The Official Blog of Morningside Nannies

3 Reasons Nannies Stay Long-Term

At Morningside Nannies, the number one reason our nannies stay in their jobs far beyond their initial one-year commitment is a given. It’s because they truly love the kids they care for. But it takes more than love for the kids to make a long-term commitment to a family.

When a nanny dedicates several years of service to the same family, it’s because she’s getting something that she values in return. And that something is far more than a paycheck. Even the highest earning nanny will eventually leave a family if she’s not getting more than a paycheck in return for her work.

While in other types of jobs people may stay long-term because there’s an opportunity to advance within the company, they have great benefits or they like their co-workers, these things most often don’t apply to nannies. So what makes a nanny stay in her position long-term?  The three reasons are more intrinsic than materialistic in nature.

1. Nannies stay long-term when they feel appreciated.

For a nanny to stay with a family long-term she needs to feel like she is appreciated. Depending on the nanny’s style she may feel appreciated when her boss thanks her for doing a good job or does something thoughtful, like letting her out early or asking how a sick relative is doing. Nannies want to know that their employer’s value the worth they do and are appreciative when they go above and beyond.

2. Nannies stay long-term when they feel respected.

Nannies like to be held in high regard. They like to know that their boss values their views, insights and opinions. Nannies feel respected with their employers back their authority with the children, pay them fairly and legally, keep their word, and ask for feedback before making major changes to their duties or schedule.

3. Nannies stay long-term when they feel needed.

Nannies are in the business of helping families. They prefer to work with families who really benefit from their services. Even when the children outgrow the need for full-time, year-round nanny care and the nanny’s role transitions into one of a household manager, she’ll need to feel like she’s filling a real need for her to stay on.

To stay with a family long-term, a nanny needs to feel good about the work she does and about how she’s treated as she does it. Nanny employers should strive to show their nannies appreciation and respect and annually review their nanny’s work agreement to adjust her duties and responsibilities to meet the current needs of the family.

If you’re looking for a qualified nanny to join your parenting team, contact a Morningside Nannies placement specialist at (713) 526-3989 to start your search. Our pool of qualified nannies is eager to find families with whom they can make a long-term commitment.

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Potty Training Tips for Families with Nannies

When you’re the primary childcare provider for a child, you simply start potty training when you feel it’s the right time. However, when you share the day in and day out caregiving responsibilities, potty training has to be a team effort.

Before starting to potty train, the adults who will be responsible for toilet training should have an in-depth conversation about it. During this conversation parents and nannies should discuss if the child is showing signs of readiness, when potty training will be started and what approach to potty training should be taken. Most importantly, parents and nannies must commit to the toilet training process for it to be effective. If everyone commits to the process, yet only the nanny falls through during the week, frustration for everyone will ensue.

While children are typically ready to potty train between the ages of two and three, there are other indicators that that are far more reliable than her age. Children who show signs of potty training readiness seem interested in using the potty or at least in wearing underwear. They also tend to complain about being in dirty or wet diapers and indicate when they need to use the toilet or have just soiled their diaper.

When determining when to start potty training, you’ll want to be sure there are no major changes in the routine or environment coming up, like a move, a vacation or the birth of a new sibling. When you start potty training life should be stable and the child’s routine should be consistent. It’s always a good idea to only introduce one major change to a child at a time.

Before starting to potty train, you’ll want to be sure to have a positive attitude along with the right supplies. You’ll need patience and a sense of humor to survive the process. Accidents will happen. You’ll also need a stool, a potty chair or potty seat and underwear.

You can start the potty training process by having the child sit on the potty a several times per day and rushing to the potty if you notice she has to go. It’s also okay to offer incentives, like one M&M for sitting on the potty and two for using it. If you don’t like the idea of using candy, a sticker reward chart can work just as well.

When the child does use the potty successfully, you’ll need to be ready to do your best potty dance and sing you best potty song. You can’t offer too much encouragement or praise.

If potty training becomes frustrating and the source of a power struggle, take a break and try again in a few weeks. Children should never be shamed for not using the potty.

