Paying Your Nanny Legally

For years I have been sharing with parents the importance of paying your nanny legally, a.k.a "on-the-books." I refer our VIP families to Breedlove and Associates www.mybreedlove.com for multiple reasons:

1.  I personally know the Breedlove Family and they're great!
2.  I believe in their service and the feedback from our client's is, "It's so easy to use."
3.  They know what they are talking about- some business managers & accounts don't know, understand, or keep up-to-date on the ever changing household staffing industry.
4. There website is user friendly and their service is VERY affordable.

In 2012 I hired a nanny for my son so I could go back to work.  I immediately called Breedlove and asked them to walk me through the steps and educate me on "Nanny Payroll Tax," as they have been doing for our clients for years.  All my reasons (listed above) for using Breedlove and Associates were heightened.

Fast Forward to today, January 2013, tax season is around the corner.  I just received all the necessary documents, with an explanation for each document from Breedlove to give to my accountant.  Confirmation yet again- there service is PRICELESS.  I (and my accountant) thank you!

What are Typical Nanny Duties?

On a weekly basis inquisitive parents ask me, "What are typical nanny duties?"

My answer, "ANYTHING that has to do with your child." Here is an extended list

of responsibilities nannies can take on (but not limited to):

- Preparing meals

- Laundry for children

- Researching the best schools, classes, sports activities to attend

- Purchase and read age-appropriate books

- Schedule play-dates

- Drive to school, activities, and doctors appointments

- Grocery shop (if time permits)

- Make sure child's supplies are fully stocked (i.e. diapers, wipes, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.)

- As the child grows, clothes fit and those that don't are donated and/or given away

- Create a weekly schedule (with parents approval)

- Help with homework

- Stay current on event happening in your city that are kid friendly (concerts, events, museums, new classes, etc)

- Be a positive role model in character, personal hygiene, and presentation

- COMMUNICATE. COMMUNICATE. COMMUNICATE. Have conversations daily with parents about the child's day (milestones, moods, behaviors, preferences, etc.)

- Keep a "To Do" list of tasks, goals, activities, and schedules

- Keeping a Food Journal -likes and dislikes- This helps so the same foods are not repeated.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Nanny

Every year we are asked the question: "What is an appropriate gift to give our nanny?"

While we do not know the perfect gift, here are some suggestions:

- Something she has indicated she wants/needs. This really shows you are listening and paying attention.

- iPad

- Kindle

- Gift Card to a nice restaurant or retail store

- A paid day off

- Gym Membership for 1-year

- Gift certificate for a massage and/or facial

- Cash

Like we said, there is no "perfect" gift. Written words are always in style!

Nanny Agency Owners Pet Peeves

1. Applicants who ONLY email their resume. No introductory letter, no “Hello, my name is...”, no picture, JUST a resume.

AGENCY ADVICE: It doesn’t have to be long but a simple paragraph, or a few sentences, that include: your name, your phone number, your current employment status, why you are contacting the agency, and any other information you would share when introducing yourself to a stranger. Note: Do not make this a long-letter, a few sentences are sufficient.

2. Nannies who “change their mind” simply due to salary AFTER being presented to a family or going on an interview with prospective family.

After the agency has thoroughly explained the jobs description AND salary AND benefits, the nanny goes on the interview, and after the interview the nanny calls the agency to say, “I crunched the numbers, and the salary being offered is not enough. Do you think they can pay a little more? Or offer more hours?”

AGENCY ADVICE: You KNEW the job description, salary, benefits, ect. Crunch the numbers prior to being sent on an interview. Crunch numbers and thoroughly consider the position being offered to you PRIOR to going on an interview.

Note: If the agency calls you about a job, and you are not able to give 100% attention to the agency owner or representative on the line regarding a job description they are calling you about, simply ask if you can call them back at a different time.

After you have been on an interview NEVER contact the agency and say, “I know they (referring to the family) can afford to pay me a higher salary…” NEVER!

