Ways a Nanny Can Save Busy Parents Time

November 13, 2012

Many of today’s two-parent households have both parents working outside the home. Time at home with the kids is tight, and parents are always looking for time-saving ways to make their lives easier. Fortunately parents that employ nannies have an advantage: their nanny. An organized, proactive nanny can help busy families save time and energy. Here are a few ways your nanny might be able to help your family.

Keep up with family laundry. Nannies typically do all of the children’s laundry as part of the traditional nanny job. However, that still leaves Mom or Dad washing, drying and putting away their own clothes, sheets, and towels in the evening or on the weekend. Because laundry requires that you’re home either for long stretches of time or that you do a lot of running in and out throughout the day, it can be an inconvenient and time-intensive chore. By including this in your nanny’s job description, parents can free up a lot of time and enjoy knowing that they’ll actually have clean clothes, sheets and towels when they need them.

Keep an accurate grocery list and household supply list. How many times have you gone to the grocery store or warehouse store only to realize that you didn’t know exactly what you needed? What a waste of time and energy. By using a simple inventory system, your nanny can keep your list up-to-date so you can make sure your pantry and refrigerator are stocked with everything you need to feed the family. She can also keep a running list of household items you need, such as toothpaste, toilet paper, baby wipes and laundry detergent. Putting your nanny in charge of your shopping lists helps you make the most of every trip and eliminates the need for any last minute, end of the day stops.

Handle grocery and household supply shopping. Having your nanny keep your shopping lists up-to-date is a big time saver, and if she also has the time to do the shopping during the day she can save you even more time. Stores are usually less crowded during the day so it’s likely that your nanny can get in and out quicker than you can on the weekend. She can also make it a fun learning experience for your kids too.

Schedule and oversee small household projects. Need to have the cable guy come out and fix a problem, but don’t want to waste a Saturday morning waiting for him? Need to get the air vents cleaned throughout the house, but can’t seem to find a good time to schedule it? Want to get an estimate on how much it will cost to retile the master bathroom, but don’t want to take off work to meet with the contractor? These and similar jobs can easily be handled by your nanny. She has the advantage of being able to be home for long stretches during the day so she can easily accommodate workmen’s flexible scheduling. Allowing her to manage jobs in a way that fits in with her overall schedule helps you without interrupting her daily rhythm.

Keep up with school to dos. Having children in school comes with a lot of extra projects and tasks. Your kids need supplies for the latest project. It’s your turn to bring in the class snack. The afterschool team needs a volunteer to help create the team roster and email regular reminders and updates. The spring play is around the corner and every child is responsible for his own custom costume. Parents who take on these tasks can save lots of time by asking their nanny for help with the logistics and details. This allows the parents to be active in the school community while delegating much of the behind the scenes work to the nanny. No, this isn’t cheating. This is putting your time and energy into what’s most important to your child.

Take on essential shopping and errands. In a busy household, there’s always something that’s needs to be done. Your child needs a gift for an upcoming birthday party, a new winter coat, or a replacement uniform sweater. The home office printer is low on paper and ink. You need to pick up a prescription refill before your business trip. Instead of spending an entire Saturday afternoon getting all of those things done, your nanny can spread the errands out over the work week or can pick up some extra hours in the evening or on a weekend morning to run errands while you spend time relaxing with your family.

Parents who have a nanny have the opportunity to tailor their job description in ways that can really save them time. Remember as you decide what you want your nanny to take on that one person can only do so much. You want your nanny’s first priority to always be your child.

Posted in Nanny Tips | Leave a comment

Expert Insights: Catching Up With Nanny Stella from Nanny 911

November 8, 2012

by Michelle LaRowe
Editor in Chief

I first met Nanny Stella several years ago, and from the moment I met her I knew she was the real deal. Over the years we’ve stayed connected, and recently I was able to catch up with her between caring for other people’s babies and caring for her own. Here’s a bit of what she had to say.

eNannySource: What have you been up to since Nanny 911?

Stella: I have been very busy! Initially, I was doing guest appearances and public speaking all over and traveled as far as Indonesia, but I have ultimately been busy getting pregnant and having a baby.  I got pregnant in 2011 via IVF and had an amazing baby boy the day before I turned 47. Professionally, I predominantly consult with families and work as an infant care specialist/doula. I no longer work as a nanny.

eNannySource: Tell me about the training you’re doing for nannies?

