This post is sponsored and written by SurePayroll.com.
As working parents search for someone to watch their children when
school is out, they often wonder how and where to go to start their
search for a seasonal nanny. “I will definitely need help,” said
Allison Mosele, a working mother of four in the Chicago suburbs. “But I
have no idea how to go about finding a qualified nanny, especially
someone who is interested in just working over the summer months!”
For any working parents, planning ahead is an important step toward
finding a viable solution. “Parents are off to a good start when they
create a nanny plan,” said Lori Bolas, director at SurePayroll, and a
mother of two. “They should outline exactly what their needs are, how
long they need help for, and their expectations. They should be as
specific as possible. Parents also should do some research and take a
look at their own financials as they budget, they’ll need to make sure
to budget for paying
The Nanny Tax.”
As an online payroll provider that helps thousands of parents automate their nanny payroll,
SurePayroll has some tips for parents on how to conduct a successful search for a summer nanny.
Tip #1: Word of mouth
Parents should not forget the power of good old-fashioned
word-of-mouth when it comes to looking for a nanny, both the new and the
old-school way. They can spread the word at cocktail parties, at PTA
meetings, local school events and even walking their dog.
Parents also can call, text and email their friends, family and
neighbors asking for recommendations, and requesting that they share
their need with any interested candidates. Good nannies tend to find
new employment through their current employers, so make sure to ask
other working mothers with nannies, since they are usually eager to help
their trusted nannies find work when they are no longer needed.
Tip #2: Social Media – Your Community in the Cloud
If a mom or dad belongs to a parents’ listserv or a social community
network such as Facebook, now is the time to harness the power of social
media. Parents should write a detailed and thoughtful job description
and post away! They will want to make sure to turn on their privacy
settings so that only their friends and family can view their request
and information. Parents should not be afraid to send the request out
several times over the course of a few weeks, in case people don’t
always check their timelines.
Tip #3: Grass Roots Job Postings
Parents should get moving and hit the pavement! They can post their
job description on local church bulletin boards and ladies locker rooms
at local gyms and country clubs. The teacher’s lounges at the local
schools and park districts also have places to post requests. And don’t
forget the jobs boards at local community colleges and even some high
schools. Be sure not to post too much personal detail and only use
generalities about where you live.
Tip #4: The Nanny Network
Nannies know and socialize with other like-minded nannies. Parents
should ask their friend’s nannies for recommendations that they can
contact. There also are social networks for nannies, and parents can
visit these sites and post their request there as well.
Tip #5: Nanny Agencies
For a fee, nanny agencies can connect parents with qualified summer
nanny candidates. The agencies can be a little more expensive, but the
nannies are pre-screened, and the service usually includes a background
check. In addition, family satisfaction with the nanny may be
guaranteed for a specific period of time.
Tip #6: Online Nanny Websites
Online nanny websites are tremendously popular, of little cost to the
parent, and are usually free for the nanny candidate. Parents can post
detailed information on what kind of seasonal nanny they are seeking,
along with any photos they wish to share. A background check can be
included as well. Sites like
SitterCity.com have found thousands of
qualified nannies for parents across the country.
Finding a summer nanny can be fairly quick and easy if parents follow
these suggestions. Families should always be sure to carefully vet
their seasonal help with a background and reference check.
About SurePayroll
SurePayroll is the trusted
provider of easy online payroll services to small businesses nationwide.
Whether a business has 1, 10, or 100 employees, SurePayroll delivers
peace of mind by combining innovative, industry-leading technology and
personalized support from an award-winning, U.S.-based customer care
team. SurePayroll also provides private-label and co-branded services
for accountants and banking partners as well as offering efficient
online solutions for managing 401(k) plans, health insurance, workers'
compensation, employee screening and more. SurePayroll is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Paychex. For more information, please visit www.SurePayroll.com. Follow us on Twitter — Circle us on Google+ — Connect with us on LinkedIn — Like us on Facebook.
Will you be using a Summer Nanny for your child(ren)?
Great resources. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Annette!
DeleteGreat post and fabulous tips.
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas and tips for those needing a nanny....
ReplyDeleteThank you Cathy!
DeleteGreat tips! I'm seriously thinking about hiring someone for a few hours a week. I'll be home, but I need alone time to work.
ReplyDeleteYes you should Cari. My daughters goes to daycare during the day but I work full time outside my home. When I need some time to work from home I call my girls grandmother but if I didn't have her I would get a nanny.
DeleteWhat helpful tips! I wouldn't know where to begin for something like that.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had enjoyed the tips!
DeleteGreat tips. Definitely need to jump through as many hoops as you can when searching for a nanny. It's extremely important.
ReplyDeleteYes you do to make sure she is well qualified for the job.
DeleteThose are good tips.. i would most likely use word of mouth or a nanny agency..
ReplyDeleteThose are two great choices.
DeleteGreat tips. If I ever need to find a nanny, I'll keep these in mind. Right now, I am lucky enough to get to stay at home with my kids!
ReplyDeleteRisa you're very fortunate to be able to stay home with your kids. I wish I was able to!
DeleteGreat tips. I wonder if I could get a nanny for my husband when he's home. He needs someone to cook for him 3 meals a day and pick up after him. ;)
ReplyDeleteHilarious Sarah!!!!!!!
DeleteGreat tips. A couple years we've really been stuck as to what to do with my now 9 year old. Fortunately this summer my neighbor his going to keep him when he's not at camp or doing community service by helping at the preschool camp where I work. :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's a great option to have a neighbor you trust to watch your son.
DeleteGreat share, Louida! I'm passing this on to my BFF in Chicago who employs nannies for her children...
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Courtney!
DeleteI luckily work from home, so we don't need a nanny. I have seen friends post on Facebook for Nanny's though.
ReplyDeletePlease share them these tips Emily! Thanks!
DeleteI've hired our son's preschool teacher for nanny duties and found a great sitter online. Best advice, like you said, is to start EARLY!
ReplyDeleteMy daughters will stay at the daycare they went to during the school year.
Delete