Archive for the ‘Nannies in the News’ Category

13 Questions with 2013 INA Nanny of the Year Nominee Tirzah Winterton

Friday, April 12th, 2013

by Michelle LaRowe
Editor in Chief

Each year, the International Nanny Association presents the Nanny of the Year award at its Annual Conference. Those nominated for the INA Nanny of the Year award are exemplarily examples of who today’s professional nanny is and what she stands for. The 2013 INA Nanny of the Year will be named at the association’s 28th annual conference in Louisville, Kentucky April 12-15. As the 2004 INA Nanny of the Year, I’ve enjoyed getting to know this year’s nominees and look forward to meeting them in person at this year’s event.

1. How long have you been a nanny?

I have been a nanny for 6 years.

2. How do you define a nanny?

A nanny is a long-term childcare provider who works as a team with the child’s parents to care for the child’s physical, mental, emotional and developmental needs.

3. How did you become a nanny?

I had been babysitting for a family for years when the mom became pregnant with her fourth child. The parents were worried that she would go in to labor in the middle of the night. They asked me to move into their home so that I could take care of the other children when the mother went in to labor. Once they brought the baby home they asked me to stay longer to help. They realized how much easier life was when they had an extra set of adult hands around and asked me to become their live-in nanny.

4. Worst nanny day?

My worst day as a nanny was a few weeks ago when all 3 of my charges had the stomach flu at the same time.

5. Best nanny day?

It’s hard to pick a best nanny day. Some of my best days were when parents brought babies home from the hospital and seeing a child reach a milestone.

6. The misconception about nannies that bothers you most?

The biggest misconception about nannies that bothers me is when people think that nannies and babysitters are the same thing. A nanny works with the parents to care for the whole child. She makes sure the children are eating healthy, getting exercise and meeting developmental and education milestones. A babysitter keeps a child safe.

7. How do you spend a typical day?

I usually get to work and my older two charges go to school. While my youngest charge finishes breakfast I straighten up the kitchen and start the laundry. After that the baby and I do art, play games, or read. Some days we will attend music class, Gymboree, or swim class. After that we come home and have lunch, a bath, and a nap. While the baby is napping I work on laundry and start cooking dinner. When the older 2 kids come home I give them baths and we do homework. We then do an activity which could involve playing outside or doing an art project. I usually leave just before the family starts dinner.

8. Hardest part of the job?

The hardest part of the job is making sure that the parents and I are always on the same page.

9. Easiest part of the job?

The easiest part is giving and receiving hugs and cuddles all day long.

10. Best advice to parents hiring a nanny?

Remember your nanny is a person too. She needs to have a life outside of her job. Show respect for her time by coming home on time and let her know if you are going to be late.

11. Best advice to those considering becoming a nanny?

When looking for a job make sure you are a good fit with the family. Never take a job without a good, clear contract.

12. What’s one thing you wish you could change about the industry?

I wish people had more respect for what a nanny truly does.

13. Best advice to nannies wanting to make nannying their career?

Only take job where the employer pays on the books.

INA is a non-profit educational associated dedicated to quality in-home quality childcare. Visit http://nanny.org/past-noty to learn more about the award and about past Nanny of the Year recipients. eNannySource is a proud sponsor of this event.

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13 Questions with INA Nanny of the Year Nominee Joanne Barrow

Saturday, April 6th, 2013

by Michelle LaRowe
Editor in Chief

Each year, the International Nanny Association presents the Nanny of the Year award at its Annual Conference. Those nominated for the INA Nanny of the Year award are exemplarily examples of who today’s professional nanny is and what she stands for. The 2013 INA Nanny of the Year will be named at the association’s 28th annual conference in Louisville, Kentucky April 12-15. As the 2004 INA Nanny of the Year, I’ve enjoyed getting to know this year’s nominees and look forward to meeting them in person at this year’s event.

