Hiring a Nanny

What is a nanny?

The International Nanny Association (USA) defines a nanny as one "employed by the family on either a live-in or live-out basis to undertake all tasks related to the care of children. Duties are generally restricted to childcare and the domestic tasks related to childcare. May or may not have had any formal training, though often has a good deal of actual experience. A nanny's work week ranges from 40 to 60 hours per week. Usually works unsupervised."

A qualified nanny is an invaluable asset to the busy professional family and those dedicated to their profession commit themselves to the social, emotional, and intellectual development of their charges. This includes providing a loving and nurturing environment within which the children can play and learn while also working with the children on such areas a language development, potty training, social manners, homework, and more. Strong bonds usually form between a nanny and their charges with a positive effect on the children involved.

In summary, a professional nanny position covers the following:

• Providing childcare during the hours agreed upon with the employing family
• Supporting the physical, social, emotional, creative, and intellectual development of children
• Protecting children from harm and ensuring that they have a safe environment
• Preparing appetizing and nutritionally-balanced meals and snacks
• Maintaining good communication with the parents, informing them of each child's development and concerns
• Maintaining the cleanliness and neatness of the house as affected by the children

Live in versus Live out

There are two options available when it comes to hiring a nanny. You can choose to hire someone who will come to your home each day and work a pre-arranged number of hours per day. This type of employment is referred as a live-out arrangement. The second option involves hiring a nanny who will come to live in your home.

Live-out Nanny

When hiring a live-out nanny, the role of the employer and the employee are very similar to that of any other employment situation. During the interview process, an agreement is reached with respect to the number of hours to be worked each day, the time the nanny will be expected to start and finish work, and the hourly rate to be paid. Overtime and babysitting may be agreed upon, at the discretion of each party, and this is usually paid at a separate, hourly rate. Whether these additional hours are paid on a cash basis or incorporated into the salary is something to be decided by mutual consent.

Advantages:

• A more traditional employer-employee relationship with clearly defined roles, boundaries and responsibilities.
• Families are able to maintain their privacy during non-work hours.
• No confusion for children with respect to a nanny being “on-duty
• Meals only have to be provided during work hours.

Disadvantages:

• May be less flexibility with respect to babysitting, overtime or unusual work hours.

Live-in Nanny

While hiring a live-in nanny involves a higher level of commitment and responsibility, many families find that it is practical solution to their child-care requirements. In most live-in situations, a nanny is paid a flat weekly or monthly salary, rather than on an hourly basis. Due to the fact that a live-in nanny has no living costs, the salary is considerably lower than that of a live-out nanny. While this salary is still based on a certain number of hours worked per day, given the fact that there is no travel time involved for the nanny, it would not be unreasonable to ask for a slightly longer workday than that of a live-out nanny. Similarly, due to the fact that the nanny lives where s/he also works, there is often more flexibility with respect to odd or unusual work hours, overtime or babysitting. These additional hours may be paid on an overtime basis or time off provided in lieu. As when hiring a live-out nanny, all requirements and expectations should be discussed in detail during the interview process.

Advantages:

• More flexibility with respect to additional or unusual work hours required.
• A more relaxed employer/employee relationship.

Disadvantages:

• Employer must provide adequate living accommodations and all food.
• Less privacy for families, unless you are able to provide a self-contained suite for the nanny.
• Roles, responsibilities and work hours may be less clearly defined. This may create confusion for children.