^^^ I fully agree w/the above advice.

You NEED to talk to the parents.

Agree on a monthly (or weekly) allocation for activities, then base what you do on how much they give you to spend.

If the don't want to pay for any extra-curricular activities, then keep things free unless you feel like treating the kids yourself.

Have a conversation! Find out what the parents want to do, and what they're willing to pay for. Then only do things that they pay for or don't cost you money.

I am confused here. Op can you please clarify whether you are paying for entry into certain things like the zoo, museums, indoor gyms etc or if you are just taking them out for ice cream because MB has suggested it or getting refreshments for the kids while at these types of places?

I really cant imagine a mom suggesting you take their child out to buy them a "small toy" or snack. If she is suggesting picnics at the park, you pack a lunch. If she is saying things like " Oh they absolutely LOVE cake pops from starbucks or the bakery on the corner when theyve been well behaved!" then you let her take them oars for money to reward them.

I am a nanny.
If the outing was the parents idea, then I expect them to pay for it. If it is my idea, I pay for it.

Another idea is to say the kids want to do X activity which costs $Y, are you ok with that? And see what they say. Then they know the exact amount and can say no, that's not in the budget.

You give the the receipts and ask to be reimbursed by separate check. Ten you quit these cheapos.

Anonymous wrote:"Jane, can we set up a system for petty cash, or reimbursement for expenses for outings for the kids? I love doing these things but the costs are starting to add up. I'm happy to use whatever system is easiest for you."

Lol

Did you ask at your interview whether they were ok with you taking the kids out?
This would have been the time to ask how to handle paying for it. Or within the first week.
I would ask for petty cash once a month or reimbursement at the end of the month.

I agree with above PP's though that you should take drinks and snacks when you can. I used to get reimbursed monthly but it was more for things like metro, entrance fees, occasional lunches etc.

Take drinks and snacks with you. Stop buying toys. Then ask to be reimbursed for the actual activity. A lot of people don't want to pay for treats and such and don't budget for them. Plan to take things from home and reimbursement will be an easier sell since you're not actually wasting their money.

If they don't give money up front you don't go . I don't spend money on my charges. They don't need extra toys. I've been with my current family for 2 years and I haven't spent a dime. They also won't pay for activities so everything we do is free.

Anonymous wrote:"Jane, can we set up a system for petty cash, or reimbursement for expenses for outings for the kids? I love doing these things but the costs are starting to add up. I'm happy to use whatever system is easiest for you."

This.

"Jane, can we set up a system for petty cash, or reimbursement for expenses for outings for the kids? I love doing these things but the costs are starting to add up. I'm happy to use whatever system is easiest for you."

Anonymous wrote:You stop taking them on paid outings. It's really that simple. They would leave money if it were important.

+1000

And if they ask, discuss petty cash - a budget monthly for these activities. If they don't want to pay, you just don't do it.

You stop taking them on paid outings. It's really that simple. They would leave money if it were important.

My bosses do not reimburse me for outings. So far I have spent around $60 on their children doing various activities, which they encourage. I don't want to nickel and dime them, I often buy the children drinks, snacks, or small toys with my money with no expectation of being reimbursed. How do I politely ask to be reimbursed for such outings?