1. How long have you been a nanny? I’m in my 23rd year.

2. How do you define a nanny? A Nanny is a professional nurturer, supporter and advisor to families.

3. How did you become a nanny? In 1990 I travelled from South East England to New Jersey for a supposed one year experience working as an Au Pair for a wonderful family in Millington, NJ. Long before the year was through I realized I’d found my career path and nannying was the next logical step. I soon won my green card in the lottery and stayed on with that family for five terrific years, I’ve never looked back.

4. Worst nanny day? The day you move on from a family. If you did the job ‘right’, it’s always going to be tough saying goodbye.

5. Best nanny day? When I know I’ve bought a little happiness into a child’s day, it satisfies my soul.

6. The misconception about nannies that bothers you most? That we’re glorified babysitters. A professional nanny holds an important role in aiding the long-term growth and development of her charges. She must act as an extension of the parents in their absence and with that comes a great amount of trust and responsibility, much more so than many people seem to realize.

7. How do you spend a typical day? It differs from day to day and post to post. Today I juggled two children, their homework, a doctor’s appointment, dinner, showers and violin practice- all in a two hour time frame. This time last week we spent a fabulous sunny day skiing in Crested Butte, CO. One of the greatest aspects of the job is how much variety there is from one day to the next.

8. Hardest part of the job? Keeping the lines of communication up and running when everyone’s busy running in different directions. At a minimum, a ‘weekly’ parent/nanny meeting with open, honest dialogue is a must and critical to the longevity and success of the relationship.

9. Easiest part of the job? Loving a child

10. Best advice to parents hiring a nanny? Do your due diligence in thoroughly screening applicants; no matter how she was referred to you, how good she looks in person or how experienced she seems on paper, screen, screen, screen…. and then screen some more. If you’re still not certain, go with your gut instinct.

11. Best advice to those considering becoming a nanny? Never take a position with a family whose value system causes you to veer away from you own. You will need your beliefs and moral compass to guide you on a daily basis so having your values in sync with the parents is of paramount importance.

12. What’s one thing you wish you could change about the industry? I’d like to see mandatory licensing and education in place for Nannies. I see this change as a way of providing a greater sense of security and value to the families hiring us and a greater sense of pride to us as Nannies in the important work we undertake. Only when this change takes place do I think the public’s perception of a ‘professional’ Nanny will begin to shift and carry the meaning and validation it deserves.

13. Best advice to nannies wanting to make nannying their career? Get educated on your subject. Take a course, attend a workshop or conference and keep adding credentials to your skill set. It shows a family that you’re serious about childcare as a career. You’ll need some solid hands on experience to be taken seriously, a professional resume and sound letters of reference speaking to your strengths and professionalism.

Tap into all Nanny related resources, local and nationwide. eNannySource offers a wealth of information on the job search process on topics such as resume writing and interviewing and INA links you to nanny mentors, training, and many other industry related services. There are some great resources available out there, read and gain knowledge from as many of them as you can.

INA is a non-profit educational associated dedicated to quality in-home quality childcare. Visit http://nanny.org/past-noty to learn more about the award and about past Nanny of the Year recipients. 

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13 Questions with INA Nanny of the Year Nominee Karen Le Blanc

Saturday, April 6th, 2013

by Michelle LaRowe
Editor in Chief

Each year, the International Nanny Association presents the Nanny of the Year award at its Annual Conference. Those nominated for the INA Nanny of the Year award are exemplarily examples of who today’s professional nanny is and what she stands for. The 2013 INA Nanny of the Year will be named at the association’s 28th annual conference in Louisville, Kentucky April 12-15. As the 2004 INA Nanny of the Year, I’ve enjoyed getting to know this year’s nominees and look forward to meeting them in person at this year’s event.

eNannySource: How long have you been a nanny?

Karen: I have nearly 8 years of professional nanny experience overall and have been working in the field consecutively since August 2008.

eNannySource: How do you define a nanny?

Karen: A nanny is someone invited into the home who partners with a family to create a team dedicated to caring for and nurturing the children.

eNannySource:  How did you become a nanny?

