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Anderson Update

I heard back from the Anderson's, the "international family" I interviewed with last week. I was their second interviewee. I received a voicemail from Mrs. A. She said that the family was headed out of town for a few weeks. She said that she was interested in me, but didn't feel comfortable making a decision until she had the opportunity to interview some more people. She tried to work in those interviews before they left town, but it didn't happen. She wishes to resume interviewing when she gets back.

Hmmm. I would love to hold out, and wait potentially four to five weeks to find out if I get this job. But I can't. I'll resume my job search with full steam ahead. Mrs. A said she hopes I'll still be available in July when she makes her decision, but completely understands if I'm not. I really want this job! But, if it's meant to be, I'll be jobless in July (scary thought) and I'll be offered the Anderson position.


My summer vacation continues. Yesterday I watched a cicada attempt to mate with what looked like a half-eaten tater tot. I watched Blanche make sexually suggestive comments while dressed like a nun on The Golden Girls. I played iQuiz on my iPod for a long time. I played Gamecube for even longer.

I need a job.

Stick to "It's Potty Time"

Potty training your little charge? Some books to stay away from, courtesy of our conscientious friends over at The Onion.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

We all like to be appreciated. To be told (reassured sometimes) that we are doing a good job, and our work is valued. Personally, I need a lot of positive reinforcement. In my previous job, this was seriously lacking. I don't mean that I require a million thanks for merely doing what I'm paid to do. But a sincere "thank you" would do. It goes a long way. It's true in many aspects of life: the more positive feedback you provide to someone, the more they want to do for you. My tips to parents with nannies would be:

1. Notice when your nanny does something above and beyond. And add a simple thank you. ("I noticed you folded my laundry as well as the babies laundry this week. I really appreciate it, thank you.") It takes five seconds and can really boost morale.

2. Be honest about what time you will be home! We do have lives outside of watching your children. If you think you'll probably be home by eight, tell your nanny you'll be home by nine. That way if you're running late, they won't be checking their watches every ninety seconds awaiting your arrival. Always call if you are going to be even FIVE minutes later than you specified. These things let the nanny know they are respected.

3. Please don't expect your house to be cleaner than it was when you left it. Many times, a nanny has time to straighten up a mess that she has inherited from the family; many times she simply does not have the time. Do expect her to straighten up every mess the child has made throughout the day. Something else to keep in mind: sometimes a nanny is in the middle of a project when the parent comes home, making it impossible to clean up completely. Please don't comment on the mess, instead comment on the project! It shows the nanny (and child) that you are happy the child is involved in something he is enjoying. As a nanny, I always appreciated it when the parents would help me finish the project when I had to leave, or even help with the clean-up process. Again, it shows enormous respect.

4. Remember your nanny has two hands, and at least one child to mind. When leaving a list of chores, imagine it is you doing those errands. Make sure the list is logical. Keep in mind: time constraints, child(ren)'s nap/sleep schedule and even your child(ren)'s mood that day. As a parent, you no doubt are aware of how fun it can be to try to take a super grumpy toddler on a non-important errand. If it can wait until another day, let it. Also- prioritize the list of chores. Often, I will look at a list and think, "I can do A, B then D, but definitely not C." Often times my boss would come home and say, "You didn't do C? I really needed that to be done!" It made me feel embarrassed and angry. Let your nanny know what is the most important thing to accomplish. Most importantly, be understanding when/if the nanny doesn't accomplish all tasks. Be assured she has done her best. Some days are more conducive to getting things done than others.

5. Try to know a few personal details about your nanny. Here is a grey area. You do not want to be best of friends with your nanny, but although you do have an employer/employee relationship, it is a unique situation. Someone is coming into your house, watching your kids on a daily basis. As a nanny it is always nice when my boss inquires a bit about my life. Here are a few examples: What are you doing this weekend? How was the movie you saw last night? Are you doing anything fun for the holiday? This is an amazing way to let your nanny know she is seen as a vibrant human being. By asking about her life, you show the nanny that you are aware that she does indeed have a life outside your home. I always enjoyed sharing stories with my bosses. We'd spend maybe three minutes at the beginning and end of the week to talk about things other than her children. It definitely builds a solid relationship.

6. When it comes to gifts...Ideally, I'd prefer money. I know it seems cold, but nannies don't lay in piles of money at home. Every extra dollar matters. What I really loved was when the parents would let the kids pick out a small gift for me. The perfect gift would be some cold hard cash, hopefully accompanied by a small gift from the kids. It is a great opportunity for the kids too. They get to show how much they love the nanny by choosing something they think she'd like. It's fun to have a wildly ecstatic response when opening up a gift a child has chosen! It's also great to see what the children think you'd like. (I once received a gingerbread man candle and one of those ceramic houses you put into a Christmas village. It was hilarious.)

A lot of this is common sense. Respect goes both ways. When people know they are valued, they want to go that extra mile for their employer. I sure did. That is when I was actually sincerely thanked for going above and beyond. Which was as rare as my boss actually getting home on time...(Can you sense the anger?)

I looked for other ways people recommend indulging their nannies. Read on:

Nanny Appreciation
Keep Your Nanny Happy with Surprise Rewards

• Free movie tickets
• A gift certificate to her favorite restaurant
• A homemade thank-you card from the kids
• Tuition reimbursement for a class she'd like or time off to attend classes
• An airline or bus ticket for an unexpected visit home

• (From iParenting)
  

Please, please don't ever go down this road:




















Unless your nanny is over the age of 50, has multiple cats at home, wears sweaters she has knitted herself and wants to see Bette Midler perform in Vegas.

Bottom line: be appreciative of your nanny. She loves your kids, and wants to do a good job. Let her know you know this. A simple thanks and a smile goes a long way.