The Official Blog of Morningside Nannies
Doing the right thing when no one is watching.
For parents seeking a nanny, this importance of character trait can’t be overstated. Integrity encompasses honesty, reliability, and moral uprightness – and a commitment to them that one refuses
to budge on or change.
When it comes to entrusting a caregiver with the well-being of our children in an unsupervised setting, these traits are non-negotiable. Here’s why integrity should be at the forefront of every parent’s mind when hiring a nanny:
Trustworthiness: Parents rely on nannies not only to meet their children’s physical needs, but also to nurture their emotional and psychological well-being and development. A nanny with integrity can be always trusted to act in the best interests of the child, ensuring their safety and security.
Reliability: Consistency and dependability are essential for maintaining stability in a child’s life. A nanny who lacks integrity may be prone to unpredictable behavior, last-minute cancellations, or neglecting their duties. Conversely, a nanny with a strong sense of integrity will demonstrate reliability, showing up on time and fulfilling their responsibilities with diligence – even when parents are not in the home watching.
Role Modeling: Children are incredibly perceptive and absorb the behaviors and values of those around them. A nanny with integrity serves as a positive role model, exemplifying honesty, respect, and responsibility. Through their actions and interactions, they instill valuable life lessons that contribute to a child’s moral development.
Confidentiality: Parents entrust nannies with intimate details about their family life, from medical concerns to personal schedules. Integrity ensures that sensitive information remains confidential and is not shared without permission. This trust forms the foundation of a strong nanny-parent relationship.
Conflict Resolution: Disagreements or misunderstandings will arise between parents and nannies or among family members in the home. Integrity guides nannies to approach such situations with honesty, open communication, and a commitment to finding mutually beneficial solutions. This fosters a harmonious environment where conflicts are resolved respectfully and constructively.
Emotional Support: Nannies play a significant role in fostering the emotional development of the children in their care. Integrity enables them to offer genuine empathy, understanding, and encouragement, creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Professionalism: Integrity is a cornerstone of professionalism. Nannies who prioritize integrity demonstrate respect for their employers, colleagues, and the nanny profession as a whole. They insist on legal pay, uphold ethical standards, maintain boundaries, and conduct themselves with integrity in all aspects of their work.
Integrity is not just a desirable trait; it is essential when hiring a nanny and inviting them into your home. Parents should prioritize candidates who demonstrate honesty, reliability, and moral uprightness, as these qualities form the bedrock of a trusting and mutually respectful caregiver-parent relationship. By choosing a nanny with integrity, parents can increase the likelihood that nannies meet their expectations when they’re home – and when they are not.
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This Spring, several trends continue to emerge in the nanny industry. While wage trends and industry standards can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, qualifications, and the specific needs of the family, there are some general insights into what trends we continue to see in the Houston nanny market.
Wage Stabilization. We continue to see nanny jobs placing between $22-28 gross per hour, with most falling between $24-26. The fewer the hours, the higher the hourly rate and the more experience and qualifications a nanny has, the higher her wage expectation may be.
Non-Traditional Schedules. Families continue to be comfortable with having less care than in years past, most likely because they continue to work from home at least some of the time. Jobs that run 830a-530p seem less common than in seasons prior and families seem more eager to tweak their schedules to avoid going over 40 hours.
Required Benefits. While benefits aren’t required to be offered, to attract and retain a quality nanny you’ll need to offer paid vacation, paid holidays, mileage reimbursement for on the job driving, guaranteed hours, and sick time.
Wage Compliance. Families seem less inclined to pay off the books, perhaps due to nannies reporting non-compliant families as their employer when laid off due to COVID. We are now seeing families eager to be compliant in offering overtime and withholding and paying nanny taxes.
DIY Scams. More nannies and families than ever are being scammed when searching independently through websites and social media for their match. Jobs and nannies that seem too good to be true usually are, and this premise can be guaranteed regardless of the season.
Finding the right match takes more than luck. If you need help, we’re here.
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Interviewing for your perfect nanny job can be an exciting opportunity to showcase your skills and make a positive first impression. Unfortunately, many nannies unknowingly sabotage their
chances of securing the position by making critical errors during the interview process. Whether it’s exaggerating their experience or appearing completely inflexible, there are several pitfalls that can quickly lead to losing a nanny job before it even begins.
1. Mistake Your Position. In the nanny and family relationship, the parents are the employers, and the nanny is the employee, yet nannies can often be found to position themselves like independent contractors or business owners by stating what they will and won’t do and by presenting their set hourly rate of pay as a requirement to the family. While of course nannies are welcome to accept or reject any job offers – and even counteroffer any they wish to pursue- it’s the parents – the employers – who establish the job duties and the rate of pay they are offering and the nanny who decides how they will respond to what is offered.