3. Respond IN A TIMELY MANNER to the agency in the form of communication they have reached out to you.

• If the agency calls you about a job or has a question call them back.
• If the agency sends you an email, email them back.
• Nothing is more annoying than calling a nanny, leaving a voicemail, and her responding via email.

AGENCY ADVICE: Don’t text message an agency. (Unless given permission.)

4. Don’t expect to earn more money than you did at your last job.

This is an industry like any other. You have to work your way to the top. Let me repeat WORK your way to the top! If you earned $15/hr. at your last job, don’t come to the agency asking for$20/hr.

AGENCY ADVICE: We are all on a budget. Have a reasonable salary range in mind when you apply with an agency and/or a particular job

5. Be a team player.

Congratulations! You just landed a new job. You MUST be a team player. The following are 2 recent stories why nannies lost their positions (shortly after being hired):

1. Mother asked nanny to sweep the kitchen floor. Nanny responded, “I did it yesterday.”

AGENCY ADVICE: There is NO REASON not to sweep the kitchen floor and be a TEAM PLAYER. If you have one child in your arms and another tugging at your leg, let the mother know you’ll get to it when the kids are occupied (nap time, eating lunch, doing arts and crafts, at school, ect.) But there is no need not be a team player as long as request are within reason….Better yet, take the initiative instead of having to be asked.

2. Mother asked nanny to take the child for a stroller ride around the park in the afternoon. Nanny responded, “We already went for long stroll this morning. I think we should stay around the house.” …the truth came out later, that the nanny was “too tired”

AGENCY ADVICE: Unless going for a stroller ride is going to harm the baby, go for a stroller ride. Being a nanny is not a job for lazy people- it’s for energetic, active, positive people. If you’re lazy don't become a nanny. Simple as that. Mom’s request is NOT unreasonable.

6. ALWAYS Keep Your Cell Phone Charged. ALWAYS!

Whether you are looking for your next nanny position or you have been working for the same family for years, ALWAYS keep your cell phone charged. There are no excuses for your employer not to get ahold of you- especially if you are caring for their children.

AGENCY ADVICE: You should maintain a car charger in your car (or the nanny/family car) at all times. Parents (and agency owners) should ALWAYS be able to get ahold of you.

Shop Local, Buy Local

How important is it to you to "support your local business" or "shop local/buy local"?

The other night VIP Nannies was invited to a private party at the Dermalogica store in Santa Monica, CA. I have had the privledge of hearing Jane Wurwand, the owner/founder of Dermalogica speak at many Step-Up Women's Network (www.suwn.org) events, but it wasn't until last night standing in her presence, INSIDE her flagship store, where I was hit overwhelmed with inspiration.

Jane had many enlightening, motivational, and educational things to say. But one thing really hit me: ALL Dermalogica products are made in the U.S.A. They are all made in Los Angeles, and shipped to 86 countries worldwide.

Today in the media, we hear A LOT about business being shipped outside the U.S.A, aka "outsourcing" and Americans losing their jobs to "outsourcing." Jane knows it would be less expensive to "outsource" but she choose's not to. She choose to support the country which has supported her and her family for decades.

In support of Jane Wurwand and Dermalogica I purchased a few skin care products that night for myself and our office manager. We both have seen dramatic results in our skin and it's only been a few days. Not only are these locally made products, they are wonderfully made AND work!!

The majority of women (and men) use skin care products everyday. Do you know where you're skin care products are made? Where they are from? It's time to make a change and SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL (skin care) BUSINESS, DERMALOGICA! www.dermalogica.com

Thank you to Mrs. Wurwand, your family, and your team for keeping Americans employed!

