Peter Schutz, motivational speaker and the former CEO of Porsche, famously opined “Hire character, train skill.” In the business world it is easy to understand this philosophy. Character is ingrained, you can and should train specific skills. How does the role of character translate into the nanny hire?

Your relationship with your nanny is strained and you come home on Friday and she tells you she is done. Or you open an email or text on Saturday to the news your nanny quit. Things are going well, but your nanny gives you two weeks notice that she is moving to a new job. Whether it is on good terms or bad, there are things a family MUST know and address when the nanny leaves.

Update: 2020 reimbursement maximums are $5,250 ($437.50 monthly) for an individual and $10,600 ($883.33 monthly) for a family.

Update: 2019 reimbursement maximums are $5,150 ($429.16 monthly) for an individual and $10,450 ($870.83 monthly) for a family.
Update: 2018 reimbursement maximums are $5,050 ($420.83 monthly) for an individual and $10,200 ($850 monthly) for a family.

Helping your nanny, caregiver or other household employee pay for health insurance on a tax free basis was complicated by provisions of the Affordable Care Act in 2013. In December 2016 the 21st Century Cures Act was enacted, making it much easier for household employers as well as other small employers to provide  tax free health benefits to household employees. 

Most seniors prefer to age in place, in the comfort of their own homes, instead of moving to a care facility. Follow this guide as you plan for yourself (or a loved one) to continue living at home through the golden years.

Concerns about childcare are one of the most stressful considerations for new, first time working parents. Research into childcare options begins early in pregnancy, if not before! Looking at your lifestyle and schedules through the prism of childcare options is a daunting endeavor.

Is a nanny really the best choice for your family?

Many families use the term babysitter and nanny interchangeably - they just don't see a distinction. To the professional nanny - whether she has formal training or not - it is a big deal! Why?

As a parent, keeping your children safe and happy is very important.  You also want to build a strong relationship with them and discipline them in ways that teach them respect and appreciation for others, as well as themselves. The same goes with the nanny you hire. A good nanny does more than show up on time and keep the child safe: she is united with you in your parenting and works to cultivate a strong relationship with your child.

Raising children can be difficult at times and no matter how great the relationship is that your nanny has with your kids, conflicts are bound to happen every once in a while. When they do, how do you respond? Most of the time, the factors that are most frequently at work in a conflict situation are:

Mother's Day is right around the corner, and many working mothers acknowledge that their nanny, a true helper to the whole family, plays an important balancing role for mom in her day to day life. Our Mother's Day gift is this discussion on how a mom (or dad) can have a great relationship with the family's nanny.

When you’ve found a household employee that you and your family loves and trusts, it’s a wonderful feeling. Soon, you can start relying on this person to take care of things in your absence. But, if this means that you start asking for them to work more hours during the week or on the weekends, you should know the facts about overtime versus banking hours.