Hellobee Boards

Hi! I will respond from the nanny's perspective, as I was one for a year last year. I don't think that a contract is necessary if you truly trust this person. And, if she's your nanny, you should trust her. It's important to be clear in exactly what you are looking for her to do. My last employer sent me a document (not a contract) laying out exactly what she expected of me, and it included her kids' schedules, so it was very informative. We had an incredible relationship. Although I no longer nanny for them, I FaceTime with them all the time, and they are coming to visit me! It was truly an ideal relationship, and she was the one who set the tone from the beginning by being upfront with me, but also giving me some control and allowing me to be creative with her kids.

We did. Wasn't anything too formal. Just outlined her hours, pay, what to do if she was sick, our parenting style & how we expected her to handle our baby (like no CIO), also outlined some safety things (b/c I'm paranoid- things like only laying baby to sleep on back, never leaving baby on raised surface unattended, putting baby in crib or safe spot when she had to use the restroom or do anything else, buckle baby into swing, etc). I also outlined that she wasn't to share personal family information with anyone with out our permission and that she wasn't allowed to post info and photos of our son on social media.

I think it's a good idea so everyone is on the same page.

i'm going thru the same process! i don't have a contract,but like a pp suggested, i wrote up a list of stuff that i'd like her to do (even though a lot of it is stuff she does already) just so we can be clear on what we can expect from her and she knows too. my friend said to add everything you want on there because it is harder to tack on additional responsibilities later.

@californiadreams: Hi! Yes, I still think it's a good idea so that she has something to refer back to when you're not around. My employer also was home for the transition, which was great. She was also worried about coming off too anal after sending me that document. She kept saying, "I'm cool, I promise!!! I just need to do this for me." And I completely understood. Plus, it only took a week with her to realize that she really was cool, and not completely anal. She's totally anal too though, but we all love her for it. I also learned over time what made her anxiety rise (i.e. leaving the house a complete mess...) Although I can't say that it never happened. Being a nanny is messy fun! I also always made the kids help me clean up, and it took a LONG time to accomplish. If anything, I'd write up a sheet as a "review" for what you went over today. If she's cool too, she won't be bothered.