Quote Originally Posted by sandylynn View Post
What is the biggest benefit in everyone's opinion....of having a contract .....
I think having a contract lends itself more if you are trying to work at this as a professional, as a business owner. I don't know if you look at yourself like that or not. If you choose to look after kids for fun and some extra cash, you may not want to impose a bunch of your 'rules' on those parents. If you are trying to stay casual, maybe you'll never want one.

But I completely agree with everyone else, though. I was one who gasped. A contract can only protect you as far as what's in it, but at least you have that. It outlines everone's responsibilities. What is expected of both parties and what is the consequence if those conditions are not met. When I worked as a nanny I never had a contract, never thought about it. But when I started my business, I made a contract.

And on a side note, as far as having an end date for the contract, IMO it helps when you have a family you don't want to keep anymore but that you can't terminate because they haven't done anything wrong. All you do is not renew. The contract is done and you move on.