Some of us are willing to take on some or all tasks related to children (possibly household tasks), including laundry and cooking. However, when we do, it’s with the understanding that children ALWAYS come first. Therefore, there may be times that laundry isn’t done and dirty dishes are in the sink, particularly if children are sick. I also make a point of only agreeing to take on tasks if I am going to teach children how to do them and help instill a good work ethic. I’m not agreeing to take on more and more tasks while kids learn to sit around and have someone cater to them. If you choose to raise children in such a way that they never have to pick up their toys, take care of their own dishes or put their dirty clothes in the hamper, I’m not the nanny for you; if you want them to learn how to wash and fold their laundry, run the dishwasher, and make simple meals for themselves (eventually), I’m happy to discuss.

I have been nanny for years, decently paid on the books, can't imagine my employers asking me to do house duties. I just can't picture it. There is so much work with the young kids as it is and "folding laundry" would have to be done while they nap which is not fair to me. Also, in this heat we go outside and it gets very physical and uncomfortable, and like some parent said on parents' forum, they didn't realize "you can get very sore with all this caregiving", and that's what we do, a lot of physical work all day long and often outside in this humidity, so please give me a break and fold your children's laundry yourself. Also, I should not say "illegally", should be "indecently", or "inhumanely exploiting" your nanny making her do all those extra duties. Also, your nanny will not last long and be overworked, and eventually will leave you for some other family.

Anonymous wrote:No, Nannies do not "usually do everything related to the child". No, they don't do child's laundry "including bedding", or cook their meals. That would make them maids. They only do what directly relates to the childcare needs DURING their work day. If the went out and child got messy, she may put the dirty outfits in the laundry room for mom to wash. She washes bottles, baby dishes, etc, or pre-washes them for dishwasher. She does not unload family dishwasher, changes trash bags, unless she is your illegally exploited nanny.

Nanny here and that is very fair but if you aren't willing to even pitch in with minor details what do you bring to the table in terms of direct childcare that would qualify a livable salary? I don't scrub toilets but I don't think folding the kids laundry is a fair example of being exploited. What do you mean about illegal? Nannies aren't illegal in this country.

No, Nannies do not "usually do everything related to the child". No, they don't do child's laundry "including bedding", or cook their meals. That would make them maids. They only do what directly relates to the childcare needs DURING their work day. If the went out and child got messy, she may put the dirty outfits in the laundry room for mom to wash. She washes bottles, baby dishes, etc, or pre-washes them for dishwasher. She does not unload family dishwasher, changes trash bags, unless she is your illegally exploited nanny.

Anonymous wrote:I’ve just hired a nanny to take care of DS
We’ve agreed on a monthly basis of payment and set hours

What are other house keeping rules I should know?

Nannies generally to everything for the child: laundry, cooking, clean up but nothing for the parents or “general housekeeping”. This keeps the job responsibilities clear and keeps the focus on the child.

Anonymous wrote:I’ve just hired a nanny to take care of DS
We’ve agreed on a monthly basis of payment and set hours

What are other house keeping rules I should know?

Paying monthly, even if she agrees, is illegal. All household employees by Federal law are hourly employees and are paid for every hour they work with overtime, hourly rate plus one-half hourly rate, for all hours worked over 40.

You could find yourself in lots of trouble by not following law.

Anonymous wrote:I’ve just hired a nanny to take care of DS
We’ve agreed on a monthly basis of payment and set hours

What are other house keeping rules I should know?

Nannies are not maids and they only clean up after child while she is on duty. Messes made by you are cleaned up by you!

It sounds to me like you aren’t asking about having your nanny do some housekeeping but are asking for “housekeeping rules” a.k.a. Basic logistical best-practices.

If so:
1) nannies are hourly employees. If you are planning to pay a set rate monthly or weekly then you are not paying legally and you could get in a lot of trouble down the line. There are lots of services (I like HomeWork Solutions) that will handle nanny taxes for you and answer all your questions about doing things legally. You can also DIY, but I would visit the HWS website either way because they have a lot of helpful info.

2) Set expectations early and check in often. The more you encourage an open dialogue the better off you will both be. Have it clear in your mind what your priorities are for your nanny. Do you want someone to help educate and guide you in figuring out how to parent? Do you want someone who will follow a specific parenting style? Is her role more like a teacher or a loving grandma or a fun older sister? The more you can tease out what you really want the better you can communicate and the better you can choose your battles.

You're going to pay monthly? That's different.

You should create a contract that both of you feel is fair.

Legally, nannies must be paid for every hour they work. Families usually agree to an hourly rate and pay overtime for all hours worked over 40 in a 7 day work week. I suggest you reevaluate your plan to pay monthly since that will result in a different paycheck every month. Weekly or bi-weekly pay is best because hours are easier to track.

Our nanny's responsibilities (other than engaging with the kids) include:
- cooking meals for the kids (and cleaning after the meal prep)
- running dishwasher if it fills up during the day
- kids' laundry, including bedding
- straightening up kids' room/play area at the end of each day

Here is our rule....clean up after yourself. DS is expected to help out. If the dishwasher is running or hasn't been emptied, leave dishes in the sink. If you fill up the trash clean, please put trash in basement and put a new bag in. Toys etc should be put away by end of day. That's pretty much it.

We don't expect laundry, deep cleaning (just clean up any messes made), or any organization of DS' clothes or laundry.

DS' nanny did say she took on more household related chores but she was compensated for them and it was outlined in the contract.

OK PP OP said she is new to the nanny world. OP, most of the duties are discussed during the interview. What did you discuss with the person you hired? Nannies usually do all child related chores-washing bottles with a baby, keeping children's rooms neat and tidy, children's laundry, etc. Keep in mind that is secondary as the primary is to attend to the child's direct needs. Anyway we'd have to know more about your situation-how many hours a week, hourly rate, nanny's previous experience, etc.

You should have negotiated that before you settled on a rate. Typically a nanny only does chores related to the care of the child.

I’ve just hired a nanny to take care of DS
We’ve agreed on a monthly basis of payment and set hours

What are other house keeping rules I should know?