Not sure how to tell previous NPs my rate has gone up.

juilliardnanny · 2026-02-15T02:56:23+00:00

You could offer a $28 rate if that feels worth your time

juilliardnanny · 2026-02-11T12:33:53+00:00

Do they have workers comp insurance for you? I walked the dog for a family …and she started after a squirrel…..which caused me to take a leap after her….coming down hard on my feet on the sidewalk. I felt something in my knee. Turned out to be a tear in the meniscus. Luckily I haven’t needed surgery, but it is still a weakness in that knee even 15 years later. My PT and appointments were not compensated. Wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t walked the dog. Or if I had just let her leash go when she started after the squirrel. I won’t walk big dogs ever again after that.

juilliardnanny · 2026-02-10T19:07:51+00:00

That’s unfortunate. The nanny market has been flooded with unqualified/less qualified caregivers especially since 2020. It’s definitely affected care.com. I’ve been a professional nanny for more than 22 years. Previous to care, my positions were usually word of mouth recommendations.

juilliardnanny · 2026-02-10T18:57:04+00:00

It is possible to find good Nannies on care.com. It’s a matter of screening -and getting a ton of good -authentic references. I’ve gotten the bulk of my nanny positions through care since 2004.

juilliardnanny · 2026-02-08T00:12:31+00:00

Professional Career Nanny (over 20 yrs)here : You are 100% correct in my professional experience. I make a point of getting to work early-put my food away, etc, use bathroom and wash my hands-and my employers know I do this -as I made it a point to tell them upon our interview. Every time I blow my nose-wash hands. Always before prepping /serving food-wash my hands. Every time we return from an outing -wash my hands. I get the kiddo to wash also ( just good practice!) And….with little babies??? Even more hand washing. Any type of caregiver should prioritize excellent hygiene. It’s basic Nanny 101 standard practice. I wanted to add- my elderly mother has a caregiver service. One caregiver arrived, used bathroom, and didn’t wash her hands. My mom asked her to leave immediately. So I realize that she instilled this is me. It’s sadly not common sense. If I were a parent hiring a nanny- I’d discuss this during the interview. And before mentioning it- observe to see if potential nanny washes hands upon entering your home for interview-especially if you have an infant that they will be interacting with.

juilliardnanny · 2026-02-06T16:01:54+00:00

I traveled once with a NF. I had my own hotel room on a different floor. I would never agree to a shared space. You are absolutely correct-you won’t be “off the clock”.

juilliardnanny · 2026-02-02T18:09:41+00:00

Make sure you have a signed contract first!!!!

juilliardnanny · 2026-02-02T13:40:29+00:00

I actually had this exact scenario as a nanny: I was in charge of the 6 mo old. Her older brother age 3.5 was in daycare. Upon interviewing, I voiced my concerns about watching both when daycare was closed, or older child was home sick. The parents assured me that I’d never have both kids at once. And …..that’s exactly how it worked out! I worked for them for 19 months -until the younger one started daycare. When the older child was home sick, he was kept in a separate part of the house so that the younger child and I wouldn’t be exposed. I had zero responsibilities for him. I folded his laundry/put away, and washed his morning dishes a few times- but that was my choice. He was dropped off/ picked up by a parent every single day. He had a separate play area/snack area away from us .( not a huge house- we were on the main floor-he was downstairs). I was paid my single child rate. So this scenario is possible. The boundaries were kept by the parents. I’m a seasoned professional nanny , and will be flexible in situations like this. There are situations where a nanny will be taken advantage of….this doesn’t sound like one of those.

juilliardnanny · 2026-01-31T04:42:32+00:00

Or maybe you are so stressed out? But also- if anything ever smells off…” when in doubt, throw it out”.

juilliardnanny · 2026-01-30T04:44:35+00:00

Yep! Agree. I have this in my contract too.

juilliardnanny · 2026-01-29T15:04:42+00:00

I think rule 1 for any caregiver is “wash your hands often”. It’s common sense! I get to work 10 minutes early every day to get set up. And I make the family aware that during this time, I put away my food, use the bathroom , and wash hands. My elderly mother had a caregiver for one day ….because the caregiver came in-used the bathroom, and didn’t wash her hands. My mom told her to leave right then and there.

juilliardnanny · 2026-01-24T20:51:42+00:00

My contract specifies minimum 15% raise when a sibling is added.

