Childcare providers know their families depend on them to be at work and when they cannot make it due to an unexpected illness, it can cause havoc on the family finding last minute coverage. It is a hardship for everyone. How can childcare providers and families work together to make sure the nanny can take time off for illness without the emotional or financial stress? How can families get the coverage they need? There is a solution!!!

Lucky lil Darlings (LLD) offers on demand, last minute sitters for many reasons, but in particular when a family needs a sitter fast. It is easy to register and get linked with a variety of experienced vetted sitters. Every LLD sitter is hand-selected, college-educated and undergoes a rigorous interview and background check process.

I am grateful for the amazing families I have worked with over the years that understood the importance of health and overall well-being. In a standard US work week, an employee works 40 hours. A typical full-time NYC nanny works 50-60 hours a week (10-12 hour days) plus the commute home. Does your nanny’s compensation package include paid sick days, personal days, holiday’s etc. vacation? I know that not all childcare providers are afforded these benefits, but it definitely creates positive morale in the workplace/home. Have a conversation with your nanny/sitter and set up some healthy boundaries and strategies so families can have enough time to line up alternative coverage, and providers can take the time they need to rest and get better without the stress of missing work and possible financial burden it may cause. It will make a huge difference in the long run if everyone feels valued!

-Ali Sheppard is our Nanny Placement Coordinator and the author of the latest installment in our “Chronicles of Modern Mary Poppins” series. 

Welcome Ali!

Ali has worked with and assisted hundreds of families over the last 15 years in NYC, North Carolina, and all over!  She has an extensive background in Early Childhood Development, Sociology, Psychology and Contemporary Parenting. She has experience working with a variety of different family dynamics and is conscious and respectful of cultural diversity, families with special needs and families in crisis. As a placement consultant she brings insight, positive solutions and effective strategies leading to happy families and caregivers. Ali also has a wealth of professional experience in the field of childcare.

Whether you are looking for feedback on a specific problem or concern, guidance on better nanny/sitter communication, establishing an easy wake-up, after school and bedtime routine, evaluating your family’s needs or how to navigate community resources in an ever changing city, Ali has the experience, skills and determination to make the difference!

We’re so excited to have Ali join the LLD team and begin writing posts for our “the Modern Mary Poppins Chronicles” series on Nannies, Nanny Placement, and many other nanny-related topics! To inquire about our nanny placement services, please feel free to contact Ali at: ali.sheppard@luckylildarlings.com!