nanny's responsibilities?

[ijack]

If you have/had a nanny, what would you want them to do? What sort of responsibilities would they have other than caring for your children? Laundry, cleaning, sweeping, errands, etc?

Our nanny doesn't drive and at first it wasn't a big deal because I could still take the kids places on my off days, but now that she's working for us FT I think her not having a car is going to be a pain in the ass. I want the kids to be able to leave the house, and it's can't happen unless they're staying close (so no zoo, dance class, errands, etc). I'm not sure what I think about it.

[locarb]

It sounds like you don't have a written agreement/contract. I think light housekeeping is common in addition to child caring for most nannys. Decide what you want her to do and suggest a contract now that she is f/t. It should also outline holidays/vacation/sick policy, hrs,salary,etc...

If you want the children to be able to leave the house and she's not able to it doesn't sound like she's the right fit for your family. I would look into other options if you feel this is a deal breaker.

[sacattack]

My nanny drives the kids around and they do things. I think as my kids get older this is more and more important. She also keeps the house generally picked up during the day.

[GailGoldie]

i used to be a nanny. I drove them to lessons, etc.... picked them up from school, etc.

at home i cooked them dinner, fed them, and gave them a bath so when their parents got home they got to just enjoy time with them before bed.

i didn't do any cleaning or anything else - other than cleaning up fron dinner, etc.

[ohiowan]

I was a nanny as well and I cooked for the kids only, did chores (vacuuming, laundry, dusting, etc.), drove to and from preschool, did shopping on occassion, went on family trips, bath time, over nights...pretty much anything the family needed me to do. I love them to death, had to quit when I moved to another state.

[dragonfly08]

I'd expect a nanny to cook whatever meals are served while she's there, and to clean up after that. I'd also expect her to clean up after crafts, activities, etc. that she supervises. Laundry and other light housecleaning beyond picking up after the kids would depend on what we'd negotiate in her contract at the time of hire but I don't know that I have an opinion one way or the other. I would not want a nanny who couldn't drive the kids to activities, or the doctor if necessary. Having her own car might not be a deal breaker if I had one she could use, but I'd definitely expect her to have a license and some form of reliable transportation available.

[Deleted]

my nanny doesn't drive but the a lot of the activities my kids do are walking distance from our house.

My nanny tidy, laundry, in addition to keeping my kids alive and talking them to the park.

[ECB]

THis is something to talk to the nanny about. Some nanny's that friends had were very clear - they are a NANNY, not a housekeeper. They'd do things related to the kids (even their laundry), but they weren't doing the parents laundry or general housecleaning that wasn't related to the kids. Same w/ errands.

But other nannies may not care. You just have to have a discussion and see what their expectations are.

[kelle017]

I am a nanny. I do drive the kids (3 and 9 months) places such as the library, park, preschool etc... I don't do housekeeping other than cleaning up after the kids or making their meals. I get paid time when they go on vacation and also when I go on vacation. I work part time (3 days) and have a flexible schedule where I can usually switch days if needed.

[Deleted]

I'm a nanny. My job includes driving to and from school/classes, feeding them, bathing, pajamas, getting them ready in the morning, and keeping them active (outings and such). I am not expected to do any housework, but if I have time I will wash the dishes or pick up around the house.

[litebright]

We have a part-time sitter/nanny through a service (Mother's Helpers in Denver). 

They have a set per-hour price and outline duties specifically for what is included in the rate we pay, so that everybody knows the expectations. She picks up DD1 from preschool and gives both girls a snack. If they eat a full meal, we have to provide food for her as well. 

If we wanted her to do light cleaning or other stuff around the house, we'd have to pay a higher rate. If she was using her own car, we'd have to pay mileage (she uses our minivan instead).