Your nanny or au pair should focus on your children and can be expected to do child-related household chores (tidying up children’s rooms, cooking for them and tidying the kitchen, doing their laundry). Additionally, if agreed upon beforehand, many nannies or mother’s helpers will agree to do light housekeeping, laundry, errands or other helpful chores that you request. If you need more housekeeping along with childcare, you may want to consider hiring a housekeeper. Other nanny responsibilities may include transporting your children to and from school or activities, arranging play dates and planning field trips.
It is important to discuss your expectations up front with your nanny. It is critical to have open communication with your nanny to ensure a long-term positive relationship.
Reasonable Expectations:
- Arrive on time for work.
- To promote the physical and emotional well-being of your children
- Engage in age-appropriate activities with your children
- Tend to the basic needs of your children: keep them clean, fed and safe!
- Communicate the events of the day to the parents.
- Follow the parents’ guidelines for discipline and rules.
- Support the relationship of the parents and children
- Maintain the work environment by cleaning up after themself and your children
- Laugh, play and be silly with your children!