Having DH home after school?

[Anonymous]

We are babysitting for local friends (who we have known about two years but are not very close with) by watching their two daughters for the week. Our daughters are babies, while theirs are tweens. We have a nanny for our two, who is male. The two older girls will arrive home about two hours before I do.

DH runs his own business, and can come home easily in the afternoon to work from home and be there for the girls. The family is European (French) so I am assuming, less uptight than us (Americans). Will this be fine or do I need to leave work early (huge difficulty for me) to be home after school for the older girls? They are good kids. We just feel like one of us should be there so the nanny doesn't feel imposed upon by having two extra kids, even though they'd be no trouble.

[Anonymous]

Did you not discuss this with the parents? My inclination is that if they trusted you to babysit the kids, they realized you, DH, or your male nanny may be in contact with them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did you not discuss this with the parents? My inclination is that if they trusted you to babysit the kids, they realized you, DH, or your male nanny may be in contact with them.

No, we didn't. This was very last minute (they had an impending death in the family) and we did not have time to go over details.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't hesitate to have DH care for the children. I would think your nanny would be fine as well. They trust you enough to care for their children in an emergency, so surely they trust your judgement. Tweens don't really require that much care after school anyway. Just food and some time to chill after dealing with school all day.

[Anonymous]

Given the situation for the family I suspect that they are simply grateful that you were able to help out. I would speak with the nanny and explain that the girls will be there. The nanny really shouldn't have to do much for the girls since they sound old enough to take care of themselves. However, if I were you I would probably add a little extra in the paycheck for the week (not a lot, but enough to help with the possible extra dishes, etc). I would also talk with the girls and let them know what you need for them to do (clean up after themselves, play with the little kids, etc.). I would remember that they may feel a bit off since they needed to stay with you while their parents are off for a difficult family situation. They may be feeling out of place and sad.

Also, don't leave work early. Your nanny can handle this until you get home. If it becomes a problem then have your DH come home a little early since it's easier for him. I wouldn't hesitate doing that rather than you leaving work early.

Good luck with the week!

[Anonymous]

If the nanny has to do anything beyond open the door, the nanny should be paid.