National Nanny Appreciation Week- THIS WEEK- September 18-24

The week is National Nanny Recognition Week (NNRW). NNRW is a week to say "thank you", recognize, and honor your nanny for all her/him dedication and hard work throughout the year(s). In the United States with have Teacher Appreciation Day, Secretary Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day- and THIS week we have National Nanny Recognition Week. Here are a few ways you can show your Nanny how much you appreciate her/him:

- Say Thank You

- A card and framed photo of your family

- A gym membership

- A bonus

- Gift certificate for manicure/pedicure or massage

- A handmade card or gift from your child/children

- Gift basket of her favorite treats

- Movie tickets

- A surprise (paid) day off

- Have the children say thank you

From VIP Nannies, we would like to say THANK YOU to all the nannies who are dedicated to the profession and continue to better themselves and the lives of their charges day-to-day! We appreciate you!!

A Career Most Colleges DON'T Tell You About

At the age of 17 I applied for college with the dream of becoming a school counselor. My major of choice- Psychology. Half way through my college career I heard of the major "Human Services." Human Services offered tracks in school counseling, social work, teaching, or geriatrics. I decided to change my major from Psychology to Human Services emphasizing in school counseling (of course!) I wanted to make a difference in the lives of children.

A friend of mine, who graduated two years ahead of me, with a teaching credential came back to campus, and told me she was a nanny. I said, "You do what?" She proceeded to tell me all about her amazing new live-in nanny position, job details, salary, ect. I was blown away! No one on campus- teachers, students, coaches, administration- NO ONE talk about becoming a professional nanny.

The moral to the story is Child Development, Psychology, Early Childhood Education, Human Services, Teachers, and college student with a degree in a related field need to be educated on ALL their job options after college.

For more details regarding the nanny industry visit www.theapna.org, www.nanny.org, or call your local nanny agency!

Quick Pop Maker- A MUST for summer time fun!

I've been wanting to make homemade popsicles for a long time. You know, fresh fruit pops, no cane sugar, no corn syrup, or artificial ingredients they put in popsicles these days. I've been looking for the best pop maker, and finally found it at the Brookstone store in our local mall.

Zoku Quick Pop Maker for $50. At first thought it was a total impluse buy, but when I got home, read the directions, and made my first batch of pops- AMAZING!! You can make pops within 15-20 minutes (depending on the type of pops you decide to make.) Yes, I said "type of pops." Zoku has a pop recipe book for $16.95, or do like I did and go online for great pop recipes.

Check it out- http://www.zokuhome.com/collections/shop

Parents & Nannies- this is a MUST have for summer time fun!

The Hard & Fast on How to Land Your Dream Nanny Job

Do you wonder how some nannies are getting jobs and you've been waiting weeks, possibly months to find your dream nanny position? Here are 4 tips on how to land your dream job:

1. Set realistic expectations: Everyone wants a high paying salary, but do you have the experience and qualifications for a top-paying nanny position? If you answer is, "heck yeah", see if you meet the following criteria:

- 10+ year experience working as a professional nanny, I repeat AS A PROFESSIONAL NANNY.

- A college degree

- Longevity at your positions 3+ years (not hoping from job-to-job)

- Flexibility to travel for weeks, possible months at a time.

- Verifiable references (reference letters & UP-TO-DATE phone numbers of former employers)

- Passion. Are you living your passion. Is being a nanny, working with children, something you are passionate about. This will come across to anyone you come in contact with. Live your

passion!

*Know that with high-paying nanny positions comes lots of competition, you need to bring your A-game.

2. Presentation: How do you present yourself during your interview with an agency, and if given the opportunity with a potential employer:

- Professional attire is ALWAYS a plus, and shows that you take your career seriously.

- Your hair and nails should be well groomed. No excessive jewelry or make-up.

- Have a copy of your resume and copies of your references in hand.

