As the largest domestic placement agency here in California, we see a lot of what works and what doesn’t work for the families who hire through us. Most of the families we’re working with these days want to be able to communicate easily and effectively with their in-home employees, including through emailing, texting and good old fashioned phone calls. And just like so many of…

The Nanny you hire plays an important role in the development of your child or children. Your Nanny will want to be sure he or she remains consistent with your approach and preferences, so continued communication while maintaining a team mindset is very important. Here are a few specific items you should address as an employer: Discipline Screen Time Behavior Patterns and Habits Education Health and Diet How…

If you’re about to hire a household employee or already have existing household staff, here are a few things you should keep in mind regarding the payroll & tax process: The person you have hired will be considered your “employee,” and you will be considered to be their “employer.” Treating them as being “self-employed” or as a “1099” contractor is difficult and risky. The IRS…

The start of school can be tricky after a nice, fun, relaxing summer break. Here are a few helpful hints to help transition back-to-school in a smooth manner. Make room in the pantry or refrigerator for designated snacks. Not only will you have foods ready to supplement lunch, but those looking for food will know which snacks that they can have, without having to ask you what’s…

There’s no shortage of buzz out there about Social Media etiquette, but it seems like plenty of people still manage to get themselves into trouble by posting things that get them in trouble at work or reflect poorly on the professional reputation that otherwise deserve. Maybe SFGate.com gave a good general rule when they blogged recently that “The reality is that companies pay their employees…

Salary FAQ’s Our team often gets questions related to salary from both our clients and nanny professionals. Some of the most common questions are related to: How to ask for a raise as a nanny How often to give a nanny a raise Nanny raises for a second child Nanny responsibilities and salary increases Industry standards in relation to the most frequently asked questions New…

Virtual interviews combine the best of both worlds – if you don’t live locally, you get to meet a prospective employer virtually while saving time and money on travel. However, it can be difficult to express your interest in the position and connect with the employer if you’re not careful. Here are a few things to keep in mind so you can rock your online…