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!

DON'T FORGET TO "LIKE" HOBOKEN NANNY ON FACEBOOK

Seen on Washington

The boys and I were walking on Washington, going home from a class.  And right before my eyes I saw a little boy(not who I watch) jet out right into the street.  I almost choked at the sight of it and I put the brake on the stroller and ran after him.  Wouldn't you know, his lazy ass Nanny BARELY ran after him.  I didn't catch the little boy's name or the Nanny's name, but I wish the cops were around.  The Nanny had the balls to yell at the boy for running into the street.  No, Nanny, how about I yell at you(which I did) for not holding the boy's hand.  Damn, I hate irresponsible Nannies.  

The little boy was safe and the Nanny got her ass screamed at by me.  It was not a pretty sight.  Deep down I hope the Parents never find out about this because they would be so upset.  But they have every right to know that their Nanny sucks ass.

IT IS SUPPOSED TO SNOW TUESDAY(tomorrow)!

MAKE SURE YOU GET OUTSIDE WITH YOUR KIDS, NO MATTER WHAT AGE AND HAVE FUN!  

DON'T SIT INSIDE ON A SNOW DAY!

2013 BONUS SERIES

Let me talk about who should receive a bonus.  I came across some papers that I have kept since 2009.  I remember I was watching the Today Show and Matty was talking to God knows who about Holiday Season bonuses and who gets what.  I wrote it down because my friend received nothing in holiday bonuses that year.  I showed her the scribble.  I can't get over how much of a hoarder I am for keeping these papers.  

Anyhoo, here's the list of people you should show your appreciation towards:

1) Nannies and Sitters

2) Housekeepers

3) Dog walkers

4) Landscapers but this rarely applies to anyone in Hoboken

5) Mailmen/women if you know who yours is

So keep this in mind for Hannukah, if any of these people in your life are Jewish.  And if not, Christmas is just around the corner!  

Tomorrow, I will write up how much moolah to give each person.  

ALSO!  DON'T FORGET TO LIKE "HOBOKEN NANNY" ON FACEBOOK

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.