In the heart of sunny California, the home of Hollywood dreams and Silicon Valley fantasies, the concept of household staff has evolved with the times. The modern California family lives in a world of cultural diversity and tech enlightenment, and demands a new kind of house manager. They need one that not only leads a domestic team with precision and care, but also champions values…

Whether you hired your nanny or other in-home employee through Town + Country or by some other means, you’ve undoubtedly invested a good deal of time and effort to make the right hire. Now make sure you keep your valued employee. Communication and showing appreciation are “musts” in all facets of a domestic staffed household. If you are currently a domestic employer, annual reviews, bonus…

  ‘Tis the season to show your Nanny, Housekeeper or another member of your household staff just how grateful you are. Monetary Recognition Often times, the first thought that comes to an employer is a cash bonus.  If you’re thinking that, you’re not wrong – but it’s also not the ONLY option. The time-tested cash bonus is always appreciated and is the gift of choice…

Now that we are in the thick of the holidays, you might be wondering, or trying to remember, what is standard in terms of holiday pay and paid time off for household staff?  Here is a quick recap! Holiday Pay Families typically offer the following paid holidays: New Year’s Eve New Year’s Day Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Thanksgiving Day The day after Thanksgiving…

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…

It is that time of year again. The kids are out of school and you’ll all be headed out on vacation soon. Maybe you’ll also have your Nanny or Family Assistant for help along they way. If so, remember that this trip will be work for her; it will be part of her job, and you should plan accordingly. While she will of course have…