1. Timed Toy Clean-Ups: Turning Speed into a Superpower

Set a timer, start your favorite superhero movie soundtrack, and shout, “Go!” This is especially great for high-energy kiddos who find it exciting to race against the clock. This can also help teach time management and quick decision-making.

2. Freeze! Everybody Grab Your Toys!

Shouting “Freeze!” randomly during chores can add an exciting element that keeps everyone on their toes! Everyone has to try to get as much done before the next freeze; otherwise, you might get frozen in an inconvenient moment!

3. Sorting Challenges: Tidy Up and Tune In

Does this go in a drawer or on the shelf? In the closet, maybe? Sorting challenges ask kids to think critically about where different items belong. This can even be more fun with “mystery boxes”—nannies fill a box with a mix of objects, and the little ones have to sort as quickly as possible. This can help promote spatial awareness and categorization.

4. Color-Coded Closet Organizing: A Rainbow of Responsibility

Who doesn’t love rainbows? By organizing clothing by color, kids can flex their creativity and even add a nice visual to their spaces.

5. Reward-Based Chore Charts: Gamifying Responsibility

Reward-based chore charts can be a great motivational tool for kids of all ages. Pro Tip: Make a summer-themed chart with sunny and ice cream stickers. Once they collect enough stickers, try a reward like earning a small treat or having a movie night! This can help promote goal-setting and consistent effort.

Why Organization Games Matter and How the Right Nanny Can Help

While these types of organization games are not only fun and help keep your household running smoothly, they are also important for further developing crucial life skills in your children. Organization fosters independence and gives your kids a sense of self in their environment. Ready to make the summer both organized and playful? Let us help you find the perfect nanny to help keep your little ones engaged, learning, and thriving! Please email us at info@nannyauthority.com or call us at (973) 466-2669 to get started.

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More and more frequently, parents are seeking nannies who are adept in caring for and bonding with children who have functional needs, ranging from conditions related to behavioral conditions like ODD or ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or Down syndrome. A functional needs nanny is a professional whose strengths often lie in communication, adapting routines, and providing positive reinforcement with the overall goal of helping the nurturing and growth of the child. See below for some tips for caring for children with functional needs – parents: use these tips as a basic guideline for communicating your expectations with your nanny, and then create an effective support plan together.

Caring for Children with Behavioral or Attention Disorders

Since the dawn of time, behavior has been a form of human communication for people, young and old. It is very common for behavioral issues to pop up alongside some of the diagnoses covered below; however, there are times when a disorder like Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) shows up solo.

As much of the care involved will often require medical intervention in the form of direction and treatment from a healthcare provider, excellent teamwork between the home and the medical team is required. The ability to enforce stability and healthy boundaries with children who experience behavioral issues is key. Additionally, it is imperative to practice positive reinforcement. Encourage positive behaviors by recognizing and praising children when they demonstrate these good acts. It is also essential for parents and caregivers alike to model positive behaviors with others to improve a child’s social skills.

Should a child require treatment such as therapy or medication, anyone responsible for their care should be involved to ensure children receive uniform support and care. This is especially important for children with behavioral issues such as ODD, as symptoms can include combative tendencies. Remember that as a childcare provider, you may witness some behaviors that doctors, parents, or teachers do not, so communication is very important.

Engaging in various games and activities can help children with attention-specific needs expend mental and physical energy. Try outdoor activities when the children have excessive energy during the day. Avoid particularly competitive or contact-driven sports, as these can exacerbate behavioral issues. Instead, try activities such as swinging, jumping rope, or hopscotch. Remember that this can backfire if it’s too close to bedtime. In the late afternoon and evening, help the child wind down with low-key activities such as watching a movie, doing a puzzle, working on an artistic endeavor, or reading a book. Even gently rocking in a rocking chair can help children calm down when it’s time for bed.

Give specific directions. Kids with attention disorders often have difficulty following directions, and having specific guidelines to follow is essential. It is always asked that they repeat directions back to you so that expectations are understood.

Be flexible. It can help to provide the child with a daily schedule so they have an idea of what’s coming. If there are tasks they must complete (homework, etc.), you’ll want an hour-by-hour calendar—but be prepared for them to fall by the wayside. Children with ADHD often tire of activities more quickly than other children, so it’s essential to have plenty of ideas for additional things to do in case their attention wanes.

