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Anonymous wrote:I didn't learn anything at the first one I didn't already know. In fact my boss offered me a great opportunity to work that weekend to make some serious good money. When I said oh I will miss the nanny training day she said weren't you bored during the last one.
I know who nanny deb is. I figured it out on the first training day.
Oh, do tell! Who am I?
(This? Is going to be hysterical...)
As someone organizing a local NNTD event, it's not like anyone is forcing uninterested or snippy nannies to attend.
It's a chance to show interest in your career, and a fairly cheap way to do so, considering how costly national conferences are with airfare, hotels, etc.
No interest in bettering yourself? That's too bad. Wonder how your employers feel about that?
It's a chance to show interest in your career, and a fairly cheap way to do so, considering how costly national conferences are with airfare, hotels, etc.
No interest in bettering yourself? That's too bad. Wonder how your employers feel about that?
Generally speaking, nannies do not have the protection against that sort of thing that people who work for employers with more than 1 employee have.
So, yes, it's likely legal, but it's kind of a jerky thing to do unless the issue simply cannot be resolved positively.
So, yes, it's likely legal, but it's kind of a jerky thing to do unless the issue simply cannot be resolved positively.
Anonymous wrote:NannyDeb:
I have a wonderful nanny who is relatively new to the profession. She has an unbelievably sweet and patient nature and good instincts for teaching, but I feel she would really benefit from some training in how to work with young kids on language, emotional intelligence, etc.
I'm open to buying books to help her in this area, and also open to paying for her to attend a course or two. Can you suggest some good resources? I looked at community college courses in DC, but I think she would prefer something more targeted than the general courses she would have to take before she could enroll in the more practical courses. Are there any nanny training programs or accessible books that focus on teaching nannies to teach higher level language and thinking skills to the pre-pre K crowd?
There are multiple opportunities for new and "seasoned" nannies to learn new things and attend trainings either on-line or in-person. The fact that you are hoping to help your nanny grow professionally is wonderful, and I compliment you on being proactive!
I would encourage your nanny to seek out other local nannies. The "water cooler" style support of a *good* nanny support group is a true blessing. There are in-person and virtual groups (some groups combine the 2) listed here: http://nannygroups.blogspot.com/ and on the International Nanny Association website here: http://www.nanny.org/support-groups. Facebook and meetup.com also have a variety of nanny groups, some terrific and professional, some...not so much.
If your nanny wants to attend trainings, there are 3 each year aimed specifically at nannies:
International Nanny Association holds a national conference each spring: http://www.nanny.org/2013annualconference
****I've attended once, and learned a great deal. They switch between west coat and east coast locations. This year conference is the second weekend in April in Louisville, KY.
National Nanny Training Day is April 20, 2013. There are more than 35 local one day educational conferences planned this year, and the list of events is here: http://nannybizreviews.com/nntd/
****I am coordinating a local event for the second year, and we've had great response. These events are designed to be affordable and easy to attend. Usually the cost is between $25 - $50.
Nannypalooza is a national conference held every fall: http://www.nannypalooza.com/Nannypalooza/Home.html
****I've attended 6 and always come away with new and exciting information. This year conference will be the first weekend in November in Cleveland, OH.
There are also national and local conferences put on by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): http://www.naeyc.org/
****I haven't attended any of these conferences, but they are HUGE, with many sessions that are good for nannies as well as ECE teachers.
Online classes can be found at the following:
http://www.4nannytraining.com/opportunities.html
http://www.infantcaretraining.com/onlinechildcarecourses/nannytrainingonline.html
http://www.professionalnanny.com/
http://www.sittercycle.com/
I know nothing about any of these websites or their offerings, but you and your nanny can investigate!
Hope this isn't too much of an information dump! Good luck to you and your nanny!
So, just to make sure I have the reasoning straight here, Ms. Ortega murdered 2 children that she was hired to care for as their nanny. The family that hired her is obviously at fault for the deaths of their 2 kids because Ms. Ortega was so totally an illegal immigrant who got paid illegal wages under the table, and the parents got what they deserved.
The alternate reality crap around this story makes me want to vomit. Either stick to the facts as they are known, or at least avoid painting the parents as evil exploiters of illegal immigrants, OK?
Ms. Ortega was found with the bodies of 2 children, suffering from a self inflicted throat wound. Ms. Ortega had been acting oddly for weeks or months, according to witnesses that came forward AFTER the crime to discuss their observations. There is no proof or evidence at all that the Krim's treated Ms. Ortega well/poorly/inhumanely, or that they paid her too much/enough/too little/legally/under the table.
If you all MUST speculate about the deaths of 2 kids, could you at least have the common decency to avoid playing the "blame-the-parents" game for the love of all that is holy?
The alternate reality crap around this story makes me want to vomit. Either stick to the facts as they are known, or at least avoid painting the parents as evil exploiters of illegal immigrants, OK?
