If I accept a live-in position, they don't see me much unless I'm on the clock. It's not like an au pair and being part of the family. I like my separate time, and I want them to have theirs, although people are all over the map about these things.

I've only done provided living arrangements when they are detached or nearby. I have only hear horror stories about live in situations.

The best things I can think of is to consider it as you are a guest in a friends home.

Clean up after yourself immediately even if they don't. Dishes in the sink? Don't add yours. Clean your own and dry them by hand and put them away immediately. Like the above poster said same thing with the washing machine, figure out the first time how long the cycle lasts and set a timer on your phone so you can get them out immediately.

Set up your room to be able to do as much in there as possible. Get a couch and a TV. It will be nothing but awkward trying to watch TV in the families living room or sitting on the couch to read a book, everyone will feel on edge trying to be polite and feeling as though the other party is making them walk on eggshells. If you can't get a TV in there then sign up for Netflix and Hulu to watch on your computer.

Try not to spend too much time with the family after hours. Realize when you are invited somewhere it is just being polite. If you lived out you won't go to Walmart with the family or tag along to Six Flags, so don't accept too many of those invitations as a live-in. Once in a while or if it is very helpful or convenient would be OK.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm going to be a live in and I want it to go smoothly. Any tips and tricks from Mb or nanny perspective ?
Thanks

What part of the house?

OP?

Anonymous wrote:Clean up after yourself very, very well. I had to fire a nanny who was excellent with the kids, totally qualified on paper, but would NOT stop bringing food into her bedroom and leaving dishes and crumbs and food wrappers all over there. When you use the kitchen wash dishes and cooking implements right after you finish eating, and if you must bring food into your room eat carefully and clean up after yourself. Do not leave your clothes in the washing machine or dryer for long periods of time. Twice, our nanny left for the weekend leaving her undergarments in the washer, and DH was the only one home so he had to take them out to do laundry during a flu.

Find a good balance between spending time with the family and giving them space without you. We had one nanny who used to house and pet-sit for her friend almost every other weekend and it gave us all a break from each other.

Make sure any guests you have are respectful and courteous when they come over.

As long as EVERYONE is on the same page about this stuff, you'll be ahead of the game.

Clean up after yourself very, very well. I had to fire a nanny who was excellent with the kids, totally qualified on paper, but would NOT stop bringing food into her bedroom and leaving dishes and crumbs and food wrappers all over there. When you use the kitchen wash dishes and cooking implements right after you finish eating, and if you must bring food into your room eat carefully and clean up after yourself. Do not leave your clothes in the washing machine or dryer for long periods of time. Twice, our nanny left for the weekend leaving her undergarments in the washer, and DH was the only one home so he had to take them out to do laundry during a flu.

Find a good balance between spending time with the family and giving them space without you. We had one nanny who used to house and pet-sit for her friend almost every other weekend and it gave us all a break from each other.

Make sure any guests you have are respectful and courteous when they come over.

Anonymous wrote:I'm going to be a live in and I want it to go smoothly. Any tips and tricks from Mb or nanny perspective ?
Thanks

What part of the house?

I'm going to be a live in and I want it to go smoothly. Any tips and tricks from Mb or nanny perspective ?
Thanks