Be consistent. This is important for setting rules and moving through activities. Children with attention and/or behavioral disorders require a strict framework to keep them on track. When moving through the day’s activities, try to avoid switching gears too drastically. It’s much easier for a child with an attention disorder to move from a high-energy activity to a medium-energy activity than it is for them to go straight from soccer to naptime.

Caring for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Be a detective. When a child has difficulty communicating, as a caretaker, you need to be able to decipher what they’re trying to say without harming their self-esteem or causing frustration. This often requires a particular brand of detective work. For example, we spoke with a special education teacher who shared this anecdote: “I worked with a student who would say ‘Planet, planet, planet, planet, planet’ randomly throughout the day, and we had no idea why. Then, we watched an episode of VeggieTales. In the video, one veggie says he’s so hungry he could eat a whole planet. It turned out the student was using the word ‘planet’ to try to tell us he was hungry.”

Engage in their interests with them. It seems obvious, but having something to engage with the child about makes your interactions much more meaningful and shows them that you care. Even if the child is not traditionally affectionate, attempting to interact with them on their level makes a huge difference in the relationship. Many children with ASD become passionately focused on a particular area of interest; a good nanny will recognize this interest to form a connection with the child. For instance, if the child is particularly fascinated by maps, you could suggest exploring the house, neighborhood, or town and drawing a unique map using things you find as markers on the map’s legend. Every child has different interests, and showing you care about what they enjoy can build trust and help you bond with them.

To avoid behavioral outbursts, make transitions between activities smooth and precise. It’s essential to try to maintain a calm environment. To do this, you could use a visual timer so they can see how much time they have left. You could also give them 10-minute, 5-minute, or 2-minute warnings so they know what’s about to happen. If you’re transitioning away from a preferred activity (for example, playing with toys), make sure the next activity is at least somewhat preferred as well (such as a snack) to avoid non-compliance behaviors.

Be a support system. Talk to them, and help them talk to others. Research shows that students with disabilities hear fewer words than their non-disabled peers and experience fewer activities outside of school. Things that come quickly to you may require more teaching for the child, but that doesn’t mean they’re incapable of doing them! Let them be as independent as possible while letting them know you’re there for support if they need it.

Go slowly. When it comes to physical contact, it’s better to start small. Ask the parents how the child reacts to physical touch and go from there. If the child doesn’t respond well, don’t push it. To promote trust, try sitting near the child as they play and mimicking their actions. This can get their attention and lead to more interactive play.

Caring for Children with Down Syndrome

Learn how the child communicates. When you begin working with a family, always ask the parents how the child prefers to express themselves, especially if they are nonverbal. As you spend more time with the child, their communication style will reveal itself to you. Don’t be afraid to observe as the child interacts with others to see if there are different modes of communication triggered by various activities or people.

Keep rules simple. It can be difficult for kids with Down syndrome to follow directions, so ask the parents about any family rules and stick to them. Be sure any new regulations or guidelines you set for the child are as simple as possible. It can also help to get the child used to a routine so they know what to expect at a given time. If necessary, you can enforce rules and routines with visual, auditory, or tactile cues.

Be patient! When helping them perform tasks such as showering, getting dressed, or brushing their teeth, give them cues if they need help, but make sure you don’t do the activity for them. Repetition is the key to learning. If they don’t understand immediately, it’s okay. As mentioned above, consistency is essential when working with a child who has behavioral issues and experiences outbursts. Always be aware that stubborn or oppositional behavior may communicate frustration or a lack of understanding.

Safety first! There are many different levels of functioning within the Down syndrome community, so get to know the child’s specific medical history. Typically, children with Down syndrome have lower muscle tone and difficulty with coordination. It may be difficult for them to move quickly, but this does not mean they dislike playing outside! It’s important to help them exercise their muscles safely.

How you do this depends, of course, on the individual child’s level of musculoskeletal impairment. Still, guidelines recommend that children with Down syndrome engage in 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. If the child knows how to swim and enjoys it, taking them to the pool is a great low-impact, high-reward option. Playground activities such as swings and slides are also a good way to make physical activity fun. Always keep a close eye on the child; wandering or running off is a typical behavior for children with Down syndrome. As a caregiver, you must ensure they do not inadvertently find themselves in dangerous situations.