2. Draw a Line in the Sand. Parents are seeking someone to bring into their home and join them in caring for their children. More often than not, childrearing becomes a team effort. While nannies certainly have a role, duties, and responsibilities in every job and taking steps to avoid job creep is wise, heading out of the gate with a list of things you will and won’t do because they aren’t your job can send the message you have no flexibility and aren’t a team player.
3. Bait and Switch. It’s not uncommon for a nanny to see a job and apply, hoping that once the family meets her, they’ll increase their budget, meet her demands, or change something else about the position they are hiring for. Doing so leaves a bad taste in a family’s mouth because it sends the message that the nanny may not be forthcoming or keep her word when it really counts.
4. Overshare. No parent wants to leave an interview wondering what the nanny will say about them after hearing negative talk about past employers. And when a parent asks how a nanny spends her free time, she really doesn’t want to know every detail. Sharing strong opinions about politics or religion during an interview can also be a turn off and unintended offensive comments can be hard to come back from.
5. Misrepresent Yourself. Chances are before scheduling an interview the family has done an Internet search on you. They’ve likely seen your photos, viewed your comments, and read every news article you’ve ever been mentioned in. They’ve also reviewed all the information you’ve provided and maybe even called a reference or two. You can expect that during the interview they’ll compare what they have learned about you to how you present yourself. If these things don’t match up, it may be a red flag.
Interviews are make-or-break moments where first impressions truly count. Avoid sabotaging your chances of landing your perfect job by avoiding these common errors.
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We’ve all seen the horror stories on the news that depict when nanny care has gone wrong.
The nanny who would not leave her employer’s home.
The nanny who wasn’t who she said she was.
And the nanny who had a criminal record, that an online website didn’t find.
The list goes on.
While choosing a nanny to provide care in your home doesn’t come without risk, there are certainly ways to significantly reduce them.
This starts with avoiding shortcuts during the nanny hiring process to ensure the safety and well-being of your children, as well as the reliability and suitability of the caregiver.
Here are some shortcuts to avoid:
- Skipping Background Checks:Conducting thorough background checks is crucial to verify the nanny’s criminal history, driving record, and any past incidents that may affect their suitability for the role. Skipping this step can put your children at risk. And remember all background checks are not created equally. Knowing what reports you are purchasing, what their limitations are, and how to properly interpret the results are essential.
- Neglecting Reference Checks:Contacting previous employers who can vouch for the nanny’s character and caregiving abilities is essential. Neglecting reference checks can prevent you from obtaining valuable insights into the nanny’s past performance and reliability. While outsourcing reference checks or accepting written letters of recommendation can be tempting, don’t. The tone a reference uses and what a prior employer says, as well as what they don’t, is important.
- Rushing the Interview Process:Taking the time to conduct comprehensive interviews allows you to assess the nanny’s qualifications, experience, and compatibility with your family’s needs. Rushing through the interview process may result in overlooking important red flags or missing out on crucial information. Consider doing a phone interview, in person interview and longer in person interview before making a hiring decision.
- Failing to Verify Information:Ensure that the nanny possesses the necessary qualifications, such as CPR and first aid certification, as well as relevant childcare training and experience. Failing to verify qualifications can compromise the quality of care your children receive. You’ll also want to be sure that the nanny’s application or resume and what her past employers say match up before accepting the information as accurate.
- Not Assessing Compatibility:It’s essential to evaluate how well the nanny fits with your family’s values, routines, and parenting style. Skipping this assessment can lead to conflicts or misunderstandings down the line, impacting the quality of care and overall family dynamics. While many things can be trained on with a new hire, you are either a good fit or you are not.
In addition to avoiding what you should not do, there are some things you want to be sure to do, too. These include familiarizing yourself with any legal requirements and regulations regarding hiring a nanny in your area, having a written work agreement, and making sure all the pieces of information you gather align so that you can make an educated and informed hiring decision.
By avoiding these shortcuts and investing time and effort into a thorough hiring process, you will likely find a trustworthy and reliable nanny who provides the best possible care for your children.
Morningside Nannies accepts 2-3% of applicants and each applicant represented by our agency must:
- Have verifiable, professional childcare references.
- Be able to legally accept employment in the United States.
- Be able to read, write and speak English fluently.
- Have a valid U.S. driver’s license with a good driving record and current auto insurance.
- Have access to a vehicle to be used for the transportation of children.
