What can I do to help the nanny this week?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Perhaps get a professional who can do these things in her sleep. Is that in your budget?

Why is it that practically every time someone asks for advice the answer always goes back to money? It shouldn't be relevant to the question I asked but she is a professional with 15 years previous experience who we happen to pay $26/hr plus OT for 42 hours/week.

If that's true, SHE ought to be finding a solution to her predicament. That's what professions normally do, within reason, of course. Don't you think?

Sigh...Ok, I guess I will leave it to her then. For the record, she's not complaining. She IS handling it but she's an amazing nanny who goes above and beyond every day and I wanted to try to make things a little easier for her. She looked tired after a long day yesterday and I was looking for some advice to help her, despite the fact that she hasn't asked for help. So fine, I guess the answer is don't help her...

Look lady, the answer is you do whatever you think is the right thing to do. Ok?

If that's the answer then what is the point of ever asking for advice?

You decide for yourself. Grow up.

[Anonymous]

Some safety conscious parents/nannies appreciate the use of a safety harness in dangerous situations like a parking lot.
To each his own.

[Anonymous]

I also don't see what the problem is. IF nanny doesn't want to use a carrier then she's intentionally making the job harder than it needs to be and that's on her. DC 1&2 can hold each others hand or each hold onto the stroller, but really a 4 yr old shouldn't be required to hold hands while crossing a street unless there's a developmental issue. Sounds like she's a little dramatic. To be fair it does sound like a total PIA but not something I'd complain about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Yes DC1 and 2 can certainly walk themselves but they have to go through a parking lot with other cars and it makes her nervous that she can't hold everyone's hands. The 4 year old is fine and he will walk right next to her and hold her arm if she can't hold his hand. DC2 is 2 and I wouldn't trust him not to walk in front of a car if he wasn't paying attention. I've had to cross streets before with all 3 and it is definitely difficult. DC1 and 2 are also not done at the same time so she has to do this 3 times a day. I think that's what makes it difficult.

You should fire her, and then you should hit yourself over the head with a frying pan for being such a sucker. You carry the baby and hold the 2 yr old's hand and the 4 yr old hold's te 2 yr old's other hand. Simple. If she can't handle this, she shouldn't be a nanny.

[Anonymous]

This is bizarre. What's the problem? Nanny carries the baby in one arm, holds the 2yo's hand with the free arm, and 4yo holds the 2yo's other hand. Once they're across the parking lot they can let go of hands and nanny is free to open whatever doors.

If you are worried about your nanny getting burnt out after being expected to complete basic nannying duties for a full week (heaven forbid) you either have insanely low expectations or a nanny who has tricked you in to thinking that substandard performance is ok.

[Anonymous]

I can see how this would make your nanny a less then happy camper. I don't think you can help though. I might put one charge in a sling so both my hands are freest I also know how easy it is to be just a hair late and need to rush when getting three kids anywhere.

[Anonymous]

I don't see the problem. As others have pointed out: Nanny carries the baby. Holds the 2 year old's hand. 4 Year old holds the 2 year old's hand, or holds onto something like nanny's purse strap if the kids are bickering.

It's a parking lot, but it's not NASCAR. This is a great time for her to make sure they understand the rules of looking both ways before crossing, that cars cannot always see you, etc.

Is she pressed for time? I can see if she was in a rush that it might be stressful....maybe she should try leaving earlier to make sure she has enough time?

[Anonymous]

Sorry you have gotten such snark, OP. You sound like a considerate boss. The reason people are giving you side-eye is that this is a pretty basic thing. There are multiple solutions available and it should barely register. Yes, having to do drop off/pick-up three times a day sounds like a pain, but not because of the logistics, just because it is a major interruption to her routine with the baby. But that's part of juggling three kids, and a nanny with the experience to juggle three under 5 successfully (and be paid well for it) should be able to deal with that without any complaint as to the intricacies involved. It's sort of the equivalent of a a spouse asking, "How can I support my husband? He has to get the oil changed in the car tomorrow and the only time slot they had was at 6 am. It's really hard to get up that early. The last time her had to get up before 7 he looked really tired."

This is an annoyance, but not even on the level of something I would grouse to a friend about over coffee. If your nanny is implying otherwise then she is playing you or your kids have serious behavior problems or there is an issue with her attitude or abilities or both. If you just feel badlythat you apring a tougher-than-usual week on her. Then just let her know you appreciate her and move on. The end.

[Anonymous]

Maybe get those backpacks with leashes for the older kids to keep them safe in the parking lot, carry the baby.

[Anonymous]

I have triplet charges, so this is my life.

Ring slings are wonderful to put baby in for quick in/outs of places.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe get those backpacks with leashes for the older kids to keep them safe in the parking lot, carry the baby.

I've seen those cute backpacks at Target.

[Anonymous]

You get what you pay for. If you are paying less than $20/hr and are expecting someone who can manage a simple task you are going to have a bad time.

[Anonymous]

You get what you pay for. If you are paying less than $20/hr and are expecting someone who can manage a simple task you are going to have a bad time.

Work on your reading comprehension. OP said she pays $26/hr.

[Anonymous]

I think if your nanny isn't complaining directly to you about the situation or asking for extra help I wouldn't worry about it. I'm sure she is handling things to the best of her ability, and sometimes we are all tired at the end of our work days.

If I were dead set against using a baby carrier, I would do one of two things:
1) Use the small stroller, and have each of the older kids hold on to one of the sides.
2) Hold the baby, hold the younger child's hand and then have the older child hold the younger child's hand. That way the two year old is sandwiched between the two of them, and has less opportunity to run away.

I think it has more to do with how much control your nanny has over the children. At this age, you could at least expect your oldest child to follow the rules of the parking lot while the nanny focuses more on the younger two. Personally, I don't see how walking the kids through a parking lot should ever be exhausting.