Anonymous wrote:Hi all,
Hired nanny during the pandemic and she is amazing and wonderful. During height of things and before vaccinations, we were strict about staying in the neighborhood and she did not need to drive our kids anywhere. We started this school year this way - nanny did not drive kids and would walk oldest to school and take younger two to park in our neighborhood. Then she started walking to farther playgrounds and all around. She asked if she could have car seats to drive oldest to school on some days (bad weather) or take younger to parks that are still near by but a long walk. We said sure. But honestly my preference is that she doesn't, but I get wanting some variety.
Here is my question - when we ask her to drive somewhere - like when she came with us on a trip - we pay gas and mileage. If I were signing the younger one up for gymnastics and she needed to drive them - of COURSE we would pay. But, if this is nanny choice to drive somewhere, is the prevailing norm to pay? I am happy to have them stay in walking distance, so should I pay if she decides to take them somewhere?
We try to be good employers but are at the margins with how much we can pay for nanny. She has not asked for payment for these trips, but I want to see what others think.
I think she is going to start looking for a new job. You are ridiculous. Your kids get the benefit of these trips and you, the parent, pays! A nanny or babysitter should never pay for anything for your child's entertainment. What is wrong with you?