Hiring an older nanny

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't do it. She may have to leave to take care of parents in their 80's or 90's, she may fall and break a hip running after your kids on an icy sidewalk or a loose acorn, etc.

We hired someone in their early 20's and have had them for almost 8 years.

[Anonymous]

Retired teachers and nurses make the best nannies. Remember, they are not housekeepers. That's a different sort of "nanny."

[Anonymous]

We burned though 2 20-something nannies when we told them our rules about cell phones: while you are in our home, put the phone in your backpack and put the backpack in the closet. You are at work. Use the house-phone if anything comes up.

Our 54-year old next nanny is still with us, 5 years later. In winter, She needs to leave by 5 on Fridays so she and her husband can get to the ski slopes for the weekend. Yessss (fist pump).

[Anonymous]

First of all 62 is NOT old and to me-you're getting the best recommendation/someone you know knows her & says she's great! If you were an anxious FTM the only hesitation I'd have would be if you'd be intimidated by such an experienced caregiver

[Anonymous]

I’d rather have her than the young nannies and au pairs who are just using your kids as their test drive.

[Anonymous]

We had an older nanny and had zero issues regarding age. If you have a family member know how good she is, that would 100% be the selling point for me.

[Anonymous]

Your ageism is offensive, OP. Work on that.

[Anonymous]

Our nanny is 64 and amazing. So energetic, so much experience, just great all around. Don’t have to worry about covering a maternity leave.

Literally the only downside is we cover her health insurance and it is EXPENSIVE, but it will get a lot cheaper in a year because she’ll turn 65 and then we will just have to cover Part D.

[Anonymous]

An older nanny who sees nannying as a career is a better nanny than a young nanny or au pair who sees being a nanny as a stopgap job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Older (haha!) ) nannies like my retired teacher cousin who is 59 are not obsessed with their phones. We/they are obsessed with healthy foods and running that 10k next week.

My mom is in her late 80s and still does water aerobics 3x per week at the Y. I can't keep up with her at the grocery store . "Mom! Slow down!" as she races with the cart through the aisles.

What century are folks living in that 60 is old?? That is 2nd/3rd career age.

Don't hire a bored 26 year old glued to social media.

I was nodding at this one. I am turning 60 this year and starting my 3rd career as an Assistant Principal (high school.) I also run track with the girls' team 4x per week.

60 is old??? Hahaha.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't do it. She may have to leave to take care of parents in their 80's or 90's, she may fall and break a hip running after your kids on an icy sidewalk or a loose acorn, etc.

We hired someone in their early 20's and have had them for almost 8 years.

Nonsense. You may have to take care sick parents and break a leg on the ice. You’re being ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't do it. She may have to leave to take care of parents in their 80's or 90's, she may fall and break a hip running after your kids on an icy sidewalk or a loose acorn, etc.

We hired someone in their early 20's and have had them for almost 8 years.

Anyone would have to take leave for that. Hip break? My 68 year old neighbor broke her leg when a dog knocked her over on a stair and she twisted while falling. She wore a leg brace and continued with PT for 6 weeks and she's fine. No surgery! She was not laid up at all exceot for maybe the first week. Both of my 30 some neighbors have serious pelvic, spine, and neck issues that have been going on for YEARS despite surgery, PT, and repeated care and treatment. One has her MOTHER come frequently to help with household tasks and kids. They were into sports in high school and college.
Lady with a broken leg? She walked their dog...while having the broken leg.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't do it. She may have to leave to take care of parents in their 80's or 90's, she may fall and break a hip running after your kids on an icy sidewalk or a loose acorn, etc.

We hired someone in their early 20's and have had them for almost 8 years.

You mean unlike a younger nanny who wouldn't leave due to a boyfriend, marriage or other job? Do we really think 20 something nannies are doing this as a career move? No, they are doing this because it's a segue to whatever is next.

Come on.