nannies

Mommy Dearest,

I am about to head back to work and just hired a nanny to care for my baby. We've worked out a contract that outlines everything from her pay and vacation days to her day-to-day responsibilities. My friends just told me that I need to provide her with lunch every day even though it is not outlined in her contract, and not something we discussed. I'm not provided with lunch at my place of work so I don't see why I should have to provide it to her. Is this normal?

– Lunching Mommy

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Uncle Sam may soon be regulating your relationship with your nanny! In a bill that was passed this week, New York will be the first state that requires employers to guarantee paid days off, overtime wages and 14 days termination notice for all domestic workers. California and Colorado are also working on similar legislation. Eight-five percent of LilSugar readers said that parents should have a written contract with their nanny outlining such details before the relationship ever begins, but 53 percent don't pay their caregivers' taxes. Should the government be regulating terms of employment for childcare givers?

Most moms are guilty of letting the boob tube babysit their kids once in a while. Screen time — be it in front of the television or computer — can give parents a much-needed break to get stuff done and keeps children entertained while they watch their favorite shows, chat with their friends, or play video games. A recent study by a caregiving provider found that a nanny or babysitter's charges spent less time wired and more time outdoors, which makes sense since the person is hired to cater to the child. It said:

Nannies4hire.com conducted a study with nannies and babysitters registered with the online database service. In a survey of 1,000 caregivers, the positive influence of a nanny in the house is clearly felt, as children ages 8-18 are only spending 1.6 hours a day on computers, watching TV, listening to music on iPods or mp3 players, and playing video games, almost 6 hours less than the average child. A surprise added benefit of having a nanny in the home involves the health of these children as well; on average children with a nanny spend 3 hours a day playing outdoors.

Do these findings surprise you?

This question was submitted by an Anonymous member in the Mommy Club group.

Just when I was settled into my routine as a mother, working woman and a wife, my nanny decided to leave us. I can't blame her — she found a family willing to give her more hours, which translates into more money. Like many normal jobs, she gave me two weeks notice but unfortunately for me, that's not a lot of time to get a new babysitter. Is it crazy to expect more time from her or is that the normal amount of time a babysitter should give for notice?

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It has been the worry for many a mother this Fall — H1N1. Schools have been closed for it and a state of emergency has been declared by the president. While many moms are choosing not to inject their wee ones with the vaccine, others are standing in clinic lines for hours hoping for their share of the shot. Since children and pregnant women are considered part of the highest risk group, it is natural that child caretakers should also try to guard themselves against the illness. Many mamas who aren't necessarily fired up about getting an H1N1 vaccine for their child may request their nanny get one. So tell us, are you asking your childcare provider to get the vaccine when it's available?

Mommy Dearest,

I have a delicate situation that I'm not sure how to approach. Our nanny, whom we love, occasionally wears questionable clothing to the house. She is very professional about everything else, but her wardrobe has left me speechless lately. Though I have nothing against thong underwear, I don't care to see them hanging out of her pants. Also on display are her large breasts, which my son has taken to bouncing. You would think she could take a hint from a three-year-old! What concerns me most is her choice in footwear. She has been sporting heels! Not only do I worry about her chasing my son around on the playground in a pair of party shoes, I am concerned about her safety. I don't want to tell her how to dress, but I do think I should say something. Any tips on how to address her?

— Seeking Scantily Clad Advice

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Mommy Dearest,

It is with deep regret that I am having to let my nanny go. She has become an integral part of our family in the last five years and I am dreading telling her that we will not need her to tend to our children anymore. While I could certainly use her help around the house and with the kids, I was recently laid off and my youngest child is starting school this Fall. With an empty house and one income lost, I am having a hard time justifying her salary. I know she will understand my predicament, but I want to make sure I am doing her the best service possible.

– Pink Slip Mommy

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Mommy Dearest,

I am a full-time working mother who has had a nanny for the past two years. She's great with the kids – singing and reading with them, making playdates with other nannies, etc. Over the past month though, She has started neglecting some of her non-childcare duties like cleaning bottles, doing the kids' laundry and picking up after them at the end of each day. I want her primary focus to be on the children, but coming home to a clean home is important to me too. After a full day in the office, the last thing I want to do is tidy up. What would you do in this situation?

– Neatnik Mommy

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