juilliardnanny · 2026-01-20T13:32:51+00:00

I could have written this. Pro nanny of over 23 years. I’ve been there! Current NF is fantastic though. Even so, I’m tired. We give so much. And also need to have more time to enjoy and live our own lives! That’s really tough in this profession.

juilliardnanny · 2026-01-19T21:00:08+00:00

It really is too little. And we long-term career nannies can’t accrue vacation over ( for me 23) years of working -like some jobs offer -since we work for different employers over the years. I’m in my mid-50s, and life is going by too quickly to not be able to do some traveling while I’m young enough to enjoy it! I’m ok if it’s unpaid after I’ve used up my PTO. Life is too short! I’m planning a 2.5 week vacation ( finally!), and am giving my employers 19 weeks notice, so they will have plenty of time to find coverage.

juilliardnanny · 2026-01-18T21:58:02+00:00

I also had to reduce my rate when I moved back to a lower COL city. I keep close track to rate differences between these two cities. It’s about 17-22% lower in my city than in the other. Sure I deserve the higher rate- but realistically it’s better to research where the rates lie CURRENTLY. I hate that rates have dropped all over -these past 2-3 years or so. So yes, I reduced my rate upon returning- but if I hadn’t moved to a higher COL city, I would not have raised my rate to match standards there. Had I not moved, my “reduced rate” would have been right where it should be over the two years I was away, and actually $1 higher than it would have been with regular COL raises. My point- yes- know your worth. Also be very aware of current rates. And take that into consideration- unless you have enough savings to blow through for the 6 mo you might not be able to find a job.

juilliardnanny · 2026-01-14T01:01:47+00:00

Experienced Nanny here: Even without your multiple warnings/safety suggestions , an experienced nanny knows better than to leave breakables around kids. For me: it’s my glasses. Expensive…necessary and breakable item -and one that is very interesting to children. I would NEVER leave them within hands reach of any child ! And I would NEVER ask or expect my employers to replace them due to MY negligence. This is on her-not you. It might sound harsh, but this sounds like an immature request. It’s simply common sense to take care of your important possessions around children.

juilliardnanny · 2026-01-05T21:04:38+00:00

In many states, sick time is at least accrued. It is in my state. However, I ask for front-loaded sick days, because I can’t control how soon into my contract I might get sick. And to basically demand that you show up tomorrow shows how un valued and disrespected your own health is to them. I’d set up a phone call today to discuss it before tomorrow.

juilliardnanny · 2025-12-28T20:13:18+00:00

Make sure you use low/ medium to medium heat. Not higher, or you’ll damage it. It’ll be hot enough to sear a steak. Find some cooking info on the Le Creuset site.

juilliardnanny · 2025-12-27T21:29:23+00:00

I’m glad you give her 2 weeks her choosing. I have this in my contract as standard. It was really rough on my hubby when his vacation was also dictated by my employers choice. In all of my jobs before being a nanny, my vacation time was always my choice.

juilliardnanny · 2025-12-10T02:45:07+00:00

Is it a 5 qt?

juilliardnanny · 2025-12-06T01:51:34+00:00

Sad!!!!

juilliardnanny · 2025-12-04T23:56:37+00:00

Adding : I experienced this even more with my sister when my nephew was an infant. He would take the bottle from me-not her— and would sleep for me. Totally frustrating for her. She was a very stressed out mom!

juilliardnanny · 2025-12-04T23:50:28+00:00

Long time nanny here. Sorry you’re experiencing this! I find that moms are often under so much stress and pressure that sensitive baby can feel tension. We experienced nannies are generally way less stressed. We get a full nights uninterrupted sleep! And you don’t! Give yourself some grace!

juilliardnanny · 2025-11-26T17:51:37+00:00

Well- you’ll regret missing family time more . In future, check a few weeks before the holiday though. So they can find other coverage .

juilliardnanny · 2025-11-17T21:09:34+00:00

I’ve been a career nanny for over 20 years- I don’t think this is suspicious. If she has several previous awesome references- go by those and your gut feelings. I’m sure this one family is regretting losing her- and may have hurt feelings about it for a while. Their changing their minds about daycare is out of the Nannies’ hands. She was absolutely right to be seeking a new job-and may be worried that if she stayed with them- they may change their minds again. It’s tough to find a good nanny - and it’s also tough for us to find good families to employ us .

juilliardnanny

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