Karen: For as long as I can remember I’ve been drawn to caring for children. It comes naturally to me and brings me great joy! Though I took a less traditional route to becoming a professional nanny, first teaching elementary school and even spending a few years in the corporate world, it makes perfect sense that I’ve settled into this amazing career. I was made to do this and can’t imagine doing anything else!

eNannySource: Worst nanny day?

Karen: The worst days have definitely been the “last” days with my kiddos. I’m currently working with my fifth family. After spending years with each one and being so intimately involved in the day-to-day and watching the children grow up in front of you it is so hard to leave that formal relationship behind. I have been blessed though to be able to stay in close contact with my previous families and visit them often! I’ve loved each family I’ve worked with and am always excited for the next adventure. But moving on is so hard!

eNannySource: Best nanny day?

Karen: There are so many great days! It’s hard to pick one. One of my best days was when I was rocking sweet A before her nap. She had just turned two and I was singing her the lullaby I had been singing to her since she was a newborn. About mid-way through she started singing with me. It was such a special moment. I will never forget it. Those are the days that remind you just why you’re doing this and somehow put everything else in your life in perspective.

eNannySource:  The misconception about nannies that bothers you most?

Karen: It bothers me that nannies are primarily portrayed as individuals raising children for rich families instead of their parents. While I know this type of arrangement exists, I’d like to see more awareness of the true partnerships that exist as well.

eNannySource: How do you spend a typical day?

Karen: I’m currently working with twin girls who just turned one. Right now a lot of the day consists of managing feedings and naps with some playtime mixed in there too! We also spend time reading together each day and taking walks through the neighborhood. We just started attending music class once a week and are part of a weekly playgroup as well.

eNannySource: Hardest part of the job?

Karen: Leaving a family at the end of a position.

eNannySource: Easiest part of the job?

Karen: Loving and celebrating the children!

eNannySource: Best advice to parents hiring a nanny?

Karen: This is one of the times it’s OK to be picky. Keep interviewing until you find the right fit. Be clear up front of your expectations and commit to maintaining open communication with your nanny.

eNannySource: Best advice to those considering becoming a nanny?

Karen: Parents are looking for someone with experience who sees being a nanny as a career and not just a job.

eNannySource: What’s one thing you wish you could change about the industry?

Karen: Increased awareness of the true partnerships that exist between parents and families and increased efforts to encourage and foster these partnerships.

eNannySource: Best advice to nannies wanting to make nannying their career?

Karen: No matter how well your experience matches up or how well the interview goes it may not be a good fit for you, for the family or for both. Don’t become discouraged! You will be working in partnership as a team so a good fit is important. Be honest and genuine in your interviews. If you let your personality come through and be yourself, families will be able to see how much you love working with children!

INA is a non-profit educational associated dedicated to quality in-home quality childcare. Visit http://nanny.org/past-noty to learn more about the award and about past Nanny of the Year recipients. eNannySource is a proud sponsor of this event.

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Holiday Spirit: Nannies help families devastated by Hurricane Sandy

Thursday, November 29th, 2012

Hurricane Sandy-related fire damage in New York’s coastal area. Click image to enlarge. (Photo courtesy of Beth Lehmann).

Natural disasters bring out the best and worst of humanity.

In a horrifying footnote to the Hurricane Sandy aftermath, several New York City homeowners devastated by the storm reported burglaries over Thanksgiving weekend. The pattern follows an overall rise in crime and looting this month in Queens and surrounding areas. According to the New York Post, there were 14 home break-ins from Nov. 12-18 in the Breezy Point area alone, compared to none during the same time period last year.

However, in many other cases, theft hasn’t happened because there’s been nothing worth stealing. Homes have been flooded or completely knocked off foundations.

As a longtime volunteer with New York Cares, nanny Beth Lehmann is doing her best to balance out the equation. For every stranger who tries to take advantage of the crisis, there’s another stranger reaching out with kindness. For the duration of the hurricane relief effort, Beth has been sorting and delivering donated food and supplies to disabled and elderly citizens who cannot otherwise access them. She also has been canvassing neighborhoods in Coney Island, Howard Beach and the Rockaways, talking to seniors about their medicinal needs.

