How to Hire a Nanny
1. Time… You must, must, must know how many hours you need your nanny or babysitter to work before you even begin to look for one in your local papers or online. Way before you even hire a nanny, you should have a general idea of how many hours a week, maximum, you’ll need her to work. If you have a schedule that changes frequently, be sure to mention that up front and be sure your nanny can accommodate that. When your schedule does change or emergencies come up, let the nanny know as soon as you can. This can be especially important with a live in nanny; she may end up feeling trapped or taken for granted in you don’t extend this simple courtesy.
2. Compensation… You must, must, must know what range you are willing to spend of your baby sitter or nanny. Don't be cheap...I repeat do not be cheap. This issue should be decided up front. You should know what you can afford to pay before you start looking. Do your homework. See what type of fees and salaries agencies are getting for their placements. If anyone in your family or even possibly a friend that has a nanny, ask what she pays. A live in nanny generally gets a weekly salary, including room and board. Some families include the use of a car and it’s expenses as a perk. If your nanny must use her own vehicle during her care of your child, be sure to compensate her accordingly. Nannies who live out are generally paid on an hourly scale. Au pairs tend to get lower weekly salaries, but you often pay their travel expenses to and from their country of origin. Be sure to check on all federal and local tax regulations concerning withholding and social security. You and your nanny will have to pay these in order for you to claim her salary as a childcare deduction on your income tax return.
3. Discipline/child rearing issues… You’ll need to discuss in clear terms what is and is not acceptable when disciplining your child. The same should be done for key issues like TV time, naps, snacks, etc. Be sure they are understood from the beginning and check to make sure they are being followed.
4. Vacation Time… You must have at least a rough idea as to how much vaction time your nanny or baby sitter may be looking forward to having. You simply can not have someone who plans on taking months off at a time. That would be utterly useless. do not i repeat do not be afraid to demand long hours and very few extended vacations for your nanny. Remember you are looking to hire them. Now in saying all of that don't take it as i am demanding that you run a muck with your requirements in so far as time as you will need to pay them handseomely for it...remember that. A nanny, like any other employee, needs time off. This is especially key with a live in nanny. Unless otherwise agreed upon, your nanny is not there to baby-sit your child when you go out to dinner or away for a weekend. If you do ask her to do these things for you, in addition to any regular work hours, she will need to be compensated, either with extra pay or with time off during the week. If you ask your nanny to travel with you and your family, you should pay all her costs for the trip (transportation, lodging, food, entrance fees, etc.) as well as her regular salary.
