How to Write a Great Nanny Contract

The nanny contract, also called a nanny work agreement, is essential to a long term, successful nanny / family relationship. This article will highlight the dos and don’ts of creating a comprehensive nanny contract.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Be specific. The number one reason nanny / family relationships fail is lack of communication: unspoken expectations, unclear boundaries and inaccurate assumptions. A comprehensive nanny contract helps parents avoid this common pitfall by clearly defining all the details of the job. While so many details may seem insignificant and unnecessary in the beginning, experience shows those missing details often become the catalyst for the undoing of the employment relationship.
   
   EXAMPLE “The nanny will work 2 Saturday nights a month.” VS “The nanny agrees to work 2 Saturday evenings in a calendar month. The family will give the nanny at least _____ days notice of the evening needed. If the nanny is unable to work a specific date, she will inform the family immediately. The time won’t begin earlier than _____ PM and won’t end later than _____ AM PM. If the family doesn’t utilize the nanny’s services during any month, the time cannot be carried forward.”

2. Define quality care. There are lots of variables within the definition of “quality care”. It’s important to define what actions and attitudes are particularly important to you so your nanny can ensure she’s incorporating those things into the daily caregiving environment.
   
   EXAMPLE The nanny will read with the child a minimum of 45 minutes each day, spend a minimum of 30 minutes each day outside with child regardless of weather, enthusiastically engage / participate with child in activities, model communication style that reflects discipline philosophy (e.g. use words when angry, ask instead of demand, describe how you feel)

3. Use respectful language. Don’t include things in your contract that imply your nanny is a less than capable caregiver or you don’t trust her judgment. Disrespectful language will sour your employment relationship from day one. If you feel the need to outline these types of things, things a quality caregiver would do simply because she is a quality caregiver, you’ve hired the wrong person.
   
   EXAMPLE “The nanny should clean the counters after making a meal or snack for the child”, “We give the nanny permission to answer the door for UPS deliveries.”, “The nanny should always use a car seat when transporting the child.”

4. Be fair. Both the family’s and the nanny’s needs should be equally represented in your nanny contract. Otherwise, one party ends up feeling unheard, disrespected and unappreciated. A good rule of thumb is not to ask your nanny to agree to anything you wouldn’t agree to with your employer.
   
   EXAMPLE "If severe weather is predicted, the family requires the ( live-out) nanny to spend the night at their home to ensure she’ll make it to work on time in the morning.", "The nanny is required to stay late whenever needed. To avoid conflicts, she should not make plans on the evenings she might have to work."

5. Be realistic. Don’t commit to terms you won’t be able to fulfill. A great nanny contract outlines what the nanny can realistically expect in her job, not how the parent hopes it will be.
   
   EXAMPLE You plan to get home by 6:00 every night but despite your best efforts, you often don’t make it home until 6:15 or 6:20. You should list 6:30, not 6:00, as the nanny’s end time. Your nanny may get off early on those days you make it home by 6:00 but on the many days you’re running late, your nanny will still get off on time. This gesture says to your nanny that you value and respect her time, an attitude that greatly contributes to a long term, successful employment relationship.

Tips & Warnings

• It’s never too late in the employment relationship to create a nanny contract.
• Make sure to update your nanny contract whenever the job changes significantly.
• Offer financial incentives in exchange for a long term commitment.

Resources

• A to Z Nanny Contract

[CharlotteinPa]

on 4/25/2008 This is great information for both the nanny and the family. Communication is the key to any relationship, and it is a good idea to have things written down to refer back to if the need arises. Very helpful article!

[dcnanny]

on 4/22/2008 Ms Brawley clearly defines every aspect of the nanny/employer relationship in her A-Z Nanny Contract. Whichever work agreement you use, it is an invaluable tool in a successful relationship between nanny and employer! A must have for any child care worker and parent.

[HappyNanny]

on 4/22/2008 Great Advise! It's so important for both parties to clearly know and fully understand, upfront what each others expectations are. If a situation does arise you can always refer back to the work agreement, or make adjustments. The A-Z contact is a wonderful resource and will surely help to create a smooth working relationship as well as easily help to address any issues.

[NannySue00]

on 4/22/2008 This article is great! A good nanny contract will make all the difference in maintaining a long and successful relationship with your nanny. This article points out the top mistakes and helps you to avoid them. Very useful information.

[Amerdomestic]

on 4/22/2008 This information is very helpful! It is always nice to get great tips like this!