Ms. Ortega was found with the bodies of 2 children, suffering from a self inflicted throat wound. Ms. Ortega had been acting oddly for weeks or months, according to witnesses that came forward AFTER the crime to discuss their observations. There is no proof or evidence at all that the Krim's treated Ms. Ortega well/poorly/inhumanely, or that they paid her too much/enough/too little/legally/under the table.
If you all MUST speculate about the deaths of 2 kids, could you at least have the common decency to avoid playing the "blame-the-parents" game for the love of all that is holy?
Exposure to language begets language development. I do a lot of narrating, conversing, reading, singing, etc, along with quiet play time.
And my charges generally aren't saying 2 word sentences at 18 months, like a PP's charges apparently do. (Yes, you, PP with the "diarrhea" comment!)
Nope, they're speaking in full sentences - 5+ words at around that age. "I want to play blocks now!"
And at 2 they say things like "Christmas music makes my heart feel love."
And at 3 they use words like "reciprocate" correctly and in context with our discussions.
So I guess I am doing something right, huh?
And my charges generally aren't saying 2 word sentences at 18 months, like a PP's charges apparently do. (Yes, you, PP with the "diarrhea" comment!)
Nope, they're speaking in full sentences - 5+ words at around that age. "I want to play blocks now!"
And at 2 they say things like "Christmas music makes my heart feel love."
And at 3 they use words like "reciprocate" correctly and in context with our discussions.
So I guess I am doing something right, huh?
There will, unfortunately, always be people willing to hire someone like your friend because they figure cheaper is better, even in childcare.
In your shoes, I would stop helping her job hunt, because if she thinks being an actual nanny (as opposed to a warm body) is "easy", she'll probably burn out spectacularly, and I'd guess you don't need to feel the heat from that little implosion.
In your shoes, I would stop helping her job hunt, because if she thinks being an actual nanny (as opposed to a warm body) is "easy", she'll probably burn out spectacularly, and I'd guess you don't need to feel the heat from that little implosion.
Yep, the completely inexperienced nanny with no credentials is the nanny making $10/hour.
For me, a nanny worth $30 per hour must have some outstanding credentials:
NNEB educated, college degree and post grad on top of that in education field, speaks 2+ languages fluently, has 20+ years experience in long term jobs, belongs to professional organizations, attends conferences and actively seeks out other learning opportunities to keep her skills fresh, able to fit seamlessly into a household, experienced at working with other staff, willing and able to be not only a caregiver but an educator, have connections in the area with other nannies so she can provide your child with playgroup activities, able to completely manage your child's care solo whenever necessary...
OP, pass on this poor deluded soul!
For me, a nanny worth $30 per hour must have some outstanding credentials:
NNEB educated, college degree and post grad on top of that in education field, speaks 2+ languages fluently, has 20+ years experience in long term jobs, belongs to professional organizations, attends conferences and actively seeks out other learning opportunities to keep her skills fresh, able to fit seamlessly into a household, experienced at working with other staff, willing and able to be not only a caregiver but an educator, have connections in the area with other nannies so she can provide your child with playgroup activities, able to completely manage your child's care solo whenever necessary...
OP, pass on this poor deluded soul!
Nannies would you take a job in this situation? Parents, have you had a successful experience with FT child care for twin infants + 3 y/o?
I would if the pay was right and there was a nanny car for use on the job.
But what to do about the 3 year old?
IMO, that depends on what you and the child will be happiest with. If he would be happy at home with preschool half days a few time a week, go with that. If he'd be happier with full day preschool closer to home, go with that. BTW, even if he is dropping naps at that time, institute "quiet time", for your sanity and the sanity of your nanny. With 3 under 4 anyone with the kids all day will NEED an hour to relax!
If he goes to a preschool near our house, it is reasonable to ask a nanny to care for infant twins and a 3 year old every afternoon?
Yes, as long as there is a way for nanny to do pick-up and drop-off in any sort of weather.
Is it reasonable to ask the nanny to pick him up from preschool, or will that throw off the schedule with the twins?
2nd and 3rd kids have to accommodate their older siblings schedules - that's just a fact of life! If you hire a nanny with lots of experience, she will be able to juggle the needs of all 3 kids.
Does it matter if the preschool is w/in easy walking distance of our house?
No, because walking with infant twins and a preschooler in any sport of bad weather will be a turn-off. Would you do the walk to school in rain/snow/heat with 3 under 4?
Or would we need to find another arrangement (maybe college student) to transport DS home from preschool. Or leave him in FT daycare?
As I said above, a nanny car makes the most sense in this situation. That will allow nanny to both transport your older child to school and back, and allow her to go out with your twins when they are old enough to do playgroups, activities, etc.
What's reasonable to pay a nanny in this situation? We have a BR suite in the basement to do a live-in option.
