Take some time…think about all things you’re expecting from your nanny and what she needs to know, and then get them on paper. Things like hourly pay rate, weekly schedule, vacation time, sick time, taxes, job duties, and many other items should be detailed and spelled out clearly. Not only does this provide a certain amount of legal protection for you, but it also minimizes the risk of tension or friction that results from a nanny misinterpreting something about her job responsibilities.

If you need an example to work from, you can use this Sample Nanny Contract and add or delete anything you’d like. It’s important to remember to be flexible when you’re going over the contract with your nanny. Some nannies may ask for additional items to be included in the contract or wish to negotiate their hourly rate or paid time off-don’t take it personal!

At the end of the day, you want to make sure you’re setting yourself up for success with your new nanny. Knowing what you expect of her and letting her know what you will do to ensure her working environment is a positive one is a major factor in how long your nanny may work for you. If you have a question related to anything in a nanny contract, feel free to reach out to HomePay. We know most families are very busy (and not HR experts) so we’re happy to help you make sense of all the tax and legal aspects of being a household employer!

Going away this summer? This vacation packing list from Katie Bugbee mockingly compares the pre-kids life to post.

Check out the blog here! (It might be exactly what you need before you head out.)

Read now and see why she urges families to take the Fair Care Pledge to provide fair pay, clear expectations and paid time off to their household employees.

Our global parenting expert Katie takes a step back and evaluates the different kinds of judgment moms often see and experience, before they even get to know each other.

Read more here about the day-to-day critiques many moms experience. What would you add?

Below are a few women we admire and short stories of how they were able to use BigTent and Indiegogo for the greater good.  Indiegogo Life, a free fundraising site for life events powered by Indiegogo and BigTent by Care.com, an online destination for local parenting groups with thousands of members.

When Karen first moved to Napa, California, she was overwhelmed by the many options available for preschool, but now, she’s been able to connect with other mothers online and truly carve out her place in a new town. “It’s definitely providing a connection for moms who aren’t familiar and that’s the point of the organization to help people feel a little less alone. Being a mom is tough and it’s a little tougher when you feel like you don’t have resources or ways to meet people.”

Nerissa‘s daughter was diagnosed with leukemia at a young age and she has been able to reconnect with friends and family nearby and across the country through Indiegogo, as well as forge relationships with two other mothers experiencing the same challenges. Nerissa’s friends and family raised $21,000 on Indiegogo Life after her two year old daughter Mila was diagnosed with leukemia. http://bit.ly/1zJbMEe “Something about knowing that I’d be able to share my story and potentially help other people through their journeys to know that they’re not the only ones going through it, is probably one of the greatest benefits of Indiegogo… Knowing that there’s always someone going through something similar or even something worse, and hoping they can take something positive out of it.”

Aundrea is an inspirational mother who has used the BigTent to connect with the Foster City Parents Club and raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. “It’s like a hand-in-hand thing. Your family and everyone want to give and help other people, and then other people see that you want to help and it’s kind of a cycle.”

Sarah is the mother of Hadlie–a young girl diagnosed with a fatal brain tumor–who raised $110,345 to give her daughter as many wonderful experiences as possible before her 4th birthday. She and her husband called it Hadlie’s Bucket List. “The feeling of love and support completely enveloped us and in the worst moment of our lives we found strength. We felt loved by complete strangers half way across the world. Our goal was met within 4 hours. I remember feeling relieved that we would now be able to live everyday we had with Hadlie with no regrets.”

We’ll tackle topics such as:

• What steps can expectant mothers take to ensure a healthy pregnancy while at a high-stress job?
• How can organizations effectively support their working moms-to-be; creating a best in class family-friendly culture?
• How can female employees advocate for workplace supports and navigate potentially stressful situations, like telling your boss you’re pregnant and planning your maternity leave?

Please share this webinar info with any pregnant, working spouse/partner, family member, friend…or if you are a pregnant employee yourself, this is the webinar for you!

Take our quick survey and you’ll be entered to win one of 10 $50 Amazon.com gift cards courtesy of Care.com!

Read Holly’s letter, then we’d love your thoughts…at what point does helping our kids actually hurt who they become in life?

Take our quick survey and you’ll be entered to win one of 10 $50 Amazon gift cards courtesy of Care.com and Zillow!