Anonymous wrote:OP here, Thanks to everyone who offered thoughtful comments. Ohh, to live in California! I was reading up on their disability program just yesterday. It's a great safety net for families but not our reality here in DC.
I mentioned the food stamp option and will revisit that. STD is not an option, at least from our families (we are in a share). As for what we do offer her, I think we would be more than happy to let her paid vacation count toward her time away. I will mention. Not totally sure we can do an additional gift but it's worth thinking about, or offering instead of a raise. Really good ideas.
And to answer one post, yes, I did get 2 months of partially-paid time off for my little one. I wish I could do the same. I will get on my soapbox for a bit, and just say it's ridiculous that we live in a nation where our social systems don't provide more to help our families. Yes, she's having a third child with her husband. It happens. Why are we the only developed nation that leaves it completely on indivdiual families to navigate the rising cost of raising children? Our nation is losing ground socially, educationally, and economically. One of our best investments is to help our smallest ones have a strong start in life. But for some reason, those in power in this great nation don't get it! And we don't vote for these priorities. Ok, getting off my box now. Thanks all.
You sound like a really great employer OP, and your nanny is lucky to have you. For many nannies, the issue of income during maternity leave is a big one, but one they often don't even get to because they are fired on the spot or soon after informing their bosses that they are expecting. The attitude is generally that we are there to care for their children, but no one gives a flying flip about our families'.