Nanny Trial Do's and Don'ts

A trial run with a potential nanny is crucial for both nannies and families to ensure that personalities, belief systems and methods of discipline all match up or compliment each other in a positive way. A nanny can say they are loving and caring in the interview, but what are they really like when your child is actually crying in front of them? A family probably won’t bring their children into the interview process, but a trial run is a great way to see how the nanny blends into the home and interacts with the children. We can’t tell you how many nannies have done great in the interview but didn’t meet the family’s needs in the trial, or how many nannies were shy in the interview but absolutely flourished in the trial. The idea of a trial can feel overwhelming, but we’ve broken it down into easy steps to assist you in making sure your trial is productive and beneficial to finding your family’s next nanny. If you have additional questions or need help with any of these steps, reach out to us!

Agree on Expectations

Communication is the foundation of every relationship. Discuss expectations with your prospective nanny and have them written down and displayed in a space where they can see. Before the trial begins, go through each task or desire point by point to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Not everyone can get it right the first time, but if the nanny isn’t following instructions or taking direction well during the trial, that’s a very telling sign. But if they go above and beyond what was discussed, asking questions and taking direction well, that’s a great candidate. We have an agreement forms and checklists on our resources page to assist families in brainstorming what you may want or need from a nanny, and how to articulate those needs to maximize the relationship. Let us know if you have any questions or need help forming and articulating your expectations for your nanny’s trial.

Trials are Paid

Even if you decide not to hire a nanny, a trial is still a day spent working and they deserve to be paid for the hours given. A trial period is typically paid in the same hourly amount you are offering for the job.

communication is key! It’s imperative that both you and your nanny are open with each other about expectations

Set Yourself up for Success

Every household is different, and every nanny comes in with a different background of experiences. It’s important to communicate your expectations and have your trial period reflect what a day would be like for the nanny and your children. If your nanny is thriving, so are your children. Help your nanny help you by giving them clear instructions and information they need such as allergies, restrictions like limited screen time or snack time, information on the best ways to put them down for a nap, etc. Don’t leave your nanny to guess what you need, you want to see how they follow directions. If you are unsure what a day for your nanny would look like, reach out to us and we can help you create a schedule for both your trial and your nanny’s day-to-day life.

Speak Up

We can’t say it enough: communication is key! It’s imperative that both you and your nanny are open with each other about expectations. After the trial, ask them leading questions about what’s high on your priority list: were you comfortable driving to the park? how did you feel correcting our child’s behavior? was cooking meals too much? Inversely, be honest in answering your prospective nanny’s questions. Kindly offer suggestions on how they could do better next time, but give them the room to find their footing, it’s not easy entering someone else’s home! The communication during the trial period with your new nanny is your chance to set boundaries and groundwork for your future in working together, it’s much easier to correct behavior in the beginning and steer the course towards success than it is once you have all settled into a routine.

Make Yourself Available

Ideally, during the trail you would be able to walk your prospective nanny through the day, showing them what parks to go to, when to give snacks, where to find certain necessities, how to handle certain situations. Of course with busy schedules, it is not always possible, but you should set aside a little time to observe the nanny with your child, stepping in when needed and being there if the nanny has any questions. It is also valuable for your child to get one on one time with the nanny to give them room to see if they are a good fit for each other.

Be Honest

Even if the nanny has every qualification and seems to be everything you wanted on paper, but something in your gut says it isn’t working out – listen to it! This is what trials are all about. Maybe the right candidate doesn’t check all of your boxes in the interview, but during the trial they connect with your child like no one else has. Be honest with yourself and with your potential nanny and move forward if your gut believes it’s the right move, and let it go if it’s not.

Let us know how your nanny trials have gone! If you are interested in learning more about how to conduct a nanny trial, or are ready to begin your search for your perfect nanny, reach out to us. We are more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have, even if you are not registered with us. Let me know your trial top tips below!

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Working from home with a nanny around

Despite shelter in place orders being lifted by local officials, many companies have discovered the benefits of having employers work from home. With low to no cost workspaces, increased productivity, and 100% show-up-for-work-on-time rate, it’s no wonder employers are happy to continue working from home. Many parents, however, are now faced with new challenges. As work from home goes from temporary to permanent, parents are struggling with both finding childcare, and making it work effectively. However, it can be done. Plenty of nannies have done their jobs well with parents working from home even before the pandemic. Here are our top tips on how to effectively work from home with a nanny.

Set Boundaries

If you’re hiring a new nanny during this time, it’s important to disclose that one or both parents will be working from home during the nanny’s working hours. It may help to seek out a nanny who has experience caretaking while parents are home, as they may even have tips or advice on how to make it work more smoothly and put parents at ease. If working with a longterm nanny, have an open discussion where you can brainstorm how to make the transition work effectively for your family. Nannying is already fraught with challenges, but attempting to contain children while their parents are just in the other room is incredibly difficult, and some nannies may not want to take on that challenge. If your nanny seems hesitant or is uncomfortable working in that type of arrangement, you should mutually part ways and seek out a nanny who is.