“I found all these muscles I forgot I had,” says Beth, a 26-year career nanny who recently wrapped up a 10-year assignment with the same family. “It’s one thing to see the destruction on TV, but when you are physically there, you see the people and their emotions up close. You see houses tilted off their foundations and people scared to leave their homes because of looters. Their feelings become your feelings, It really drives home your compassion.”

“When you step into one of these neighborhoods, you can instantly smell the destruction,” she adds. “Words can’t describe the shock. It feels like I’m in a far away war zone, even though it’s a 20-25 minute drive from where I live. Most people in Manhattan have no idea about the full extent of the devastation.”

New York career nanny Beth Lehmann wants to spread some random kindness.

Beth is also the founder of Nannies Supporting Sandy Victims, an independent charity project aiming to distribute $250 cash gifts to random strangers demonstrating need. For the first stage of the project, she is hoping to raise $1,500 from fellow nannies and their families to fund six care packages. To date, she has raised $1,020.

“That might not sound like a lot of money to some people, but it’s a lot when you have nothing. I’ve always wanted to do this,” she says. “I love the idea of spreading random acts of kindness.”

Inside the blank cash envelope is a note that reads:

Hello,
We know this isn’t much, but hope it will help you.
Just spreading a bit of sunshine your way.
A Random Act of Kindness.
Love,

Nannies Supporting Sandy Victims

Beth determines which strangers are good candidates for the gift by listening to people’s stories that they share with her as a city volunteer.  Like the TV show “Secret Millionaire,” her targets have no idea she is giving away money. The nanny has no timeline for giving away money, nor any upper limit, as that will depend on the level of donations. So far, she has given away one envelope — to a woman in the Rockaways who is going through dialysis treatment but has no place to bring her toddler during her appointments.

“She lost her daycare because of the floods,” Beth says. “Hopefully, this can cover her babysitting costs until they figure out a solution.”

“I walked away as she opened the envelope. She sat down on the floor and cried. I had tears in my eyes and walked out of the area. I spoke with her priest later and he was beyond thankful. The mom spoke to priest and had him relay the message that she blessed us and said we were ‘angels’ for doing what we did,” she adds.

Lingering Damage from Hurricane Sandy — a fishing boat landed on an unsuspecting homeowner’s lawn. (Photo courtesy of Beth Lehmann).

“Some nannies have emailed me and said they want to donate money instead of exchanging gifts with each other this year. I also have some nanny agencies helping me spread the word. I’m hoping the whole nanny industry will rally around this idea,” Beth says.

No More Boardwalk — Coastal devastation in the Rockaways. Click image to enlarge. (Photo courtesy of Beth Lehmann).

If you’d like to donate to Nannies Supporting Sandy Victims, visit their FundRazr page or the organization’s Facebook page.

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The Rise of the Male Nanny

Sunday, September 23rd, 2012

by Michelle LaRowe
Editor in Chief

While the United States media has been following mannies Scott Cartmill and Shaun Sturz on ABC Family’s reality docu-series Beverly Hills Nannies, in Bath, England, the media is following the story of manny Michael Kenny, who is the first male student in the education degree program at Norland College, the world-famous college for nannies.

If Kenny completes his four year course work successfully, he will be only the second male in the college’s 120 year history to gradate with the Norland Diploma and the prestigious title of Norland Nanny.

But if anyone objects to working in a female dominated industry, it’s not Michael Kenny.  According to The Telegraph, he doesn’t mind and neither did the school’s first male graduate, Peter Cummings, who was reported as saying “I don’t see any problem. My careers adviser hinted that it was very female-dominated, but I took no notice. Being male has never been an issue with either of the parents that I’ve been with.”

So if the men who commit themselves to learning the ins and outs of the nanny world and the parents who hire them don’t seem to mind, why is there a stigma associated with being a private duty childcare specialist if you’re a man?

Or is there?