Create social situations. Find something the child enjoys, and do it with them. Children with disabilities are often less exposed to social situations and activities than other children. To help a child with Down syndrome learn developmentally appropriate social skills, make sure they have one-on-one time with a variety of classmates outside of the classroom, in addition to time with you.

Have a plan—and a backup plan. Oftentimes, things don’t go as we’d like. Knowing how to deal with difficulties as they arise is important, but sometimes, the best option is to regroup and do something entirely different. Whenever you plan an outing, make sure you have a mental list of modifications to the plan should something go awry, and another plan entirely on the back burner. For example, you might hope to take the child to a parade but find on that morning that they are irritable or having difficulty processing sensory information. You do not want to bring a child who is already on edge to a large social gathering, so you should be prepared to propose alternative activities: watch the parade on TV, for instance, or play quietly in the backyard.

Every Child Deserves Compassion and Care

Lastly, and most importantly, a child with functional needs is like any other kid. Their brains and/or bodies may work differently from other children’s, but their difficulties do not define them. A positive attitude is key to initiating a relationship with any child, and that’s the same for children with disabilities. A good nanny focuses on the child’s strengths, not their challenges, and does their best to nurture those innate strengths while helping the child reach their full potential. If you are a nanny with experience working with children with disabilities, send us your resume!

Is your family seeking high-quality, experienced nannies? ĐÓ°É´ŤĂ˝ works with many caregivers who specialize in children with functional needs and with families whose children need special care. Please email us at info@nannyauthority.com or call us at (973)-466-2669 to get started.

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Every new parent considering returning to work has asked themselves this question and weighed the options. Each family has different childcare needs—what’s right for your neighbor or your friend might not be right for you! There are many pros and cons to private childcare compared to shared options like daycare. To help parents embarking on this decision for themselves, we’ve looked into the pros and cons of  hiring one of the two standard private childcare solutions: Au Pair versus hiring a nanny.

First of all, let’s cover exactly what an Au Pair is. An Au Pair is a young adult (typically between 18 and 27) who exchanges childcare for room and board and the cultural experience of living in a foreign country. Their role is centered more around cultural immersion vs. a nanny, who is a true childcare professional.

Pros of Hiring an Au Pair:

• One of the biggest pros for hiring an au pair is that they share their culture and experience with the families they work with. This can include introducing new types of food, music, tradition, and more! They can often even aid with introducing your children to a new language at a young age, which can strengthen their brain development!
• An au pair lives in your home and can quickly become a family member.
• Usually, an Au Pair’s salary is far lower, and therefore, can be a more affordable option for the average family. Much of the reasoning is that the family is responsible for covering expenses such as room and board, food, and additional costs such as a phone.
• Au Pairs go through an extensive screening process before even beginning to be considered for the program (note: reputable nanny agencies also use background checks)

Pros of Hiring a Nanny:

• A nanny can provide consistency and stability in your child’s life. Ideally, your child’s nanny will be a part of their life for many years; they could even, quite easily, grow to become part of the family. A nanny will often be flexible with their hours, so if you have a late meeting at work or need to go in early, they can generally accommodate that. In comparison, a daycare often has set hours that may require you or your partner to rearrange your work schedules.
• You’re in control when you have a nanny; as their employer, you can design their position to fit your family’s needs exactly. In the letter, you can detail your nanny’s duties and responsibilities when you draw up a nanny contract.
• Your nanny can provide unstructured and structured socialization and play opportunities. For example, they may take your child to play at the park, schedule playdates, or enroll them in classes suited to their interests and age group. Many nannies know a network of other nannies who work with children in the same area; this can provide excellent opportunities for your child to befriend nearby kids.
• As career professionals, many nannies have relevant experience, education, backgrounds, certifications, etc. Because of this, you can often get specialized care and tailor your nanny search to meet your family’s specific needs (I.E., hiring a nanny who speaks a specific language or perhaps who has experience caring for functional needs children or has experience with specific childcare methodologies).

