Anonymous
Post 01/06/2014 14:00     Subject: mbs pregnant
Oh goody. Another thread turned into an argument about pay and expectations. Color me shocked.
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2014 13:42     Subject: mbs pregnant
Anonymous wrote:Lol. These aren't above and beyond duties and is not "going to bat". Good nannies do these things without being asked.

Also, the average raise is not doing "the bare minimum as an employer".

Dial back the drama.


How are these things not going above and beyond?

-accommodating inevitable changes to the schedule
-picking up extra household tasks (family laundry, cooking family dinners, running errands for mom)
-dealing with a moody cranky pregnant lady/new mom with a smile
-anticipating needs (taking the toddler out on prolonged outings to give mom a break, taking the baby for a while so mom can spend time with toddler even though baby is not her responsibility, etc.)

Those are certainly desirable qualities in a good nanny, but the fact that everyone wishes their nanny did these things, doesn't mean it isn't above and beyond. Every boss wishes their employees would anticipate needs and take on necessary extra tasks without being told, but those employees are few and far between, and you show your appreciation when you find one!
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2014 13:35     Subject: mbs pregnant
Anonymous wrote:Lol. These aren't above and beyond duties and is not "going to bat". Good nannies do these things without being asked.

Also, the average raise is not doing "the bare minimum as an employer".

Dial back the drama.


The fact that you think that says a lot. You're obviously a take take take employer who is never satisfied, yet can't come up with anything to reward or appreciate your nanny for. Maternity leave is HARD on nanny and mom. Helping a family while they are in transition, anticipating needs, running extra errands, preparing meals, dealing with sibling jealousy, caring for mom and baby (for which you are likely not being paid to do yet), and more, are what great nannies do, and great nannies get great raises. If your nanny literally does nothing extra during maternity leave, she's done her job. She isn't a great nanny but she's done her job, and should get a ho hum raise for the new baby once it is in her care. This thread is about going BEYOND your normal duties to be of further help. Such a nanny deserves more than the minimum raise you think you can get away with.
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2014 13:25     Subject: mbs pregnant
Lol. These aren't above and beyond duties and is not "going to bat". Good nannies do these things without being asked.

Also, the average raise is not doing "the bare minimum as an employer".

Dial back the drama.
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2014 13:02     Subject: Re:mbs pregnant
Anonymous wrote:
MB here: take the oldest out of the house on hours-long outings. I just want to lay in bed, nurse, and bond with my new baby. Each time you're on your way home from an outting, call me and ask if there's anything I need so I can ask you to pick up food or more diapers. Each time you're leaving the house, empty the diaper pail.

We did not require any overnights from our nanny when our second was born. We agreed to a $3 an hour increase. Then we just gave $4 because our nanny made our life so much easier and went above and beyond.


I agree with this, except the raise this PP suggests is unusually excessive. New baby raises are usually in the $1-2/hr range, which is entirely appropriate.


Lol. How can you say both of those things in the same post? You agree with the list of above and beyond duties a nanny can do during maternity leave, and then make a statement about giving a less than exceptional raise. Sure $1-$2/hour is the average raise, but you don't get and keep and nanny who will truly go to bat for you by doing the bare minimum as an employer.
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2014 12:31     Subject: Re:mbs pregnant
MB here: take the oldest out of the house on hours-long outings. I just want to lay in bed, nurse, and bond with my new baby. Each time you're on your way home from an outting, call me and ask if there's anything I need so I can ask you to pick up food or more diapers. Each time you're leaving the house, empty the diaper pail.

We did not require any overnights from our nanny when our second was born. We agreed to a $3 an hour increase. Then we just gave $4 because our nanny made our life so much easier and went above and beyond.


I agree with this, except the raise this PP suggests is unusually excessive. New baby raises are usually in the $1-2/hr range, which is entirely appropriate.
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2014 12:04     Subject: mbs pregnant
MB here: take the oldest out of the house on hours-long outings. I just want to lay in bed, nurse, and bond with my new baby. Each time you're on your way home from an outting, call me and ask if there's anything I need so I can ask you to pick up food or more diapers. Each time you're leaving the house, empty the diaper pail.

We did not require any overnights from our nanny when our second was born. We agreed to a $3 an hour increase. Then we just gave $4 because our nanny made our life so much easier and went above and beyond.
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2014 11:14     Subject: mbs pregnant
Anonymous wrote:

Are you positive you will be working during her maternity leave? When one of my MBs got prego with #2 I thought for sure I'd be keep on since they spoke none stop about be continuing with them when baby#2 came. What they didn't tell me was that they didn't want to use me while on maternity leave and expected me to find another job for three months then come back to them.


In most cases nannies either work less or the same amount of hours and receive $1-2 raise once maternity leave is over. I would do a lot of organizing of baby stuff, deep clean of the playroom, freeze meals for the first few weeks.


Op here- we have already discussed that I will be working during her leave and have also discussed tentative hours. I currently anywhere between 25-45 hours a week. Mb and Db are both drs so their schedule is crazy. The schedule we discussed was a more 9-5ish kind of thing so I will be working more consistently around 40ish hours a week.
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2014 11:01     Subject: mbs pregnant
My hours stayed the same.
Most of my time was spent with the older child. We scheduled a few extra activities for her during that time (gymnastics, art class) which was great because we got out of the house. I think this helped a lot in terms of jealousy -- older DC had almost zero jealousy towards the new baby.

When there was time, DC would do something easy with mom like puzzles or a game of cards, so she still got mom time.

Things I offered to help with: being more on top of laundry, help with meals, small errands.

I know sometimes it can be a bumpy road, but my MB was so great during her maternity leave. It was smooth and easy with both of us in the house.

One thing you might want to think about, which my MB discussed with me early on, is whether or not she will be comfortable nursing in front of you, and if you'll be comfortable. Otherwise you might need to step into another room during that time to give her space.

Ditto with pumping.
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2014 10:36     Subject: mbs pregnant
Anonymous wrote:So I love my job and have awesome bosses. Mb is due with number 2 in a few months and I am looking for advice.

I have nannied (several times) for families with more than one child, so it's not that aspect I am focusing on. I am wondering


What things have you done to be helpful to MB during maternity leave?

How did your hours change? I am anticipating working more, including some overnights.

How much of a raise did you receive?


Are you positive you will be working during her maternity leave? When one of my MBs got prego with #2 I thought for sure I'd be keep on since they spoke none stop about be continuing with them when baby#2 came. What they didn't tell me was that they didn't want to use me while on maternity leave and expected me to find another job for three months then come back to them.

In most cases nannies either work less or the same amount of hours and receive $1-2 raise once maternity leave is over. I would do a lot of organizing of baby stuff, deep clean of the playroom, freeze meals for the first few weeks.
Anonymous
Post 01/05/2014 20:35     Subject: mbs pregnant
"What things have you done to be helpful to MB during maternity leave?"

I went slightly crazy during my leave and for awhile after. Best thing nanny did was stick it out and try to put up with my nutso-ness as best she could. After awhile things returned to normal. I'm thankful she took a longer term view rather than be super reactive during that terrible period.
Anonymous
Post 01/05/2014 20:00     Subject: mbs pregnant
So I love my job and have awesome bosses. Mb is due with number 2 in a few months and I am looking for advice.

I have nannied (several times) for families with more than one child, so it's not that aspect I am focusing on. I am wondering


What things have you done to be helpful to MB during maternity leave?

How did your hours change? I am anticipating working more, including some overnights.

How much of a raise did you receive?