While it can be frustrating to go through the potty training process with no progress, try to give your child, your nanny and yourself a break. When children are ready and willing to use the potty, the process is a whole lot less stressful for everyone.

 

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8 Websites Nannies Should Bookmark

When it comes to the Internet, there’s no lacking in information. However, not all information resources are created equally. For nannies looking for information and guidance on everything from dealing with difficult work situations to creating an educational lesson plan for their charges, the following websites will be of great help.

Morningside Nannies is a firm believer in the importance of continuing education for nannies. In addition to holding membership in industry associations and sponsoring national nanny educational events, Morningside Nannies offers its own continuing education programs to nannies. Contact a placement specialist at (713) 526-3989 to learn more about the educational programming Morningside Nannies offers.

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4 Things That Can Predict a Good Match

Even Mary Poppins wouldn’t be the right nanny for every family. When it comes to hiring a nanny, the candidate must be more than qualified for the position. Not only must she be able to do the job well, she has to fit in well with the family for the placement to be a successful match and to have long-term potential.

When it comes to matching nannies with families, there are four overriding factors that can help determine if a nanny and family will make a good match.

These include:

Compatibility.

Nannies work in an intimate setting and become actively involved in the lives of those in the families for whom they work. For this reason, nannies must be compatible with a work family when it comes to personality, lifestyle, and communication style to seamlessly fit in. While minor differences in these areas may not affect the relationship, a nanny with a conservative worldview may not be feel comfortable working for a more liberal family and vice versa. Both nannies and families must be comfortable engaging each other for there to be a good match.

A Personal Connection.

Regardless of how good of a match a nanny and family appear to be on paper, unless there is a personal connection between the nanny and the family, the relationship isn’t likely to succeed. When you have a personal connection with someone you’re able to look them in the eye and communicate with ease. You’re relaxed, comfortable and things feel familiar. Since feelings of familiarity breed feelings of safety and security, it’s vital for parents to feel a personal connection to their nanny.

Complimentary parenting styles.

Parents and nannies must share similar or at least complimentary parenting styles for a match to be successful. While all the rules and consequences don’t need to be consistent across the board, the spirits of parenting practices really do.  Matching parents who adhere to an authoritarian parenting style and a nanny who adheres to an authoritative style, for example, won’t likely result in a good match.

A Willingness to Extend Respect.

For parents and nannies to be a strong match, each party must be willing to extend respect to the other. Nannies must support and validate the parents’ role and the parents must support and validate the nanny’s role for there to be a supportive environment. A supportive environment is required to support a strong parent / nanny relationship.

At Morningside Nannies we excel at matching the right nannies with the right families in the right jobs. Contact our placement specialists at (713) 526-3989 and let us help you find the right nanny for your family.

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How to Monitor Your Nanny

When you leave your child in the care of another, whether it’s at a daycare center or home with a qualified nanny, it’s only natural to be concerned about the quality of care that they receive while you are away.

At Morningside Nannies, we strive to educate parents on the importance of continually monitoring the quality of care that their children receive. When parents take an active role in monitoring their children’s care, everyone benefits. Parents are reassured that their children are well cared for, nannies are empowered to discuss problems and concerns, which can create a better work environment, and children benefit from having their nanny held accountable to higher standards.

At Morningside Nannies we encourage parents to:

One of the best things parents can do to ensure that their children receive quality care is to hire a qualified nanny. Morningside Nannies only represents the most qualified nannies and since 1992 has been matching the best nannies with the best Houston area families. If you’re searing for a nanny or want to update your nanny’s background check, call a Morningside Nannies placement specialist today at (713) 526-3989. We’re here to help you find and keep the right nanny for your family.

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8 Ways to Prevent Common Childhood Injuries

While some childhood injuries are not preventable, many common injuries that occur during early childhood are. By taking a few simple and practical precautions, parents and nannies can work together to minimize the risks of preventable childhood injuries and help to create a safe environment for children to confidently explore.

1. Properly store medication.

   To prevent accidental ingestion medication should be stored out of the reach and sight of children. Store medication in a locked safety box placed on a closet shelf to prevent the kids from accessing it. Even topical medications should be under lock and key.

