10 Things a Nanny Might Refuse to Do

Hiring a nanny can be a complicated task, even for those who have done so before. For first time nanny employers without a clear idea of what the job typically entails, the journey is often significantly more difficult. Here are ten of the things that a nanny might refuse to do during a discussion about her job responsibilities.

1. Work Without a Nanny Agreement – A written contract, or nanny agreement, is a document designed to protect both parties from disputes over duties and compensation in the future. Employers that won’t draft a nanny agreement may find it almost impossible to find a qualified candidate that’s willing to accept a post.
2. Accept “Under the Table” Pay – The IRS simplified the tax laws for household employees in 1994, but even the new codes are quite complex. As a result, many employers and some nannies prefer for all wages to be paid “off the books.” This undeclared and untaxed income, however, places both nannies and the families that employ them in danger of serious penalties; most reputable nannies will not accept these illegal arrangements.
3. Prepare Meals For the Entire Family – Parents hiring a nanny for the first time are often under the misconception that nanny duties include preparing meals for everyone in the household, not just the children they care for. This is actually not the case, and many nannies will not accept mealtime responsibilities for the adults.
4. Laundry – While most nannies have no problem handling their charges’, parents shouldn’t assume that they’ll be willing to shoulder the burden of keeping everyone’s washing done.
5. Household Chores – Household chores that aren’t directly related to the care of her charges are never a nanny’s responsibility, unless specifically agreed upon in a written agreement and fairly compensated. It’s important to note, however, that these increased duties and wages will change your nanny’s job title to that of a household manager.
6. Accept a Post With No Benefits – Even in today’s unsteady job market, most nannies will not accept employment with a family that doesn’t provide at least some benefits. Paid vacation and a contribution to health insurance premiums are great incentives to take a position.
7. Participate in a Nanny Share – Nanny shares have become increasingly more popular as the economic downturns forced families to re-evaluate their household spending. While some nannies are perfectly willing to work for more than one family at a time, most are reluctant to take on a position that requires reporting to two families.
8. Care For a Newborn – As with most other job fields, there are nannies who specialize in certain areas. While there are those who prefer to work with newborn infants, there are many others who will not take on the care of an infant until she’s at least three months old.
9. Discipline Kids Physically – Nannies should never physically discipline their charges. Families that practice corporal punishment are likely to have a difficult time finding a nanny who will agree to their methods. The potential for allegations of abuse paired with the common belief that children shouldn’t be struck makes the vast majority of nannies refuse to resort to physical discipline.
10. Use Her Own Vehicle – Live-out nannies understand that their transportation to and from work is their own responsibility. However, if you expect her to transport your children from one place to another or run errands, be prepared to either provide a vehicle for her to do so or reimburse her for mileage.

Though many first-time nanny employers find the idea of a private in-home childcare provider attractive because of the misapprehension that they’ll take over the running of a household, this simply is not the case for the majority of post-seeking nannies. A conversation about the expectations of both parties is essential during the interview process, and is the best way to prevent turnover and disappointment in the future.

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