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04/11/10 | Notebook for Nanny
Our FamilyKids' Names: Name:_______________Age:___________D.O.B._______ Name:_______________Age:___________D.O.B._______ Name:_______________Age:___________D.O.B._______ A Typical Day:
Our Town: (Include Directions) Parks:
Library:
Petting Zoos:
Aquariums:
Movies:
Fast Food/Pizza Places:
Family Mom's Work:______________________________________ Phone:______________________ Dad's Work:______________________________________ Phone:______________________ Grandpa's and Grandma's: Names:_____________________________________Phone:______________ Names:_____________________________________Phone:______________ Aunt's and Uncles: Names:_____________________________________Phone:______________ Names:_____________________________________Phone:______________
Emergency Numbers Pediatrician: (include Directions to office)___________________________(Phone)____________________ Poison Control:______________________________________________ Fire Department:_____________________________________________ Neighbor:__________________________________________________
Health Insurance Info: (Include a "Permission to Treat Minors" note.) Company:________________________Group #:______________________ Also, to help her get a sense of everyone in the family, dedicate a page to each child that talks about
Source: http://www.4nanny.com/notebook_for_nanny.htm |
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04/11/10 | Nanny Reort Log
Nanny Daily Reporting Log Date __________________ (Name of Child) Meals (circle one): Well Fair Not so great Breakfast _____________ Lunch _______________ Dinner _______________ Diapers Time checked/Circle One _____________ Wet Dry BM _____________ Wet Dry BM Medications Name of drug ____________ Time _________ Time _________ General Today's Mood: ______________________________ Today's activities : ______________________________________________ Stories we read : ________________________________________________
Source: http://www.4nanny.com/notebook_for_nanny.htm |
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04/11/10 | Keep the Nanny from QuittingKeep the Nanny from Quitting
Be careful that your nanny's schedule does not keep growing! Abusing the nanny's schedule with unplanned overtime can cost you your nanny! Just as an employer will fire a chronically late employee, a nanny will quit on a chronically late parent. And remember, always compensate for overtime. You don't want a disgruntled employee filing a wage and hour grievance against you!
Don't keep adding "one more thing" to nannies duties! Sometimes referred to as job creep, when the family adds duties (housekeeping, cooking, shopping, watching your neighbor's son after school) with out appropriate compensation the nanny will quit. Offer competitive compensation. New nannies especially are often eager to accept the nanny job and do not investigate local wages or costs. When nannies find out that $250 per week for a 50 hour week is NOT the norm, they will leave for a better paying job, often without notice. Establish regular communication with the nanny. Find 15 minutes once a week to just sit down and talk over the relationship and how things are going. Consider requiring a Nanny Log and actually look at it every 24 hours, jotting a note to nanny every few days with recognition, suggestions, or just the information that you might be a few minutes late on Thursday. Agree on wage and tax issues up front. Give the nanny a breakdown of the tax deductions from her paycheck with her first payment, and any time there is a change to her compensation. Consult a nanny tax specialist for assistance when needed. Avoid micromanagement. (SAHM and WAHM) When one or both parents spend a considerable amount of time at home while nanny is on duty problems often develop unless steps are taken up front to establish boundaries. Source: ehow.com |
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04/11/10 | Nanny Agency Or Day Care, The Choice Is Yours
The cost of living in today's society is sky high. When you have finished paying the mortgage, gas, heating and other utility bills every month, there is very little spare cash left for things like childcare. This is causing one of two situations to occur. Either people are deciding against having families because they can't afford to or more families are heading back to work in an effort to generate enough income to support the household and the new family member.
There is however another option. There are a number of nanny agency's out there that offer clients the opportunity to hire in a personal nanny, which in certain cases can be cheaper than sending the child to a day care centre. In many cases employing a live in nanny from a nanny agency can provide the household with significant monthly savings. This is because the wage of the employee from the nanny agency is supplemented by the fact that they live with the family. Day care centres provides, cost effective and good levels of care for your children and provides them with the ability to socialise from a young age. However, some parents find that this is just simply not an affordable solution, as costs of sending a child to day care can be as much as one of the parents wages, making it not a worthwhile experience. Read more: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Nanny-Agency-Or-Day-Care--The-Choice-Is-Yours/998618#ixzz0ko1PKV9b Under Creative Commons License: Attribution No Derivatives |
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04/04/10 | How to Help Your Nanny Find Health Care
Understand that you will not be able to include your nanny on your family's health insurance plan because she is not a member of the family.