Cons of Hiring an Au Pair:

• While there is never a guarantee for the time a nanny will stay with a family, typically, nannies have more flexibility and can remain in a position for an extended amount of time, which provides more stability to a child. An Au Pair, on the other hand, can only stay in the U.S. on a J-1 visa for about 1-2 years.
• Nannies can be found through agencies, personal referrals, and even social media. Still, only 15 agencies licensed by the Department of State can grant Au Pair J-1 visas.
• Au Pairs typically have stricter regulations regarding the type of work they can do (e.g., working less than a certain number of hours per week and only helping children within a specific age range).
• Not every family wants to invite an employee to live with them, and there is little flexibility with this requirement

Cons of Hiring a Nanny:

• Having a nanny can indeed feel like a luxury. Because you’re the nanny’s employer, the tax situation can also be confusing; however, unlike daycares, nannies don’t charge per child, and some nanny agencies have an in-house payroll service to help you navigate the red tape.
• If your nanny is sick, late, or needs the day off, this can potentially disrupt your entire day. However, a good nanny understands this and, when possible, will work out a solution for you well in advance.
• A full-time nanny’s salary isn’t always feasible for every family. An au pair or even a nanny share may be a better solution in these cases!

Remember, childcare is a personal decision and it is essential to outline your family’s childcare needs before beginning your search. For further research, feel free to read other posts on our blog, which focuses on the nanny-family relationship, how to find a nanny after maternity leave, what you can expect from a nanny, and a nanny’s typical duties and responsibilities, among other topics. If you would like to find out more about how a nanny my benefit for family, reach out to us info@nannyauthority.com or (973) 466 2669

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The Nanny Tax is a combination of state and federal taxes, including taxes paid by the employer and payroll taxes that are withheld from the employee. Is the Nanny Tax only for nannies? No! This tax applies to all domestic workers, including but not limited to housekeepers, cooks, butlers, domestic couples, and anyone else who makes $2,800 or more a year per individual. The government considers these employees ongoing household employees, not independent contractors. The Nanny Tax qualifies these employees for unemployment benefits (should anything happen), Social Security, and Medicare.

The steps required to comply with (most states) Nanny Tax laws:

1)    The employer must create a tax account with the IRS and get an Employer Identification Number. This step includes having every employee fill out an I-9 form.

2)    Withhold FICA taxes (Social Security & Medicare) from each paycheck. Employers and employees share these expenses at a rate of 15.3% (7.65% each), so 7.65% will be withheld from the employee’s paycheck.

3)    As each state requires, the employer must file unemployment insurance and income tax returns.

4)    Provide employees a W-2 form by January 31st. File a W-2 copy A and W-3 with the Social Security Administration.

5)    File a Schedule H form when they file their income taxes.

Hiring an employee can be a big step, and we recommend researching before you bring someone on board.

We understand that handling taxes and payroll on your own may be challenging, especially when you want to ensure you are doing everything by the book! Finding a third party to assist with your needs may be the solution for you. Our partners at Pavillion Agency offer payroll services so that they can do the heavy lifting for you. If you feel you may need help, feel free to reach out to us today.

Helpful Sources:

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Offer Clear Expectations and Open Communication

Before even looking for a , writing clear guidelines and expectations for their job responsibilities is always a good idea. Be as detailed as you can, but remember that it’s okay for these to change as both your nanny and your family figure out what support is needed through practice. When this happens, communicate this change clearly so your nanny isn’t left playing catch up or stuck between contradicting responsibilities. Since these can and often do change over time, it’s important to create a space of open communication where your nanny can bring up issues and ideas without fear of anyone’s reactions. Try scheduling a bi-monthly check-in to see how things are going and if any adjustments need to be made.

Honor Their Schedule and Respect Their Personal Time

If you’re struggling trying to find time for breaks throughout the day for your nanny, remember that often, even a 10-minute pause can help your nanny to re-center and collect themselves on hard days. This can be when your kiddo is occupied with a nap or activity, or maybe mom or dad can step in momentarily. While we know it can be tempting to feel you may need to find additional tasks for nannies to make up for free time, please remember that working with children is a very active job that requires one’s attention and a lot of energy. Your nanny deserves a little downtime!

