I came across this list last week from Homework Solutions, a great resource for Nanny payroll, tax compliance and answers to any questions about legally paying a Nanny. Kathy Webb, co-founder and president of Homework Solutions developed this list from the input of nationwide professional Nannies. She said “Families often wonder, “What can we do to get more stability in our childcare situation?” Why do some families seem to have one nanny after another, while a different family might have the same nanny for five or more years?” To answer that questions for Families and Nannies, she created a top-ten list. As I read through this list, I thought, “yes, yes, yes, yes…..YES!” She has got it nailed! So I will divide this Top 10 up between two weeks. Exact quotes from Homework Solutions are shown below in regular type, with my words italicized. To print the resource, “Top 10 Reasons Nannies Quit” and other resources from Homework Solutions, click here.
High5: Reasons Nannies Quit (Part #1)
10. ISOLATION
Occasionally a family outright forbids the nanny to leave the home with the child. Nannies look forward to taking a walk with the baby on a nice day, perhaps walking with another neighborhood nanny or at-home mom, chatting, enjoying the interaction. Toddlers look forward to spending an hour exploring the local playground. Webb observes, “Criminals get sentenced to house arrest – please don’t do this to your child’s caregiver!”
A live in nanny, especially one who has relocated for the job, must have the opportunity and means (transportation) to establish a social life outside the home. Generally a live in nanny who does not have reliable access to a vehicle in the evenings and weekends will not stay long.
Nannies should take the initiative to prioritize social interaction during their work day. Get out and about whether it is in the neighborhood, the community or events. Families who encourage this will benefit the children and Nannies! This is one reason CincyNanny exists, to provide opportunities for Nannies to connect and fight the isolation. Join us at our monthly play dates or join our local online forum to meet Nannies in our city (private invitation required).
9. LACK OF RECOGNITION
Nanny spends long hours with your children, with little interaction with other adults. Parents who are so preoccupied with the demands of their own careers and lives that they forget to express appreciation for the nanny often find themselves without a nanny unexpectedly. Words really do matter.
Families who can communicate their appreciation will greatly affect the happiness of their Nanny. Simple cards, letters, or emails, are a great way to let your Nanny know. When this is put in writing, a Nanny can read it over and over, and even add it to their professional profile. Don’t forget your Nanny’s birthday!
8. FAMILY DYSFUNCTION
Substance abuse, physical abuse, marital wars, emotional instability… any and all of these in a household can cause a nanny to quit.
Nannies don’t want to work in the middle of a difficult, stressful situation. Period.
7. MICRO MANAGEMENT
(SAHM and WAHM) When one or both parents spend a considerable amount of time at home while nanny is on duty problems often develop unless steps are taken up front to establish boundaries.
Without even knowing it parents can sometimes undermine the authority of the Nanny. In these cases children will learn to manipulate the situation. A nanny can feel very powerless and purposeless. My personal suggestion for at-home parents is to be consistent. Plan times where parents are around, are unseen, and the Nanny can take the children out. A time-frame schedule will help! Parents can uplift the authority of the Nanny by carrying out exactly what the Nanny had said. “What did Nanny say? That is what Mommy(Daddy) says too.”
6. EXPENSES
Nannies who are asked to run family errands – whether groceries, dry cleaning, or party gifts – should be left adequate funds in advance. When nanny is required to provide transportation in her personal vehicle, adequate mileage reimbursement should occur.
Depending on the care needed for a specific family there may be time windows and opportunities for the Nanny to help the family. Think about setting up a petty cash fund or a credit card in the Nanny’s name. A Nanny who uses her car for work, should be reimbursed. Add these items and processes into the work agreement, and whenever possible discuss all finances before hire.
Stop back next week for the last 5 Reasons Nannies Quit!