Communicate Guidelines

Once you and your nanny have decided to move forward, ensure that you both are on the same page about everything related to your children. Children need consistency, especially if they have multiple caretakers under the same roof at once. Be sure to communicate your parenting and disciplinary styles so that you and your nanny can both adhere to the same set of guidelines. If you set the boundary with your children that your office is off-limits during working hours but they barge in any way and you don’t remain consistent with discipline, children will continue to push the boundaries and make it incredibly difficult for your nanny to effectively provide care, and for you to get work done. Consider your nanny a partner in your child’s care so that they don’t continue to attempt to defer to you.

Establish an Office

Kids require boundaries in all areas of life to better understand their role and where they fit in. Having their parents suddenly around all day is an exciting new facet for them that they want to take advantage of, and will at whatever costs and no matter how hard your nanny tries to keep them out of a parent’s office. To combat this, parents must establish a home office area equipped with a “Do Not Disturb” sign. Make it clear to your children that when Mom or Dad is in their office they are not to be interrupted and that the nanny is fully in charge. Ideally, this office space would be in a private room, not out in the open where kids can stop by; out of sight out of mind. To minimize distractions, keep a mini-fridge and coffee maker inside of your office to limit sightings and therefore curb disruptions in the children’s schedules. If there are any toys or clothes stored in the room you’ve repurposed for your office, make sure to remove them before starting your day.

Create a Plan

As with boundaries, children thrive with a clear routine. Understanding what is coming next and what is expected of them will greatly assist parents and their nanny while you work from home. If parents are expecting an important meeting, have the nanny take the children for a walk or play the quiet game to ensure minimal distractions. It is also a good idea to schedule time during the day, like lunch or snack time, in which you do see your children. Knowing that they will get to see their parents at a certain time will help quell their need to barge in willy nilly and will give them something to look forward to (as well as a much-deserved break for your nanny).

Let Go

After you’ve set up and communicated all of your boundaries, you have to let your nanny do their job, just as you should focus on your own. You hired your nanny because they were trustworthy, dependable, warm, caring and the best fit for your children. Trust that they can handle the situation to the best of their ability. Refrain from checking on them unannounced as this can disrupt their activities. If you hear a tantrum or crying, resist the urge to check, this sends the message to your children that you don’t trust your nanny’s ability to take care of them. If it is something serious, your nanny will inform you. In the presence of your children, make sure that you uphold the nanny’s authority. If your child asks your nanny for a treat but your nanny says no, and your child then defers to you and you say “yes” then you’ve just set a precedent. Now every time your nanny says something your child does not like, they will come seeking you. If you disagree for some reason with your nanny’s choices, speak to them about it away from your children. You want your children to trust and respect your nanny, and you must lead by example.

We don’t have to reiterate that we are living in strange times with uncharted territory. We are all learning new ways to cope and adjust every day. Los Angeles Nannies is here for you should you require any advice or have any questions about working from home with your nanny, or if you are searching for a new one. We’d love to hear how your work from home stories!

The first step to managing the burn out is to identify it and recognize it for what it is. Burnout can look like many different things, but the general symptoms are:

depleted immunity
stress eating or loss of appetite
symptoms of anxiety or depression
changes in sleeping habits
loss of interest
irritability
mood swings

“Burning out as a nanny is a common affair and is not something to be ashamed of or to stress out about even further, but it also shouldn’t be the new normal.”

Burn out is generally accepted as occurring when a nanny doesn’t have enough time for themselves to recharge, decompress and de-stress in-between shifts. This type of burn out is temporary and can be relieved simply by relaxing over the weekend or taking quality time for oneself. For more chronic burnout, however, there are many factors that can add up. Nannies who are at risk for burn out are:

Nannies who have a sense of personal responsibility. This type of burn out is especially present in nannies who do more emotional care giving, usually for children with special needs or in homes where there is turmoil or neglect.
Nannies who are not being paid enough. If one’s needs aren’t being met financially, it can be very difficult to be present for the job that is supposed to be paying your rent and feeding you.
Nannies who work without boundaries. If a nanny is without a work agreement and their role in unclear, they may end up being asked to take on additional roles outside of care giving.
Nannies who work long hours without time to recharge in-between shifts.

What can I do?

Many nannies work long hours and become emotionally invested in order to provide children with the proper care that they need and deserve, and to scale back on that care would be against their beliefs and be damaging for the child. So, as a nanny, how can you take care of yourself and the child?

Engage in Self Care

Self care is a major buzzword these days, but it looks different for everyone. Self care can be manipulated into marketing schemes, so it’s important to recognize what acts are actually beneficial to your rejuvenation between stressful care giving shifts. Shopping as self care may be good for some people, but if the cause of your burn out is due to financial stressors, it probably won’t do you any good. Self care is whatever you need to do to shake off the day. Exercise is a proven method of de-stressing and releasing endorphins, the chemicals in your brain that are responsible for happiness. Exercising every day also helps you manage stress and deal with whatever is coming up for you. Taking a bath, reading a good book, watching a movie or engaging in a creative activity are also wonderful ways of engaging in self care for nannies.

Practice Mindfulness

Change your perspective while you’re at work. Instead of focusing on the negatives, “I’m not being paid enough for this”, “I am giving so much to this family”, or “I’m not getting enough help” think about all of the positives that are present, like “I am making a wonderful connection and a difference in this child’s life” and “I am capable and strong and can handle any adversity that is thrown at me.” Many caregivers get disheartened when their work goes unnoticed. Often, it is those types of families that the work is needed most.

