Can I Require My Nanny to Drive? California Rules for Families

Competitive pay, consistent communication, clear boundaries, and genuine appreciation are the biggest factors. Annual raises (3 to 5% is standard), acknowledging milestones, and giving adequate notice of schedule changes all contribute to long-term retention.

Annual raises are standard. In Los Angeles, experienced nannies typically receive $1 to $2 per hour annually or 3 to 5% of their current rate. If their pay has fallen below market rate, a one-time adjustment to market followed by annual increments is appropriate.

Pay that has not kept pace with market rates, scope creep without compensation adjustment, consistent boundary violations like routine overtime or last-minute schedule changes, and feeling that their work is not acknowledged. Most of these are preventable.

Address it directly and privately, as soon as possible. Be specific about the behavior you observed, not a character judgment. Most nannies respond well to direct, respectful feedback. Letting issues build without addressing them is the most common source of sudden resignations.

California requires a minimum of 5 paid sick days per year. Paid vacation is not legally required but is standard for long-term placements in Los Angeles. Most families offer one to two weeks of paid vacation after one year. Accrued vacation must be paid out upon termination.

Define the role clearly, maintain reasonable and predictable hours, give advance notice for schedule changes, recognize good work specifically and regularly, and conduct structured check-ins where the nanny can raise concerns safely. Burnout builds slowly from accumulated small things, not one dramatic event.

Most children take two to four weeks to warm up to a new nanny. If there is no genuine connection by six weeks, have a direct conversation about what you are observing and what they can try differently. If the pattern continues, involve your placement agency before the guarantee window expires.

Annually is the standard. A 3 to 5% increase is typical; more if their responsibilities have expanded or the market rate has moved. Cost of living in Los Angeles means staying competitive is important to retain experienced candidates.

Reduced engagement with the children, increased sick days, shorter communication, arriving late or leaving early. Burnout often stems from unclear expectations, insufficient breaks, or feeling undervalued. Early conversations usually resolve it before it becomes a resignation.

Address issues directly and early rather than letting them build. Use a private setting, focus on specific behaviors not character, and listen to their perspective. Many families benefit from a written work agreement that covers expectations in advance.