Like any employee/employer relationship, when there is a mutual understanding of employment terms prior to the start of employment, the employment experience is much smoother.

Family Helpers encourages families and nannies to create an employment agreement that outlines each party's role, responsibilities and expectations prior to the Helper's start date. Doing so will help to clarify the employer- Helper relationship. The use of an automobile, telephone, internet and television should be discussed prior to employment and outlined in the employer-Helper agreement. Visitor policy should also be discussed before employment begins and should be included in the employment agreement. We also recommend that a work schedule be provided to you by your employer. It should be reviewed by you prior to the start of your employment and included in the work agreement.

For live-in Helpers, it is especially important that when you are expected to be on and off duty is outlined. Typically Helpers are given two full days off each week. Family Helpers educates families and nannies on current employment practices. Families are encouraged to provide a minimum of two weeks paid vacation, sick days, and a minimum of 6 major paid holidays off to employees working full-time. These benefits are customary within the household employment industry.

We have information available on group health insurance rates for Helpers. Health insurance is sometimes offered (in part or in full) as an employee benefit.