Arrival Time-- Nannies Would This Annoy You?

[Anonymous]

"I reminded her that our agreement was always 9-6 even though she usually worked 9:30-5:30. "

don't you have a contract where this is written down?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here- I was right, we spoke this morning and my nanny believed the later arrival was in fact a change in her hours and she was upset that I was increasing her work and not paying her more. I reminded her that our agreement was always 9-6 even though she usually worked 9:30-5:30. I also explained that I would be fine with 9 only the two days a week I actually needed it IF she could remember which days those were and not be late on the 9:30 days-- so I agreed to the different arrival times-- we will see if it works. I do always feel though, that when I give a little, I get pushed into more.....

Is she due for a raise? Maybe she thought the shortened hours were in lieu of one? In any case, I learned after our first nanny that it's not really fair to just assume someone knows what you're thinking. I think you need to sit down with her again and really talk this through based on your needs and your original agreement. If you didn't have anything in writing, though, you need to think on whether or not this went on long enough to constitute an actual change that she could rely on. If nothing was in writing, you had more of a responsibility to let her know that the shorter hours were either temporary or a perk. Otherwise, how was she to know the "new" agreement didn't supersede the old?

[Anonymous]

If I was your nanny and you hadvme in at 9 but often times hung out till 11 I'd probably look for a new position. I just feel uncomfortable being on the job with the parents hanging around. The kids act way different when their parents are home and we spend the rest of the day with them not wanting to listen because mommy and daddy had been there. It's their house and they can come and go as they please, but it doesn't mean I have to stay on. I work long hours because the parents do. If your going to come home and hang out for an hour just because I'm finding a new family.

[Anonymous]

OP here- I am paying way above market and she has frequent days off-- she just got back from a month long paid vacation-- so if she wants to look for another job- she is welcome to!

[Anonymous]

It isn't that hard to remember the time you are supposed to be at someone's house. If she is that forgetful, she should keep some kind of planner on her and jot down her hours the week prior.

I do not mind when my current employers are home getting ready for work when I am there. They are truly nice people and give me complete autonomy w/their child which makes my job SO much easier.
However, in the past, I have had families who still are not ready to leave when I am there. So they hang around, eat breakfast...whatever...and micro-manage me.

I.e.,

"Oh..Please do not forget to apply sunscreen before you go outdoors today."

"Make sure little Sally eats some veggies w/her lunch or she doesn't get dessert."

"Make sure there are enough wipes in the diaper bag and don't forget to fill up his sippy cup."

Ugh!!