These are the two most confused terms in the nanny profession. I frequently encounter people using these terms interchangeably when they're not interchangeable. While similar, guaranteed hours and salary are not the same thing. Let me repeat, they.are.not.the.same.thing. Let's break it down:
Guaranteed hours are exactly that -- hours that are guaranteed to a nanny so they can rely on a consistent paycheck.
Read MoreA family I've worked with for over a year now just asked if I'm ok with getting vaccinated for them and frankly...I'm not. I read a bunch of forums about it and it seems that everyone is torn on this issue! Some parents think nannies NEED to be vaccinated while others think it's an invasion of privacy to ask. What do I do?! I don't want her to think I'm rude but I don't think I should need to get them. What do you think? - Anonymous
This is a really great question and something that many nannies deal with. While a family cannot legally require a nanny to get vaccinated, they can choose to only hire nannies who are willing to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations (usually Influenza, Tdap, and Varicella).
Read MoreThis article is not about how to interview or market yourself to a potential nanny family. Instead, it is about how a nanny should interview a family to find out about potential employers. This is one of the most important things a nanny needs to do before accepting ANY nanny position. The interview for a nanny job goes both ways — while the family is interviewing and vetting the nanny, the nanny is interviewing and vetting the family at the same time. In addition to asking the parents basic questions about job expectations, compensation, or parenting style, a nanny NEEDS to inquire about the family's history with nannies. Are they good employers? Do they appreciate and respect their nannies? Are they reliable? Do they pay on time? Do they have unreasonable expectations? Are they micromanagers? Do they expect their nanny to clean up after their own messes? And most importantly, would their previous nannies recommend them and work for them again?
Read MoreI'm a nanny and am curious what my hourly rate should be. What is the current going rate and what should I be making? - Anonymous
This is a question I get asked all the time. While I would love to give a clear cut answer, it's just not that simple. It is really hard for me to answer how much a nanny should be making because nanny rates depend on a variety of different factors:
Read MoreJust about any nanny will tell you that one of their biggest pet peeves is being called a babysitter. Why? Because nannying is completely different than babysitting. This article is not meant to knock babysitting -- I babysit on the regular and have no problem being called a babysitter when I'm actually babysitting. What I do have a problem with is being called a babysitter when I'm actually nannying. There's a big difference between nannying and babysitting so let's break it down....
Read MoreMeet Amanda, our featured nanny of the week! She has been a nanny in 3 different countries and currently lives in Melbourne, Australia. She loves incorporating music into her jobs and is a Disney aficionado. Thanks so much for filling out this interview, Amanda :)
Read MoreHow much housework is too much to ask of your nanny? When does it cross the line from being helpful to being taken advantage of? -- Anonymous
This is a tough question to answer because it's subjective. What one might deem as too much housework, another might feel is fair. That being said, I do believe there is a general industry standard when it comes to this and if a nanny is doing more than the industry standard, they should genuinely consider giving themselves a different title, such as housekeeper/nanny or nanny/personal assistant (which should include a pay raise).
Read More1. How long have you been a manny and what type of manny are you (part-time, full-time, live-in, etc.)? I have been working with children for as long as I can remember, being the eldest of 4, but I never called myself a 'manny' until I came to America, so I would say, 5 years give or take. I have been mostly full-time but recently reduced down to part time to accommodate my new venture, Angeles Mannies.
Read MoreHere's the deal, I love the idea of a nanny share in concept, however I have never accepted a nanny share job offer because the parents and I have always differed on what exactly that concept is. I have yet to meet a parent who fully understands how a nanny share should work. I know that there are amazing parents out there who know the true definition of a nanny share and do it correctly, but they are few and far between.
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