My Child is Going to Pre-K, but I Don't Want to Lose My Nanny! What Now?

      At some point, whether we like it or not, that wonderful little child you're raising and caring for is going to need to go school, and the role of a nanny will likely change in some way, as care for the child won't be needed as often. These transitions can be very challenging on nannies and children alike!
     In order to keep the nanny employed at full-time hours per week, some families who hire a nanny in New York will add additional tasks not directly related to typical nanny duties, such as some housekeeping, personal assistant tasks, dog walking, and errands.
   Other families will need to move their full-time nanny to part-time hours to accommodate the rising costs of preschool while still employing a nanny in NYC, as we all know how costly these things are here! 

      So what can done in these two scenarios? How can both parties stay happy with the arrangement, while simultaneously meeting their personal needs? We have some suggestions and pointers for both the employers (families) and employees (nannies).

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For families who are able to keep offering full-time hours, but whose duties will change

     For as many nannies in New York as there are, so are there numerous opinions and stances on being asked to do household tasks.  Therefore, for both parties, it is extremely important to have a sit down chat about the duties, expectations, and any raises that come with the new responsibilities, if applicable. Voice any desires and concerns you may have in this meeting -- now is the time! In doing so, there is no bitterness when things have changed, and the employment won't end prematurely. Above all, stress an open door policy to discuss things as they come up.
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• Nannies:  Remember that your boss is willing and able to keep you at full-time hours, even though they don't need a full-time nanny in New York. This speaks highly of you, and is a testament to the bond and trust they have in you! Feel honored by this, and know that they appreciate the closeness you share with their growing child.      First and foremost, make sure you have the conversation about the duties and defined roles, and don't be shy about your likes and dislikes. This will only help you! Remember though, if you walk into a meeting with a full list of dos and don'ts, it may not end very well and you may only be offered part-time hours after all, so be as flexible as you can. This isn't to say you should be cleaning toilets, and certainly not for the salary of just one position, but it is to say that your role is shifting into more of a helper. Only you can decide if this is ok with you. The bottom line is if you agree to it, stick with it, or tell the family you would like to try it out for a month, if you are unsure. If this blended role isn't working for you, tell them as well. No one can punish you for your honesty and integrity. And if you do need to quit, be as open as you can be about timelines and the amount of notice you are able to give.

 

• ​Families:  Remember that your nanny is willing to take on duties that aren't typical of nannies -- be appreciative of that and be reasonable in the types of requests you make, as well as the salary. Very few people, let alone nannies in New York, will take on an entire new position without some added perks or a raise, so sweeten the deal for your employee.        If he or she is not trained as a housekeeper, dog walker, or chef, don't ask them to take on these roles without asking them what their level of comfort is, and if you have the time or patience to monitor and train them during the transition. Insist that they be honest with you -- many nannies are afraid to be upfront, as perhaps employers in the past may not have taken too kindly to it. See if you can work something out to keep around the same hours available to them each week with duties that are within their skill set: cooking, cleaning, organizing, and errands are common tasks, but these typically come with a raise. If you normally pay a dog walker or housekeeper $125 weekly, give your nanny part of that extra money if they can do the tasks fully.

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For families who must reduce hours to part-time

​     This transition is wonderful because it may keep the care as consistent as possible for the child. As long as all of the duties and expectations are laid out, as well as benefits like vacation and holiday pay are defined, it can work very well for each party! But approach the conversation with some awareness.
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• Nannies:  While this may be a hard time for you to consider not being with your favorite buddy all day, it is happening, and you must also consider yourself. How will you make ends meet on a part-time salary? What other ways can you make up the hours and find additional work? Does your boss want a weekly date-night that you could fill in for, or do they have any friends? Pull your connections. Ask around for part-time jobs, but also count the costs (figurative and literally) of having two positions -- you will need to know the schedules, preferences, personalities, developmental goals and challenges, and navigational aspects of both positions. Only you can decide if the potential stress is something you can handle while still caring for yourself, too.

 

• ​Families:  Transitioning from full to part time hours is not a personal or financial decision that every nanny can make, so be as graceful and understanding as possible. Try not to take it personally if your nanny can't find another part-time position and has to quit, or if your nanny doesn't really want to juggle two part-time jobs. After all, unless there is a raise at both positions, they will possibly be losing money with the multiple commutes, especially if they have to go to both jobs on the same day. Picking up babysitting gigs isn't always reliable income, as some families will often cancel at the last minute, usually with good reason, leaving your nanny without that extra $100+ they were counting on. Occasional sitting is not the same as having guaranteed full-time hours each week, and this is something your nanny must consider. Know that if your nanny has to quit, it's unlikely that it has anything to do with you, but rather due to the financial instability that being a nanny in New York can often bring.

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Whatever you are able to offer and choose, remember that there are many factors in the decision to carry on or terminate a professional relationship. One thing is for sure: the impact on a child's life is an honor, is forever, and is  irreplaceable! 

​If you are needing to hire a nanny, fill out our family in-take form. If you are a nanny seeking a new position, please browse our job board here or feel free to send us an email with your resume.