2013 Bonus Series

The Babysitter: Often or Occasional

Many families in Hoboken have a Babysitter.  Whether it is for after the Nanny leaves for the day or for a family with a child in daycare or school, and even when a stay-at-home Parent needs time away from the kid. Most Parents wouldn't be able to do anything without their Sitter.  So, they should not be forgotten at holiday time.  You may see your Babysitter once or a few times a week.  You may see your Sitter a few times a month, but that doesn't mean you can forget the holiday gift.  Does your Sitter love your kids? Is he/she reliable? Then, yes, you need to give a gift.

First, write a card. The same type of card as you would a Nanny(see below.) 

Second, the monetary amount should be, in my opinion, at least $100. Feel free to give more if you really love your Sitter.  What the Today Show said in my notes from 2009 was "at least one night's pay." But do NOT think it is acceptable to go out the night you give a gift and it be a cheap night. Say if you go out for 2 hours.  No.  That's like a slap in the face.  If you appreciate your Sitter(s) then show it.  If you have multiple sitters, well, you should give everyone a nice tip.

And third, give a gift card to their favorite coffee shop/somewhere else they would enjoy. We have 3 Starbucks and 3 Dunkin Donuts in town.  Surely the Sitters would love a gift card to get a cup of coffee so they can stay awake to watch your brats. 

2013 Bonus Series

The Nanny/Manny

Here's the person who looks after your kid(s) day in and day out.  The one person whom you have trusted enough to raise your little ones. It's almost holiday time and you want to know how to show your Nanny how much you appreciate her, right? Here are a few tips to ensure that your Nanny will feel appreciated and can guarantee she stays with you until you fire her!

First, you should get a nice card and write how much you appreciate her.  I've gotten a few cards that have made me cry because they were so sweet. You should make your Nanny cry like that.  She will love it.

Second, within the card, put some monetary value.  A Nanny should receive AT LEAST one week of pay as a bonus.  Should you feel inclined, you can give more than one week.  One family once gave me over $1,000 as a bonus and they were by no means wealthy.  They were appreciative.  In return, I was very very grateful.  Remember: this is a suggestion.  You can do what you want, but I recommend taking my advice.

Third, also include a gift. This is usually given "from the child" even though the 
kid didn't pick it out.  A gift can include: a spa gift card, a gift card to a store, an iPad, a designer purse, a piece of nice jewelry.  Anything of value.  I'd like a David Yurman bracelet.  Hint hint. But that kind of stuff is suggested.

Your love for your Nanny during the Holiday Season proves what type of people you are and your kindness.  Nannying is no easy job (and I'm sure your job isn't easy either) but Nannies raise the Number One part of your life.  

HAPPY 11-12-13 FROM HOBOKEN NANNY!

CONGRATULATIONS IF YOU GET MARRIED TODAY!

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