Consider hiring a nanny from an agency that offers health insurance. Contact HMOs and health insurance companies in your area to get information about individual policies. Note that these will be very expensive. You may wish to offer to pay a portion of the cost and let the nanny pay the rest. Realize that you may wish to find a limited single provider plan from an HMO. Your nanny can receive health care as long as she obtains it from a limited group of physicians. Know that if you own your own business, you can join a local chamber of commerce and purchase health care for your business employees at group rates. If you hire your nanny so that she is an employee of your business, you can then get health insurance for her this way. Consider offering to reimburse your nanny for a certain sum of money each month that she spends on health care. Think about what else you can offer your nanny if you cannot afford to pay Source: ehow.com |
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04/04/10 | How to find and keep a good nanny
Finding a baby sitter to look after your child for a few hours is somewhat different to finding a nanny that is likely to become a large element of your child’s life.
The best way to locate a good babysitter is by asking friends who they use or by looking at youngsters in your locality and approaching people you feel would be suitable. Consider setting up an arrangement with other parents in the area where babysitting is 'swapped'. This reduces costs, allows your child to enjoy other children's companies and you can feel assured that the caretaker is experienced as they are a fellow parent! Choosing a nanny may take a little more work. The best way is to contact an approved agency. They will ask for your requirements and job description. Be brutally honest at this stage. It is the best way of ensuring that you find the right person the first time. The agency should then send you a list of possibilities. Read this information carefully; follow up the references of likely candidates. Interview all prospective candidates. Having chosen a short list of possible nannies or babysitters, arrange interviews. When interviewing, have a checklist, consider things such as experience, first aid training and any habits such as smoking. Discuss payment and transportation if required (and not already cleared through the agency in the case of nannies). Watch the caretaker interact with your child, leave the room and allow them to play alone but listen in occasionally to see how they deal with discipline and how they re-direct play when required. In the case of an adolescent babysitter, ensure that his / her parents are around to help if there were an emergency. Contact the parents if you require further reassurance. Once you have decided to hire a nanny, draw up a contract, agree to terms such as hours per week expected to work (and when), duties that will be included, provisions for illness / emergencies and holiday leave (any restrictions on when). Any benefits such as live-in, meals provided, use of car, should be clearly noted so as to avoid confusion. Ensure that the nanny is happy with these terms before both parties sign. Some agencies may provide standard contracts - discuss your requirements with them to ensure that everything is covered. Stick to the terms of your contract. Make the nanny feel welcome and reassure them that they can approach you with any problems. With a babysitter they are likely to spend a lot less time in your home and will therefore be unfamiliar to your routines. Show the babysitter around the house, show them where the phone is located, show them the TV and how it works. From a safety point of view show them where the first aid kit is and how to lock the doors. If your child has a specific problem such as asthma, run through with the sitter the symptoms medication to hand for them. and necessary treatment, have the If there is an expected problem, such as you know that your child is likely to cry for a given period after you leave tell them in advance so that they do not worry unduly. Give the sitter some idea of what your child is likely to want to do and what they are not allowed to do. Tell them the household routine such as bedtimes etc. Always leave your contact telephone number and that of a trusted friend / neighbor for emergencies. Call the babysitter at least once to make sure all is OK. Put food and drink out for the babysitter and tell them that it is for them. Tell them what time you will be back and stick to it. Mainly remember with any career, full time nanny or casual babysitter, they can only fulfill your wishes if you make them clear. Source: essortment.com |
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03/28/10 | Baby boys who have a nanny turn into womanisers
Employing a nanny to look after your baby son could turn him into serial womaniser, claims a psychiatrist.In the book The Unsolicited Gift, Dr Dennis Friedman said delegating child-rearing responsibilities too soon risks equipping your son with life-long double standards when it comes to women.
This means that even though he could go on to be married he will always have the feeling that another women could cater for all his basic needs."It introduces him to the concept of The Other Woman," said Dr Friedman who is 85. "It creates a division in his mind between the woman he knows to be his natural mother and the woman with whom he has real hands-on relationship: the woman who bathes him and takes him to the park, and with whom he feels completely at one. "As a result, he grows up with the idea that although he will one day go through all the social and sexual formalities of marriage, he will have at the back of his mind the notion of this other woman, who not only knows, but caters for, all his needs. "Baby girls are also not immune, he claims. If they have a nanny or au pair they are filled with a "vacuum of need" inside them which they fill in a variety of ways such as drink, drugs, sex or money. He said that his comments would not be popular with women who feel they have a right to have a career and social life while bringing up their baby.But that the baby has a right too, he said - the right to have a relationship with a mother who is "100 per cent connected". He said the solution was not to employ a nanny or au pair until after the baby's first birthday. Source: expressbuzz.com |
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03/21/10 | Scam Alert! Job Employment Fraud Targeting Nanny Candidates
The internet employment job scams that have targeted the bigger commercial employment sites now target nannies looking for work. Many of the reported scams originate on CraigsList and other free bulletin boards.
