, so if I do extra I may not be able to work next day, haha

[Anonymous]

I think it’s in how you word it. A lot of nanny’s find housekeeping/cleaning demeaning. If you are chatting and mention you are trying to find someone to do do X jobs once or twice a week for Y pay, you can see if she offers. If she doesn’t then you have your answer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just a question. When your child takes a nap, does your nanny get a break to rest and have lunch? Like you would get a break during your work day?

Employee break time is ~30 min per day so 2.5 hrs per week. Nanny currently has 10 hours break and chore is only 3 hours. So they are still left with 7 hours which is plenty. OP, what does your nanny currently do during break time?

Whenever, I am home, I notice that when my kids are napping, my nanny has her lunch, and take some time for herself on the couch with her phone.
by the time my kids are awake after their 2.5 hours nap. The play room is tidy, the breakfast/lunch dishes are cleaned up and put away, and main areas are tidy. I try not to pressure my nanny has I know childcare can be exhausted, but she takes great care of my kids, and still manages to have my house in order without me asking, which I like. That’s why I don’t bother her when she’s on a break or insist on doing other chores around the house.

[Anonymous]

I am a Nanny & would only be slightly offended if you asked me to do chores.

Only because I like to focus strictly on childcare only.
I mean, I always wash any bottles/dishes used as well as pick up any toys that were played with during my shift.
I even organize the child’s toys + clothes during naptime but I wouldn’t want to vacuum and/or do laundry….even for extra pay.

However I am sure there are some Nannies out there who would be willing to accept your offer as I do not find it unreasonable.

[Anonymous]

I'm also a Nanny and honestly I would really feel offended. Bcs when you Hired me, I accepted a Nanny Job; not a Housekeeper position.

Furthermore in what time do you think Nanny could do it. 2 hours it's almost nothing. In that time, I would have my lunch, clean up kitchen, wash kids dishes, clean up playroom, pick up toys, do laundry twice a week and also help to steam some veggies for the kids or so. It's a hard work taking care of kids during the day.

I wouldn't care about the "extra money". I wouldn't accept it, it doesn't matter how much you are offering to pay. When we come back from playgrounds or library or other activities; I'm really exhausted. I barely have a time to have a break or make a phone call.

During those 2 hours it's when I have to take care of leave everything neat and organized. So for me I would say NOT thanks. I will start looking for another Job.

[Anonymous]

We put a specific number of non-child related errands into our contract. Our nanny was not offended.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't do it, but you can alwys ask.

[Anonymous]

I childcare were such amazing job, more moms would be raising their own kids.