Would you look for a new nanny?

[Anonymous]

You absolutely need a better nanny, OP.

Your children deserve a better nanny and you are being taken advantage of by your present, lazy, nanny.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

urbannanny wrote:I think her attitude is most important here. All of the issues you point out are important. They are all also things that could be worked out by mature and willing adults. If she is genuine in her desire to make this a good fit, then she will present suggestions and work toward creating harmony in the relationship. I am not saying she has to agree with your opinions but she does have to meet you half way with possible solutions or settle for the ones you have presented. For example, it would be tuff to not have a break during the day. Can one of the baby's naps overlap with the toddler's? Are you open to sleep training? Is she willing to do it? Is it just the way she is going about the sleep training that is problematic?


If she can not rise to meet the challenges then she is not the person for the job. There will be other challenges as your children grow and you want to know he problem-solving skills are mature enough that you guys can work things out.

I am a nanny.

Hi OP here --

The baby is sleep trained actually. But when he isn't tired, he doesn't sleep. And he does sleep during the toddler nap, just usually goes down about 30 mins to 45 mins after the toddler. Also, the toddler is gone three mornings a week and so our nanny actually gets a break during the baby's morning nap as well.

Thanks all for the thoughts. I appreciate the suggestion to sit down and talk with her, but I also feel like all of the times I've reiterated these needs should count for that. Does it only count if I say her job is on the line as well?

I am the PP you quoted. I would worry about my job any time my employer has to tell me repeatedly to do something. So, no, you should not have to have yet another meeting. It also sounds like you are being fair to prevent burn out by ensuring she has adequate down time for at least one nap.

Childcare has to be family based. If her actions disrupt your families functioning then you have a valid reason for letting her go.

[Anonymous]

Well the part of you and her not meshing well personally really would not be a deal-breaker for me since you really do not need to interact w/her much on a daily basis. As long as you can get along in a civil manner is really important here.

However if she is not taking direction from you at all, then it is time to hire someone else.

I am a nanny and I know that it is my responsibility to follow my employer's instructions whether I agree w/them or not.

For her to put the baby down too early for his nap just so she can relax is selfish and irresponsible. For her to leave the play areas a mess is inconsiderate and lazy. What parent wants to walk in from a long day of work and come home to a chaotic mess of toys all over? I always make sure the house is in order so when my bosses arrive, the arrive to a calm and tidy home. Whether or not it stays that way after I leave is not my problem.

And for her to not be able to make simple things like a grilled cheese sandwich is unacceptable. I admit, cooking is not my strong point, yet even I can muster up a grilled cheese sandwich. Cooking for young kids is pretty easy and giving them cold hot dogs is just plain lazy in my book.

I say let her go.

There are many competent and responsible nannies out there seeking work and it would be a shame to stick w/this one when your family could benefit from someone so much better.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

OP, I understand your dilemma but I think you will be better off in the long run with someone else. I've been in your position myself and I can tell you that your children will be fine and you will be surprised how much better it is for everyone with a new nanny. If you are less stressed then your children can enjoy their time with you more and they will do just fine with a new nanny.

[Anonymous]

If this is your first nanny I'd say it's time to move on. Give her plenty of notice and get a better nanny, this is pretty simple stuff. Veteran nanny here.

[Anonymous]

If only people knew HOW to get a better nanny.

[Anonymous]

Nanny here-

I'd absolutely find someone new. The cold hot dogs would set me over the edge!