Do you desire to make a difference in a child’s life? To partner with someone in providing basic needs, discipline, nurturing and structure in their daily life? And to get paid to do just that? Then consider becoming a nanny.

Becoming a nanny is to forever change your life. You partner with a family, to help raise their child. And you do so in the closeness and familiarity of home, to provide comfort and love to the child.

So, what are some of the benefits of becoming a nanny?

-It’s FUN! – Being a nanny can be just plain fun. Part of what you are getting paid to do is play. Whether you are running with the child outdoors, or building block towers, it can be great fun to join in on the active imagination’s children have.

-Getting to help a tiny human grow- In partnering with parents, you not only provide for the child’s basic day to day physical needs, you have the opportunity to teach them. Whether that is social skills, or their ABC’s. You get the opportunity to set the stage for their future life. 

-You are able to see your work in action- As a nanny, you have the opportunity to witness the fruit of your labor in the most unexpected moments. Like when they share a toy, or a piece of food with peers. You are keenly aware of the impact you have on their life.

-You grow with them- Being a nanny is not only about teaching the child and watching them grow. It’s about growing yourself. You learn how to communicate on all levels. With parents as your boss/employee relationship. And in verbal and non-verbal methods in day to day interactions with the child. And you learn patience, just through the nature of repetitively having to teach a child. 

– You become part of a family- And what a beautiful feeling that is. You become an integral part of that family’s life. And even after the children grow, and need you less and less, you are remembered as vital part in that chapter of their life.

Being a nanny is a great work with lots of amazing rewards. And a job that you can look forward to going to every day. And who doesn’t want that?

If you are wanting to find out more, click here to go to our Nanny Section of our site. You can view the current openings for nannies, the steps of becoming a nanny with �����鶹, and what other nannies say about the agency.

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Nanny Appreciation Week also known as National Nanny Recognition Week has been observed since 1998 in the last week of September to recognize and celebrate nannies. As we celebrate and recognize all the important nannies this week for nanny appreciation week, I want to provide some great ways to show your nanny you appreciate them by giving you five diffrent ideas that will surely help you figure out what to get that special nanny!

5 Gifts That Any Nanny Would Love:

• Gift Certificate for a Massage

What better way for them to relax than with a massage? Look up your local spas and get your nanny a gift certificate so she can go and enjoy some relaxation and feel rejuvenated afterward!

If you want to do something extra special, add in a manicure and pedicure and boy your nanny will feel extra spoiled!

• Weeklong of Fun and Surprising Gifts 

Credits go to for this amazing idea!!

You can do a treasure hunt for your nanny. Here are the days of the week and what you can do:

Day one: Starbucks gift card tucked away in the diaper changing station in the diapers. See all the details by clicking .

Day two: Grocery gift card hidden in the refrigerator! The note can read “Thanks for keeping us well fed. Here are some groceries for you too!”

Day three: Dunkin’ Donuts gift card hidden in the tub! Since the Nanny helps with the baby’s bath or bathing the kids, we decided to give her a dunkin gift card. 

The note can read, “We knew we would find you here. Thanks for keeping us clean. Donut you know we would stink without you. (Also consider, donut know what we would do without you!)”

Day four: Shell Gas gift card. If the nanny drives the kids around, then surprise her with a tank of gas! More details by clicking .

Day five: Amazon gift card. Since your nanny could be exhausted with keeping up with all the kids and all for the week, get her an Amazon gift card where she can shop online and relax while at home! More details by clicking .

• Nanny Themed Jewelry

I think this is a beautiful piece of jewelry that shows they are appreciated and loved. It would make a great gift for nanny recognition week or anytime of the year really! Take a look .

• �����鶹made Gift from the Kids

What better way to show your nanny how much the kids love them by the kids being involved in making a gift? There are so many wonderful ideas for the kids to make their nanny something that she can cherish forever or you an purchase something personalized with special photos too! Here are a few ideas: 

*Handprint framed art from kid(s)

Have the kid(s) paint a handprint on a sheet of paper with a creative design (like the heart pictured) or something else and then write on the paper a sweet poem to your nanny or you can do it with vinyl on the glass of the frame. 

*Picture collage of the children

You can check out Shutterfly to come up with a few gift ideas with the pictures you have of the children and nanny and create a wonderful and memorable gift that way. Here are some of my favorites:

*Cotton tote bag with picture found .

*Monogram Stainless Steel Water Bottle found .

*Photo Gallery Candle found .

• Nanny Favorites Gift Basket

Do you know what your Nanny loves? If so, purchase all their favorites and put it in a gift basket and this is a very sweet and thoughtful gift. 