- Give a firm handshake and look the interviewer in the eye when speaking

3. Salary: It's a hard topic and the majority of the nannies who I meet are not comfortable discussing salary. The truth of the matter is the economy is still struggling, and nannies need to be flexible with their salaries. As an example, nannies who used to make $20/hr. are now willing to accept a position for $18/hr. Most nannies who meet (and exceed the qualifications listed above) are set on making a top-salary. On average, if you are not flexible with your wages, you will be looking 3-6 weeks for your next position (possibly longer). Nannies who are more flexible with their wages, are more likely to get a new job- or at least an opportunity to for an interview. I know we all have bills to pay, but if possible I suggest being flexible with your salary.

4. Professional Resume: Need I say more? This is a MUST. This is a whole other blog post, and I will post "how to have a professional resume" later this month.

5. Patience: "Good things come to those who wait." If an agency says "check in with me once a week," then by all means call them once a week. Agencies (good agencies that is) receive hundreds of emails and phone calls of week of potential candidate's. I suggest emailing, rather than calling the agency you have applied with.

*VIP Nannies Inc. represents the top nannies in Southern California, those who have a genuine passion when it comes to working with children. For more information about how to become a VIP Nanny, visit www.vipnannyagency.com or LIKE them on Facebook, www.facebook.com/VIPnannies

Top Baby Products

The following are the products we currently love and think EVERY new parent should have:

1. Giraffe Teether
2. Moccosin slipper shoes
3. Smoothie pacifier
4. Harvey Carp - CD, Book, or DVD
5. Mother's Miracle - Spray Bottle
6. MD Mom's products
7. Organic Purell
8. Munchie Fresh Food teether
9. Swaddle Blanket
10. Baby Tracker Journal
11. Dr. Brown bottles - glass
12. Burp clothes

DEMA: Domestic Estate Managers Association

Last night I had the honor of attending the DEMA: Domestic Estate Managers Association chapter meeting at the Baltus in West Hollywood. The room was filled with private service professionals- let me repeat PROFESSIONALS- who have a passion for the private service industry.

We heard from Charles MacPherson from The Charles MacPherson Academy for Butlers & House Managers in Toronto, Canada. Mr. MacPherson educated many of us in the room on the history of the private service industry and where we are headed.

We encourage all private service professionals to join DEMA www.domesticmanagers.com a wonderful organization!!

Celebrity Breakups and their Nannies...

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/ask_the_answer_bitch/b216531_does_sandra_minus_jesse_equal_more.html

Giving Back this Thanksgiving and Throughout the Holidays

VIP Nannies has teamed up with Help Babies in LA (www.helpbabiesinla.com) to give back to the needy families and babies in our community. There is a HUGE need for the following items:

• Diapers (especially sizes 3, 4, 5, and pull-ups)
• Formula and bottles
• Clothing (especially for toddlers and older children)
• Toys & board games - unwrapped
• Women's undergarments and bras - new!
• Women's pajama tops & bottoms
• Wrapping paper, tape, and unused holiday cards

You can drop off items at our Studio City office- 11950 Ventura Blvd. Suite 2 Studio City, CA 91604. All donations are appreciated- 1 item on the list can make a world of difference in a child's life. Let's BE the difference today. For questions, feel free to call the office (818) 980-6269. Happy Thanksgiving!!

Are You Trying to Find a Job???

Are you trying to find a job? Have you been on a few interviews or sent your resume to a few staffing agencies or directly to an employer but can't seem to find the right position? Here's a few tips that may help your chance of at least getting a foot in the door:

Facebook:

* Your should have a professional profile picture. Pictures of you partying with friends or provocative photos lower your chances of landing the perfect job

* Monitor what you are posting AND what your friends are posting. Profanity, vulgar comments, ect. will lower your chances of getting a new position

*Use the "privacy setting" allowing "only friends" to see your postings. This will help to separate work and play AND contribute to your chances of finding a new job

Stayed tuned for more tips...