Visualize the fact that connecting with and nurturing their child is making a huge impact in their life. Think about how doing the laundry or cleaning the kitchen is creating a safe environment for the child. Changing the way you look at your role can have a huge impact on your mental health and your burn out. Take control of your days by engaging the child in fun activities that are also fun for you. Have a dance party, make a silly craft or just get a change of scenery. If it makes you smile, it will also make the child smile.

Draw Clear Boundaries

It is ideal for all nannies to have a close connection with their charges and with their families, but that closeness can often lead to feelings of guilt and obligation. If you are asked to do something you know will tire you out or leave you cranky and irritable, it’s okay to say no. Your job as a caregiver first and foremost is to care for the child, and anything that impedes on your ability to do so is outside of your job description and therefore not your responsibility. If you set expectations with the family, they can understand what you need and how better to allow you to assist the family.

Reach Out

If burnout is not managed, it can lead to more severe mental illnesses. Ask for help if you are having symptoms of depression or anxiety that you can’t manage yourself. Nannies are hard workers and often work alone, but there is no shame in asking for help when it is needed. If you are getting the help that you need in order to do your job correctly, then all parties benefit. Tell your nanny family that you are having difficulties performing, and have an open and honest conversation about how you can work together to make things better.

Accept Your Situation

Burning out as a nanny is a common affair and is not something to be ashamed of or to stress out about even further, but it also shouldn’t be the new normal. Once you accept that you are burned out, you can start taking steps to make your work-life balance healthy again.

If you are a nanny experiencing burn out, reach out to us! We can offer a number of solutions from drafting nanny work agreements to advice on how to set boundaries. Remember that you are not alone, all caregivers have felt this way at one point, but there is no reason that you need to continue feeling stressed.

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Real Funny Jokes for Kids

They say laughter is the best medicine (besides medicine) and right now we could all use a hefty dose of laughter. Besides being a joyous way to connect with your children, comedy is also a great creative outlet for kids. It allows them to express themselves and their world view while tangibly connecting with others. Humor instills kids with a playful, light attitude towards life and can be especially positive in a time like this. Learning proper joke structure to play with is also a useful tool for kids to learn not just how to entertain, but to release tension and improve social situations. Here are some of the best jokes ever for kids!

Q: What do you call a bear with no teeth?

A: A gummy bear!

Q: What do you call a cow with no legs?

A: Ground beef!

Q: What do you call a fly without wings?

A: A walk!

Q: What animal needs to wear a wig?

A: A bald eagle!

Why can’t you give Elsa a balloon?

A: Because she will let it go!

Q: Why did the math book look so sad?

A: Because it had so many problems!

Q: Can a kangaroo jump higher than the Empire State Building?

A: Of course! The Empire State Building can’t jump!

Q: What kind of nut has no shell?

A: A doughnut.

Q: What does a spider’s bride wear?

A: A webbing dress.

Q: What does a nosy pepper do?

A: It gets jalapeño business! (all-up-in-yo business)

Q: What time is it when people are throwing pieces of bread at your head?

A: Time to duck.

Q: What did one firefly say to the other?

A: You glow, girl!

Q: Why are elephants so wrinkled?

A: Because they take too long to iron!

What did one hat say to the other?

A: Stay here, I’m going on ahead.

Q: What are the two things you can’t have for breakfast?

A: Lunch and dinner.

Q: Where does the chicken like to eat?

A: At a rooster-ant!

Q: What did the tree say to the wind?

A: Leaf me alone!

Q: Why are cats so good at video games?

A: Because they have nine lives.

Q: How do you know if there’s an elephant under your bed?

A: Your head hits the ceiling!

Q: What kind of key opens a banana?

A: A mon-key.

Q: What do you give a sick lemon?

A: Lemon aid.

Q: Why did the dinosaur cross the road?

A: The chicken hadn’t evolved yet.

Q: What do you call a dog who goes to the beach in the summer?

A: A hot dog.

Q: When do you go in red and stop on green?

A: When you are eating a watermelon.

Q: Why is there a fence around a cemetery?

A: People are dying to get in.

Q: What state has a lot of dogs and cats?

A: Pets-Sylvania.

Q: What is the dog’s favorite button on a remote?

A: Paws.

Q: What do you call a pig that does karate?

A: A pork chop.

Q: Why can’t a bicycle stand up by itself?

A: Because it’s two-tired!

Q: How does Darth Vader like his toast?

A: On the dark side.

Q: What do Alexander the Great and Winnie the Pooh have in common?

A: The same middle name.

Q: How do you make a tissue dance?

A: Put a little boogie in it.

Q: What did one toilet say to the other toilet?

A: You look flushed.

Q: Did you hear the joke about the roof?

A: Never mind, it’s over your head.

Q: How does a train eat?

A: It goes chew chew.

Q: Why are fish so smart?

A: Because they live in schools.

Q: What do porcupines say when they kiss?

A: Ouch.

Q: What does a cloud wear under his raincoat?

A: Thunderwear.

Q: What do birds give out on Halloween?

A: Tweets.