Stella: I had initially attempted to train nannies via The Nanny School of Los Angeles some years ago. That didn’t work out and now I’m focusing on doing training events. On November 10, 2012 we’ll be doing a training event in Los Angeles. You can learn more at http://www.thenannyinstitute.com/.

eNannySource: Why is training important for nannies?

Stella: I believe training is important for any professional. I believe that on the job training and academic training go hand in hand.  Experience and education make a better nanny. I believe in education so much so that I went back to college in the UK when I was in my 30’s to become a qualified nanny.

eNannySource: What are your best  tips for those thinking about becoming a nanny?

Stella: First, love children. Second, be a team player. You are there to help parents, not to take over.

Third, get as much education and training as you can. Whether it be food hygiene training or CPR training, education is important. Lastly, be creative.

eNannySource: What did you think of the reality show Beverly Hills Nannies?

Stella: I can’t watch the show. I watched one episode and wanted to throw up. I feel it is offensive to the profession of nannies.

eNannySource: How do you like being a mom? Is it different than being a nanny?

Stella: Being a mum is the best job I have ever had!  It’s my ultimate job. It is different in the sense that I only have to answer to my husband and myself. We are the bosses. It is also different as I don’t get to give him back at the end of the day or at the end of my shift. I am always on duty. The love is different too. I have one previous charge who is one of the loves of my life – but the love for my son is that love time 100 plus.

eNannySource: Is there anything else you want to share?

Stella: Nannying in the UK is a profession. I hope that the USA looks at the nanny role with the same respect as those in UK do. After all it is a very, very important job. You aren’t handling paper or product, you are handling a child, and if a child is a commodity it is certainly a priceless one.

For over 20 years, Nanny Stella has positively impacted the lives of families all over the world with her expertise and passion as a solution-based family consultant. Stella is a real-life British Nanny, and is regarded as one of the top authorities on parenting. As an author, TV star, and consultant to celebrities and families, her renowned parenting methods are accredited and proven. To learn more about Nanny Stella visit www.NannyStella.com.

Posted in Expert Insights | Leave a comment

Do You Know What to Do If Your Nanny Is Injured on the Job?

November 4, 2012

When any injury occurs, there’s a certain amount of concern felt by all involved parties. When the injured party is your nanny and she was hurt on the job, however, it can be an entirely different ballgame. Suddenly, there’s what seems like a sea of paperwork and bureaucratic red tape to fight your way through, along with the added pressure of finding a way to accommodate your nanny and her injury while finding a substitute for your out-of-commission primary childcare provider.

Have Insurance

One of the first and most important things to do when a domestic worker is injured is to contact your insurance company. Hopefully you’ve been compliant with state and federal tax laws, and have either added a worker’s compensation rider to your existing homeowner’s policy, or have procured adequate worker’s comp insurance through other avenues. Depending on the state in which you reside, worker’s compensation is likely to be a mandatory part of employing a domestic worker; without that coverage, you can find yourself in fairly serious hot water. That being said, the first thing you should do upon discovering that your nanny has been injured is to see that she receives the medical attention she needs, and then you should immediately contact the insurance company that carries your worker’s compensation policy.

Worker’s compensation insurance is designed to cover the medical costs and compensate your nanny for lost wages for such time as she is unable to work, regardless of who is at fault. Whether she was injured as a result of your negligence, by her own fault, or due to an outside factor, she will be provided for under the terms of the policy. In most states, accepting a settlement from your insurance company means that your nanny has forfeited the right to bring civil charges against you for pain and suffering.

Contact Your Attorney

Though it may seem insensitive and unfeeling to call your attorney the moment that your nanny is injured, it’s in your best interest to do just that. Until she’s accepted a worker’s compensation settlement, your nanny could still file a civil suit against you, especially if her injury was the result of unsafe working conditions. Informing an attorney that a domestic employee has been injured on the job and requesting legal counsel is the single most effective way of protecting yourself until your nanny either accepts a worker’s comp settlement or makes the decision to take legal action. Should she choose the latter, you’ll already have an attorney who understands the intricacies of your case and is ready to go to bat for you.

Determine How Long She’ll Be Out of Work

Depending on the nature and severity of her injury, your nanny might be unable to work for an extended period. Her physician should be able to give her an estimate regarding when she’ll be reevaluated and a tentative possible return date, but you’re unlikely to get a more precise time frame if the injury is a fairly serious one. If she’s released to light duty, it’s important that you discuss with both your nanny and her physician what that “light duty” entails, so that you can begin to make plans for either an alternate childcare provider during her convalescence or supplemental care while she’s under restriction. It’s very important that you don’t ask her to perform tasks that could further aggravate her injury, and that you make every possible concession during a restricted or light-duty period. The well-being of your nanny and her future as an employee in your home rests largely upon the way that you react to her injury and the accommodations that you make during this difficult time.