If you have been contacted and responded to one of these scammers, you only need to worry IF one of the following applies: |
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03/21/10 | Nanny Pay
If you are new to the nanny world, then it is difficult to figure out the standard salaries, responsibilities and hours. Nanny salaries, unlike other industries, are stated in net terms.
A standard workday for a full-time live-out nanny is about 10 hours, but it is not unheard of to have your nanny work 11. The standard workweek for this type of nanny is 50 hours. All live-out nannies are usually paid an hourly rate, and any evening babysitting your nanny does is paid in addition. Live-in nanies, on the other hand, can expect to work longer hours as they are granted the convenience of not having to commute. A full workweek for a live-in nanny is 60 hours, plus 1-2 nights of babysitting, which are included in her salary (not paid additionally) Some parents require a great deal of weekend help with their children. If this is true for your family, and financially feasible, you may want to consider employing a weekend nanny separately. This will keep your daily nanny from feeling overworked. If you have a live-in nanny, you may be able to negotiate a day or two off during the week in trade for equivalent amount of work during the weekend )and perhaps a small addition to her salary). Please note, like many people, most nannies will not enjoy giving up their weekends, so if you know you will need your nanny to work weekends, state this clearly in interviews and your job offer. This will prevent from future disappointment on both ends. Source: nanny-nanny.co.uk |
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03/21/10 | Professional Nanny Diploma
Any one who is willing to select Nanny as a career, then consider earning Professinoal Nanny Diploma. Course includes famillies, childcare, infant care, nutrition and safety.
Importance of Professinal Nanny Diploma: Demand for professinal nanniews is growing, as more people need help raising their children. Increase your career options and marketability by earning a Professional Nanny Diploma. Career Possibilities: Graduates with a Professional Nanny Diploma are qualified to work as a child minder or nanny in private homes, daycare centers or hospitals for example. A professional nanny should be able to find work wherever children need looking after by a trained, caring professional worldwide. Occupational Outlook According to US Bureau of Statistics (BLS), www.bls.gov, jobs for nannies are expected to grow at a rate of 9 to 17% in the period 2004 -2014. Although, more women are working outside the home and will need the services of a nanny, the rise in preschool for pre-kindergarten children will decrease the demand. Salary Information The web site PayScale, www.payscale.com, reports that nannies earn an average of $11.34 per hour. According to BLS, the nanny pay is low - approximately $8.06 per hour in 2004. Coursework Requirements In addition to criminal background and child abuse checks, basic courses required include:
Skills Obtained: Graduates with a professional nanny diploma may possess the following skills among others:
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03/12/10 | Nanny Cam
Advantages of Using a Nanny Cam
There are a veriety of cameras available on the market today. Most are wireless and can be hidden in almost any type of household item from a plant to stuffed animal. And the prices vary too from about $100 for a basic camera offering remore computer access to more than $500 for digital systems, which can send video images live via computer or cell phone. Peace of mind and confidence in child care are reasons why some families opt to "spy" on their child's provider. Disadvantates of Using a Nanny Cam: Studies and polls show that many care providers are not necessarily against video taping of child-provider interaction, it's just that they want to know about it. It seems to be matter of trust and feeling of deception. Nanny Cam may leave home exposed. Other uses for in-home surveillance Spy cams can be used for many other reasons than just child care. The device an be used while your home is being cleaned, for occational in-home sitter services, and for security reasons. However, spy shops indicate the leading reason continues to be to monitor care providers. What Do Providers Think About Nanny Cams?Do providers support the use of video cameras? While media stories have focused on potential abuse and inattention being reasons parents should consider using a nanny cam, some sitters have indicated a camera can provide a positive connection with the families while at work. The rub seems to be when care providers are secretly taped. Some parents handle the situation by telling a potential care provider upfront that a nanny cam will be used so that they can feel comfortable and confident about their child's care. It's then up to the provider to accept or decline the position with a family who uses a nanny cam. Is It Legal To Use A Hidden Camera?It is indeed legal in all 50 states to use a hidden camera. However, it is illegal to record speech without a person's consent in the following 15 states: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennyslvania, and Washington. Are More Daycares Starting To Use Cameras?More daycare centers are installing cameras and even provide parents with the ability to spot check and watch their child while at work. Some facilities provide parents with a realtime access to watch happenings in their child's classroom via the internet. Parents report that while they often don't use it all the time, it's nice to be able to log in and check on their child whenever they desire. Where Can I Get A Nanny Cam?General surveillance cameras are easily obtainable in most communities at electronic-type stores. However, higher-end models or ones that are disguised into stuffed animals, for example, are available at specialty-type stores or on the internet. Prices can vary greatly depending on your need and overall usage and expectation. Source: childcare.about.com |