Nothing builds a child’s self-esteem like making someone laugh. Knock-knock jokes are great because kids learn wordplay which translates academically and also the give-and-take structure encourages teamwork. Here are some great knock-knock jokes to tell and to teach.

Knock, knock.

Who’s there?

Little old lady.

Little old lady who?

Wow, I didn’t know you could yodel!

Knock, knock.

Who’s there?

Atch.

Atch who?

Bless you.

Knock, knock.

Who’s there?

Radio

Radio, who?

Radio-not, here I come!

Knock, knock.

Who’s there?

Wooden shoe.

Wooden shoe who?

Wooden shoe like to hear another joke?

Knock, knock.

Who’s there?

Doris.

Doris who?

Doris locked, that’s why I’m knocking!

Knock, knock.

Who’s there?

I love.

I love who?

I don’t know, why don’t you tell me!

Knock, knock.

Who’s there?

Dishes.

Dishes who?

Dishes a nice place you got here.

Knock, knock.

Who’s there?

Cows go.

Cows go who?

No, cows go MOO!

Got any additions to our list of best jokes ever for kids? Send them our way to be included on our blog! We’d love to hear from you.

The first step to managing the burn out is to identify it and recognize it for what it is. Burnout can look like many different things, but the general symptoms are:

depleted immunity
stress eating or loss of appetite
symptoms of anxiety or depression
changes in sleeping habits
loss of interest
irritability
mood swings

“Burning out as a nanny is a common affair and is not something to be ashamed of or to stress out about even further, but it also shouldn’t be the new normal.”

Nannies who have a sense of personal responsibility. This type of burn out is especially present in nannies who do more emotional care giving, usually for children with special needs or in homes where there is turmoil or neglect.
Nannies who are not being paid enough. If one’s needs aren’t being met financially, it can be very difficult to be present for the job that is supposed to be paying your rent and feeding you.
Nannies who work without boundaries. If a nanny is without a work agreement and their role in unclear, they may end up being asked to take on additional roles outside of care giving.
Nannies who work long hours without time to recharge in-between shifts.

What can I do?

Engage in Self Care

Practice Mindfulness

Draw Clear Boundaries

Reach Out

Accept Your Situation

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How to Teach Young Kids Coding

As the world moves more and more online, basic coding and technical skills are becoming increasingly valuable. From website optimization to data collecting, almost every company requires coding. If parents are looking for a fun, creative, challenging way for their kids to get a head start on getting ahead in the workplace, coding is an excellent life skill for kids to start honing. Not to mention, most coding classes can be completed online making it a great summer socially distanced activity to keep your kids engaged.

Free Coding Classes

Coding is a great skill for your kids to have on their resume, and many organizations offer scholarships for enthusiasm and skill in programming. Here are some free, accredited coding courses:

Code Monster

Code Monster is a great tool to help kids practice or learn coding by doing. Its game-like interface has two boxes, one featuring the code, the other demonstrating what that code does. Kids can edit and change the code while seeing exactly what their edits create.

code.org

code.org is a nonprofit dedicated to helping kids get started in programming. It flaunts apps, resources, and a database for local schools that teach coding.

Scratch

This site easy to use site gets kids excited about coding. Created by MIT students, kids code by arranging Scratch blocks. Instead of maneuvering lengthy, hieroglyph code, kids can manipulate data as if they were virtual Tetris pieces, building anything they can think of. It also has an age-appropriate online forum for kids to chat about ideas.

Khan Academy

In addition to math instruction, Khan also has lessons on programming basics such as creating animations, interactive images, and graphics. They’ve recently partnered with Pixar, which inspires kids on how to use coding to become animators.

Swift Playgrounds

Helmed by Apple, this app helps kids learn coding by solving puzzles.

Low-Cost Coding

A solid understanding of even the basics of coding can turn out to be a life long investment in your child’s education and future.

Codemoji

Starting at $7 a month, Codemoji is a super fun, user-friendly resource for kids to learn coding by using emojis to substitute for HTML or CSS codes.

Lightbot

For only a one time charge of $2.99, Lightbot is a puzzle game designed to teach kids coding while they play.

Kodable

Kodable is one of the top coding resources used in schools. After a free trial, parents can pay $6.99/month or $59.88/year for a fleshed-out programming curriculum for kids.

While it may seem counterintuitive to encourage children to play and learn online, coding is an incredibly valuable skill for children to learn at a young age. Asides from being a great way for kids to express themselves creatively, have an opportunity to earn a scholarship, and form strong connections and friendships, it’s also a great start to a lucrative career. The average beginner programmer makes around $85k annually. If you are interested in learning more about how your child can learn to code, reach out to us!

Agree on Expectations

Trials are Paid

communication is key! It’s imperative that both you and your nanny are open with each other about expectations

Set Yourself up for Success

Speak Up

Make Yourself Available

Be Honest

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Rota Jobs 101

You’ve probably seen the occasional job posting for ROTA positions or have met a nanny at the park who says they work ROTA. But what does ROTA entail, and how does it work?

What is a ROTA nanny?

A ROTA nanny is essentially a live-in nanny on steroids, often working 24 hours a day for 7 days a week. ROTA positions are essential for extremely busy parents who work long hours with often unpredictable schedules needing childcare accommodation at a moment’s notice. ROTA positions should not be taken lightly as nannies will essentially assume the role of parents during their time on the clock.