Take Steps to Minimize Risks and Prevent Future Injuries

If the source of your nanny’s injury was something that could have been avoided, it’s a smart move to take immediate steps to eliminate the problem that will prevent any future recurrences. Addressing any safety issues in your home is as important for the well-being of your household as it is for preventing future insurance claims, so it’s best to make any necessary changes as soon as possible.

The laws that govern workers compensation and injured domestic employees vary from state to state, so it’s important to acquaint yourself with the proper procedures and relevant statutes in your area before misfortunes occur. Familiarizing yourself with the laws and regulations as a precaution will eliminate the need to decipher complex wording during the already-stressful time of managing a nanny’s injury.

Posted in Nanny Insurance, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Continuing Education is Essential for Nannies

October 28, 2012

Not only does it allow you to develop new skills, expand your knowledge base and network with other caregivers, it increase your marketability and makes you a more attractive candidate when applying for nanny jobs.

We invite you to join Nanny Stella, eNannySource expert consultant, and her team at The Nanny Institute for a day of nanny specific training.

November 10, 2012
8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Hotel Angeleno
Los Angeles, CA

$199. Lunch and training certificate included.

To learn more visit http://www.thenannyinstitute.com/.

 

Posted in Nanny Training | 1 Comment

Pop Quiz: How do you get a toddler to have a tantrum free day?

October 25, 2012

1.) You’re in the grocery store when your toddler has a spontaneous temper tantrum over something that seems relatively minor. You’re in a hurry and fairly stressed, after having a difficult behavioral day with your child. Why is he behaving so badly in public?

A)   To deliberately cause you more stress.
B)   Because he’s irritable and isn’t verbal enough to express the reason he’s upset clearly.
C)   He’s tired or hungry
D)   None of the above
E)    B, C or D

2.) Your child was a calm and relatively happy infant, but seems to be having at least one temper tantrum a week now that he’s reached toddlerhood. What do you do?

A)   Contact his pediatrician.
B)   Put strict rules and punishments in place.
C)   Be patient and understand that occasional tantrums are a developmental phase that will pass.

3.) Your child is visibly tired, but begins to have a tantrum when you try to put him in a stroller or cart. Why is he being so difficult about walking when he’s obviously low on energy?

A)   He’s trying to assert his independence.
B)   He’s irritable and difficult to please because he’s exhausted.
C)   He’s simply being contrary.
D)   Both A and B

4.) Your child deliberately breaks a rule that you know he’s well aware is in place. When you verbally correct the behavior or attempt to put him in time out, he begins wailing and throws a temper tantrum. How do you respond?

A)   Drop everything to console him; he’s obviously upset because you were too harsh.
B)   Calmly explain why he’s being punished and ignore the tantrum.
C)   Extend his time out and scold him more harshly for reacting so strongly.

5.) Your child has tantrums on a regular basis, and seems to be showing no signs of letting them go. What is the cause of this behavior, and how do you approach the issue?

A)   Change your parenting style altogether, feeling that you’ve failed him as a parent.
B)   Take his individual personality and outside factors into consideration before making any decisions.
C)   Ignore the tantrums altogether, in hopes that he’ll simply grow out of them.
D)   Shower him with affection and attention the moment a tantrum begins in an effort to soothe him.

6.) Your child is engaged in an activity that, while annoying to you, isn’t at all likely to put him or anyone else in danger. How do you proceed?

A)   Immediately intervene, explaining that his behavior is unacceptable to you.
B)   Selectively ignore the behavior to prevent a tantrum and let him continue what he’s doing.
C)   Redirect his attention, putting a stop to the irritating behavior in a non-confrontational manner.

7.) Your toddler is past the age of two, but not quite a preschooler. He’s still having tantrums on occasion, usually in high-pressure situations. What do you do?

A)   Exercise patience and continue to follow your current parenting philosophy.
B)   Contact a medical professional to rule out behavioral disorders or emotional problems.
C)   Enforce new, stricter rules now that he’s past the “terrible twos” and should be better able to control himself.

8.) You know that your child tends to have more trouble controlling his emotions in crowded, public places, but you can’t find a sitter on short notice and have errands to run. How do you handle the situation?