In a recent interview I had with Shaun Sturz of Beverly Hills Nannies and real-life nanny to the stars, I asked him if he had to overcome any stereotypes being a male nanny. His response? “I don’t think so. Are there any?  I’ve never met a male nanny before the show.  If there are any, I think things are changing and I’m on the forefront of that. People have always asked me to be their nanny, so I’ve never had to overcome any stereotypes.”

Maybe he’s right.

A quick Google search of “male nannies” showed pages and pages of articles featured in both the print pages and online versions of popular parenting and lifestyle magazines and mainstream news outlets. Is this an indication male nannies are becoming more popular? Maybe, maybe not. But if it’s not, the most interesting search results surely are: the number of nanny placement agencies that specialize in placing male nannies.

In 2006, My Big Buddy was founded as the first male nanny agency in London by two Australian nannies who felt that some children would benefit from the care of an energetic male nanny. Other UK based agencies like Mr. Nanny and Manny Poppins followed suit. And coming in fall 2012, the United States will perhaps get its own first nanny agency exclusively representing male nannies. According to its website www.mannies.com, males looking for home-based work can now apply.

While some parents, agencies, and caregivers may still raise an eyebrow at male nanny candidates, more and more are open to the idea.

When parents look for a nanny, they look for someone who is the right fit for the family. For some families, especially single mom families and families with boys, having a male role model around the house is extremely important, as viewers saw firsthand with Cindy Margolis, who cut back her nanny’s hours to bring a manny into her home.

Each family must identify the right nanny for their family. For some families, it may be that a male nanny better meets their family’s needs. For others, maybe not. Regardless of if the caregiver is a male or female, what’s of ultimate importance is that he or she is qualified, dedicated, and committed to doing the job well, and that he or she sends the message to the children in his or her care that they can be whatever they want to be, and that’s okay.

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The Ultimate Compliment: Actress Tori Spelling named her daughter after her childhood nanny

Wednesday, September 5th, 2012

Tori Spelling’s third child is named Hattie Margaret. The baby’s middle name is in memory of Spelling’s childhood nanny. (Image Source: ToriSpelling.com)

Nannying is one of a handful of privileged professions in which the intangible benefits can echo years beyond the actual job.

Working as a nanny comes with innate bonding experiences that can make you feel part of the family. Of course, not all hires turn out that way, but many do.

Take for example, former Nanny of the Year recipient Becky Kavanagh, who spent 20 years with the same Minnesota family playing an instrumental role in the development of their three children. As a kindergartner, one of the kids cutely declared, “Did you know that not everyone has a Becky? Some kids have to go to daycare!”

It’s heartwarming to see grown children still feel a deep connection to their childhood nannies.

One of those cases is actress Tori Spelling, who recently reminded her fans on her EdiTORIal blog how much her childhood nanny, Margaret, meant to her.

Margaret is the middle name of her 10-month-old girl Hattie, a baby who’s received considerable press coverage just for uttering her first word.

Tori tells her fans that the name “Hattie” was picked from a Google search for girls’ names, but that Margaret was “my nanny who was like a second mother to me.”  The actress notoriously has a strained relationship with her own mother, but the baby naming honor wasn’t meant as any kind of slam. Tori has been a huge advocate for nannies in her own life.

Tori Spelling has long been an outspoken advocate for the benefits of hiring a nanny. In this high-profile 2009 interview with Cookie Magazine, she bristles at the idea of mothers being jealous when nannies bond with their children.

“I never understood being competitive with a nanny,” she told Cookie magazine in 2009, sharing her experiences with her nanny Patsy. “If you have someone you trust and who loves your kids, then what an amazing thing you’ve done for them.”

Right on, Tori!

Nannies are not replacements for either parent. Rather, they are a critical part of the parenting team. Hiring a nanny should involve finding someone who reflects parents’ child rearing views and who shares their values (Check out eNannySource’s screening questions here).

As for Tori’s nanny, it looks like there will some job security for the immediate future.  The actress and husband Dean McDermott are expecting their fourth child (gender TBA) soon.

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London Olympics provides moments of nanny inspiration

Thursday, August 2nd, 2012

Nannies make a high-profile cameo at the 2012 London Olympics.

