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.

Christmas time Activities for Kids in Atlanta

Christmas OrnamentChristmas time is a fun and active time of year for kids! Today we want to point out our staff’s favorite Christmastime activities for kids in Atlanta.  These kid-friendly activities take place during the Month of December and some have already started!  If you have a little one that doesn’t want to go out just let us know.  You can request a sitter from TLC for Kids at www.tlcforkids.com. 

MACY’S PINK PIG  Priscilla the Pink Pig was a staple for Atlanta for almost 50 years, from the early 50’s to her close in 1999! She returned in 2004 and re-imagined as a conventional train ride pulled by a miniature locomotive. Priscilla continues to carry children of all ages through a life-sized storybook filled with friends and fun underneath the darling Pink Pig tent. This is an adorable Christmastime activity for kids!

CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS  This December families will have a chance to experience Celebrations in Lights. The exciting event explores numerous cultural holidays from around the world with music, dancing and crafts projects for kids honoring Las Posadas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas. Don’t forget the museum has “Sockefeller Plaza”, a sock-skating rink built especially for little ones…no skates required!  This Christmastime activity will be a learning experience for you and your kids.

HOLIDAY BRICKTACULAR This cool event starts the first weekend of December with the annual Big Tree Build.  Kids and adults can learn how to create LEGO holiday trees of their own, join build challenges, and grab some selfies with Rudolph and his glowing nose. The winter takeover of MINILAND happens every weekend in December.  Going to Legoland is a favorite Christmastime Activity for my kids!

ATLANTA FESTIVAL OF TREES  This year’s festival is at the Embassy Suites in Centennial Olympic Park.   Thirty local charitable organizations are putting up their festive themed Christmas Tree displays in the hotel lobby. Come by to look at all the fun trees!

All these events are fun Christmastime activities for kids, but if you want to leave the kids at home and enjoy them yourself you can!  Request a sitter from TLC for Kids at www.tlcforkids.com.