Dedicated Domestics Weblog

This page is devoted to the many questions we receive from Nannies and the responses we have from other Nannies.  While every situation is unique, sometimes knowing how other Nannies in a similar situation handled it could make decisions easier.  This is a two way dialogue and we hope that many Nannies out there will join in with their ideas and support for others in the field. 

Some of the many topics that will be addressed include: 

• Suggested activities for different aged children.
• How to help the children whose parents are going through a divorce.
• How to negotiate salary or raises.
• What is the norm for holiday and vacation pay and schedules.

We hope that all of the Nannies out there reading this will help us to improve the stature and level of performance for all Nannies in our industry.  You do not need to be registered with Dedicated Domestics to be part of this discussion.  Curently employed or not, you can still help with new ideas and presenting a different perspective that others may not have thought about. 

We will get the ball rolling with some of the many questions that have been asked of us already.  Please add your comments and ask any additional questions that you may be interested in learning how others are doing something or how they may be thinking about something. 

Jobs in This Current Economy

Regardless of the industry you are in every expert recommends that you do everything that you can to stay in your current job during the current economic upheaval.  Nanny positions have always been short since the kids grow up so quickly and family sizes are smaller.  So you may not always have an option to stay on the job.  But if you do have a good job make sure that you are doing everything that you can to show how valuable you are to the family you work for.  Come early and leave late, show that you care and are not just looking at the clock.  Offer to help with things around the home to let the family know that you are a very valuable asset to them.  This does not mean that you need to allow yourself to be taken advantage of.  But, you do need to show that you are worth having around.  Frequently, families will think they are saving money by letting their Nanny go, until they realize how hard the Nanny is working helping the kids so the parents can do other things. 

The number one reason that a family wants to change nannies is not because of the cost but usually because the nanny was constantly planting the kids and herself in front of the TV set all day.  While each family has their own rules regarding watching television, most understand educational television and movie specials.  Few if any parents will be happy to find their children watching Soap Operas with the sitter. 

If you do find out that a job will be ending soon start looking while you still have a job.  Many parents will even call us to let us know they have a great nanny but they need to let her go because they are moving or the kids are grown.  The more valuable you are to a family the more likely they are going to be willing to help you.

Always do your best to stay in touch with families that you no longer work for, since you may need the reference someday.  If possible try to get a reference in writing from the family and make sure it includes the dates of employment.  Sometime families move away and after a few phone changes you may lose a good reference.