Schedule

ROTA is short for rotational. Nannies who work ROTA positions usually are on the clock for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for up to two weeks at a time. This is where the rotation comes in, parents usually have at least two nannies to rotate between, ensuring constant care for their children. A nanny will then have two weeks off, at which point a second nanny will assume their time on duty, rotating typically on a biweekly basis, or whatever the needs of the family are. While nannies have unlimited flexibility with what they do with their time while off the clock, it’s difficult for nannies to have responsibilities outside of their nanny children during their two weeks on, and changing up the schedule on a whim is usually not acceptable.

Duties

While no nannying position is a walk in the park, ROTA nannies face additional challenges. For two weeks at a time, a ROTA nanny assumes all of the childcare responsibilities. Transportation, discipline, meal prep, hygiene routines, bedtime and morning rituals, tutoring, and scheduling. A ROTA nanny must communicate with the additional nannies to ensure seamless care for the children. During their two weeks on, nannies will often not have much time for breaks unless the children are in school.

Why work ROTA?

While ROTA jobs have their challenges, they also have their perks. ROTA is great for nannies who want to travel or enjoy having longer breaks. Nannies who are extremely passionate about childcare will thrive in a ROTA position, nurturing more deep connections with the children than a typical 40-hour workweek. Because of the intensive 24 hour days, ROTA positions typically offer higher salaries with benefit packages.

How to be a successful ROTA nanny

While two weeks off at a time may sound like the best thing ever, it’s important to consider what life will be like during your two weeks on. ROTA nannies have to be excellent at remaining balanced and grounded, ensuring that their emotions or mood levels do not interfere with the care of the children. A ROTA nanny’s best skill will be the connection they have with the children. ROTA nannies need to have excellent organizational and communication skills making sure that nothing falls through the cracks between their care, the other nanny’s care, and the parents.

While ROTA positions are challenging, they are also extremely fulfilling. If you are a nanny interested in your next ROTA opportunity, reach out to us!

The first step to managing the burn out is to identify it and recognize it for what it is. Burnout can look like many different things, but the general symptoms are:

depleted immunity
stress eating or loss of appetite
symptoms of anxiety or depression
changes in sleeping habits
loss of interest
irritability
mood swings

“Burning out as a nanny is a common affair and is not something to be ashamed of or to stress out about even further, but it also shouldn’t be the new normal.”

Nannies who have a sense of personal responsibility. This type of burn out is especially present in nannies who do more emotional care giving, usually for children with special needs or in homes where there is turmoil or neglect.
Nannies who are not being paid enough. If one’s needs aren’t being met financially, it can be very difficult to be present for the job that is supposed to be paying your rent and feeding you.
Nannies who work without boundaries. If a nanny is without a work agreement and their role in unclear, they may end up being asked to take on additional roles outside of care giving.
Nannies who work long hours without time to recharge in-between shifts.

What can I do?

Engage in Self Care

Practice Mindfulness

Draw Clear Boundaries

Reach Out

Accept Your Situation

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References and Job Verification are more important than ever

As state and local officials begin to re-open businesses, despite what COVID-19 numbers are doing, many parents are heading back to work and looking to hire new nannies. While many amazing and qualified nannies who would otherwise never be on the market for long are now available, parents need to be extra cautious when it comes to hiring post-pandemic. While indeed many nannies have been laid off due to the virus, parents should beware. References are always imperative during the hiring process, but parents should be extra judicious during this time.

Double-Check

The candidate pool is flooded with wonderful, experienced career nannies and parents are lucky to have the pick of the litter. However, a global pandemic could be an easy out for nannies who were fired around the same time for a very different reason. Be skeptical of anyone who says that their last job ended “due to COVID-19.” Of course, this may be the case for many, but parents should contact the previous employer in question to find out more about your candidate’s reason for leaving. A nanny who was chronically late or had issues taking direction would happily use COVID as a coverup for their misdeeds.

What to Ask a Reference

References are hard to track down, parents spend days trying to get a candidate’s previous employer on the phone. Once you get them, what do you say? How do you know what to look for? Here are a few good leading questions to get to the bottom of a candidate’s history:

Tell me about your time with ______
What was _____ like on an average day?
Do you trust them with your children?
Would you recommend them to another family?
Would you hire them again?
What was their reason for leaving?
Was there anything you would have them improve upon?

Parents should take notes during a reference call, especially if they are interviewing more than one nanny at a time.

Red Flags

If a nanny lists a previous employer that refuses to provide a reference, this is not a good sign. The same goes for a reference who is short, evasive, or refuses to elaborate. References who withhold information could just be busy or “like that”, but they could also have had a negative experience with a nanny that for some reason they wish not to divulge. Have a nanny’s resume in front of you when you call a reference to cross-check and confirm information. Ask a reference for the dates the nanny worked for them, the ages of the children, and any other basic information listed on their resume. If there are discrepancies, your nanny is likely unreliable or even untrustworthy.

Letters of Recommendation

It’s very common for nannies to leave a job with a letter of recommendation from their previous family in hand. They are a great tool to consider along with a nanny’s resume, but should not replace a reference call. Often, letters of recommendation are signed with the date and contact information of the person doing the recommending. Parents should look out for letters that do not have contact information, and inquire with the nanny. Letters of recommendation should never be taken for fact and their validity should always be confirmed via phone call.