A)   Refuse to let your toddler’s temperament affect your plans, and set off to complete your errands with him in tow.
B)   Shuffle your schedule to put the errands off until a day when your regular sitter is available.
C)   Talk to your child before you leave about the behavior you expect from him and what he can expect from the trip.

9.) Your child likes to make as many decisions for himself as possible, often leading to disputes that dissolve into tantrums. How do you handle his requests?

A)   Give him complete control, unless his choices put him in immediate danger.
B)   Don’t pander to his insistence on choosing for himself at all.
C)   Allow him to make some decisions, but continue to put your foot down when necessary.

10.) Your child is absorbed in his favorite television show, which has five minutes left in the episode. You have strict rules about screen time, but know that he’ll be upset if you make him abandon the show while it’s still on. How do you proceed?

A)   Snap off the television and announce that TV time is over for the day.
B)   Take a softer approach, attempting to redirect his attention, though you know he isn’t likely to be receptive.
C)   Pick your battles, and decide that this isn’t one of them. Five extra minutes here and there isn’t likely to affect him too adversely.

Answer Key:

Question 1: E. While it may seem like your child deliberately chooses exactly the wrong moment to have an emotional meltdown, he doesn’t have enough of a grasp on adult social niceties to know that a tantrum is an effective method of shaming you into giving in.

Question 2: C. Unless your toddler’s tantrums are exceptionally violent or occur far more often than you feel comfortable with, they should be considered a normal, albeit difficult, developmental phase.

Question 3: D. By toddlerhood your child is exploring boundaries and wants to begin testing his independence. Despite being tired, he will want to prove to both you and himself that he’s capable of walking on his own. Of course, being tired will also increase the chances of a tantrum as well.

Question 4: B. Lavishing your toddler with affection and attention while he’s in the throes of a tantrum sends him the message that tantrums lead to attention. Still, he’s too young to grasp some concepts, which makes harsher punishment unsuitable.

Question 5: B. While the fact that your child is prone to tantrums can make you feel as if you’re a bad parent, that isn’t the case. Toddlers, just like adults, have individual personalities and require a tailored approach to most issues.

Question 6: C. Picking what you know will be a fight simply to put an end to minor, harmless behavior that’s faintly irritating to you might not be the best way to go in situations like these. Because of his relatively short attention span, redirecting your toddler to an activity that doesn’t bother you is most likely the most effective way of ending the behavior without causing a meltdown.

Question 7: A. While the “terrible twos” tend to get all the attention, the truth is that there’s no set age for tantrums to end. In some cases, your child may still be having emotional reactions well past toddlerhood.

Question 8: C. Explaining your expectations in clear, short sentences that are easy for your toddler to grasp help give him a clear picture of what is and is not acceptable, while explaining to him what he’s likely to see and experience while you’re out could prevent tantrums resulting from fear of unfamiliar places.

Question 9: C. With toddler independence, as in most areas, it’s best to take a moderate approach. All or nothing is a very rigid parenting philosophy, leaving neither you nor your child much room for growth.

Question 10: C. While you certainly shouldn’t make a habit of breaking the rules you’ve set, occasional lenience can go a long way towards preserving the peace in your house.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

10 Tips for New Nannies

October 15, 2012

by Michelle LaRowe
Editor in Chief

Many caregivers with backgrounds as daycare workers or preschool teachers are a bit surprised to learn that while their care giving skills transition seamlessly to working as a nanny, the work environment takes some getting used to.

While nannies, daycare workers and preschool teachers all provide childcare, the similarities between them really stops there. Unlike daycare workers and other types of caregivers, nannies work in the private homes of their employers and are hired to provide individualized, customized and highly personalized childcare. Their work environment is quite intimate, and the relationships nannies have with the parents of the children in their care can be quite complex. Given the nature of the job and work environment, it’s not surprising that even the most highly qualified nanny won’t be the right nanny for every family.

So for those thinking about becoming a nanny or those who are new to the profession, what can you do to successfully transition into your new role?

Here are 10 of my top tips:

1. Wait for the right job with the right family. It can be tempting to jump at the first job offer – but don’t. For new nannies, especially ones with daycare experience, the higher salaries nannies tend to earn can be quite attractive. But as any seasoned nanny will tell you, all that glitters isn’t gold. It’s much better to accept a position that’s the right fit and pays a little less than it is to accept a higher paying job that makes you miserable.

2. Have a written work agreement. Most new nannies make the mistake of not having a written work agreement in place. If that’s you, take heart and commit to starting your next position with one in place. A written work agreement outlines the employment agreement between a nanny and her employers and details the specific duties, expectations and responsibilities of each party. Since a work agreement addresses many issues, it helps to prevent misunderstandings and miscommunications down the road.

