Anonymous
02/14/2013 01:08
Subject: How else can I help?
Jesusfuckingchrist just take the break.
Teach yourself a language so you can teach the baby?
Seriously, people?
A
Teach yourself a language so you can teach the baby?
Seriously, people?
A
Anonymous
02/13/2013 23:49
Subject: How else can I help?
Why not teach yourself a second language that you can then speak with the baby? Organize the baby's toys. Make a list of a dozen or so toys for the baby's next developmental stage. Make sure all clothes are organized by size. Make a list of books for the baby's next developmental stage. Make a list of books in the 2nd language. Make a list of hot weather activities appropriate for the age the baby will be during the hot weather months. Same for cold weather. Make a list of both indoor and outdoor places to take the baby. Make a grocery list for the parents of foods for the baby they've run out of or are about to run out of.
These are all things my nanny does (except she already speaks another language).
These are all things my nanny does (except she already speaks another language).
Anonymous
02/13/2013 21:43
Subject: How else can I help?
Embrace this temporary downtime because the child will not always take 3 hour naps. I went from working with a newborn and always having downtime to taking care of a toddler who barely naps and it's exhausting. There are some days I don't even have a minute to eat my own lunch. You sound like a great nanny and I'm sure the family appreciates you.
Anonymous
02/13/2013 21:23
Subject: How else can I help?
21:22 here - i'd also agree that you should certainly enjoy some break time too. But I take it from your post that you are hard working and view 3 hours of downtime as too much if ther eis work you could be doing to help out. That's the sign of a great nanny a family will try really hard to hold onto since she makes their overall life much easier.
Anonymous
02/13/2013 21:22
Subject: How else can I help?
I would offer to do the laundry again - insisting a bit more. I would have said to our nanny too "oh, no, you don't need to do the laundry" if she asked, but instead she just took it on herself to do it unasked and it is GODSEND. I know some MBs are picking about laundry so if she seems particularly maybe don't risk doing it w/o clearing it first but at a minimum, push back a bit by saying you prefer to put yourself to work a bit more than you are currently.
But make sure you keep expectations in line that this is for now, not forever necessarily - the DC will not always sleep 3 hours.
But make sure you keep expectations in line that this is for now, not forever necessarily - the DC will not always sleep 3 hours.
Anonymous
02/13/2013 19:35
Subject: How else can I help?
OP again- thanks everyone! I definitely like your suggestions, 19:30! I'll bring these up to my employers, but I'm going to start allowing myself to enjoy my break.
Anonymous
02/13/2013 19:30
Subject: How else can I help?
If they want you to relax, then relax. 
I wouldn't do anything (like LO's laundry) without asking first -- they might have special pieces that can't be put in the dryer, or a specific detergent or washing machine cycle for the clothes.
If you want suggestions for things to bring up with them:
-prepping for their dinners (I'll chop veggies, put together a basic marinade and put chicken in for them, etc.)
-making and freezing things for LO (pancakes, muffins, meatballs
-disinfecting toys
I wouldn't do anything (like LO's laundry) without asking first -- they might have special pieces that can't be put in the dryer, or a specific detergent or washing machine cycle for the clothes.
If you want suggestions for things to bring up with them:
-prepping for their dinners (I'll chop veggies, put together a basic marinade and put chicken in for them, etc.)
-making and freezing things for LO (pancakes, muffins, meatballs
-disinfecting toys
Anonymous
02/13/2013 17:27
Subject: How else can I help?
You said yourself you're paid less. So stop looking for more work.
Anonymous
02/13/2013 16:38
Subject: How else can I help?
I've been in this situation. If the parents tell me they don't want me to do anything else, I tell them that the offer is still open if something comes up. Then, enjoy your breaks while they last! The kid won't take 3 hour naps forever.
Anonymous
02/13/2013 15:28
Subject: How else can I help?