Hire an Agency

If you’re hiring a nanny, chances are you may not have time to do the deep dive into background checks that the interview process deserves. Agencies take all of the stress of finding and verifying nannies off of a parent’s plate. Agencies hunt down references, ask the right questions, know what to look out for, and perform background checks so that parents can rest easy when leaving their child with their new nanny.

While many parents looking for nannies may be overwhelmed with golden candidates, they should not skip the very important step of checking references. If you are a parent searching for a nanny and have any questions or concerns regarding background checks or reference checks, reach out to us.

The first step to managing the burn out is to identify it and recognize it for what it is. Burnout can look like many different things, but the general symptoms are:

depleted immunity
stress eating or loss of appetite
symptoms of anxiety or depression
changes in sleeping habits
loss of interest
irritability
mood swings

“Burning out as a nanny is a common affair and is not something to be ashamed of or to stress out about even further, but it also shouldn’t be the new normal.”

Nannies who have a sense of personal responsibility. This type of burn out is especially present in nannies who do more emotional care giving, usually for children with special needs or in homes where there is turmoil or neglect.
Nannies who are not being paid enough. If one’s needs aren’t being met financially, it can be very difficult to be present for the job that is supposed to be paying your rent and feeding you.
Nannies who work without boundaries. If a nanny is without a work agreement and their role in unclear, they may end up being asked to take on additional roles outside of care giving.
Nannies who work long hours without time to recharge in-between shifts.

What can I do?

Engage in Self Care

Practice Mindfulness

Draw Clear Boundaries

Reach Out

Accept Your Situation

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Learning apps for preschool and toddlers

Best Free Apps for Preschooler / Toddlers

We’ve all been there or seen it happen: a parent or nanny is trying to get through a simple transaction at the grocery store or library when their toddler starts fussing. The situation escalates quickly and suddenly every interaction becomes a DEFCON encounter. Parents and nannies have an easy tool in their pocket to quickly deescalate a tantrum, but the question is, is it ethical? Should children be exposed to it? If so, for how long and with what parameters? We are of course referring to the smartphone.

Up until 2016, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation was that children under 2 should never be exposed to screens. Technology is never inherently good or bad. The polarity represents itself in it’s how it’s used, and there are many beneficial ways for parents to utilize smartphones to assist in the early developmental learning of their child. Caretakers can monitor screen time by setting boundaries, by engaging children with the apps used, and being smart about the types of apps they allow their children to engage with.

We think that when used correctly, apps can be essential tools in assisting children’s early developmental skills and can create a foundation for early education. However, learning apps should never take precedence over time with a caretaker and should be used for an hour a day at the max. Apps should also be actively educational rather than passive content. To reap the full benefits of these games, children to have agency over their actions and choices.

Here are our picks for the best educational apps for toddlers:

1. Shapes!

Shapes is a game where toddlers identify different colors and shapes and differentiate between different sizes.

2. Balls

In this top-rated sensory app, kids use the touch screen to direct brightly colored balls that produce sound effects and mix colors. This app is great for sensory and color learning.

3. Fish School

Tots can choose from several different stimulating matching and memory games. Colorful fish form different numbers, shapes, and letters, and children are encouraged to identify them.

4. Learn and Play

This simple app by Fisher-Price teaches children about animals by learning the sounds they make.

5. Peak-a-Zoo

Kids identify animals, emotions, and behaviors.

6. The Reading Train

This app is full of fun, age-appropriate learning games.

7. Scribbaloo Paint

Kids use the touch screen to create mess-free virtual masterpieces.

8. First Words Sampler

This game is geared towards learning letters and beginning to spell.

9. Little Stars Toddler Games

Kids can earn virtual stickers by playing games to find the correct letter or shape.

10. Abby Monkey

In this app, kids learn about patterns and number recognition through age-appropriate puzzles and games.

11. PBS Kids Videos

Kids can watch educational video content.

12. Toca Kitchen Monsters

Kids create food and feed it to a silly monster.

13. Musical Me!

Kids learn musical basics like notes, rhythm, and pitch.

While technology and children is still an area that has yet to be conclusively studied with definitive answers in regards to how it affects early development, it’s hard to argue that educational games that teach and stimulate could have negative effects. While you should still be mindful of the games your child interacts with, the above are a great starting point to providing your child with educational screen time.

The first step to managing the burn out is to identify it and recognize it for what it is. Burnout can look like many different things, but the general symptoms are:

depleted immunity
stress eating or loss of appetite
symptoms of anxiety or depression
changes in sleeping habits
loss of interest
irritability
mood swings

“Burning out as a nanny is a common affair and is not something to be ashamed of or to stress out about even further, but it also shouldn’t be the new normal.”

Nannies who have a sense of personal responsibility. This type of burn out is especially present in nannies who do more emotional care giving, usually for children with special needs or in homes where there is turmoil or neglect.
Nannies who are not being paid enough. If one’s needs aren’t being met financially, it can be very difficult to be present for the job that is supposed to be paying your rent and feeding you.
Nannies who work without boundaries. If a nanny is without a work agreement and their role in unclear, they may end up being asked to take on additional roles outside of care giving.
Nannies who work long hours without time to recharge in-between shifts.

