Those with nannies (re: holidays)

So since we were new at the whole nanny process we kind of had an unspoken understanding about holidays-if DH and I are both off she can have the day off. There have been a few instances (President's Day for example) when we asked her to still come so we could get stuff done. We are going away for 2 weeks in June which she will have off, so DH and I kind of want to ask her to work Monday (Memorial Day) so we can do some stuff for DD's party next weekend. Honestly, if we don't even mention it's Memorial Day she would probably just show up anyway (she's from Poland and isn't always on top of American holidays), but I don't want to be sneaky. lol. Would it be wrong to ask her to work? We've given her loads of paid days off and it would really help if she could come. She gets paid very well so I don't want to offer "overtime pay" as we never discussed that. Any advice? TIA!

Re: Those with nannies (re: holidays)

I think it's okay to ask. I mean you are asking her and not telling her, right? She can always say no if she can't do it. At the same time, being that it is a holiday, I'd might be inclined to give her a little something extra, but that's just me (obviously I have no idea what arrangement you have).

Re: Those with nannies (re: holidays)

how do you pay her? do you pay her weekly, or hourly, or daily? What did you discuss about holidays when you hired her? Our nanny gets paid weekly. We stated that she received 10 paid holidays that coencide with the days off I get from work, plus 2 weeks of vacation time. If you want her to work, then I would ask her if she could work for the number of hours you need her to and pay her accordingly. But going forward, I think you should each have a clear understanding of days off.... it is better to have a clear understanding from the start for both sides.

Re: Those with nannies (re: holidays)

Re: Those with nannies (re: holidays)

This is how I work with my nanny too, she gets the holidays we don't work off, it ends up working out pretty nice for her... We have found ourselves in the same situation before where we have wanted to utilize one of our days off to get errands done without our DS. We just explain what we want to do and why, and its always worked out fine. We usually end up not spending the whole day out, and she gets to leave earlier than usual. There will come a day where your nanny will need to come in late to work so she can go to a doctor appt or whatever, and you'll be just as flexible. I think its just the nature of the relationship. It's nice that you can mention that she has a paid vacation coming her way soon anyway! Good luck!

Re: Those with nannies (re: holidays)

We don't have a "Set schedule" either. I basically told her if one of us if off, she has the day off. She always checks with us a week or so before just to make sure and she's pretty flexible if I need her. Usually on days like that, I'll ask her to work a half day. If she needs to leave early or whatever for a Dr's appt, I don't have a problem with that. The flexible schedule works well for us.
I'd mention that you have off and ask if she can come for a few hours..take it from there.