Nanny Time off Issues

I don't think that frequency of time off is acceptable, regardless of whether it's paid or not. At the rate she's going, that's about 20 days a year!

If you really like everything else about her, it's time for a meeting where you clearly and briefly tell her what you need and ask her if she thinks she is able to do that or not. Something like: "in order for us to continue to keep our jobs, we need to have childcare that is reliable. That means, unless it's an emergency, no more than about 1 personal day off every two months, and personal days need to be scheduled a week in advance at least half the time. We like the care you are giving our children, but this isn't an optional choice for us, it's something we have to do in order to meet our job responsibilities." And then give her the option to think about whether that's a commitment she can make to you.

If not, I'd look for another nanny. Also, you might see if there is anyone in your neighborhood who has a home daycare where they will take an occasional extra child. We have an arrangement like that with a couple of local home daycares, who have helped us out when our home dcp is closed for vacation.

I also have this issue occasionally. Granted, you never know when an emergency will come up. I do not pay our sitter if she does not come. If you told you nanny that you would pay time off, you need to clarify what that time off is. Vacation? Holiday? Any time she does not come?

It does help to have a backup sitter just in case. We had one and need to find another. The one we had was a stay at home mom that was available in case we did need someone. She had to get a regular paying job due to this economy so now we are hunting again. If you know someone that stays home or can speak to a daycare about jsut emergency openings you could ask about a fill in when needed.
If the nanny seems to take advantage then you might want to find someone else.

I say, stop paying for her time off and tell her that she has to give you one weeks notice of all appointment unless there is an emergency (dr. appt are not emergencies and usually you know at least a week ahead that you have one). We give our nanny 3 paid days off for such things, and she always gives us notice. I say you should look for a more reliable nanny. After all they are the "mom" for your kids while you are away. They are an extension of your family and you need to know that they will try thier hardest for your kids. Leaving you in the lurch is irresponsible. There are a ton of people looking for a good job such as this...don't waste it on someone does not appreciate it.

Hi C.,

Your nanny is taking advantage. I worked as a private live-in nanny before I was a mom and I only took one unplanned day in two years and it was for a funeral service. I have now been running my own small daycare in my home for about three years. In three years I have had to take two unplanned days for being ill. I did not expect to be paid. I take 8 paid holidays a year that are stated up front as such. I also take one week unpaid vacation a year that I give notice for at least 2 months in advance. Any other emergency days I would need to take, I would expect to be unpaid. If a family takes a sick day or vacation day they still pay as I always have their child's spot reserved and don't take drop in kids. I do feel it is fair to give a nanny paid holidays/vacation/sick days, but the terms of this all need to be explicitly stated in writing. If you haven't done so already draw up a contract. State your names, her pay rate, how many sick days/vacation, etc... and how these are supposed to be taken. How much notice should she gives you should also be stated. The consequences of not giving notice should also be stated. Such as, upon the occurence of three days taken without notice, you will be terminated and not paid....something like that. I know it is very hard to treat your nanny as you would any other employee because they are caring for your children and that is such a personal job. But you must treat certain aspects of it as you would any other business arrangement. Basically when it comes to the kids it is about the relationship, but when it comes to her position as your nanny its about business. It is always best to discuss everything and have it in writing so you both understand the other's expectations. If she kept pulling this sort of thing, I would find a new nanny. I know emergencies arise, but if I called off once every two to three weeks, I would be out of a job pretty quick, she is smartest enough to know that if she is caring for your kids.

Unfortunately I think this person is taking advantage of you. You are absolutely right. You need reliable care. If you really like her with your children and don't want to let her go, you need a renegotiation of your contract/agreement with her. You need to have her vacation time/ sick days.. whatever you agree to written down and agreed upon.

I work as a part time nanny and up until recently, I was never paid for days that I didn't work. I think because I have been so reliable and maybe missed work only a couple of times in the past year due to something of great importance, my employer has started paying me for some holidays and days that she has to cancel at the last minute.. which she has only had to do once or twice.
Its all about treating each other with respect and showing appreciation. As I said, if you really like her work, sit down and have a talk and voice your concerns and your new game plan. Good luck!