By Andrea M. Keiser, Esq., Keiser Legal, PLLC
Hiring a nanny is a big decision and an important investment for any family. Whether you are a new parent returning to work, a busy working couple, or a single parent who needs help managing your household, a nanny can provide valuable support and peace of mind. However, there are many factors to consider when hiring a nanny, and it’s important to take the time to find the right person for your family by setting clear expectations in your nanny contract. Here are 3 things that you don’t want to forget to include in your nanny contract:
- Job Responsibilities. Most nanny contracts will include a list of job responsibilities that are generally accepted practices in the industry. However, this section in your contract is your opportunity to list all of the things that personally matter to you. There is no right or wrong answer here. Everyone has their personal preferences, especially when it comes to your way of living and living space. Communicating your specific preferences early on will help your nanny understand how to add value to your space rather than disrupt it. For example, it may bother you that dishes are left in the sink rather than rinsed and placed in the dishwasher or you may have grown up believing that arriving on time is actually late. Whatever it may be, use this portion of your contract to establish your specific preferences and set those expectations early on during your interview and onboarding processes.
- Media Policy. A media policy is an important tool for nannies and families to establish guidelines around the use of technology and media in the household. In this section of your contract, establish your preferences regarding the children’s use of technology as well as the nanny’s use of technology. Do you want to limit screen time and content for the children? How do you feel about your nanny using their phone or watching television while on duty? Most importantly, set expectations about privacy and confidentiality when it comes to the use of technology and media. Are you comfortable with your nanny having photos of your child(ren) on his/her personal device?
- Siblings. For some families, nannies are hired for just one child or multiple nannies are hired and dedicated to each individual child. Whatever the case may be, set expectations with your nanny when it comes to siblings and other children in the household. Specify if the nanny is or is not responsible for other children in the household. Also consider policies where the nanny’s actions could impact another child in the household. For example, I have a nanny dedicated to my newborn twins and my 4 year old has a severe peanut allergy so I included a provision in my nanny contract that prohibits peanut products in the household.
In conclusion, hiring a nanny can be a great way to provide your child with high-quality care while you’re away from home. However, it’s important to take the time to find the right person for your family and to establish clear expectations from the outset. With these tips in mind, you can find a nanny who can help make your family’s life easier and more enjoyable.