I would shy away from live-in unless your BR suite is an apartment with a kitchen/kitchenette and living area, as well as a bedroom and private bath, located away from the family living/play areas.
Reasonable pay depends on the experience level and education of the nanny. You might want to consider making a "dream nanny" description, and then asking local agencies what your dream nanny would cost you. You also need to take into account what you want from nanny beyond childcare and the related household tasks. With 20 years experience, and extensive newborn experience, I'd expect $22/hour for the job with basic childcare expectations and basic benefits. A nanny with 5 years experience might be willing to take $16/hour with the same package.
You need to determine your budget, how long you want to keep the nanny, and how much experience the nanny has to have to get a good read on costs. If you can spend up to $25/hour does that include room for bonuses and raises, as well as your share of the taxes? Or do you expect to pay $25/hour PLUS the above items?
Many cities across the US are having National Nanny Training Day events this April 20th. These one day educational conferences are designed to be relatively inexpensive and offer terrific learn today, use tomorrow information to nannies that attend.
Click the link to find an event near you: http://nannybizreviews.com/nntd/
Click the link to find an event near you: http://nannybizreviews.com/nntd/
Anonymous wrote:Caring for kids is always easy.
The way you do it may be easy. The way truly good nannies do it is actual hard work.
If a parent is going to freak out over the fact that my short and neatly kept nails are painted, then I am not all that interested in working for them. I get the OPI gel manis, and I love deep and bright colors. My charge is especially enamored of any sparkly colors I have on my nails.
OP, is the "organizing" in her contract? If not, she is doing the job you hired her to do, and you can either accept that or fire her for not "going above and beyond".
If the organizing is in her contract, then yes, you could say, "Hey, if you have downtime tonight, can you go through the fridge and toss older stuff please?"
BUT don't ask her to do any organizing if you aren't capable of accepting what she does without complaint. Don't go behind her and "save" things she tossed from your office, or grumble in her hearing or your kids hearing about her tossing "perfectly good" leftovers.
If you are in any way controlling about your house, let the poor nanny alone. Why? Because you won't EVER be happy with how she does this "organizing" and she will know and either be upset that she can't read your mind or flat out pi$$ed off that you expect her to read your mind.
If the organizing is in her contract, then yes, you could say, "Hey, if you have downtime tonight, can you go through the fridge and toss older stuff please?"
BUT don't ask her to do any organizing if you aren't capable of accepting what she does without complaint. Don't go behind her and "save" things she tossed from your office, or grumble in her hearing or your kids hearing about her tossing "perfectly good" leftovers.
If you are in any way controlling about your house, let the poor nanny alone. Why? Because you won't EVER be happy with how she does this "organizing" and she will know and either be upset that she can't read your mind or flat out pi$$ed off that you expect her to read your mind.
I think your best bet at this point is to sit down with her and discuss how much she is making GROSS, and how much of that comes out of YOUR pocket. Then offer to either start paying her in GROSS dollars minus taxes and base her raise on that, or offer her a MUCH smaller raise if she wants to keep being paid NET.
IOW, if she wants to begin being paid her GROSS wage minus taxes, she gets a typical $1/hour raise, or if she chooses to keep being paid NET, her raise will be .25/hour.
Do the math with your accountant so that you only offer as much as you can afford in either case. And be prepared for her to choose to leave rather than have her pay reflect reality. Then, NEVER offer to pay another nanny's tax burden for her. ALWAYS discuss pay based on gross wages.
IOW, if she wants to begin being paid her GROSS wage minus taxes, she gets a typical $1/hour raise, or if she chooses to keep being paid NET, her raise will be .25/hour.
Do the math with your accountant so that you only offer as much as you can afford in either case. And be prepared for her to choose to leave rather than have her pay reflect reality. Then, NEVER offer to pay another nanny's tax burden for her. ALWAYS discuss pay based on gross wages.
OP, I do hope you did turn the offer down. But if you happen to have another set of parents ask/tell you to expect to be working or available to work 18 hours a day 7 days a week, here's what you say:
"Certainly that can be arranged. My hourly gross rate is $15, my overtime rate for hours 9 - 12 is $22.50, and my overtime rate for hours 13 - 18 is $30. So as long as you are fine with paying me a weekly salary of $2730 we can work things out. Oh, and if I work a full 24 hours, I will need an additional $320 for the extra 6 hours that I am not supposed to work or be on call."
I guarantee there won't be boyfriend questions or pointed suggestions about fireplaces after that.
"Certainly that can be arranged. My hourly gross rate is $15, my overtime rate for hours 9 - 12 is $22.50, and my overtime rate for hours 13 - 18 is $30. So as long as you are fine with paying me a weekly salary of $2730 we can work things out. Oh, and if I work a full 24 hours, I will need an additional $320 for the extra 6 hours that I am not supposed to work or be on call."
I guarantee there won't be boyfriend questions or pointed suggestions about fireplaces after that.
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