I would just give her a big Christmas bonus since it is almost the end of the year. My nanny was so appreciative of her bonus since she knew she could pay down her credit card and have money for the holidays.

Meh.

Do what you want. He prepared for her to talk about how her refrigerator is about to die and other sob stories.

I think that would be insulting. If you must, frame it as another poster said - a surprise bonus.

Or at least an extra car to use as a loaner while their main car is in the shop.

Even renting out a vehicle or paying for an Uber can be pricey.

I would assume if the employer is wealthy they would have a car designated for the nanny to use while on the job.

Another reason to opt for working for parents with means. If your car breaks down they can help you out with repairs because they have MONEY!!!!!

Anonymous wrote:My car has had $1500 worth of work done recently, I would have loved if my employers had offered help with the repairs. I use my car to drive their kids, without any reimbursement. It is very considerate of you to help your nanny with this expense.

This exactly. Even if employers pay the IRS allowance, that in no way covers the extraordinary "wear-and-tear" you get from kids and their car seats. The IRS was NOT thinking of nannies when they came up with their measly amount.

Parents should really be paying the nanny a lot more if the nanny allows your kids in her car.

My car has had $1500 worth of work done recently, I would have loved if my employers had offered help with the repairs. I use my car to drive their kids, without any reimbursement. It is very considerate of you to help your nanny with this expense.

give her an unexpected one-time bonus, just as a thank you for doing a great job.

Anonymous wrote:OP, former nanny here who was almost always broke back in the day, and who gets major anxiety with car issues!

I think it’s an amazing, sweet gesture if you want to help her out, if you have the money and it’s not going to hurt your wallet.
I would phrase it as a bonus, rather than a handout. Like “you never indicated you couldn’t afford it, but you make our days so much easier, so we wanted to make yours easier too!” Or something.

Thank you I like this way of phrasing it

OP, former nanny here who was almost always broke back in the day, and who gets major anxiety with car issues!

I think it’s an amazing, sweet gesture if you want to help her out, if you have the money and it’s not going to hurt your wallet.
I would phrase it as a bonus, rather than a handout. Like “you never indicated you couldn’t afford it, but you make our days so much easier, so we wanted to make yours easier too!” Or something.

Does your Nanny use her own car while on-the-job?

If so, yes I definitely would assist her w/funds to repair her vehicle.

If she doesn’t, sure you can always offer as a gesture.
Just make sure to clarify whether the money is a gift or an actual loan.

When my car broke down, my boss offered to forward me some of my upcoming paychecks to help pay for it.
But that is after I acknowledged that it was going to be a tough expense to incur.

You sound like a wonderful employer OP to care so much for the one who cares so much for your loved one(s.)

That’s a nice gesture. Go for it! This is what nannies appreciate.

My nanny’s car is broken and she is going to go get it fixed, it is a relatively inexpensive problem. Can I offer her some money to pay for it? She hasn’t indicated she can’t afford it, I just like her and want to help her out. But I don’t know if it will seem insulting, like I think she can’t do it herself.