3. Know your rights. While it may seem like working as a nanny is a casual form of employment, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Nannies are non-exempt employees of the families and are protected under the Fair Labor Standards Act. What does that mean practically speaking? Nannies are required to be paid at least minimum wage for every hour worked, and live-out nannies, and live-in nannies in some states, are also required to be paid overtime for all hours worked over 40 in a 7-day period. Since nannies are employed by the families for whom they work and are not independent contractors, employment tax laws also come into play.

4. Learn to say no. When you work as a nanny and you’re the only caregiver your work family depends on, it can be hard to say no to any request. But the reality is, in order to keep your sanity and to avoid burnout it’s important that you do say no when you need to. While you’ll naturally want to be flexible and accommodating when you can, you don’t want to end up working every weekend when that wasn’t part of the original commitment or plan.

5. Take care of yourself. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to effectively take care of your charges. As caretakers, nannies tend to take care of everyone but themselves. It’s important for nannies to meet their own physical, emotional and social needs, otherwise they can’t meet their charges.  Eating healthy, getting exercise, getting enough sleep and carving out time for friends, family and personal interests is vital for nannies who want to be in the business long-term. 

6. Establish boundaries. When your boss asks what you did this weekend, she doesn’t really need or want to know every. single. detail. While it’s certainly fine to let her know you went out to dinner with friends, she doesn’t need to know when you’re fighting with your boyfriend or that you’re still recovering from staying out too late. 

7. Be a good communicator. Communication is the key component to a successful nanny/employer relationship. Open and honest communication based on mutual respect is essential for longevity of the relationship. Keeping a journal, checking in once a day, and having weekly meetings can help keep the lines of communication open. While confrontations can be uncomfortable, addressing issues and concerns as they arise will prevent resentment and hurt feelings from settling in. 

8. Be professional. When it comes to being a nanny, if you want to be treated like a professional, you have to act like one. Having a work agreement, being paid legally, showing up on time, dressing appropriately, limiting cell phone and electronics usage, and being completely present when on duty are ways you increase your professional identity.

9. Have a good attitude. Nannies are in the childcare industry but they are also in the private service industry. Nannies have no HR person, no supervisor and no manager. It’s just nannies and their boss, CEO of parents, incorporated. Nannies can’t hide out with their bad attitudes in the bathroom and hope no one catches on. While of course you may have your bad attitude moments, you can’t really afford to have bad attitude days. Not only will your boss pick up on them, the kids in your care will too.

10. Love the kids like they are your own, but know they are not. A good nanny loves the children in her care, advocates for their best interests, even when doing so is uncomfortable, and gives them enough snuggles to last a lifetime, but she also respects, honors and supports the parent/child relationship, heeds the direction of her employers, and knows when to step back and allow the family time together without being offended.

Since most nannies typically have at least two years of childcare experience under their belt before diving into the world of in-home care, it’s rarely the childcare aspect of a new nanny position that trips them up when searching for or starting a new post. If fact, most of the problems that arise have nothing to do with providing care for the children, they have to do with managing the unique relationship that parents and nannies share.

Being a nanny can be a truly rewarding experience on so many levels. Setting yourself up for success can help to ensure that your nanny experiences are good ones

Posted in Nanny Training | Leave a comment

Expert Insights: Dr. Jim Sears on What Nannies Need to Know About the Flu

October 14, 2012

by Michelle LaRowe
Editor in Chief

Recently I had a chance to chat about the seasonal flu with Dr. Jim Sears, Emmy- nominated co-host of the award-winning talk show The Doctors and board-certified pediatrician. In addition to starring on The Doctors, Dr. Jim shares a California based family practice with his father, Dr. William Sears and younger brother, Dr. Robert Sears.

Here’s a bit of how our conversation went:

eNannySource: Who is most at risk for the flu?

Dr. Jim: Anyone can catch the flu. The more people you’re around the higher your risks of catching the flu are. The flu is a mild illness for some people but for others it can be more severe. These people include young kids, pregnant women and anyone with a suppressed immune system.

eNannySource: What’s the difference between a typical flu and a severe flu?

Dr. Jim: With the typical flu you’d have a fever, not feel well, and have respiratory symptoms and headaches. You may miss a few days of work. With babies, their immune systems don’t work as well and they have a harder time fighting the flu off and are more likely not to eat, to become dehydrated and to experience respiratory issues- which tend to be more severe the younger you are.

eNannySource: You mentioned babies immune systems. Are breastfed babies less likely to catch the flu?

