Probably Silly Question, but - Do You Feed Nannies Lunch?

Updated on July 20, 2014
C.K. asks from Chicago, IL
9 answers

Hi moms! My husband and I are hiring our first nanny, a college student who will watch our son this summer. This might be kind of a stupid question, but I was thinking about how the day would go and wondered what the nanny would do for lunch. Do nannies normally expect that the employer provides lunch? Or do they bring their own? If I provide it (which I am very happy to do!), do I ask her what she wants from the store? Are breads and sandwich things ok? Thanks for any info/advice!

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So What Happened?

Thanks for the advice! I hope my posting didn't make it sound like I didn't want to provide lunch - I'm happy to do it for her. I just didn't know what the protocol was. I will ask her what she would like - I want her to be happy with us and feel at home!

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P.W.

answers from Chicago on

When I was a nanny for several families over the years, they always provided lunch. On occasion, I would bring things for lunch for everyone, make a playdate with another nanny and their children and pack a lunch from home for all or buy lunch for the girls and I while we were out running errands or driving from place to place. This was my way of reciprocating too and showing my appreciation for my employers.

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M.L.

answers from Rockford on

No question is a silly one. I always just ate what the kids ate(except baby food). Maybe some lunch meat,cheese, frozen hot pockets or let her know if there are leftovers that you don't mind her eating. If the nanny is on a special diet I would think she needs to bring her own food. It would be nice to always make sure there is food to eat but not over and above what you would normally have. When the kids were older every now and then The people I sat for would provide money to take the kids out to lunch or have a pizza delivered at lunch That was always fun it kind of broke up the normal day.

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A.M.

answers from Chicago on

I always told our "nanny" to help herself to anything in the house, food-wise. My first shopping trip after she was hired, I asked her if there were any items in particular she wanted - and she gave me a very short list which was very do-able! If they are really picky, I'm sure they'd bring their own.

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D.G.

answers from Chicago on

Hi C.-

I've was a nanny many years ago (for 2 different families) and then after my daughter was born last year (I brought her with me to care for their son). In all my past experiences, I was always provided food. Each family has always asked what I liked as well. A lot of times, I brought my own lunch but would occasionally eat something they had. The last job always had my favorite soda in the fridge for me as well or would pick-up sweets they knew I liked. I really appreciated the effort and was thankful that if I forgot my own lunch, I knew I was welcome to something they had. If I had a nanny/babysitter myself, I would do the same for them. It's a nice little perk and is usually very appreciated.

Best of luck with new nanny!
D.

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A.K.

answers from Chicago on

I think you should provide. We had a sitter last summer and I asked her things that she liked, such as to drink and to snack on. She said that it didn't matter but did give me a short list. My son wasn't eating solid foods yet, so I wanted to make sure she had things that she liked and I also told her she could bring things and leave them at our house, so she had a place to put her things as well.

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P.P.

answers from Chicago on

I worked as a nanny last summer and I really appreciated the family allowing me to make a sandwich for myself while I was making lunch for the kids. She always told me that I was free to have lunch there.. have something to drink.. snacks whatever.. it really made me feel at home.
I was not asked what my personal food preferences were.. I just ate whatever the kids were having. I agree with the other gal, if she has special dietary needs, she could just bring her own lunch. I don't think it is necessary for you to make special purchases at the store for her but if you want to do that, that is very kind of you!

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S.B.

answers from Chicago on

I use to be a nanny, and I would bring my own pop sometimes because they did not drink diet, but I ate with the baby I watched. I just ate what there was there. That is what I would do. I owuld just get some things that are easy to make, and if she wants that,s he can have it.

S. Bailey CLD
aurora
www.tendermomentsdoula.com

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K.M.

answers from Dallas on

No tell them to bring their own lunch...I bring my own juice ...lunch and snacks. They are paying you for care not to EAT!!

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N.D.

answers from Chicago on

My babysitter comes to our home in the morning and leaves in the evening. I tell her to help herself to anything. Before i leave in the morning, I point out what leftovers we have that she can eat, etc. I don't buy anything special for her. She often makes dinner for us so she eats from that as well.

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