Author Archive

All families employing, or considering employing, a nanny should be aware that the new Domestic Worker’s Bill of Rights was signed into law today in NY State.  It contains provisions on overtime pay, days off, and prevention of harassment.

Some important highlights include:

• Nannies are required to be paid overtime (1.5) for hours over 40 each week (44 for live-in nannies);

• one day of rest in each calendar week (should try to coincide with a worker’s day of worship);
• overtime pay if a worker agrees to work on her day of rest;
• After one year of employment, entitled to 3 paid days off;
• Protection against harassment based on gender, race, national origin, and religion;
• Covers full-time and part-time domestic workers for temporary disability benefits.

It goes into effect in 90 days.

Here is a link to a summary.

I thought this recent article about the would be of interest to many clients of mine who are going through the transition of returning to work.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/04/business/economy/04leonhardt.html

While in New Hampshire over 4th of July, I visited a wonderful shop in Bethlehem, NH that sells all environmentally-friendly building supplies, organic mattresses, and baby gear.  (Happens to be owned by my 3rd-cousin, once-removed – in-law.)  I learned all about the history of Milk Paint.  Fascinating for me, as I’ve been making low- and no-VOC paint choices for my recent home renovation.

I know many other parents are investigating these options when building out space for little ones, so I thought I would share!

http://interiorsgreen.com/

I’ve been receiving so many calls from fathers these days, and I wanted to share a new resource with them.

A former colleague of mine, Christian Benedetto, started Daddy Outpost as a way to share his experience becoming a father, and to provide a forum for others dads to share their experiences and connect with each other. There’s a lot here about parenting, relationships, and hobbies to take in.

This has not much to do with finding a wonderful nanny…just a proud mom showing her cute kid off.   Enjoy Jack the reporter!

Hello everyone. I’m home with a sick kid today, so, apologies in advance for any delays in returning calls!

Thank you for your understanding.

Sharon

Lisa Belkin’s “Motherlode” blog, and most-interestingly the comments following, on the recently-release Park Slope Parents’ “Nanny Survey”.  I found the diversity of opinions to be of interest, and appreciate the insights and recommendations many parents provided.

http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/10/paying-nanny-taxes-or-not/

Welcome to our newly re-launched website! This page will allow me to send the latest updates on nanny recruitment and news that families may find of interest. (special appreciation to Julie Goodman, multi-talented web and landscape architect!).

This week, I will be meeting multi-lingual nannies, particularly candidates who speak both Spanish and Portuguese. Obrigado!

In other news, Park Slope Parents has posted their 2010 Nanny Survey, which contains relevant data on nanny compensation, as well as employment policies.

Wishing everyone a full-night’s sleep!

Sharon