- Submit to a background check.
- Be a non-smoker.
- Be at least 19 years old.
- Have a high school diploma, GED or formal education in child related studies.
- Have current CPR/First Aid certification or be willing to obtain it prior to starting a position (offered to qualified applicants at no cost).
- Submit to a personality assessment and child development and safety assessment.
Call our team today to learn more about our nanny screening process and how we can help you find the right nanny for your family.
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The IRS has announced the standard mileage rate for 2024: 67 cents per mile, up 1.5 cents from 65.5 cents in 2023.
The Social Security Administration recently released next year’s Employment Coverage Threshold for household employees. The 2024 nanny tax threshold increases by $100 to $2,700.
Tax Responsibilities for Texas Household Employers
Taxes required to withhold, file, and pay:
• Social Security
• Medicare
Other taxes GTM Payroll Services strongly recommends withholding (but are not
required):
• Federal Income Tax
• State Income Tax
• Local Taxes, if applicable
In Texas, household employers are responsible for the following four taxes, to be
added on top of the employee’s gross wage:
• Social Security Tax Rate of 6.2%
• Medicare Tax Rate of 1.45%
• Federal Unemployment Tax Rate of 0.6%
• State Unemployment Tax Rate of 2.7%
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Providing a holiday gift and/or holiday bonus for your nanny is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for her hard work and dedication to your family.
While parents are under no obligation to provide a gift or bonus to their nanny, doing so has become industry standard.
In fact, many nanny employers factor providing a year-end bonus or holiday gift into their childcare budget and even include reference to an annual bonus in their written work agreement with their nanny as a performance incentive.
How Much to Give?
Typically speaking, nannies receive a holiday bonus equivalent to one to two week’s wages.
Things like experience, how long a nanny has been with the family, geographical location, and what a family can truly afford may influence how much a bonus is.
This amount typically increases the longer a nanny has been with a family, with long-term nannies receiving as much as what is equivalent to one month’s of wages.
For nannies who are new to a family, calculating one day’s pay for each month of employment is a standard approach to determining how much to give.
Tax Implications
While parents and nannies may be familiar with the idea of year end bonuses, many are not aware that the annual bonus counts as taxable income, so be sure to consider your tax and payroll responsibilities when providing a bonus.
Alternative Ways to Show Appreciation
For families who are seeking a non-cash way to show appreciation to their nannies or wish to provide a gift in addition to a bonus, here are some nanny centric ideas:
- Something handmade by the children. A photo frame with a photo of the nanny and children included.
- A subscription to Nanny Magazine at NannyMag.com.
- Membership in the International Nanny Association at Nanny.org.
- Nanny Training at NannyTraining.com.
- Nanny merch from NannyTees.com.
- A day at a local spa for self care with a paid day off.
- A monthly subscription box that suits her interests or a monthly floral delivery.
Looking to start a nanny search for the New Year? Call (713) 526-3989 or email info@MorningsideNannies.com.
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There are many ways to find a nanny.
Regardless of how you find applicants, it is essential that you hire SMART. 
Hire SMART!
- Screen Candidates
- Meet in Person
- Assess Qualifications
- Reference and Background Check
- Trust your gut
You must know who you are hiring and making an informed and educated hiring decision is the first step in doing so.
Screening candidates, conducting in-person interviews, accessing qualifications and the appropriate supporting documentation, conducting reference and background checks, and trusting your gut are some of the best steps you can take to gather the information needed to make an informed and educated hiring decision.
Morningside Nannies only accepts 2-3% of applicants and only presents vetted and screened candidates to parents who are seeking a qualified and experienced nanny, allowing parents to focus on fit.
If you are seeking a Houston-based qualified nanny for your family, call Morningside Nannies for a complimentary consultation at (713) 526-3989.
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For many parents, finding the best nanny is a crucial decision in ensuring the well-being and happiness of their children. 
Before you start your search, it’s essential to clearly define your childcare needs and expectations.
Consider factors such as:
Hours and schedule: Will you need a full-time, part-time, or occasional nanny? Consider your typical schedule and be sure to factor in buffer time for work emergencies and commutes.
Specific skills or qualifications: Are there any specific skills, qualifications, or certifications you require from a nanny, such as a background in early childhood education or experience with special needs children?
Household duties: Do you expect your nanny to perform additional household tasks or to have any non-childcare responsibilities, such as family meal preparation or running errands?
Childcare philosophy: Are there specific parenting styles or philosophies you’d like your nanny to align with?
Role in family: Are you seeking to have a formal relationship with your nanny or are you expecting her to become an extended member of your family?
