Reply to Expectations with a live in nanny

Forum Index » Employer Issues

Reply to "Expectations with a live in nanny"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I think you are mistaking a live-in nanny for an au pair. Au pairs are part of a live-in cultural exchange program where the expectation is to treat them as an extended family member and provide them with experiences such as outings and meals with the family.

A live in nanny is simply an employee that lives in your home. Outside of working hours, live in nannies will not want to hang out and it's actually better for all parties if they don't because it can be really hard for kids to understand boundaries around a live in nanny and that she isn't always "on" as an adult for them like parents are.

If it's a full in law suite, wouldn't nanny have her own kitchen? Make her space conducive to self contained living. If there's no kitchen get a mini fridge, an instapot, a kitchen cart, etc. Set up a small table and chair she can eat at.[/quote]

Thanks.  We have a mini-kitchen in the suite which includes a minifridge, microwave, sink, cabinets, etc. She would also have a table and there is a second laundry room in the area.

I understand the difference b/w a nanny and au pair.  We've never considered an au pair because we didn't want an extended family member. We'd be doing our nanny a favor by letting her move in, but recognize that we'd also benefit in some ways with feeling more comfortable asking for help at odd hours.  We pay her enough to live on her own (she makes more than a public school teacher in our district, for example), so that isn't the issue.  She wants to save more money and also ditch her commute and she likes our house and kids a lot. Our nanny is also clingier than others we've had, so really just wondering how to set up boundaries in a way that is kind but clear?  Like, am I a jerk if I don't invite her up for dinners on Friday through Sunday nights?  Do I need to invite her to kid's events on the weekend, or excursions we do that I know she'd enjoy?[/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics