2013 BONUS SERIES:

My Perspective

Through the years as a Nanny and Babysitter, I have received monetary gifts, along with a present which included a day at the spa, a designer purse, things that I mentioned in passing that I liked, wine, just to name a few.  I've had a family give me nothing.  And when you give nothing, the long term commitment of your Nanny or Babysitter may soon disappear.  So, I don't advise you give nothing.  (Believe me.  When you work your butt off to make sure the family and children are happy and well taken care of, it's a slap in the face to not receive anything.)  Parents would be surprised at how much the bonus impacts the long term success of your Babysitter or Nanny continuing to work with you.   It's huge...and I'm not just saying that.  

First things first, you should always give your Nanny or Babysitter a monetary bonus.  (I will get into how much per each category.) This part of the bonus shows how much you appreciate her/him.  Do they clean up your dirty dishes in the sink?  Do they go above and beyond to make your life easier?  Does your Babysitter do things that weren't "in the job description."  So, now is the time to show them how much you love your Nanny/Sitter and appreciate all they do.  

Typically, most families take a vacation during Christmas time.  Come January 2nd when everyone is back at work, it's up to you, the Parents, to determine whether your Nanny/Sitter will be happy for 2014.