Anonymous wrote:OP here- thanks! That's nice to hear. It's important to me to be worth every penny and more that I'm being paid. The thing is, it's really not a short break, IMO. Even after I'm finished searching for chores, I still have 2 hours left. Don't get me wrong, I feel very lucky and I'm not complaining by any means, I am just not used to this yet. I guess I'm mostly concerned that there are things they want me to do, but are afraid to ask. From what I've been told, their previous nanny, who was also their first, really took advantage. Basically set her own hours and treated them as though she was the employer. So ridiculous. I just don't want them to end up feeling resentful. I am also being paid about $5/hr less than previous jobs where housework was involved, so I should probably take that into account as well.
It seems like you are doing a lot of extra housework and cleaning even though that isn't technically part of your job. I'm sure the family is very appreciative of this. If the child is napping and you have all of the activities planned, whole house clean, etc. then take some time for yourself! Read a book, magazine, etc. Take some time to recharge yourself so that you can be 110% when the child wakes up.
Anonymous
02/13/2013 14:07
Subject: How else can I help?
just enjoy it. I'm in the same boat but every time i offer to do something from errands to laundry they reject my offer. my boss as mommy guilt and feels like if she isn't doing the basic household stuff than she isn't a true mom. I've gotten to the point where i sneak a load of laundry in. After 8 months of this I've given up, i continue to maintain the house but i learned not to do her housework. So i take a nap and eat my lunch.
Anonymous
02/13/2013 13:54
Subject: How else can I help?
Anonymous wrote:I just started a new job and really love it so far, but it's my first job with only one charge. I'm used to between 2-5 kids, my last position had 3. My point being, I am not at all used to having a break of any kind. My new charge naps for around 3 hours of the 8-10 that I'm here, and my position does not include housework. I have been going around and straightening up the house (the common areas, anyway. I do not go in MB and DBs bedroom or office), doing any dishes, and cleaning tables/counters, but that doesn't take very long. I've offered to do more, like laundry or any other reasonable tasks, but they just say to hang out and watch tv or something. I feel so guilty. MBs, do you have any suggestions for things that your nanny does/could do that would make you smile when you got home? Or should I just leave it alone and take the break? I already spend a ton of time organizing crafts, outings, and activities, so I don't really need to use the time for that.
Hmmm, sometimes a short break is good for you. I don't know, why not do the LO laundry?
Anonymous
02/13/2013 13:47
Subject: How else can I help?
OP here- thanks! That's nice to hear. It's important to me to be worth every penny and more that I'm being paid. The thing is, it's really not a short break, IMO. Even after I'm finished searching for chores, I still have 2 hours left. Don't get me wrong, I feel very lucky and I'm not complaining by any means, I am just not used to this yet. I guess I'm mostly concerned that there are things they want me to do, but are afraid to ask. From what I've been told, their previous nanny, who was also their first, really took advantage. Basically set her own hours and treated them as though she was the employer. So ridiculous. I just don't want them to end up feeling resentful. I am also being paid about $5/hr less than previous jobs where housework was involved, so I should probably take that into account as well.
Anonymous
02/13/2013 13:29
Subject: Re:How else can I help?
You seem like a great nanny! Don't feel guilty about taking a short break.
Anonymous
02/13/2013 13:18
Subject: How else can I help?
I just started a new job and really love it so far, but it's my first job with only one charge. I'm used to between 2-5 kids, my last position had 3. My point being, I am not at all used to having a break of any kind. My new charge naps for around 3 hours of the 8-10 that I'm here, and my position does not include housework. I have been going around and straightening up the house (the common areas, anyway. I do not go in MB and DBs bedroom or office), doing any dishes, and cleaning tables/counters, but that doesn't take very long. I've offered to do more, like laundry or any other reasonable tasks, but they just say to hang out and watch tv or something. I feel so guilty. MBs, do you have any suggestions for things that your nanny does/could do that would make you smile when you got home? Or should I just leave it alone and take the break? I already spend a ton of time organizing crafts, outings, and activities, so I don't really need to use the time for that.