Tips on Finding a Nanny

Almost all busy, working parents need a nanny to take care of their child and, sometimes, their  household chores. Finding a nanny is not an easy thing to do. TLC is here to help navigate hiring a nanny. Before you start your search, here are some tips to get you ready:

When finding a nanny, you need to identify the number of hours that you will require the nanny to work. If you are that busy and if your schedule frequently changes, you should make sure that you will inform your nanny beforehand if you need her to stay with your child overtime so that she can make the necessary adjustments in her personal life. The nanny may feel taken advantage of if you are constantly requiring her to work more than the hours you agreed upon when you hired her.

It is important that you decide on the pay right from the start. Consider the amount that you can afford before finding a nanny. Be sure to take into consideration taxes, overtime, and overall costs associated with having a third person in your household. Ask people you know who have nannies how much pay they provide so you have a realistic basis. Live-in nannies get pay plus room and board. Some families allow nannies the use of a car and other perks such as gym membership, paid vacations and educational stipend.

When finding a nanny, you also need to consider the fact that you will become an employer so you need to take care of completing all of the necessary legal employment documents required by the government and pay all necessary taxes, Medicare and social security. Both you and your nanny will have to pay certain taxes. TLC can recommend a tax service to help you in your nanny employment.

In finding a nanny, it is important that you and the nanny are in the same page when it comes to disciplining your child so make sure to discuss with your prospects what is acceptable and what is not and be sure that all of your terms are understood. Also discuss goals for your child, educational aspects, and whether your nanny can take the child/children places outside the home – library, play groups, parks, zoo, etc.

Nannies require time off like any regular employee. At the same time, make sure to pay your nanny for overtime work or of you asked her to work during her supposed time off. If there is a need for the nanny to travel along with you and your family, you should cover all of her expenses plus her regular pay.

All the items we’ve discussed should be laid out in a work agreement signed by both the parents and the nanny. 

When you make an offer that shows a prospective nanny that you respect their profession and value their services enough to give them honest pay and good working schedule, then finding a nanny should come easy.

TLC can help when it comes time to hire your nanny. We meet each caregiver prior to placing them, and work with you and the nanny to find the best fit. Give us a call and find out how we can help you find the best caregiver for your family.

 

The professionals at TLC Family Care personally assist nannies, babysitters and families in St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, Miami and Orlando to find the right childcare arrangement. Our mission is to provide a safe and personalized  approach for families and caregivers to connect with each other that is not an internet search. TLC has worked with families, nannies, sitters, newborn care providers, and tutors for over 35 years and looks forward to working with you! To find great nanny and babysitting jobs visit us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or Call 314-725-5660.

Gifts to Give Your Nanny this Christmas

It is not too late to find a great gift for your nanny or babysitter. Your nanny takes care of your precious kids. It is time to give her something to let her know how much you appreciate her.

Below find our Top 10 for 2022 when it comes to Nanny Gifts! 

  1. Holiday Bonus
  2. Homemade gifts from the kids
  3. Extra paid time off
  4. Membership to a gym or club she enjoys
  5. Monthly Allowance toward Health Insurance
  6. Entertainment tickets (movie passes, concert tickets, sporting events)
  7. Updated phone, I-pad, computer
  8. Reimbursement for continuing education or seminar expenses
  9. Items from the Nanny Tees, AliceJoy Creations Etsy Shop, My Nanny Gift, or Nanny Years shops.
  10. Gift Cards – favorite store, Amazon, local bookstore, coffee shop, spa!

You can check out our Pinterest boards for cute craft ideas the kids can make too!

 

The professionals at TLC Family Care personally assist nannies, babysitters and families in St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, Miami and Orlando to find the right childcare arrangement. Our mission is to provide a safe and personalized  approach for families and caregivers to connect with each other that is not an internet search. TLC has worked with families, nannies, sitters, newborn care providers, and tutors for over 35 years and looks forward to working with you! To find great nanny and babysitting jobs visit us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or Call 314-725-5660.

Making the Holidays more Meaningful

With the holidays looking much different than years past, families are getting creative in how their holidays will be spent this year. We have put together some ideas on  how you can make the holidays more meaningful for all.

Giving Back

One of the best ways to make the holidays more meaningful is to give back. Make baked goods or a meal for someone in need, or just to let someone know you’re thinking of them. Donate winter clothing and toiletries to a local shelter. Buy gift cards for first responders and essential workers to purchase meals at local restaurants. Adopt a local family hit hard this year, and purchase gifts and groceries.

Get Creative

Set up a family craft night and everyone make holiday decorations for the tree and around the house or make for others as gifts. How about a family gingerbread house making contest? Make holiday cards for essential workers and senior citizens who can’t be with their families this year. Make someone’s holiday special letting them know you are thinking of them.

Holiday Traditions

Create new holiday traditions this year! Maybe a family scavenger hunt? Or how about a family sing-along via Zoom? Have each family member write down what they are thankful for this year and place on the tree. On Christmas morning, everyone reads their contribution.

Family connection

We may not be able to be with extended family in-person this year, but we can still be together. Set up Zoom calls or Facebook video chat.  Set up games you can play from afar. Have your children interview their grandparents and get to know more about when they were children and share memories of holidays they remember. Record and write these down to share in years to come. Place photos of family members who cannot be with you on the tree, around the table, or make a festive display.

Celebrate a Different Culture

Consider celebrating another culture this holiday season. Research how other cultures celebrate the holidays – traditions, foods, songs, language, and clothing. Embrace one, or more different cultures into your holiday celebrations this year.

Furry & Feathered Friends

Decorate the outdoors with handmade bird feeders made of seeds, pinecones, and peanut butter. How about a garland of popcorn and apple and orange slices? Set out apples and carrots for other wildlife to enjoy a holiday feast

Record Your Memories

Take all the photos and video you have taken this year and create a holiday greeting for friends and loved ones. Let each family member make a special message for loved ones and share. Email to friends and family to enjoy and encourage them to do the same.

While the holidays will be different this year, new and exciting traditions and memories can be made. Happy Holidays from all of us here at TLC Family Care.