Dr. Jim: Studies actually do show that breastfed babies are less likely to be hospitalized with a respiratory illness. Many breastfeeding moms ask if they should still breastfeed when they have the flu. The answer is yes because nursing moms are producing antibodies that when passed onto their babies will fight against the flu. 

eNannySource: Can nannies help prevent the spread of the flu to their charges? How?

To know how to prevent the spread of the flu it helps to understand how to catch the flu. The flu is always floating around. It’s there when people cough and sneeze. It’s in mucous. If someone coughs on their hands and then they touch a doorknob it’s there. You can’t get sick unless the flu gets into your body, which is usually through your nose and eyes and happens when your rub them.

Hand washing and using hand sanitizer can help prevent the spread of the flu, but keeping your hands away from your face is a big one. When you’re in a crowd don’t rub your eyes and nose and encourage kids not to either. Also, when you cough or sneeze it can get into the air and babies can breathe it in, so you want to be cautious of that too.

eNannySource: How important is the flu shot for nannies?

Dr Jim: It’s pretty important. The younger the baby being cared for is the more important it is that anyone taking care of the child gets the flu shot- especially if the baby has asthma or other chronic medical problems. When you get the flu shot your chances are pretty darn low that you’ll catch it. It’s also important to remember you can be contagious before you get sick, so in that way getting a flu shot can help protect kids too.

eNannySource.com: Some employers require their nannies to have flu shots. What do you think of that?

Dr. Jim: It’s almost like when parents don’t want to get their kids vaccinated. It’s about personal freedom. People have the right to refuse and some people feel strongly about not getting the flu shot. Parents may feel strongly too that their nanny should get it. I think both parents and nannies need to stand up for what they believe.

eNannySource:  What are you 5 best tips for staying flu free this season?

Dr. Jim:  First, boost your immune system. It’s important to understand how diet influences your immune system.  Fish, walnuts, fruits and veggies are immune system boosters.

Second, get your daily exercise. It boots your immune system. Walk the kids to school or go for a walk in the park.  10 to 15 minutes of exercise can make a difference.

Third, avoid excess sugar. Some foods kill immune system- sugar is one of them. Sugar suppresses white blood cells that help fight bacteria. These cells get sluggish after you eat sugar and don’t respond as well. My kids used to ask me when they were younger “Dad can I have some candy?” I would always respond “Is this a good time to be suppressing your immune system?”

Forth, practice good hand washing. It’s always a good idea to wash your hands before meals, after using the bathroom and after being among crowds or a crowded place, like a grocery store.

Fifth, get a flu shot.

eNannySource: Thanks so much for chatting with me Dr. Jim. Is there anything else nannies should know about the flu and how they can help prevent spreading it?

Dr. Jim: While it can be tempting to send the kids to school sick or go to work when you are sick, you have to resist that temptation. You’ll just be making others sick if you do.

Dr. James (Jim) Sears is an Emmy® -nominated co-host of the award-winning talk show The Doctors. Dr. Sears is a board-certified pediatrician who is part of a family practice that he shares with his father, William, and younger brother, Robert, located in Capistrano Beach, California. Dr. Sears has co-authored several books, including The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood, the best seller The Baby Book and the newly released The Omega-3 Effect: Everything You Need to Know About the Supernutrient for Living Longer, Happier, and Healthier. Dr. Sears frequently travels the country speaking about the importance of good family nutrition.

Posted in Expert Insights | Leave a comment

The Benefits of Paying Legally

October 11, 2012

…and the Consequences of Paying “Under the Table”

When it comes to paying your nanny legally, it makes sense to get the inside scoop from an attorney who specializes in household employment law. Enter Bob King, Esq., Founder, Legally Nanny^®. I reached out to Bob and asked him to provide his take on the benefits of paying your nanny legally – and the consequences that can come along if you don’t. Here’s what he put together for our enannysource.com readers.

By Bob King, Esq.

It’s not easy being a household employer. For some, the legal, tax, and insurance issues make paying their employees “under the table” seem easier and cheaper. But this decision can be penny-wise and pound-foolish if you get caught. Even if you don’t get caught, you’ll be missing out on legal and tax advantages that you can’t use if you’re paying illegally.

Getting Caught

Make no mistake, getting caught paying someone “under the table” is easier than you think. For example, if your household employee files for unemployment, social security, disability, or workers compensation benefits, you’ll likely get caught for not paying her employment taxes.

