Yep, we have had four college/grad students in less than two years. All but one sucked (on phone constantly, late picking up child from school, left a mess) and none lasted more than one semester even though we were paying $27 an hour in cash and paid mileage/expenses - even provided dinner.


Keep your nanny.

Anonymous wrote:At that age...I know the SAHMs who don't believe in daycare or full-day preschool will freak out, but if he is high energy and likes other children's company and he's getting ready for K, why not look into aftercare options? Especially if he has friends in a program already?

We are definitely going to do after school programs in the fall, thank you. Was hoping for something during the summer after camp, but struggling. Frankly someone who would just play interesting games with him or go in the backyard to play soccer or something would be great. I would have loved such a job when I was younger, but those were simpler times. my job just doesn't let me do this right now.

At that age...I know the SAHMs who don't believe in daycare or full-day preschool will freak out, but if he is high energy and likes other children's company and he's getting ready for K, why not look into aftercare options? Especially if he has friends in a program already?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If there's one thing I've learned it's that all the people who want a "part-time college girl" to pick up their kids and provide part time care on THEIR schedule are naïve. It doesn't matter if you pay well, part time jobs are the hardest to fill and KEEP, you get tons of cancellations at the last minute for various reasons, and you get crappy applicants.

Yeah, I know part-time is very hard. That's why we thought a student might be more willing to do it. Maybe the high school idea pp suggested isn't a bad one, though the loss of two great hs kids in our neighborhood to family moves is why we're in this situation in the first place.

Are there any other types of folks who you have found are more reliable part time? Are we not thinking of something?

He's almost 5, so I am guessing he is starting kindergarten this coming fall?

What is his personality like? Does he like being around other kids?

Anonymous wrote:If there's one thing I've learned it's that all the people who want a "part-time college girl" to pick up their kids and provide part time care on THEIR schedule are naïve. It doesn't matter if you pay well, part time jobs are the hardest to fill and KEEP, you get tons of cancellations at the last minute for various reasons, and you get crappy applicants.

Yeah, I know part-time is very hard. That's why we thought a student might be more willing to do it. Maybe the high school idea pp suggested isn't a bad one, though the loss of two great hs kids in our neighborhood to family moves is why we're in this situation in the first place.

Are there any other types of folks who you have found are more reliable part time? Are we not thinking of something?

Anonymous wrote:If there's one thing I've learned it's that all the people who want a "part-time college girl" to pick up their kids and provide part time care on THEIR schedule are naïve. It doesn't matter if you pay well, part time jobs are the hardest to fill and KEEP, you get tons of cancellations at the last minute for various reasons, and you get crappy applicants.

pp of the above post here. EXACTLY.

I'd look for a high school student frankly. IF you have a nanny doing the heavy lifting, get a mother's helper type to play games and hang out. Or I'd just work on keeping the 4 year old in aftercare, arranging playdates etc.

IME college students are great but can be flaky and have constantly changing schedules that make things challenging.

If there's one thing I've learned it's that all the people who want a "part-time college girl" to pick up their kids and provide part time care on THEIR schedule are naïve. It doesn't matter if you pay well, part time jobs are the hardest to fill and KEEP, you get tons of cancellations at the last minute for various reasons, and you get crappy applicants.

Have you considered a male college student?

Anonymous wrote:Are you really going to get two nannies for two kids? Maybe just train the other nanny to do it - tell her what you want.

I have the same nanny now as when my kids were babies - every year we just go over different expectations as they get older. A 4 or 5 year old doesn't need their own nanny.

No, I’m not looking for a second nanny. I’m looking for someone for a few hours each day while the nanny is with the baby to do more interesting things with the older child. I’m glad it worked out for you to “train” a nanny in that way; it is not working on our end, and there are reasons we’d like to keep our nanny for a baby. That’s why I asked what I asked.

You want someone with a lot of energy? It doesn't matter whether you call them an au pair, nanny, sitter or something else. My friends found college students on care.com, interviewed many before hiring them, and the first two quit without notice as the school year ended. This was for a middle schooler. You will want to probe for even more responsibility and professionalism with such a young child!

Are you really going to get two nannies for two kids? Maybe just train the other nanny to do it - tell her what you want.

I have the same nanny now as when my kids were babies - every year we just go over different expectations as they get older. A 4 or 5 year old doesn't need their own nanny.

4 1/2. Want someone energetic and also willing to play games, do a lot of reading, and run around. Just not sure where to find someone who could do that part-time.

What is the age you are targeting? Each college grad is different too, so definitely ask about prior experience. I have met some very responsible 22 year olds and irresponsible 30 year olds. If a college grad has a lot of babysitting experience, then it may be worth it to do a trial run.

Our almost-5 year old has definitely outgrown his nanny (he's much more active and interactive; she's great, but great with babies/young toddlers). DC has a younger sibling (6 mos), and our nanny works very well with the sibling. However, after school or camp and during empty summer days older DC really needs someone who can be much more active physically and intellectually (museum trips, book readings, games, projects etc.). I know decently well how to navigate nanny land, but I've had much more trouble navigating the potential college/grad school world for a person who might fit the bill.

Any suggestions? Has anyone done something like this for kids who are in wildly different places? TIA!