What can I do?

Engage in Self Care

Practice Mindfulness

Draw Clear Boundaries

Reach Out

Accept Your Situation

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How To Write a Nanny Cover Letter

As a professional in the childcare industry you may wonder why it would be important to create a cover letter. A cover letter in the nanny industry is just as important as in any other enterprise. A properly tailored cover letter shows a family that you are passionate, interested and assists you in standing out amongst an ocean of resumes. Below we’ll show you how to write a nanny cover letter.

What to include

Cover letters are a great way to bring your resume to life for a family. Cover letters should be kept short and sweet. When writing your cover letter, it is helpful to break it down into three main groups: the name and nature of the position you are applying for, explain how the skills and jobs listed on your resume apply to the position, and finish with a call to action. In the end it should read something like this.

Get Specific

You must tailor your cover letter to each job you apply for. Emphasize specific experience from your resume that directly relates to the job description (link to resume blog). Not only does this help in filling in any gaps, but shows you took the time to read the description. The fact that you tailored your cover letter to the job specifically also shows your level of interest.

Fill in the gaps

Think critically about the position and use past experience from your resume to explain how you could benefit the family in ways they never even dreamed of. If a job description for a family mentions that they have two children, describe the position you had previously where you were the lead teacher at a preschool, supervising a dozen toddlers at once, and how this experience has left you more than capable to handle two children.

Be Professional

Proof read! Make sure there aren’t any typos or grammatical errors in your nanny cover letter. If you are unsure, have a friend or family member edit your work. Typos make one look careless, and if you are applying for a job where you will be assisting a child with their homework, parents want to make sure you won’t be as indifferent with their child.

Be Positive

When summarizing your experience, it is important to highlight the joys of each position held. If you come across as negative or entitled when discussing your work, it will repel families. Families want to know that you enjoy being a nanny and that you left your previous positions on excellent terms.

Call to action

When concluding your cover letter, be sure to include a call to action. Say something like, “if you would like to know more about my experience, I am available by phone Monday – Friday from 8am until 5pm.” Make sure that your contact information is present so they can reach out to you should they decide you are a great fit.

A properly formatted, beautifully written cover letter can be the difference between blending in and standing out in a large pool of applicants. If you have any questions or concerns about crafting your cover letter, reach out to us!

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What Your Nanny Is - And Isn't

According to the Oxford Dictionary, the definition of a nanny is “a person… employed to care for a child in its own home.” A nanny’s main responsibility is to care for a child’s emotional, physical, intellectual and social wellbeing, yet many nannies are often asked to perform household duties that are outside of the childcaring sphere, such as cooking, cleaning, scheduling and shopping.

What is acceptable to ask your nanny to do?

When thinking about the job duties you wish to ask your nanny to accomplish, it is imperative that you ask yourself whether or not that duty will contribute to or detract from their ability to care for your child.

Cooking

It is well within your nanny’s responsibility to feed your child at appropriate and necessary times during their scheduled shift. A nanny may prepare multiple meals and snacks for your child throughout their working day. The grey area begins however, when the nanny is asked to cook for your whole family. It is one thing to request that a nanny prep for your dinner while a child is at school or napping, but if a nanny is forced into the responsibility of preparing and cooking for a family of four while also assisting the child with their homework, it is easy to imagine that the immediacy of the meal takes precedence and the homework suffers. The nanny is there first and foremost to assist in the development and rearing of the child, and if cooking takes away from that responsibility, then it should be forgone.

Cleaning

Many families ask their nanny to engage in light housekeeping. This is completely acceptable when the duties are related to the child. Sanitizing and organizing toys, tidying and disinfecting the high chair and surrounding areas, loading the dishwasher after snack and meal time, restocking and cleaning the changing table, and even the child’s laundry are all things that are reasonable and even encouraged to ask your nanny to do. Having your nanny tidy your child’s room with your child present is a great way to teach your child by example the importance of organization and cleanliness. Most light cleaning tasks regarding the child can be done during your child’s nap or while they are at school. It is important to reiterate that any cleaning that takes away from your caregiver’s ability to nurture and comfort your child to the best of their ability should not be asked of them.

Laundry

Issues arise around the job duties when expectations are not made clear from the get-go. Many nannies expect and even welcome the task of doing the child’s laundry, as folding warm, clean clothes while the child is napping is sometimes considered a cherished repreve. However, the idea of washing their employer’s underwear can make some nannies, extremely uncomfortable. The addition of expensive clothing that needs extra precautions during the washing process can add unnecessary stress and time to the nanny’s day as well. It is one thing if you are in a pinch and ask your nanny if they are comfortable doing a load of your own laundry, it is different to consistently throw in your washing without having had a clear discussion beforehand. There are many simple and cost efficient ways to get one’s laundry done.

Pet care

A nanny is a childcare provider, not a dog-walker or cat-medicine-administrator. If a nanny has to be thinking about the dog’s needs while a child is having a tantrum, it can be difficult for the nanny to give the child the full attention and care that they need while the dog is endangering a priceless rug or a corner of the couch. Letting the dog out in the backyard or refilling it’s water is one thing, but asking a nanny to groom is not within their job title. Some nannies may be allergic to pets or even have a fear of animals. It is important to discuss your pet care needs with your nanny prior to starting so that everyone can be on the same page.