Or maybe your employee quits and turns you in – or tries to blackmail you. Or a disgruntled neighbor reports you.

Under any of these scenarios, the result is the same: YOU GET CAUGHT and face the consequences. 

And what are the consequences of paying illegally? They can include:

• paying all back taxes, penalties and interest
• charges of perjury and tax fraud
• up to $250,000 in fines and up to 5 years imprisonment
• ruining your reputation and career.

Advantages to Hiring Legally

But there are advantages to hiring and paying nannies, elder care providers, and other domestic employees legally! If eligible, you may be able to maximize your tax savings in a number of ways, including:

• Save taxes by putting up to $5,000 pre-tax per family per year into a Dependent Care Account to help pay for your nanny.
• Eligibility for the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit for a minimum tax credit of 20% for the first $3,000 in qualifying expenses for each of your first two children per year.

In addition to these potential tax savings, another advantage to paying legally is your peace of mind. Don’t underestimate how worrying about getting caught and the consequences of hiring illegally can take a toll on you personally and professionally.

The Bottom Line

After maximizing your potential tax advantages, paying a nanny legally can add as little as 4% to your cost. On a $20,000 annual salary, that’s roughly an additional $800, a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes along with paying legally. Regardless, the significant consequences of getting caught mean that it’s just not worth the risk of paying under the table.

Bob King, Esq. is the Founder of Legally Nanny, the leading law firm representing household employers and domestic employment and homecare agencies.  Legally Nanny assists clients in hiring, employing, and paying nannies, elder care providers, and other household employees legally.  For more information, feel free to contact the firm at (714) 336-8864 or at info@legallynanny.com for a free initial consultation.

© Copyright 2012 Legally Nanny^®. All rights reserved. This article is for informational purposes only; it is not legal advice. This material is not intended to seek employment in any jurisdiction in which Legally Nanny is not allowed to provide professional services.

Posted in Expert Insights | Leave a comment

Put it in Writing: The Value of Employment Agreements

October 3, 2012

Recently I turned to Bob King Esq., Founder of Legally Nanny^® to get his take on why nanny work agreements or contacts are valuable for both nannies and parents. Many nannies and parents wonder if they’re legally required and if their enforceable, so I turned to Bob to find out. I suggested he put together an informative article for our eNannySource.com readers, and I’m grateful he did. 

By Bob King Esq.

You’ve just hired your nanny or other household employee. You’re thrilled, she’s thrilled, and you’re in the employer-employee version of a honeymoon. You can’t imagine that anything will ever go wrong.

While in most cases, fortunately, that’s true, in other cases things can get contentious if your understanding of the details of your arrangement is somehow different than your employee’s understanding of them. This is where ugly disputes can begin, some of which may ultimately cause the end of the employment relationship. Shared expectations are critical and, as with most things in life, the devil is in the details.

Even though this employer-employee relationship will and should be more familiar than most, you should not be too casual about your working arrangement. Remember that on a basic level it needs to be professional: right from the beginning, make sure that you’re clear about your expectations. This includes performance, days off, and more. The more specific you can be, the more smoothly things are likely to go. This is where employment agreements can be invaluable, so that there are no unpleasant surprises on either side.

What is an Employment Agreement?

Sometimes referred to as a contract or a work agreement, an employment agreement outlines a nanny’s terms of employment and specifies how the employer expects her to care for the children. Although not legally required, the agreement is enforceable and greatly reduces potential disputes.

Let’s say, for example, that you are offering your employee five vacation days per year. You were planning for her to accrue them throughout the course of the year, but didn’t articulate that to her; meanwhile, she wants to take all five paid vacation days during her second month on the job. Had you spelled it out completely in an employment agreement, a potential dispute could have been avoided.

An employment agreement should contain important provisions such as listing the nanny’s job duties, work hours and compensation, detailing, for example, any vacation, sick days and holidays you are planning to offer your nanny.

Many household employers also utilize an employment agreement to emphasize the privacy and confidentiality expectations of their nannies, important points when you have someone working so closely within your home. The document should include anything you and your nanny have agreed to so that there is no ambiguity down the road.

This document can be complicated and is not like a typical agreement used in corporate or non-household settings. Rather, it should be tailored specifically with domestic employment issues, laws, and requirements in mind.