So how many of NBC’s planned 5,535 hours of Olympic coverage do YOU plan to watch?

Let’s face it: As busy parents or nannies, few of you have the time to endlessly lounge around on the couch and marvel at how other human beings can bend their bodies in ways you thought possible only with action figures. But hopefully, you caught the Mary Poppins extravaganza at the glorious “Isles of Wonder” opening ceremonies.

The stagecraft included a magical scene of more than two dozen flying nannies using their umbrellas to save the stadium from the evil Lord Voldemort, better known as the Harry Potter villain. The whimsical duel certainly put Poppins and all nannies in a positive light, and it must have been a wonderful surprise to one of the character’s most devoted fans — 2002 “Nanny of the Year” Marni Kent, who was recently featured in this blog’s ongoing look at International Nanny Association Nanny of the Year award recipients.

Kent has collected Poppins memorabilia for the past 20 years, sometimes dresses like her on special occasions and even has a Poppins-themed tattoo!

It turns out that there are numerous aspects of the Olympics that summon the everyday challenges of nannying and/or parenting. Consider the words of Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the French historian who founded the International Olympic Committee and is credited for reviving the ancient Greek competition.

The Baron’s full quote was: “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.”

Of course, nannies and parents never want to see fighting of any kind. But it’s clear what he meant. Encouraging children to brave new experiences is often more important than who wins or loses. It’s a tough lesson for kids to willingly accept, as any youth sports coach can attest.

Many of you probably experience young children’s own Olympic moments when they go down a steep slide without holding your hand for the first time or proudly show off their biking skills without training wheels. There are no screaming fans or pictures of your charges on a Wheaties cereal box, but the experiences are no less special.

Here are a few other Olympic tidbits that will surely make nannies and parents smile:

1. This is What Happens When You Let Kids Cheat at Monopoly — Ouch. Did you ever think you would see the words “Badminton” and “Scandal” in the same sentence?  The Olympic athletes who deliberately lost their matches — to get easier opponents in the next round — are not going to win any role model awards.

2. Biting Your Nails is a Universal Parent Trait — The parents of Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman were understandably nervous as a billion television viewers watched their daughter gracefully master the high bar. Watch the video of them in the stands: Do you act like this as you’re watching your children in a school play, youth sports event or Spelling Bee?

3. Surprise, Toddlers Aren’t The Only Ones Who Need Swim Diapers! — Former USA Swimming national team member Carly Geehr was  recently featured in Slate Magazine for her reply to this very irreverent but childlike question: “Do Olympic Swimmers Ever Pee in the Pool?” The answer is not that shocking: They are no different than the rest of us.  Thank God for chlorine.

4. Check Out The Toy Box Olympics — This is a gem for any adult tripping over Legos on the playroom rug. Take a look at how London’s Guardian newspaper recreated Olympic gymnastics, basketball and fencing in their hilarious and creative Brick-By-Brick video series.  Great fuel for the imagination.

Have you seen any Olympic moments that remind you of the nannying experience or overall child development? In case you missed it, nannies already have been directly credited for the ongoing success of the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team!

 

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Traveling nannies support the U.S. Women’s Olympic Soccer Team

Wednesday, July 25th, 2012

One day will there be an Olympic Gold for Nannying?

The U.S. Olympic Women’s Soccer team, which just won its first match against France in its bid to win the gold medal at the 2012 Summer Games in London, has a secret weapon: Nannies.

The Los Angeles Times recently revealed that U.S. Soccer, America’s governing organization for the sport, fully finances nanny services so players can bring their children on the road. The Times notes that several star players and key coaching personnel may have ended their careers earlier if there had not been family-friendly accommodations.

The policy is not a public relations gesture — it’s been going on for the past 16 years.

“U.S. Soccer considers this an important element to help those players with children to continue to contribute,” national team spokesman Neil Buethe tells the Times. “It allows the players to concentrate on their job of playing soccer without having to be away from their kids for a long period of time or worry about how they’re going to be able to balance their family and career while being on the road during training camp.”

