nanny employer relationship

How Nannies Can Help Their Families Save Money: Practical Tips and Strategies

As a nanny, you play a crucial role in your nanny family’s life, not just in caring for their children but also in supporting them in various aspects, including financial matters. In this blog post, we’ll explore some practical tips and strategies that nannies can implement to help their families save money without compromising on quality care for the children.

Introduction: As a nanny, you play a crucial role in your nanny family’s life, not just in caring for their children but also in supporting them in various aspects, including financial matters. In this blog post, we’ll explore some practical tips and strategies that nannies can implement to help their families save money without compromising on quality care for the children.

Meal Planning and Preparation: One of the significant expenses for any family is food. By assisting with meal planning and preparation, nannies can help their nanny families save a considerable amount of money. Collaborate with the parents to create weekly meal plans that focus on budget-friendly yet nutritious meals. Utilise leftovers creatively to minimise food waste and encourage the family to shop smartly by buying in bulk or taking advantage of sales and discounts.
Budget-Conscious Activities and Outings: Entertaining children doesn’t have to break the bank. As a nanny, you can suggest and organise budget-conscious activities and outings that are both enjoyable and educational for the children. Explore local parks, libraries, museums with free admission days, or plan nature walks and picnics in the outdoors. Get creative with DIY arts and crafts projects using affordable materials, fostering creativity while saving money.
Energy Efficiency Practices: Help your nanny family reduce their household expenses by promoting energy efficiency practices. Encourage turning off lights and electronics when not in use, utilizing natural light during the day, and adjusting thermostat settings to conserve energy. Educate the children about the importance of being mindful of energy consumption and involve them in simple energy-saving activities, such as turning off the tap while brushing teeth.
Thrifty Shopping and Clothing Swaps: Support your nanny family in making savvy purchasing decisions by researching and recommending budget-friendly shopping options for children’s clothing, toys, and other essentials. Suggest participating in clothing swaps with other families or utilizing online platforms for buying and selling gently used items at a fraction of the cost. By embracing a more minimalist approach to consumption, families can save money while reducing clutter in their homes.
Financial Planning and Goal Setting: Encourage open communication with your nanny family about their financial goals and priorities. Assist them in creating a realistic budget that aligns with their income and expenses, emphasising the importance of setting aside savings for emergencies and future endeavors. Offer support in tracking expenses, identifying areas for potential savings, and celebrating milestones along the way.

Conclusion: As a nanny, your role extends beyond childcare to include supporting your nanny family in various aspects of their lives, including financial management. By implementing these practical tips and strategies, nannies can play a vital role in helping their families save money while providing quality care for the children. Together, you can work towards achieving financial stability and peace of mind.

Keeping Your Nanny Happy in 2023: Beyond the Festive Cheers

As we navigate through 2023, with its unique challenges and the festive season just around the corner, it’s an ideal time to reflect on how to maintain a joyful and productive relationship with your nanny. While grand gestures have their place, the true art of appreciation lies in the everyday acts of kindness and respect

Understanding RESPECT in the Nanny-Parent Relationship:

The acronym RESPECT stands for Rights, Earnings, Space, Professionalism, Expenses, Choices, and Time. These elements are foundational to a healthy working relationship. Particularly, being mindful of your nanny’s time – respecting their finish time is respecting their personal life. If you’re often late, consider adjusting and compensating for their extended hours.

Small Gestures, Big Impact:

Flexibility and Understanding: Life happens – a delayed train or a slow morning can affect anyone. Show understanding for the occasional late start and balance this with letting your nanny leave early now and then.
Personal Perks: Simple acts like offering a takeaway during babysitting nights, or access to your Netflix account can go a long way. If they love cooking, why not leave some cash for them to buy special ingredients?
Fair Sick Pay: Remember, nannies are just as prone to illness as anyone. Fair sick pay ensures they don’t suffer financially for something out of their control, especially if it’s a bug caught from the children.
Access to Household Amenities: If your nanny is a baking enthusiast and you have a top-notch mixer, let them use it. Similarly, if their washing machine breaks, offering yours is a gesture of goodwill.
Invitations to Family Events: Whether for work (with overtime pay) or as a guest, inviting your nanny to significant family events shows that you value them as part of your extended family.
Thoughtful Gifts and Recognition: On their birthday or during festive seasons, a thoughtful gift or a voucher from their favorite store can be deeply appreciated. Remember, personalized appreciation often holds more value than extravagant gifts.
Annual Reviews and Rewards: A yearly review of their performance is a good practice. If a pay raise isn’t feasible, consider other forms of appreciation, like extra holiday time or a heartfelt acknowledgment of their hard work.
Recommendations and Referrals: If your nanny is open to extra babysitting, recommending them to your friends can be a great help. And if not, guide your friends to reliable babysitting resources.
Daily Gratitude: Never underestimate the power of a simple ‘thank you.’ It’s a daily reminder that their efforts are seen and valued.

Conclusion:

In 2023, the key to a successful nanny-parent relationship lies in consistent, respectful, and empathetic interactions. Small, thoughtful actions can make a big difference in fostering a positive and mutually rewarding relationship.

How sick is too sick

Following our blog post on sickness etiquette there’s been a bit of a debate about how sick is to sick to work?

Sickness and diarrhoea: You must stay off work until 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea. Stomach bugs are highly contagious, so it’s doubly important if you use public transport.

Colds and flu: Unless you have a high temperature or feel achey it’s probably just a cold and there’s no reason not to work if you feel up to it. Flu, however, can be dangerous for small children so it’s worth asking your GP for a vaccination.

Chest infection: You’re unlikely to infect your charges but if your chest infection is bad enough to be treated with antibiotics it’s probably best to take a couple of days for your long term health. No sleep from coughing and being unable to run around without gasping for air don’t mix well with small children.

Broken bones: Generally it’s not a good idea to work while you’re in plaster but this will depend on the demands of your job. You may be able to cope with older charges, and they can generally be trusted not to knock your cast.

Chickenpox and other childhood illnesses: Even if it’s highly likely that your charges will get these at the same time you should observe standard quarantines.

Cold sore: You don’t need to take sick leave with an active cold sore but you should take extra hygiene precautions and avoid kissing your charges.

Hand, foot and mouth: Although this is very contagious it can be prevented by following good hygiene protocols, so as long as you feel well enough and your employers are happy for you to go in you should be able to work although you should avoid going to toddler groups and other activities.

Slapped cheek: Another highly contagious, and very common, childhood disease this can also be prevented by good hygiene measures. It’s likely that you were already contagious before the symptoms appeared and may have passed the virus to your charge. Once again you should check with your employer whether they are happy for you to work, and if you do then avoid toddler groups etc.

Respect

Ask most nannies what they want in a job and they’ll tell you that what really makes a difference is respect. But what is respecting your nanny when all is said and done? We’ve come up with R.E.S.P.E.C.T. to help you respect your nanny.

Rights
Nannies have the same employment rights as anyone else and they don’t appreciate employers trying to cut corners. They are entitled to National Minimum Wage if live out, 5.6 weeks paid holiday per year, statutory sick, maternity, paternity and adoption pay, time off for ante-natal appointments, a contract, redundancy pay, notice of the end of employment and a whole lot more.

Earnings
While nannies of course love looking after children it is their job, and they expect to be paid the correct amount, on time. If you’re not sure how much to pay your nanny and how much goes to the tax-man, think about engaging a professional payroll company to manage it for you. They’ll produce the payslips too, which help your nanny keep track of their earnings.

Space
Live in nannies especially need their space respected. Their room should be for their use only, not extra storage for you or an additional guest room when they’re away. But respecting space isn’t just about physical space – it’s also about not contacting your nanny outside work hours unless it’s an emergency and allowing them to have a personal life that you don’t know about.

Professionalism
Nannies rarely give advice unless its asked for but they may make suggestions on ways to manage behaviour or translations. Respecting your nanny’s professional knowledge and experience makes for a happy relationship. Professional nannies are also capable of getting on with the job and don’t need micro-managing. Respect your nanny’s daily routines and timescales as long as everything is accomplished.

Expenses
No-one likes being out of pocket for work and nannies are no exception. If a nanny has paid for something out of their own pocket then the respectful thing to do is pay them back promptly.