2. Use the right car seats the right way.

   By some estimates 90% of car seats are used or installed incorrectly. Don’t have a relaxed attitude about car seat safety. Be sure that all children are in the right seat, facing the right direction every time they go for a ride. Contact a child passenger safety technician to inspect your car seat installation. You can find a local tech by visiting www.cert.safekids.org.

3. Keep sleep spaces safe.

   A baby’s crib should have nothing but the baby inside. Instead of using a blanket, opt for a sleep sack that will keep him safe and warm. Keep the air in his room circulating using a fan and keep the room temperature between 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure the crib or bed is away from all windows and that all window covering cords in the room are tied up and out of reach. If you’re using a bassinet or crib be sure that it meets current safety standards and that the crib mattress is moves to the lowest position once your baby begins to roll over.

4. Always practice touch supervision near or in water.

   Whether you are putting the kids in the bath or letting them play in the kiddie pool in the backyard, always be within an arm’s reach of the children. When giving a bath, gather all of your supplies ahead of time so you’re not tempted to leave the kids unsupervised to get something. If there is a pool in the backyard, be sure it is fenced in and the gate lock is fully functioning.

5. Keep chemicals away from the kids.

   While it can be convenient to store cleaners and detergents under the sink, doing so can be a real hazard. Keep all cleaners and chemicals in locked cabinets to prevent accidental burns, ingestion and poisonings. Children should not have access to any toxic supplies.

6. Enforce bike safety rules.

   Insist that the children ride the appropriate sized bicycles and that they do so with a well-fitting helmet. Be sure that children are familiar with bicycle safety rules and that they only ride on safe, bicycle friendly paths and areas.

7. Sore firearms under lock and key.

   In addition to teaching children that guns should not be handled, firearms and ammunition should be stored in locked cabinets so that children do not have access to them.

8. Serve age-appropriate food.

   Prevent choking risks by not serving popcorn, whole grapes and hot dogs, hard candy, globs of peanut butter and large chunks of food to young children. Be sure vegetables and meats are tender and cut into small pieces before serving. Grapes should be quartered and hot dogs sliced lengthwise prior to cutting across. Children should remain seated and be closely supervised when eating.

While nannies and parents may have different safety standards when it comes to childproofing the home and participating in activities, most will agree that doing what you can to minimize unnecessary risks to the children is essential.

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Can I Give My Nanny Time Off in Lieu of Pay?

When it comes to working overtime, many parents and nannies assume that instead of being paid for the additional hours worked, a nanny can be given the equivalent of hours off instead.

When it comes down to law, this simply isn’t true.

Nannies are protected under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Since nannies aren’t classified as exempt workers, the labor laws outlined in the act apply to them.

These laws state that non-exempt employees:

1. Must be paid at least minimum wage for every hour worked.
2. Must be paid overtime at the rate of 1.5 times their hourly base rate for all hours worked over 40 in a 7-day period.  Live-in nannies are not covered under this federal mandate, however in some states, excluding Texas, live-in nannies must also be the paid the overtime differential.

Since the Fair Labor Standards Act requires that nannies be paid for every hour worked, providing nannies time off in lieu of pay is not legally permitted. When it comes to providing employees compensatory time off in lieu of pay, doing so is legally limited to employers of public, government employees only.

As a non-exempt employee, nannies cannot be paid a straight salary per workweek. While nannies and employees may talk in terms of salary, to be compliant with labor laws, a nanny’s salary must be broken down into base and overtime wages. For example, if a nanny earns $600 gross per week for 45 hours of work, the compensation would be a base wage of $12.63 for the first 40 hours and an overtime wage of $18.94 for the remaining five hours, totaling the $600 “salary”.

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act nanny employers are also legally required to track their employees work hours. Working hours include all of the time the nanny is at the employer’s home and required to be available for work.  Having the nanny write her start time and finish time in a logbook each day is sufficient for record keeping.

If you have questions about how to pay your nanny, we’ve got you covered. The nanny pay specialists at Breedlove and Associates, Homework Solutions and GTM Payroll Services, Inc. offer complimentary consultations to clients of Morningside Nannies.