If you do not know what all your Nanny’s favorites are then try using a form like this and find out:

If you are interested in the actual pdf of this you can check it out here at .

Or you can create your own with some questions and have your Nanny fill it out.

We hope you enjoy these gift ideas and that you will take the time to show your nanny how much you appreciate them. After all, they do become a part of the family. 

Also, if you are in need of a nanny for your family or you are a nanny interested in a nanny position, please check out our family section and our nanny section. We’d love to help you find the perfect match!

What are some gifts you like to give to your nanny?

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Although many household workers prefer cash, you may still be responsible for the nanny tax.  Unfortunately, the IRS can find out if you don’t pay taxes on household employees.

Example:  your nanny gets hurt on the job and files for worker’s comp coverage or unemployment benefits.  Now it becomes obvious that they aren’t covered and you, as the employer and homeowner are on the hook. 

In the event of an audit, the IRS will likely ask about regular payments (even in cash) being made to a single person.  In the end it is easier and less risky to pay your nanny legally. 

How do I know if I have a household employee?

If you pay your nanny or caregiver more than $2,100 in 2019 you must pay a nanny tax.  A nanny is a “household employee” because you control the work, hours and requirements while they are in your home.  For each household employee paid more than $2,100 in a year you are responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare and the Federal Unemployment Tax.

Taxes are often confusing.  Many families think it is easier to skip the taxes and just pay the nanny “under the table.”  This is tempting, but it is illegal and easier to get caught than you might think.  Failing to pay the nanny taxes can be incredibly costly to you in the end with up to $25,000 in penalties.  You are the employer, you are responsible. 

Most families can save thousands per year by paying the nanny tax! Here’s how:

Pre-tax FSA (flexible spending accounts) are available through many employers.  This allows employees to set aside a certain amount of their pre-tax salary on payments towards qualifying costs including childcare. 

Child and Dependent Care Tax Credits:  This can return up to twenty percent of your childcare expense in the form of tax credits. 

We have partnered with to make things simple.  As experts in the field of household employees, they will help you every step of the way! They will offer all tax information you specific to Arizona. Nanny payroll, direct deposit, worker’s comp and health insurance are also available!  is an all in one provider and a valuable resource.  We are proud to recommend their services.

Did we get you wondering how much nanny taxes might cost you? (it is probably less than you think…) Check out our ! 

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When I met Cindy, what stuck out the most was the value she placed on me as an individual nanny. She took the time to get to know me, listened to my work history and exactly what I was looking for. It never felt like I was just another nanny on her list. There couldn’t be a better business, partner or group of nannies to have by my side.  I am honored that she chose me to take over this incredible company and look forward to making it as great as it can be!

We are so excited to bring a fresh look and feel to �����鶹!  When it came to the design of the new logo, we wanted something simple, local and modern.  In the coming weeks you will see a fresh logo and a completely new website. A new focus social media on our Instagram and Facebook accounts as well as Twitter.  Invitations will be sent to join our monthly newsletters for both families and nannies.  On our blog, you will find updates on agency news, tips and tricks and local events.  We are looking forward to creating a fun and engaging community for our Arizona nannies and families!

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A: I have worked with children for nearly 16 years. I’ve worked in daycare’s, after school programs, behavioral health centers, and have been a career nanny / house manager for 13 years! 

Q:  How long have you worked with �����鶹?

A:  I started working with �����鶹 3 years ago doing reference checks and screenings.  I have since stepped into the ownership position. I am thrilled to continue the incredible reputation Cindy Littwin built from the ground up as the previous owner. 

Q:  Where are you from originally?

A:  The Midwest.  Born in a small town in northern Minnesota, grew up in Rockford, Illinois, and had a short stint in Middleton, Wisconsin.  Then moved to Minnesota and most of our family remains there! 

Q:  What is your favorite restaurant in the valley?

A: There are so many great options!  I love Greenhouse @ Kierland Commons, True Food Kitchen @ Scottsdale Quarter, and Sumomaya.  My husband recently introduced me to El Chorro in Paradise Valley!

Q:  What are your favorite shows? 

A:  Anything with Gordon Ramsay. I also enjoy Golden Girls, Fixer Upper, Friends, Arrested Development, and The West Wing. 

Q:  Best place you have traveled?

A:  Funny story, before we went to Hawaii I was convinced that I wouldn’t like it.  The Caribbean was my only tropical reference point and i was certain Hawaii wouldn’t be the same, I was wrong.  Hawaii is hands down my favorite place I have ever vacationed.  The natural beauty is incredible and there is a sense of calm almost everywhere you go.  It is the perfect place to recharge and remains my happy place.

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