It can be tempting to constantly ask your nanny to stay past their agreed-upon end time, schedule off days, or even contact them often outside of working hours. Try to avoid this unless it’s an absolute emergency. Like with other jobs, nannies deserve to have their schedules respected so they can rest, recharge, and take their well-earned personal time to focus on their lives. This is one of the main issues that can lead to nanny burnout, which can lead to resentment and exhaustion.

Provide Paid Time Off, Sick & Personal Days

While a profession in childcare can be gratifying, at the end of the day, it is just that—a profession. When someone’s life becomes their job, this often leads to dissatisfaction with life as a whole. Encourage your nanny to pursue hobbies, further education, or just spend more time with friends and family. Offering paid time off ensures that your nanny can take a much-needed break, and then they can return to work recharged and ready for the day.

Encouraging your nanny to explore outside passions can often lead to growth in your children as well! Say your nanny loves to learn or play music or enjoy nature—this helps them become a better-rounded person, and if they so choose, they can share this passion with your children. Who knows—maybe you have the next Mozart under your roof!

Express Appreciation Regularly

Something as simple as saying “thank you” or a simple token of your appreciation like getting your nanny a favorite meal or small gift can go a long way. Once in a while, try a more significant gesture, such as giving them an extra PTO day or a weekend at a lovely spa! This also helps parents and kids not take their nanny’s hard work for granted!

Create a Comfortable Work Environment

Make sure your home is welcoming to your nanny. This can mean giving them their own space, even if it’s just a cabinet. Ask them what food or drinks they enjoy, and keep a few things in the kitchen for them. Small touches like this reassures your nanny that they are respected in your house.

Know When it’s Time to Bring in Extra Help

While in idea mode, thinking something like “Oh, they can do all the cooking too” or “I might as well ask them to do the cleaning while they’re at home” can be easy, but remember, in practice, these tasks may be much more challenging to take on. Taking care of children, especially multiple children, is a full-time job in itself, and sometimes, you may even need to consider another nanny, depending on what their responsibilities look like! Even a weekend babysitter or a housekeeper who comes in once a week can make all the difference in the world to maintaining the promise of longevity in your nanny’s position with you.

Many families we work with like to have (or often need) the security of 7-day coverage. For those, we usually recommend additional hires in the form of a weekday and weekend nanny OR (and this is becoming much more popular) rotational nannies who work a full schedule of, say, one week on and one week off.

By actively preventing nanny burnout, you are promoting a happier and healthier home environment for not only your nanny but you and your kids as well! Positivity and good energy are contagious, and maintaining a healthy work environment is a massive part of keeping your at-home superhero strong! Are you still looking for your perfect nanny? Contact us at Nanny Authority today! Email info@nannyauthority.com, call (973) 466-2669, or visit www.nannyauthority.com.

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Key Elements to Include in Your Nanny Contract

Check out some of the main points that should be addressed in the agreement:

Let’s establish the foundation– we always recommend you include the date, names of both parties, any work/ home addresses, and the start date you may have in mind. Additionally, if this role reports to someone other than the guardians/principals, include that information and the person’s title (i.e., “Nanny will report directly to the House Manager, John Smith, for XYZ.”)

Trial Periods and Performance Reviews

Will you have a trial/probationary period? If so, note the duration. We recommend an initial performance review at the end of this time, as well as subsequent reviews (minimum) at each year mark. This is a great time to do a performance review and assess any updates the family or nanny may want to make to the nanny contract.

Understanding Employment Classification

Employment classification: What do your local laws say? For example, in New York State, being a nanny is a non-exempt position, meaning nannies qualify for overtime when they work more than 40 hours a week (or 44 when living in). An example of how we may word this would be: “As a full-time employee, you will be expected to work 40 hours per week.  This is a non-exempt position, meaning that you are eligible for extra pay when working more than 40 hours a week (44 when live-in in NYS). Your employment is considered an “at-will” relationship that has no specific duration.  This employment relationship can be terminated by either party with or without cause or advance notice.”

Defining Salary, Schedule, and Hours

Next, let’s cover salary and schedule! As career professionals, nannies rely on being paid for their guaranteed hours, regardless of whether or not a family decides to use them for a certain period. Just like with a corporate job, guaranteed hours are an industry standard – company employees still expect to be paid if their office is closed for a day, but they are ready, willing, and able to work. You are paying a nanny to maintain their availability during their guaranteed hours and schedule, and if you choose not to use them during these hours, that is up to you.

