Nanny 101 - Variety of Jobs

While working as a nanny there are a variety of things to consider with the jobs you accept.  You need to keep in mind the different responsibilities you may have while working as a nanny.  Communication is one of the most important qualities to have as it's important to talk about with parents of their expectations and make sure they match with your comfortability level.

• Mom's Helper - Taking a mom's helper job means that you may work while the parents are home.  I've done these jobs where the mom works from home and there is a child recovering from being sick with a small temperature.  The mom needs to focus on work but needs her child to stay home from school for another day.  Also, new moms might need help around the house to watch over their older children while they care for the newborn baby. 
• Does the family have pets? - I can be very allergic in some homes and then not experience any symptoms in other homes that have dogs and cats!  It's important to ask the questions and make sure allergies don't attack you!  I've also had to clean up many times after dogs, it has to be done!
• Does the family expect certain chores done? - Often families might expect a variety of things to be done before they return home.  They might expect dishes and laundry to be done, children to have baths, and activities to be put away.
• Does the job require you to drive children? - If a job requires you to drive children it's important to think ahead to the potential problems.  It wouldn't be wise to drive other children with liability insurance alone!  This was brought to my attention and if you talk to your insurance agent it's possible to add more medical coverage and it doesn't change your bill that much in the end.
• Will the children need baths while you are there? - Giving children baths can be worth mentioning just because it is a safety issue.  My tips are pretty obvious but worth mentioning just on the off hand people need to know!  You shouldn't worry about phone calls or text messages while giving a child a bath.  Don't let yourself become destracted for any reason!
• Does the family have any activities planned? - I have had some jobs where it's expected I can go swimming with the children.  Also, I have had a job at a horse ranch resort where I worked with the children during their horseback riding lessons.

Clear communication and asking questions is the best way to make sure parents and nannies are on the same page for what should be done and when it should be completed.