We're taking our nanny on vacation with us this July and wondered how to work her pay and schedule? She normally works 6 hours a day, 5 days a week, so do we pay her for a normal week while we're on vacation, even though her hours will be sporadic and she may even take the baby during the night a couple times. Do we take into account paying for her travel there and food, etc? What about time off? Do we schedule certain hours off for her or just let it depend on the day, since there will be different activities, depending on the day? Anyone have any experience with this? We want to make it fair for everyone.
I was a nanny for a family in college and they took me on vacation. We discussed payment before we left. They paid me my normal pay, but they also provided me with all of my meals, transportation etc for the trip, which worked for me. They did allow me some time off each day so that I could do some things on my own. I had a wonderful time and so did the family.
I don't know about everyone else, but if I were your nanny, I would think it's fair to be paid for every hour I have the children in my care. You certainly should not take into account her travel and food, as this is not her vacation, it is yours. She will be caring for the children while you do your thing. Maybe you could work it out in advance that she will spend her usual six hours a day with the kids, and get her usual pay. It sounds like you all will have a great time. Enjoy!
Hi! I was a nanny before and went with the family on vacation. They set up a schedule for me for the week and paid me for that week. They asked me to be a little flexible in case changes needed to be made, which was fine for me. But I definitely had sheduled time off so I could enjoy the vacation also. They absolutely paid for my travel and eating expenses, since I was there for their needs. If they needed me more than the scheduled hours, they either paid me more for that time or compensated me with more time off on another day. That way it was VERY fair and everyone was on the same page. On the same token, I nannied for another family and went away with them. The woman was very shady and did not keep her end of the deal. She came in in the evenings without notice and "took over taking care of her kids" at a time of evening where there was nothing for me to do on my own anyway. Ultimately, she just wanted to avoid having to pay me for those hours! If left me with a very sour feeling toward her. I'm sure you do, but if you really like your nanny, treat her well. Good nannys are hard to come by. Good luck and have a great time!
Hi K.,
I was just wondering where you found your nanny. I live in Mohrsville (next to Leesport) and am in need of a nanny asap for my two year old son.
Thanks!
I would pay her for the week and set up a child care schedule before you go with her so that you all understand what is expected and no one is disapointed or gets any unexpected suprises.
What about agreeing ahead of time on some things and let other things be left to decide once you are on vacation. For example, agree to give her 2 of the 7 nights you are there (assuming you are there for one week) off, but agree that it can't be the night before you leave, or whatever. Also maybe agree that she has one full afternoon or day to herself, or however you would want to work that.
As for the pay, I would think sticking with the regular rate you pay her would be ok. Any extra time would be compensated for by covering the cost of food and travel, so I would think it would even out.
I think the most important thing is to draw up your plan, or at least write down your ideas, and make sure you and your husband agree on them, then present them to your nanny. Maybe she has a small request for the trip, and it's something you could work into your plan.
Hope these ideas helped!
Hi there,
I would suggest talking with her about it up front. See what her expectations are. I'm sure you'll want to spend time with your kids as well, so maybe the day after she has them for the evening - plan for her to have some time for herself. I would definitely plan on paying for her meals and travel expenses above and beyond her pay - you are asking her to travel, she didn't ask.
Good luck and have a great trip!
HI K., I was actually a nanny for 3 yrs until I had my daughter. I think you should pay her a full weeks work, her normal pay. Then if there are extra hours maybe pay her a little bit extra but explain that you are paying for travel and food, if she's taking the baby at night, she won't have that much to do because (hopefully) the baby will be sleeping. I would also take it day by day and run your plans by her. Maybe give her one evening off, or a few hours in the afternoon?