Many domestic issues can be sorted out simply by having a clear discussion about expectations upon hiring. Ask your nanny during the interview process what they are comfortable with and what their domestic strengths are. If you lay out the expectations from the get-go, it will greatly avoid any awkwardness or resentment down the road.

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Nanny Job Creep

A nanny’s top priority, outside of nurturing the safety and development of the children, is to provide service. A great nanny will make themselves irreplaceable by efficiently and proactively being able to do what is asked of them. Nannies take pride in their ability to be adaptable and multitask for their employers, but sometimes this can be taken advantage of, even from the most well-intentioned parents. Many nannies have experienced job creep, a “phenomenon in which employers continually require increasing amounts of work relative to the normal requirements of their operations”. What does job creep look like, and how can families ensure they continue to respect their nanny’s work load?

Job Creep

There’s a fine line between the occasional favor that a nanny can perform for a family happily, and the increasing and consistent add ons of job duties that would require a pay increase. Nannies love to help, but this willingness to provide service should not be taken advantage of. Nannies are not catch all trays for a parent’s odds and ends. In all positions of service there can be a disconnect in what is or is not a respectful consideration of the workload. Childcare is a vastly rewarding but also incredibly challenging position in its own right, and can be made more so by tedious tasks that would normally be delegated to a housekeeper or house manager. When nannies are spread too thin, their ability to provide for the child is greatly diminished, so it is in each parent’s direct interest to be mindful of their nanny’s work load.

Define “Nanny”

Understand what does and does not fall under the category of nanny. Some families may need a house manager, and some nannies may be both house manager and nanny, but this is an important distinction that needs to be made, and compensated for accordingly. House managerial duties are anything that have to do with the running of the household, while a nanny is anything that has to do with the children. Sometimes these two inherently overlap, but when responsibilities end up crossing the line to stocking the house and scheduling for parents, that is house manager territory and a nanny deserves higher compensation.

“There is some flexibility between house manager duties and nanny duties, but they need to be agreed upon in advance, and they cannot take precedence over or interfere with the caretaking of the child.”

Reasonable Nanny Duties:

Provide childcare
Prepare meals and snacks for children
Clean children’s dishes and eating area
Provide transportation for children to and from school and activities
Basic clean up of children’s areas and toy disinfecting
Basic errands for children like groceries
Provide homework and tutoring help
Assist in hygiene routines

Reasonable House Manager Duties:

Scheduling appointments
Pet care
Manage family calendars including doctor’s appointments, personal and work events, maintenance, etc.
Event planning
Managing and scheduling vendors
Responsible for correspondence and communications

Setting Expectations

There is some flexibility between house manager duties and nanny duties, but they need to be agreed upon in advance, and they cannot take precedence over or interfere with the caretaking of the child. If a nanny works with older children who go to school and a nanny has free time during the day, it is reasonable to ask a nanny to do laundry or cleaning. But if a nanny has charge of younger children who are with them all day or only have shorter nap times, it does not make sense for a nanny to have any responsibilities that would inhibit their ability to safely monitor the child. If parents have tasks that are essential for the nanny to perform that would be difficult to complete with the child, set aside time before parents need to leave in the morning or after they get home at work for the nanny to finish the task without the need to supervise the children.

Create a Job Contract

If you don’t have one already, create a work agreement for your nanny. Write down everything that was agreed upon upon hire including hours, schedule and daily tasks required. Write a separate list of everything that has become a consistent additional responsibility outside of what was originally agreed upon. A happy nanny is one that works hard for a long time and your nanny will appreciate feeling looked after and respected. A work agreement will also help families in the long run in case of a discrepancy with a nanny having to file for unemployment, worker’s comp or if you need to fire your nanny.

Nanny job creep is real and is detrimental to the working relationship you have with your nanny, and can affect the care your child receives. Los Angeles Nannies will be able to help you form a work agreement, regardless of whether you have a new hire or a longterm nanny. As always, reach out to us with any questions or concerns!

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Engage in Self Care

Practice Mindfulness

Draw Clear Boundaries

Reach Out

Accept Your Situation

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Engage in Self Care

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What can I do?

Engage in Self Care

Practice Mindfulness

Draw Clear Boundaries

Reach Out

Accept Your Situation

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References and Job Verification are more important than ever

What can I do?

Engage in Self Care

Practice Mindfulness

Draw Clear Boundaries

Reach Out

Accept Your Situation

Share this post

Best Free Apps for Preschooler / Toddlers

What can I do?

Engage in Self Care

Practice Mindfulness

Draw Clear Boundaries

Reach Out

Accept Your Situation

Share this post

How To Write a Nanny Cover Letter

What to include

Get Specific

Fill in the gaps

Be Professional

Be Positive

Call to action

Share this post

What Your Nanny Is - And Isn't

Cooking

Cleaning

Laundry

Pet care

Share this post

Nanny Job Creep

Job Creep

Define “Nanny”

Reasonable Nanny Duties:

Reasonable House Manager Duties:

Setting Expectations

Create a Job Contract

Share this post

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