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What to Do When Your Nanny Gets Pregnant

Even for parents who have employed the same married nanny for several years, learning that their nanny is expecting a baby of her own may come as a huge surprise. In fact, upon learning the news that their nanny is pregnant, some moms end up feeling a bit guilty because they don’t react to the news in the way they would have thought.

The first reaction to learning that your nanny is expecting a baby may be panic. Although you know your nanny loves children and will make an amazing mom, your first thoughts may center on how this news will affect you.

Take a deep breath. Don’t panic. Chances are, your nanny is panicking enough for both of you.

While expecting nannies are typically over the moon with excitement about their pregnancy, they also are likely worried about job security and how they’ll manage being a working mom themselves.

While at first you may consider a pregnancy announcement to be the precursor to your nanny giving notice or you giving your nanny the pink slip, a pregnancy announcement doesn’t have to signal the end of your working relationship. In fact, there are many reasons why you may not want it to be the beginning of the end of your time together.

If your nanny has been with you for several years, transitioning to a new caregiver may not be something that you want or are even willing to do. This is especially true if your nanny has been with your children since they were born. If this is the case, determining if continuing your working arrangement is feasible may make sense.

If you have an only child, the thought of having a built-in playmate for your child may be attractive. Perhaps you wanted your child to experience having a sibling, but providing him with one isn’t something you’re ready to do. If these cases, exploring the possibilities of an ongoing relationship may be worth doing.

If your budget is stretched but you still require nanny care, keeping your nanny on may be a win-win for both of you. Your nanny may be willing to take a pay cut or forgo a raise if she’s able to bring her child to work with her. You’ll still receive customized, consistent care and your nanny will reap the benefits of not having to find and pay for childcare.

Whether you and your nanny decide to continue your employment relationship or not, you’ll need to discuss future plans. These plans may include securing back-up care should your nanny become ill or be put on bed rest during her pregnancy, hammering out a maternity leave plan and planning for your nanny’s temporary or permanent departure.

If you do decide to continue your working relationship, you’ll need to create a detailed work agreement that outlines expectations with regards to managing care, sharing supplies, caring for ill children and salary and benefits.

Since most nannies will want to bring their babies to work with them, you’ll need to decide if such an arrangement will work for you. While some parents may worry that their nanny will favor their own child or become overwhelmed with caring for two or more children, most seasoned nannies have experience caring for multiple children of varying ages and will handle the situation with professionalism and care.

Whether you need a back-up care provider, help formulating an amended work agreement or wish to begin a new nanny search, the staff at Morningside Nannies is ready to assist you. Contact one of our placement specialists today at (713) 526-3989 for assistance with your care needs.

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How to Let Your Nanny Go

Nannies play an integral part in the lives of the families who employ them. Whether it’s due to disappointing job performance, a personality conflict or a change in financial status or childcare needs, letting a nanny go is never easy.

If you’re preparing to let your nanny go or are considering it, there are a few steps you can take to make doing so easier.

Step 1:

Consider your reasoning. Are you letting your nanny go because she did something wrong or because of no fault of her own? Terminating the employment of a nanny for cause will be handled much differently than terminating a nanny because the family’s care needs or financial situation has changed. If you suspect your nanny of wrongdoing, depending on the infraction, the proper course of action may be immediate termination. If the nanny is being let go because there is a personality conflict or for circumstances outside of her control, developing a termination plan often makes more sense.

Step 2:

Develop your termination plan. If immediate termination is required, the nanny should be presented with her final paycheck and all household items such as keys and credit cards should be collected. If the nanny is being let go for other reasons, you’ll want to decide on the workout plan. If you’re moving, for example, helping with the transition may be part of the work out plan.  You’ll also want to decide on her final work date and when and how you plan to tell her that she’s being let go. The longer your nanny has been employed by your family, the longer her phase out typically will be.

Step 3:

Tell your nanny. Once you’ve solidified your termination plan, you’ll want to set aside time to tell your nanny. If she’s not being terminated immediately you’ll want to set up a meeting to discuss her termination when the children are not present. You may wish to consider telling her on the last day of her workweek so that she has time to process the information before returning to work. When you tell your nanny the news, provide a brief and clear explanation for why she’s being let go. During your conversation, you’ll also want to discuss with your nanny what, if anything, you want her to tell the children when you’re ready for them to know.