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03/11/10 | Nanny Sample Contract
Sample Nanny Contract Name(s) of employer(s): ________________________________ Address:
Name of nanny: Address:
Social Security number: Number of children: Name(s) of children:
Start date: Compensation and Benefits: Pay: $ per hour/week/month. This is to be paid weekly/every 2 weeks/monthly/ 15th and 30th of the month. Nanny will work _________ hours a week. Employer will pay $ _______/hour for any extra hours worked. Taxes: (Describe how taxes will be handled). For example, Employer will deduct all applicable taxes from the nanny’s paycheck and make tax payments to the IRS. Refer to www.IRS.gov for options. Health insurance: Employer agrees to pay (all or put specific dollar amount) of the nanny’s health insurance, provided by (name of insurance company). Paid Vacation: week(s) per year. Nanny will give employer weeks notice of any upcoming vacations. Also, state whether nanny will be paid for week’s employer is on vacation. Paid holidays: (List all that apply, for example, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, etc.) Room and Board: yes/no (If yes, list benefits, such as nanny’s own telephone line (long-distance charges excepted), food stipend or groceries per week, appliances such as microwave, television, bed, etc.) Extras: (Gym memberships, eye exam fee, dental cleanings, etc.) Schedule: Nanny’s work hours are as follows: Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Include hours (am/pm) and days off. Number of sick days: Number of personal days: Nanny will give employer days notice for personal days taken, and will call by _______ a.m. the first day of illness. Duties: (List the nanny’s responsibilities. Be specific. For example, taking the child/children to playgroups or to the park every Wednesday at 3 p.m., doing the child/children’s laundry each week, give medications on time when necessary, pick from school days and times, etc.) Transportation: Use of car to transport child/children: yes/no Logistics: If yes, specify whose car (the nanny’s or employers) she’ll drive, and who will pay the car insurance. State if employer will pay for mileage driven if nanny drives her car. (Current rate for IRS is $.38/a mile). Also, state that you will provide a car seat to be used each time the child/children are in the car. Parenting Philosophy: Naptime method: (specify nap time each day; whether nanny can let baby cry it out, and for how long, how many times during the day the nanny should put the baby down, etc) Discipline: (specify whether you want the nanny to discipline your child and method to be used.) Television: yes/no If yes, how many hours a day /hours Meals: (List how many meals a day, what your child is allowed to eat, and what not to eat.) Hygiene: (List specific rules: for example, nanny must wash hands before and after diapering, etc.) Safety: (Specify areas in your house and outside where your child/children is not allowed, and other safety rules to be enforced) Authorization to release child: (List anyone who is allowed to visit or pick up your child during the day, for example, grandparents, your sister, etc.) Emergencies: If a medical emergency arises, the nanny should (list appropriate measures here). (Enclose a letter authorizing your nanny to take your child/children to the doctor or emergency room and seek medical care.) Nanny must contact the parents immediately. Mother’s number Father‘s number Grandparent’s number Reviews, Raises, and Grievance Procedures: The employer agrees to review the nanny every month. Cost-of-living raises will be given every (year/ years/depending on review). If nanny has a grievance, she can (list appropriate measure here). Changes and Amendments: In the event of the birth of another child, a nanny (list here if nanny and employer must discuss first if nanny wishes to continue employment, or if she will receive more money per week for the care of the new baby, and how much) Contract can be changed or amended if both parties agree: yes/no Notice of Termination: The nanny must give weeks’/months’ notice of termination in writing. The employer must give the nanny _____ weeks’/months’ notice if her services will no longer be required. Should the employer terminate the agreement, employer agrees to pay all wages up to and including nanny’s last day of work: yes/no Signatures:
Nanny Date
Parent Date
Parent Date |
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03/07/10 | Nanny Employment Rights
Many nannies do not realise that they are employed in exactly the same way as people in "normal" jobs, and are therefore entitled to benefit from just about all the same employment rights as other employees.
1. A contract of employment 2. The right to receive proper payslips showing gross pay, and deductions for Income tax and National Insurance contributions 3. The right to receive an annual statement of pay and tax deducted (P60) by 31st May each year. 4. Protection from unfair dismissal 5. Redundancy pay if made redundant after at least two years' service 6. Paid holidays 7. Maternity Pay 8. Sick Pay 9. National Minimum Wage (not live-in nannies) In particular, you should note that proper payslips and your last P60 certificate are required by all building societies when applying for a mortgage and, unless National Insurance contributions have been paid, you will not be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay if you become ill and you will not get Statutory Maternity Pay if you become pregnant. This could result in a loss of thousands of pounds in income if these circumstances arise. Source: payefornannies.com |
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