Having a clear understanding of your requirements will help you draft an accurate job description that will focus your search on nannies who truly meet your hiring criteria.
When choosing a nanny, finding someone you trust and feel comfortable with is key. Trust your instincts and consider how well the candidate fits into your family dynamics. Remember that a strong personal connection and a shared childcare philosophy can be just as important as qualifications and experience.
At Morningside Nannies we conduct objective screening for our families, ensuring that parents are only interviewing candidates who meet their hiring criteria, allowing them to focus on family fit and connection.
To learn more about our candidate screening and family matching process, call us today for a complimentary consultation at (713) 526-3989.
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Since 1998, National Nanny Recognition Week has been observed the last week of September to recognize and celebrate nannies across the United States. National Nanny Recognition Week was started by individuals within the in-home childcare industry to recognize the valuable role nannies play in the lives of families.
National Nanny Recognition Week is a time to celebrate the wonderful work nannies do and the difference they make in the lives of the children in their care and the families whom they serve.
If you employ nanny, consider recognizing her during National Nanny Recognition Week this year.
Here are 10 ways that you can show your nanny that you appreciate the valuable care she provides your children and the work she does for your family.
1. Gift your nanny a Caregiver membership to the International Nanny Association
For $55 a year, your nanny will have the resources and support of a professional organization. The International Nanny Association (www.nanny.org) is a non-profit educational association that serves as the umbrella association for the in-home child care industry.
2. Send her to the spa
Your nanny spends so much time taking care of others she could use a little time to take care of herself. A day of beauty can provide the pampering she needs to be rejuvenated and reenergized!
3. Have the children make her a special gift
A mug with their handprints that says “World’s Best Nanny” or a framed drawing your child made or photo of them all together will touch your nanny’s heart and provide a gift she’ll treasure forever.
4. Share a meal
Consider taking your nanny out to dinner to celebrate National Nanny Recognition Week. If you prefer to stay home, prepare the nanny a homemade meal or order take-out from her favorite place.
5. Meet a need
Has your nanny expressed interest in going to the gym or attending a nanny event like Nannypalooza? Consider giving her some money to put towards something she’s wanted to do but perhaps isn’t in her current budget.
6. Give a gift card
A gift certificate to your nanny’s favorite store, restaurant, or even a prepaid gift card is the perfect gift to give when you’re not sure what to get.
7. Pay for professional development
Enroll your nanny in training that will benefit her and your family. GlobalNannyTraining.com offers CACHE | NCFE accredited training especially for nannies. The course was developed by Morningside Nannies own Michelle LaRowe who has educated nannies in over 30 countries.
8. A surprise paid day off
Let your nanny know you appreciate her by giving her a surprise paid day off. Many nannies work long hours and often don’t get off work until the bank, the doctor’s office and other important venues until after closing. Consider giving your nanny the day to celebrate and to take care of herself and her personal business, on you!
9. Give her a gift subscription to Nanny Magazine
At NannyMag.com, you can purchase a gift subscription for $21 a year. This gets your nanny access to tips, articles and advice to help her be the best nanny she can be in four digital issues a year.
10. Nanny Swag
Industry insiders have created tons of swag designed especially for nannies. NannyTees.com and TheNannyCards.com are just two websites that offer nanny specific merch.
As any parent who has one knows, having a great nanny makes life easier. If you are fortunate enough to have a quality nanny, be sure to recognize her during National Nanny Recognition Week. In the business of life, you may only see each other in passing, which can make it easy to forget to say thanks. During National Nanny Recognition Week take a time-out to say thanks. You’ll be glad you did – and your nanny will be too!
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Personalized and Trusted Care: Morningside Nannies prides itself on matching families with experienced, compassionate, and background-checked caregivers who provide personalized care tailored to each child’s unique needs. With a rigorous screening process and a commitment to excellence, parents can trust that their little ones are in experienced hands.
Peace of Mind and Flexibility: As a parent, peace of mind is invaluable. Morningside Nannies offers the flexibility of customizable childcare solutions, whether it’s full-time, or part-time, live-in or live-out. Parents can focus on their work or personal commitments with confidence, knowing their children are well taken care of in a nurturing environment.
Unparalleled Support and Expertise: Morningside Nannies goes beyond just matching caregivers with families. We provide ongoing support, resources, and access to industry experts. From paying your nanny legally to establishing a written work agreement, our team is dedicated to helping parents navigate household employment with ease and ensure their children receive the best care possible.
Start Your Nanny Search Now: MorningsideNannies.com
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