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Original poster

nannies please tell me your christmas expectations during a credit crunch....

30 replies

woodstock3 · 06/12/2008 20:29

i've read on here that a week's bonus seems to be standard christmas present. we love our fantastic nanny and want to show her we appreciate her but this christmas we are frankly skint - dh's job is extremely rocky and am having to cut back hard everywhere just in case. i just can't afford an extra week's pay.
i have not told her that times are tight because i dont want her to worry that her job might not be secure if dh's isnt (tho she is not stupid and has no doubt noticed me manically turning down the heating....).
so nannies, would you be offended/miffed/wonder if you'd done something wrong if you didnt get a bonus? she will get a present and she'll get more spent on her than anyone else in the family - we will probably do spa vouchers or similar. is it better to explain that we'd like to give her more but can't right now, or just to keep quiet?

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shouldbeironing · 06/12/2008 22:37

Depending on her financial circs, she might rather have some money or "spendable" M&S type vouchers than spa vouchers - even if you cant give a full week's bonus. eg a £50 bonus/voucher and nice box of chocs or wine and hand-made card etc. But then its horses for courses - just that an ex-nanny I know said she always wished that she had been given the cash rather than some fancy gifts. Just a thought.

nannynick · 06/12/2008 22:18

Ive not had money bonus at xmas from a nanny job either. Have been given a tip when babysitting. So I don't think a weeks bonus pay is typical.
I'm probably had to buy for, tend to get wine and chocolates.

nbee84 · 06/12/2008 21:37

Oh - and I'd be mortified if my bosses spent more on me than on anyone in their family. There are plenty of ways of appreciating your nanny without being extravegant moneywise.

nbee84 · 06/12/2008 21:35

If you've given a bonus before then maybe a little word would be good.

If not give her a gift and tell her she's worth so much more than any gift can express. Would make my Christmas to hear that

As for the week's bonus being standard - maybe in London or high earning families. I've had smellies, chocs & booze(!hic!) and best of all has been a beautiful collage of photos and pictures done by the children I looked after, I've never had a monetary bonus at Christmas but have always been delighted with what I have received. I've worked for families that aren't much better off than my household, they have just decided that a nanny is the best childcare arrangements to suit their family.

SimpleAsABC · 06/12/2008 20:48

Personally i'd explain.. especially if shes been given it before.

I'm sure she'll have the good manners to understand and at least she'll be sure that its the only reason she's getting less than usual... hope you see what i mean.

ABC

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