Define your family’s scheduling needs: what days and hours will the nanny be expected to provide coverage? Does your role require flexibility, overnights, or travel? Be explicit with your needs. Make sure you are compliant by clearly outlining expectations for any additional coverage that may fall outside the scope of the nanny’s typical work schedule: What is their overtime rate? What is their travel and/or overnight rate? Will the nanny be expected to work any holidays? If so, we recommend providing extra compensation, ideally time and a half or double time for those days.

Employment Benefits: PTO, Insurance, and Bonuses

Another important topic to cover is employment benefits. Clearly outline paid time off (PTO), holidays, sick/personal leave, medical insurance (or other more corporate benefits like 401K), transportation reimbursement, etc. We also recommend you cover raises and bonuses, even if you prefer to list them as “discretionary,” as well as termination and severance.

Here is a past blog that helps to cover the topic of PTO and holidays when employing a nanny:

/how-to-handle-nanny-holidays-and-paid-time-off/

Work-Related Expenses and Reimbursements

Work-related expenses. While it may seem like a no-brainer to some, it is essential to clearly outline how you expect the nanny to pay for anything related to their job (i.e., “Nanny will never be expected to use their own money and will be provided with a household credit card for child-related expenses and will be asked to check with parents before purchases and save all receipts.”). If you plan to travel with your nanny, be clear: you will cover all expenses related to work travel. Additionally, is your nanny expected to bring their lunch, or are meals provided when working?

Primary Duties and Additional Certifications

Cover the primary duties and expectations for the role, as well as any certifications, courses, or reading the nanny will be expected to complete. For example, will the nanny need to renew their CPR and First Aid Certification, and will the family cover the cost?

Establishing Privacy and Non-Disclosure Terms

Duty of non-disclosure. We recommend you cover at least the basics of what your family expects in terms of privacy and what can be shared outside of the home.

Finalizing the Nanny Contract

Be sure to leave a space for date and signature upon acceptance for both parties.

Again, many nannies may already have an outline in mind for their job requirements. We always recommend seeing this as a valuable process for both parties to contribute. Having clear guidelines for the expectations of the position is the best way to ensure a healthy working relationship for all!

Are you still looking for your perfect nanny? Contact us at Nanny Authority today! Email info@nannyauthority.com, call (973) 466-2669, or visit www.nannyauthority.com.

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What hours are they working or expected to be available to work?

Before starting overnight care, it’s always important to figure out the expected hours and duties for your nanny or, in some cases, your Newborn Specialist/Baby Nurse. If your childcare provider is expected to be working during the night (i.e., sleeping with a baby monitor), compensate them for every hour you expect them to be “on duty.” Be sure to look up local overtime laws if they exceed 40 hours a week.

What if they are needed to stay over but are not expected to work the whole night?

Often, if you are having your nanny stay over but do not need them to provide night-time care, a stipend is the best way to go. This is also considered an industry standard. Every professional career nanny will typically already have a salary requirement for overnight care. We have seen these flat rates range from $75-400 a night depending on duties, the number of children, and other factors.

How does traveling overnight with a nanny work?

Is your nanny working overnight or simply traveling with you to provide daily coverage? Again, if a nanny is expected to be on duty at night, they must be compensated for these hours. This is common if you wish your nanny to share a room with your children and be the adult on duty while children are sleeping. When a nanny accompanies a family on a trip, it is standard to be compensated a flat nightly rate, which can be considered an inconvenience fee for spending time away from their own home. Similar to the rates stated above, a flat travel rate can range from $75-400 a night. This is a number most pro-nannies will already have in mind and should always be discussed beforehand when working out an employment contract.

Remember that when a nanny travels with your family, they are also in a new environment and figuring out how to keep kiddos entertained and cared for in a new space. Though they are superheroes, they are human too! When traveling, nannies should have their own space and time off for recharging and self-care! For tips on traveling with your nanny, check out our blog: /traveling-with-your-nanny/

Paying an Overnight Nanny

Paying an overnight nanny involves more than just determining salary. It requires clear communication, knowledge of labor standards, and consideration of your nanny’s expertise. By thoughtfully crafting a compensation plan for your overnight care, you can help create a sustainable and healthy work environment. We always recommend that you familiarize yourself with local domestic labor laws. This will ensure compliance and work out an employment agreement prior to hire.