Similar programs have been adopted by the golfers on the LPGA Tour and by the 2008 U.S. Women’s Olympic Softball Team, who competed in Beijing.  Despite the success of the program, unfortunately no other U.S. Olympic teams have official nannies on the payroll.

The 2012 U.S. Women’s Olympic Soccer Team is favored to contend for the gold medal this summer.

Soccer star Abby Wambach, who is the team’s second highest scorer, considers herself the squad’s “best babysitter,” as she often will volunteer to give the nannies a break.

“You spend so much time away from home, there’s only so many TV shows you can watch. There’s only so many conversations you can have. The added component of having kids around, it just is entertainment. It’s just such a great dynamic to bring into a team environment that can sometimes get monotonous,” she says.

Along with Brazil, the U.S. soccer team is heavily favored to be in the mix for the gold medal this year. As a fascinating aside, this is the first Olympic Games in which the amount of women athletes on the American team outnumbers men. The U.S. team is comprised of 269 women and 261 men competing in 25 different sports.

It’s refreshing to see a potential world champion team publicly praise its nannies for giving its players the peace of mind that their children are thriving even under the most intense training schedules.

Of course, you don’t need to be a world class athlete — or an athlete at all — to realize the family benefits of hiring a traveling nanny. For advice on finding the perfect nanny candidates to meet the demands of YOUR schedule, visit eNannySource’s free Learning Center!

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Immigrants or not, are some nannies treated like cardboard?

Friday, June 15th, 2012

Artist Ramiro Gomez wants to raise awareness of "invisible" domestic workers in his city through handpainted cardboard cutouts. (Source: Los Angeles Times)

The Los Angeles Times recently showcased an enlightening project by a struggling artist and male nanny who is making public art to draw attention to the value of domestic work.

Ramiro Gomez Jr. creates vibrant 5-foot-tall cardboard cutouts of nannies, gardeners, housekeepers, valets and other service workers out of large television boxes he finds behind his local Best Buy.  The free-standing figures are placed in the swankiest, richest neighborhoods in Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills and other highly desirable real estate markets.

“We see the beautiful homes. The hedges are trimmed, the gardens are perfect, the children are cared for,” Gomez tells the Times. “We’ve come to expect it to be this way. But who maintains all this? Who looks after it? And do we treat the workers with the dignity they deserve? Do we stop and notice them?”

The artist regularly photographs his cardboard creations in action poses at his Happy Hills blog.

Tough To Ignore: Artist Ramiro Gomez is calling for Los Angeles nannies and other domestic help to be treated with dignity. (Source: Los Angeles Times)

It can be heartbreaking for Gomez to watch what happens to his paintings. There are no velvet ropes like at a museum. It’s not uncommon for his sculptures to get trampled, thrown in a nearby trash bin or destroyed by animals or weather. The U.S. Secret Service recently ordered him to remove some gardener figures from the street when President Obama was in the city for a fundraiser.

The cardboard cutouts, which have attracted the attention of local art galleries and curators at UCLA, are obviously silent.

And what they’re not talking about is the open secret that paying undocumented workers (or nannies of any background) under the table is not just a tax evasion problem. It’s a formula for potential mistreatment and neglect.

Nannying is a profession, a career. Not some kind of odd job or series of chores you can find someone to do on Craigslist.

Having a written Nanny/Employer Work Agreement firmly establishes the job responsibilities, expectations and fair compensation/benefits for both sides.  While it must be tempting to avoid the paperwork and take home more money in cash, being paid legally makes sense in the long term.

Having proof of employment is essential for establishing credit and securing loans for cars, homes and more. If you want to be able to utilize Social Security, Medicare, and even in some cases unemployment or disability insurance, you must be paid on the books.

The eNannySource Learning Center provides valuable guidance for both hiring families and those seeking employment about how to verify a nanny candidate’s legal status, industry guidelines for salary and benefits, and how to make sure the nanny tax is appropriately handled.

Hiring employees the proper way is not just about the money, it’s about respect as well. No one, regardless of where they are from, deserves to be treated like a piece of cardboard.

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