Choices (decisions)
When parents don’t respect and back-up the choices a nanny makes, children learn they don’t have to respect the nanny either. If nanny said no biscuit then respect the choice they made, even if it’s not what you would have said. If you do disagree with a choice your nanny has made, be respectful and approach them about it in private.

Time
Respecting your nanny’s hours is one of the simplest things you can do to show respect. Allow them to start work on time a be home for them to finish on time. Their finish time is the time they should be able to walk out the door, not the time you get home and start a run-down of the day.

Image © Photographer: Freds | Agency: Dreamstime.com

The Ultimate Responsibility: Checking Your Nanny’s Identity, References, and Right to Work

When hiring a nanny, it’s essential to verify their identity, qualifications, and references thoroughly. As an employer, you have the responsibility to ensure they have the right to work in the UK and are suitable for taking care of your children and home. This article provides an up-to-date guide on the necessary checks you should conduct before hiring a nanny.

The Right to Work Check your prospective nanny’s passport, national identity card, or other proof of nationality to ensure their right to work in the UK. Be aware that some foreign nationals may have limitations on their work permits or visas, so seek specialist advice if needed.
Qualifications and Certificates Ask to see original certificates for any qualifications your nanny has obtained. Verify the authenticity of these documents by contacting the awarding body. If your nanny is OFSTED registered, ask to see their registration certificate, proof of common core skills, First Aid certificate, and public liability insurance.
References Request both written references and contact information from your nanny’s previous employers. Be prepared to ask specific questions related to their past performance and how they interacted with the children they cared for.

By diligently checking your nanny’s identity, references, and right to work, you can be confident that they are a suitable and trustworthy individual to care for your children. Remember, as an employer, it’s your ultimate responsibility to ensure your nanny is the right fit for your family.

Finding the Perfect Nanny: A Comprehensive Guide

iring the perfect nanny is an important decision for any family, as this individual will play a significant role in your child’s life. To ensure the best care for your little ones, it’s essential to find a nanny who aligns with your family’s values and needs. In this article, we’ll discuss the key steps to finding the perfect nanny for your family.

Introduction

Hiring the perfect nanny is an important decision for any family, as this individual will play a significant role in your child’s life. To ensure the best care for your little ones, it’s essential to find a nanny who aligns with your family’s values and needs. In this article, we’ll discuss the key steps to finding the perfect nanny for your family.

Step 1: Define Your Needs and Preferences

Before starting your search, take the time to outline your family’s specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as the nanny’s schedule, responsibilities, experience, and education. Do you need a live-in or live-out nanny? Would you prefer someone with a background in early childhood education or a more informal childcare experience? Clarifying your expectations will make it easier to find the right candidate.

Step 2: Start Your Search

There are several avenues to explore when searching for the perfect nanny:

Personal Recommendations: Ask friends, family members, and colleagues for referrals. Personal recommendations are often the most reliable source when searching for a nanny.
Nanny Agencies: Reputable nanny agencies can simplify the process by pre-screening candidates and matching you with suitable applicants. .
Online Platforms: Websites and social media groups dedicated to childcare can be a valuable resource for finding potential candidates. However, keep in mind that you’ll need to conduct thorough background checks and screenings on your own.

Step 3: Conduct Interviews

Once you have a list of potential candidates, schedule in-person or video interviews. Prepare a list of questions covering topics such as their experience, childcare philosophy, and how they handle challenging situations. Also, ask for references from previous employers.

Step 4: Check References and Background

Always contact the candidate’s references to gain insight into their work ethic, reliability, and compatibility with your family. Additionally, conduct a comprehensive background check, including criminal history, driving records, and verification of any certifications, such as CPR and First Aid.

Step 5: Conduct a Trial Period

Before making a final decision, arrange a trial period where the nanny spends time with your family. This will allow you to observe how they interact with your children and whether their approach aligns with your expectations.

