Right now, you’re paying for custodial care and flexibility with someone who cares about your child. If you want better quality of care, increase the incentive for her or make it easy for her.

“Hey x, I was thinking about getting a membership to xyz and adding you and my child. Is that something you’d like to do with them? Is there something else you’d prefer? Would you need a metro pass to take them?”

“Child was telling me they are curious about cars/weather/electricity/whatever. If I provide x toy they can play with independently, y box so that they can make a quick craft (with child-friendly directions, minimal adult help needed), would you read them this book and then let them look through it independently later?”

“I’m trying to cut down on screens and/or make them more worthwhile for child. Would you be willing to switch from tv to abcmouse or khan academy kids? While child is doing that, you could watch your shows on your phone…”

“X playground is so great! It’s gated, so kids can’t run out without you knowing, and and there’s so many kids there! Have you talked to any of the adults there? I was thinking that you and child would enjoy z treat on the way home!”

You could also offer a monetary bonus each day she takes your child out.

Anonymous wrote:We have a unique situation (not uncommon in healthcare but still) where we only need childcare two days a week but not the same two days. I work three 12s and Im senior enough one will always be on Sunday. So that leaves two weekdays. I have two older kids in elementary who use after care on those days. My two year old has a sitter who comes over somedays or we drop off to her house. Im ok with either arrangement, that’s not the issue. She is just a little underwhelming. Tv is on a lot, lots of sitting on the couch, typically calls off just enough where its semi annoying but not fireable. I do find myself a little jealous of other people who seem to have really energetic fun sitters but I also know quite a few friends who have had so many childcare issues I am afraid to rock the boat. The main things are totally fine, child is safe and fed and she genuinely likes DC and is a good person. But we will have fantastic weather days they don't do anything outside etc. Since I know it will be asked we pay her 140 dollars a day and she typically has DC about 6.5 hours or a little less. (First 2 /2.5 hours of my shift DC is still sleeping and DH gets kids ready). She also lives in our development so I know convenience can mean quite a bit. Thoughts?

You have three options:

Find someone else to do it
Keep the person you have
Do the job yourself

Are you in DC? I love being outside. I was hoping to offer taking kids outside service the minute my current boss lets me retire.

Hi OP,

As a parent, I get it. If this was a daycare or preschool, I definitely wouldn't want my child to be watching TV everyday there.

As an experienced nanny, the schedule you have would be REALLY tough to take on other jobs and you'd probably get lots of people flaking out on you. With the current situation, it's not so bad right? Her genuinely loving your child is so important, although I'll say the cancellations would bother me as I know how reliable I am, but if you don't pay her a guaranteed wage of the 13 hours a week (meaning she gets min 13 hrs pay each week regardless of you needing her or not as long as she's available) then I can see from her end it not being a huge issue. Wishing you well!

Agree with everyone else. It’s fine, it’s a couple days a week, and it sounds like something you’ll outgrow as your child ages and can start aftercare.

It's not only fine -- it's terrific, for your situation.

She is babysitting your child, not raising her.

Yes. It's fine. You're not going to do better with the low hours and inconsistent schedule. Your 2 year old will not be harmed by not being thoughtfully stimulated for 13 hours a week.

The flexibility is the issue. Next year just do a few day a week day care.

Why not just pay for 5 day/week preschool. Then you can send her the 2 days you need each week and maybe a few hours in the other days if you need to run errands or to a doctor’s appointment.

You’re paying close to $300/week. That is between $1200-1500(ish) per month depending on whether it’s 4 or 5 weeks. We pay 2k/month for a really great preschool close-in where childcare is expensive. So for a few hundred more you’re getting a higher quality program with socialization and not worrying about someone calling out.