Step 4:

Tell your kids. After you tell your nanny you’re letting her go, you’ll need to break the news to the kids. If your nanny is being let go for no fault of her own, you may wish to tell the children together so you can frame the information in the same way and reinforce that her leaving is no one’s fault. If you’re nanny is being dismissed because she’s done something wrong, you’ll want to provide a simple, straightforward reason for letting her go.

Step 5:

Provide an opportunity for closure. If your nanny is leaving on good terms, provide closure to your family and your nanny by having a farewell celebration. Sharing a special meal together provides an opportunity to talk about the time you’ve spent together and what your future relationship will be like. If you’re letting your nanny go for cause, you’ll need to determine if it’s appropriate for her to say goodbye.  When it’s time to say goodbye, it is important to remember that the children have a separate and independent relationship with their nanny and they may feel different about her departure than you do. When talking to the children about when they’ll see their nanny next, be careful not to make promises you can’t keep. You won’t want to tell your children your nanny will still babysit, for example, if you have no intentions of using her as your sitter.

Step 6:

Tie up loose ends. On your nanny’s last day you’ll want to present her with her final paycheck and severance pay, if applicable, a letter of reference and perhaps a goodbye gift. A framed photo of your nanny with your family will serve as a nice memento. Some parents prefer to conduct an exit interview and also give their longtime nanny’s a cash bonus. On her last day you’ll want to be sure you’ve collected any of your belongings and that any of hers are returned.

When letting your nanny go you’ll always want to be mindful of the conditions of her work agreement and be sure that they are met. If your work agreement has a provision for two weeks’ notice, in some cases it may be best to pay her in lieu of working out her notice.

At Morningside Nannies, we support our clients beyond the initial placement. If you’re a Morningside Nannies client and are considering letting your nanny go, we’re here to provide you with support. Give a placement specialist a call today at (713) 526-3989 to discuss your situation.

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When Nannies Administer Medication

When it comes to caring for children, it’s not uncommon for kids to develop illnesses that require either over-the-counter or prescription medications. For families with nannies, the responsibility of administering may be shared between the parents and the nanny.

To prevent medication mix-ups, it’s essential that there is a clear, written policy in place for both parents and nannies to follow with regards to administering medication.

First and foremost, the policy should include a statement that articulates that the nanny should only administer medication, including over-the-counter medication, with the parents’ consent. This consent should be in writing or given electronically via text or email to prevent verbal miscommunication.

Second, all medications should be properly stored in their original packaging with prescribing orders and kept out of reach and sight of the children.  Any included instructions should also be kept with the medication along with the proper dosing instrument, usually an oral syringe or a calibrated cup.

Third, medication duties should be clearly defined. The fewer number of people responsible for administering medication the less likely a mix-up is to occur. If a child is scheduled to receive a morning, afternoon and evening dose of medication, assign who is responsible for administering each dose.

Fourth, the instructions should be clearly presented. Parents must be sure that their child’s nanny clearly understands the instructions for administering the medication. She should be able to articulate back what the medication is for, the correct dosing instructions and how the medication should be given, handled and stored. She should also be made aware of potential side effects and be able to articulate what conditions would require immediate medical attention.

Fifth, a log book should be kept and completed. A medication grid should be created that leaves boxes for each dose that must be given. The dosing instructions should be clearly written across the top. For each dose box fill in the exact time the medication was given, the amount of medication that was administered and the initials of the person who administered the medication. The log should be reviewed prior to administering each dose.

Regardless of who is giving medication the basic nursing rule of three should be followed. The medication label should be checked three times prior to giving the medication. The first time when you pick up the medication and remove it from where it’s being stored, the second when you are preparing to give it and the third when you go to give it.

For children who require ongoing medical treatment, parents may wish to hire a nanny with a nursing background. Morningside Nannies represents nannies who have backgrounds as nursing students, certified nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses. To learn more about our current pool of qualified candidates, contact a placement specialist today at (713) 526-3989.

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