01/07/2019
Today a few issues that Nannies feel quite strongly about were raised in a discussion & that I wish to educate the broader audience on.
One Nanny was asked to iron the Father's shirts "in her spare time". An assumption is always made that Nannies have "spare time" when the child/ren are asleep. During that time the Nanny is entitled to a break to eat her lunch & rest, for half an hour at least. Most Nannies utilise that time by doing child related tasks, which may include cleaning up the areas used to stimulate the child/ren, tidying up the kitchen after making the children's meals, folding laundry, setting up further activities or areas of interest.
I was once asked to change the sheets in the main bedroom & found used condoms, edible lotions & s*x toys!.
Never again will I agree to such tasks.
*Nannies are not housekeepers* unless an agreement has already been made verbally & in writing, & she is paid accordingly ($25/hr to house clean & care for young children does not cut it).
Another issue was of a kitchen totally cluttered with dirty dishes, pots, pans from the weekend. This did not happen in the Nanny's time, so in my opinion, I feel it is fair to not expect her to be responsible for cleaning it up.
If the Nanny chooses to do so, or if it was in her work agreement, then that's a different matter.
How many people attend a dirty/messy work environment? There are Workplace, Occupational, Health & Safety standards put in place for a reason for other workers, & I feel strongly that the same needs to apply for a Nanny.
I have cared for other people's children & worked in hundreds of homes for thirty plus years. I have seen it all. I feel very frustrated when I here about this because all too often Nannies are mistaken as house keepers. Unless it's agreed upon verbally or in writing, I feel it shouldn't be assumed that it is the Nanny's responsibility.
Also, there are differences between Au Pairs, a Babysitter, a Mother's help, & a Nanny. I will address that in a future post.
Families, please educate yourselves on the roles of a Nanny, & Nannies please address these issues upfront or in writing at the commencement of any role, to prevent resentment & miscommunication.