Hours Worked

• In the contract, provide the nanny with information about what type of hours she will work. Often, this information is omitted, and parents will demand nannies to work odd hours or extra hours; particularly if she is a live-in nanny. Be honest and realistic with your nanny when drawing up the contract. Tell the nanny the type of hours you expect her to work. Also, include any schedules for weekends and set days off.
  
  

Vacation, Sick Days and Personal Days

• Outline, in the contract, exactly how many vacation and sick days the nanny will receive. If you have any specifications on when the nanny can take vacation, make this clear in the contract. State how many personal days the nanny will receive a year for emergencies. Let the nanny know if her time off will increase the longer she is employed by you.
  
  

Housework

• If you expect the nanny to clean, as well as take care of your children, state this in the contract. Be specific when you are talking about housework. The term "light housekeeping" can be misinterpreted and cause tension if you feel that the nanny is not holding up her end of the contract.
  
  

Overnight and Family Vacations

• State how often the nanny will be needed for overnight care. Include that additional pay is included with overnight care. Family vacations must be included in the contract. Outline how many vacations your family will take throughout the year, as well as how many of these vacations will include the nanny. If the nanny is not needed on a certain vacation, state whether or not she will be paid. For vacations where the nanny is needed, state how many hours and what type of pay she can expect during the trip.
  
  

Care Expectations

• How the nanny cares for your children is up to you. If you have specific foods that your children must eat, state this in the contract. Outline the educational, as well as creative, needs of your children and how active a role you expect the nanny to play in the lives of your children.