Bob King, Esq. is the Founder of Legally Nanny, the leading law firm representing household employers and domestic employment and homecare agencies.  Legally Nanny assists clients in hiring, employing, and paying nannies, elder care providers, and other household employees legally.  For more information, feel free to contact the firm at (714) 336-8864 or at info@legallynanny.com for a free initial consultation.

© Copyright 2012 Legally Nanny^®. All rights reserved. This article is for informational purposes only; it is not legal advice. This material is not intended to seek employment in any jurisdiction in which Legally Nanny is not allowed to provide professional services

Posted in Expert Insights | Leave a comment

10 Top Resource Books for Nannies

September 25, 2012

For nannies looking for books for nannies written by nannies and industry experts, look no further. From career guides to parenting books penned by real-life super nannies themselves, any of these 10 books would be a great addition to a nanny’s bookshelf.

1. Beyond Parenting Basics: The International Nanny Association’s Official Guide to In-Home Child Care by Michelle LaRowe and Sara McCormack Hoffman. Designed to be a study guide for the International Nanny Association (INA) Nanny Credential Exam, this textbook helps prepare nannies for the responsibilities that come along with being a primary caregiver.  The book covers health, safety, language, literacy, physical, social and emotional development, emergency preparedness, professionalism, nutrition and more. The Spanish translation can be ordered directly from INA online at www.nanny.org.

2. The Professional Nanny by Monica Bassett. A solid career guide, The Professional Nanny offers guidance to child care specialists who opt to use their skills and talents working in a family’s private home. Covering employer responsibilities, taxes, and insurance, The Professional Nannies is a must read for those looking to learn more about the business and professional side of nannying.

3. The Best Nanny Handbook: The Ultimate Guide for Nannies by Emma Kensington. Whether you’re already a nanny or thinking of becoming one, you’ll glean great tips and advice from The Best Nanny Handbook. Covering topics from communication with parents to live-in nanny positions, it’s an informational read for newer nannies.

4. The Nanny Textbook: The Professional Guide to Child Care by Anne Merchant Geissler.  A resource of the roles and responsibilities of a nanny, The Nanny Textbook outlines what quality in-home child care is and empowers nannies to be the best caregiver they can be. While the first edition had some major grammatical mistakes, the second edition is reported to have been updated and corrected. This book also sells under the title The Child Care Textbook.

5. A Nanny’s Day – The Professional Way!: A Curriculum Book For The Professional Early Childhood Nanny by Kristin Laubenthal. A Nanny’s Day – The Professional Way! is a curriculum book designed for the professional nanny. The book covers curriculum for nine key areas: art, cooking, language, math, motor skills, music, science, social studies, health, safety, and nutrition and is a solid resource for nannies who are looking to add more planned learning experiences into their charges’ days.

6. Nanny in a Book: The Common-Sense Guide to Childcare by Louise Heren and Susan McMillan, written in association with Norland College. For those nannies looking to learn a little more about how the famous Norland Nannies care for children, Nanny in a Book may prove to be a great read. Nanny in a Book shares insight, advice, and the tried and true childcare methods of the English Norland Nannies.

7. Nanny 911: Expert Advice for All of Your Parenting Emergencies by Stella Reid and Deborah Carroll. Nanny 911 shares the simple, direct, and nanny-tested parenting advice of real-life nannies turned TV stars Nanny Stella and Nanny Deb from the popular Fox TV program Nanny 911.

8. Nanny Wisdom: Our Secrets to Raising Happy, Healthy Children from Newborns to Preschoolers by Justine Walsh and Kim Nicholson. Two self-proclaimed hip, young nannies combine their classical English training with the day-to-day knowledge they’ve gained as child-care professionals to offer expert advice on raising healthy, happy, and well-behaved children from birth through the preschool years.

9. SuperNanny: How to Get the Best from Your Children by Jo Frost. Offering up her practical, nanny-tested methods of childrearing based on her ABC-TV series SuperNanny, Nanny Jo empowers parents and caregivers to change their behavior to yield positive behavioral change in their children.

10. Nanny to the Rescue! Straight Talk and Super Tips for Parenting the Early Years by Michelle LaRowe. America’s nanny offers a large dose of healthy parenting advice with secrets for raising happy, secure, and well-balanced babies and toddlers. Michelle LaRowe, 2004 International Nanny Association “Nanny of the Year,” gives her tried and true solutions to childcare. Her expertise with chapters titled “Who’s the boss?” and “Discipline is not a four letter word” gives confidence to parents and caregivers who need specific ideas for real day-to-day problems.

Posted in Child Care Tips | Leave a comment ← Older posts Newer posts →