By Dr. Lindsay Heller The Nanny Doctor
By now you may be well into your search for the perfect nanny. You have made a list of your needs and perhaps you have even consulted with other families with live-in or live-out nannies.
Many families enter their nanny search knowing already what type of nanny they need. However, with so many great child care options available to families these days, it’s harder to make a choice. A quick survey of families in your area may reveal that live-out nannies are more common than live-in nannies. However, if your family needs a live-in nanny, then there are a few important things you need to consider.
1. Do you have enough space?
If you plan to hire a live-in nanny, you will need to provide a dedicated bedroom. If your live-in nanny will be caring for an infant, she may sleep in the nursery with the baby on occasion, but she will still need her own bedroom as well.
2. Are you prepared to feed an extra mouth?
Since your nanny will be living with you, then you will be required to provide meals and snacks. Consider the expense of extra groceries when preparing a budget.
3. Do you have an extra vehicle?
Not every nanny owns a car. If you expect your live-in nanny to drive the kids to school or run the occasional errand, then you may need to provide her with a car. Or perhaps you can lend her your own car. Either way, you need to make sure your nanny has a valid driver’s license and is covered by your auto insurance.
4. What about vacations?
Like all bosses, you need to consider time off for your employee. Be sure to work in a minimum of one week’s paid vacation and all major holidays off with pay into your plans.
Tags: hire a nanny, nannies, Nanny work