If your family is looking for childcare support, contact us at info@nannyauthority.com, (973) 466-2669, or visit www.nannyauthority.com today! If your family is expecting a new baby and interested in nighttime assistance, even if temporary, please reach out to us!

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Gift Ideas for Nanny Recognition Week

While you can never go wrong with a monetary bonus or extra PTO, another great way to honor your nanny during nanny appreciate week is with a gift!

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Handwritten thank you notes from both parents and children — bonus points if this includes art from the kiddos!
• Scrapbook with memories – fill with photos, drawing, ticket stubs, and any other keepsakes
• Fill a new fashionable tote bag with snacks, self-care products, and anything else your nanny may enjoy!
• Personalized tumbler, wallet, or photo blanket (who wouldn’t want a scrapbook you can snuggle!)
• Gift certificate for a spa day
• Make their favorite meal
• Does your nanny travel a lot? Try upgraded luggage or TSA Precheck
• Subscription to a service such as BarkBox for dog lovers, Passport Coffee, FabFitFun, Netflix, etc.
• Car wash and detailing
• Gift card for their favorite restaurant or store
• Thinking bigger? Try a weekend getaway or a staycation!

Nominate Your Nanny for a Chance to Win!

At the Nanny Authority, we strongly support showing gratitude to the wonderful caregivers in our lives. We are celebrating NNRW by hosting a raffle where employers, friends, and family members can nominate a nanny to win a Massage Envy gift card, along with a box of self-care goodies from Happy Box! The nomination form is open now until Friday, September 27^th and a winner will be drawn on Monday, September 30^th.

Click here to nominate your nanny: .

At the end of the day, there is something for everyone, and all childcare providers should be celebrated and recognized for the work they do to make everyone feel safe, seen, and supported on a day-to-day basis. With a little imagination and effort, you can find the perfect gift for your nanny.

Call ĐÓ°É´ŤĂ˝ today and learn more about the exceptional applicants we love to celebrate! We can be reached at (973)-466-2669 and via email at info@nannyauthority.com. Visit www.nannyauthority.com

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How Does a Nanny Share Work?

1. Arranging the Nanny Share

When figuring out which family to partner with, be mindful of basic requirements and family size. Going rates for one child differ from multiples, and even if you have the same number of children, sometimes their needs are pretty different! Some kids may be at various stages of development, which will change the job for the nanny. Before hiring a nanny, be sure that both families are on the same page regarding expectations of hours, wages, and general responsibilities. While all children are unique, it’s essential to understand what attributes and strengths you’re both looking for in your childcare provider.

2. Creating a Contract

A contract should outline the terms of the nanny share, including the schedule, what days the nanny should be at which home, core responsibilities, compensation, sick days/ vacation time, and any other key details for the position. There are some great online resources with sample employment agreements.

How Do Nannies Typically Charge?

1. Determine Salary

It is traditional for both families to pay 2/3 of the nanny’s hourly rate. This way, your family gets a great deal, and the nanny’s slightly higher salary reflects the work they will be doing—this is what we call a win-win! Please remember that watching more than one child is significantly more work, as is answering to more than one family. If a nanny’s rate for one child is $30/hr, then if each family has one child, they would each pay $20/hr.

2. Additional Costs

Families must also consider additional costs such as overtime, taxes, insurance, benefits, overnight or travel fees, and any required transportation or supplies. Again, this should be agreed on together before the nanny search begins.

3. Payment Arrangements

Both families should agree on a shared payment schedule. To make things simpler for your families, enlist the assistance of a payroll company.

Benefits of a Nanny Share

1. Personalized Care

A nanny share still offers more personalized care and attention than a large daycare while being only a fraction of the cost of a private nanny.

2. Flexibility Between Roles

A nanny share, as opposed to a daycare, means you can create the schedule around your needs. Though you do have this flexibility, remember to be mindful of keeping consistent and guaranteeing hours for the nanny.