National Nanny Recognition Week-THIS WEEK

More Ways to Appreciate Your Nanny

*A pay raise

*An IRA

*A card and framed photo of the family

*Membership fees to local nanny support group or other Professional Organization

(www.nanny.org)

*Pay for Conference fees to INA (International Nanny Association) Conference with paid professional days to attend the event.

*Gift Certificate for manicure/pedicure or massage

*Gift Certificate to favorite store

You may be surprised as an employer, but these "tokens" of appreciate speak volumes to a nanny!!

National Nanny Recognition Week Count Down

National Nanny Recognition Week is just 10 days away and we are gearing up

to let all our nannies know we appreciate their hard work and dedication to their

profession. For the next few days we will share ways to show your appreciation

for your nanny:

* Say "Thank You"

* Pay for a one-year gym membership

*Give a Gift basket of her favorite treats

*Pay for membership to the International Nanny Association (www.nanny.org)

*Treat your nanny to breakfast or dinner made by the family

*Buy your nanny a nice gift

...These are just a few ideas to show your nanny how much you appreciate her/him. More ideas to come next week!

LA City Controller Wendy Greuel Mentions her Nanny

Today, I was honored to attend the Step Up Women's Network Power Breakfast with guest speaker LA City Controller Wendy Greuel. Wendy spoke candidly to a small group of 40 successful women at Morton's Steakhouse in downtown Los Angeles. Wendy mentioned, "It's the little things (in life) that matter," in regards to making an impact in the world. Wendy has definitely made and impact on the city of Los Angeles, thus far.

Also, Wendy mentioned not once, but twice the nanny who takes care of her son, Thomas. It's not often that high profile individuals or celebrities mention their children's nanny in a "public setting." But the few times she did it brought a smile to my face!

Thank you Wendy Greuel for taking time out of your busy schedule to spend a few hours with women who truly care about our city!!

VIP Babysitter's Worked at Hilary Duff's Wedding

This past weekend VIP Babysitter's were honored to work at the "secret wedding" of Hilary Duff and Mike Cromie, at the San Ysidro Ranch and private estate in Montecito, CA. The sitter's watched out of town guests' children, including the two ring-bearers, the night before and the day of the wedding.

I'm am really proud of our VIP Babysitter's for keeping the event a secret and honoring the couple's wishes. All of us at VIP Nannies Inc., Household Staffing wish Hilary and Mike a lifetime of love and happiness- and of course babies too!

Good News- New Jobs Keep Coming In

2009 was a wonderful year for VIP Nannies Inc. Thankfully we were not victims of the recession, in fact our sales increase as a result of many LA based nanny agencies closing their doors. Since day one, VIP Nannies Inc., Household Staffing has been dedicated to providing Very Important People with the very BEST nannies and household staff.

We are over half way through 2010 and new job orders continue to come in on a weekly basis. Here are a list of the most recent positions available:

1. Household Assistant w/ Cooking Skills- Montecito, CA

2. After School Nanny- Brentwood/Beverly Hills, CA

3. Temporary Infant Nanny- Marina del Rey, CA

4. Housekeeper/Cook- Brentwood, CA

For details about these positions and others, visit www.vipnannyagency.com

Become a Fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Studio-City-CA/VIP-Nannies-and-Household-Staffing/106196544030?ref=ts

Mother's Helper/Nanny Needed in Brentwood

Single Mother of an 18 month old boy is in search of a Mother’s Helper / Nanny. Nanny MUST be comfortable cooking for the child as well as for the mother on a daily basis and be meticulous, clean, and organized. Mom is truly hands - on and works from home. This position calls for lots of travel, mostly domestic, often on short-notice. Early Childhood Education preferred. Ideal candidate: comfortable cooking, goes with the flow, forward thinker, can anticipate, sensitive, kind, experience with toddlers, honest, spiritual,good morals and values and have an optimistic, upbeat personality.

HOURS: Monday to Friday 9:00-7:00 with flexibility to work weekends and travel for up to 2 weeks at a time.

SALARY: TOP NOTCH!!