Step 6: Establish a Contract

Once you’ve found the perfect nanny, create a detailed contract outlining their responsibilities, salary, benefits, and other essential terms. This will help ensure a clear understanding of expectations and provide a solid foundation for a successful working relationship.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect nanny takes time, patience, and diligence. By following these steps and trusting your instincts, you’ll be well on your way to securing the best possible care for your children. Remember, the right nanny will not only provide exceptional care but will also become an invaluable part of your family’s life.Regenerate response

Travelling Tips for Nannies

With holidays soon to be allowed and the summer, not far behind, many nannies might be preparing for a trip with their nanny family.

Whilst a sunny break away from everyday life might sound like a fantastic escape, it’s important to remember that you’ll still be working and that your job might become a bit more difficult when faced with new challenges and unfamiliar surroundings.

We’ve put together our top tips to help you make a success of any trip with your nanny family:

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Nanny envy

“I’m worried she likes her nanny better than me…”

“They behave so perfectly for their nanny and are monsters when I’m around!”

“My nanny sees my friends more often than I do.”

If you’ve ever felt this then you’re not alone. You’re suffering from nanny envy and it’s actually surprisingly normal, even natural, to feel this way. Nor is it confined to having a nanny – you may well feel the same way about your child’s attachment to a childminder or nursery nurse. So why does no-one ever talk about it?

Part of the problem is admitting that you’re envious of your nanny means admitting that you’d rather be at home with your children, and that might be seen as regretting your decision to work. It isn’t a binary situation, though, and the decision to work depends on many factors ranging from financial necessity to keeping your sanity intact. Your feelings may also change from one day to the next and higher levels of nanny envy just after your return to work or just after the weekend are normal too. How you feel towards the relationship your nanny has with your child probably also varies according to how you feel about your job. When you have a bad day or you don’t go into work staying at home seems the more attractive option and jealousy towards to person who gets to do that can creep in.

A bit of jealousy definitely isn’t a reason to reconsider your childcare choice. There are huge benefits to having a nanny, and one of those is in fact the strong bond that your child will form with her carer. If your child wants her nanny when nanny isn’t around try to see it as a positive sign of attachment. Your nanny will probably tell you that your child periodically requests you when you’re at work too. Children are well known for wanting what they don’t have after all.

It’s also well known among nannies and experienced employers that children will behave very differently for different people so if your little princeling eat his greens and naps in his cot for his nanny but refuses to eat anything except pasta and requires cuddles lying across you when you’re around you aren’t doing anything wrong. Part of it is down to experience on the nanny’s part and part of it is your child feeling safe and secure enough to test the boundaries and express his affection, in some cases by literally smothering you.

So how canyou combat these feelings?

Try to disentangle your feelings towards your work life and your feelings about your nanny. If you resent going to work rather than leaving your children, which are very different things, maybe it’s time to reassess your job.

If you feel your nanny is handling your child’s behaviour better than you ask them for some hints and tips. Most nannies are very happy to work with parents to create new strategies for dealing with behaviour as it makes their job easier too in the long run.

Make an effort to see your friends or parents from school socially on a regular basis so you don’t feel like your nanny has replaced you. Also encourage your nanny to create their own social circle if they don’t already have one. It can be nice for your child to keep in touch with other children from your NCT group or equivalent but there’s no reason that it has to be your nanny who goes to the meet-ups. If the other parents typically meet during the week suggest that you organise something at the weekend, and nothing is stopping you from going out for a meal or a drink without the children in the evening.

Be open with your nanny about it. They may be inadvertantly making the situation worse so tell them how you feel to avoid them treading on your toes. A good nanny will be sensitive to your feelings and mindful of the fact that you are the parent and nothing can replace that.

How Can Nannies Help Breastfeeding Mothers

If you’re nanny to a new-born baby or infant who’s still being breastfed, you can help make things much easier for mum, especially if she’s already started back at work and needs to continue breastfeeding.

To help both mum and baby, follow these simple tips:

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How to recognise when your nanny’s had a bad day

I’m sure we’re all familiar with those days that just don’t quite go to plan. You know the ones. Maybe the weather’s bad, one of the children is unwell or the television stops working. Any one of these can turn an okay day, into a really bad day where nothing gets done and you just want to collapse at the end of it.

How would you feel then if your partner or significant other came home to what they deemed a messy house and asked you what you’ve been doing all day whilst they’ve been at work?

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