3. Socializing

Being cared for in such close proximity to other children can be an excellent way for kids to practice their social skills and even form lifelong friendships!

Nanny shares are a highly effective childcare solution for families looking for more affordable but still personalized care. Be sure to create clear guidelines and expectations with your fellow employer to create a sustainable and healthy work environment for your nanny and your children.

Remember to keep the Nanny Authority in mind for your present and future childcare needs. Email info@nannyauthority.com, call (973) 466-2669, or visit www.nannyauthority.com.

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While employment laws may vary by state, as a New York-based agency, we will cover some industry standards for professional career nannies within the U.S.

Vacation Time for Nannies

In America, the standard amount of time off is typically two weeks in most professions. The same goes for nannies! Though there may be specific times during the year that may work best for your family, remember that your nanny should also be given a choice of when to take their time off. Like their employers, nannies have their own friends and families to spend time with. Be sure to communicate clearly what the expectations usage is and should be. More importantly, get it written in an agreement for both parties to sign.

Sick Time for Nannies

No one likes to get sick, but when working with kiddos, germs are inevitable. When that time comes, nannies should not be expected to power through it. The body needs time to recuperate, and asking someone to work when sick can delay their recovery and may also put your family at risk. Regarding industry standards, most employers offer five paid ill and/ or mental health days in their contracts. Though in some states, it’s not required by law, many families may choose to pay out an employee for unused sick (and PTO) at the end of the calendar year.

Holidays for Nannies

One of the most common topics we see come up with nannies and families is handling federal holidays. First and foremost, federal holidays are for federal employees. They are designated by the U.S. federal government, and, on these days, non-essential federal government offices are closed, and federal employees are paid for the day off. It is customary in most (but not all) industries for businesses and schools, etc., to also be closed on these days. This is an important topic because we often see confusion about what is legally required. Private employers are not required by law to offer federal holidays off. Still, it has become industry standard to have federal holidays off, paid, or paid double (at minimum, time and a half) for any federal holidays that an employer may need a nanny to work.

Understandably, if you work in, say, a hospital, you may not be granted certain holidays off and require childcare coverage. It is important to discuss this before employment to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding expectations. Again, we cannot stress enough the importance of an employment contract. Federal holidays include New Year’s Day, MLK, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, Labor Day, Columbus/Indigenous People’s Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christman Day.

Additionally, a typical holiday to include is the Friday after Thanksgiving. It would be a show of good faith if you could compensate the nanny for things out of their control, such as snow days or jury duty. However, if the parents don’t have a snow day, depending on the weather conditions and travel safety, the nanny should still come in.

Setting the Schedule

As a bonus section, we also wanted to briefly mention what a family should do when they choose to travel and do not require the nanny to work. Choosing not to use your nanny when they are available and ready to work during their agreed-upon schedule is something they should still be compensated for. It is not a nanny’s choice that a family decides not to use their services. Nannies and families, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the term “guaranteed hours” and, again, include this in your employment agreement.

Going Above and Beyond for Your Nanny

We talked a lot about industry standards here, and it is important to clarify what is an industry standard vs. the law. Like any profession, nannying is a serious career, and career nannies seek competitive, appealing offers. Families must, by law, at the very minimum, be offering what their local government requires them to. That being said, a family looking to hire a top-notch career nanny should consider putting together an offer that reflects competitive industry standards. Clear communication/ verbiage and remaining open during contract negotiations are the best ways to come up with a plan that works best for both parties. Remember that being a nanny is just like any other job and needs to be treated with the same kind of respect. Check out your local laws in case your city has specific PTO and/or overtime requirements.

If you need assistance finding a nanny and guidance on what to offer when hiring one or working out an employment agreement, we at the Nanny Authority are here to help! Using an agency such as the Nanny Authority relieves stress and offers professional and personal guidance. Our team is dedicated to finding the best match for everyone involved, and we work tirelessly to ensure that we exceed expectations. For more information on hiring a nanny, visit our website today! Parents can also contact a placement specialist at 973-466-2669 or via e-mail at info@nannyauthority.com so we can help find the best fit for your home.

Resources

Here are some resources for nannies and families that offer more on this topic:

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