Nanny constantly renegotiating schedule

[Anonymous]

OP here. Yes, we offer guaranteed hours. In fact, more hours are there for the taking! The nanny has school-age children of her own and normally asks to adjust the schedule to accommodate their schedules (e.g., she has to take them to school in the AM and her after-care arrangements fell through on Fridays for an entire month). I think this sort of changes things from my perspective, since she does not have ulterior financial motives like some PPs suggest (i.e. she does not have another job). I don't want to seem like a jerk boss, because I get it - she has things she needs to do for her kids and/or wants to spend more time with them. On the other hand, she knew our work schedules when we hired her and in a "real" job you can't easily get away with these shenanigans. I can't just go to my boss and say "I'd like to spend the afternoon with my kid, so I'm going to take off at 3 today." I just feel like the dynamic is different when you are dealing with your kid's caregiver, but I agree that she is starting to get too comfortable with (take advantage of?) her status as an hourly employee and our flexibility so far. Also not fair that we offer guaranteed hours but do not necessarily get the same in return (or at least get frequent requests to renegotiate). I guess I will start putting my foot down more - just really don't want to transition my kid to another nanny at this point.

My mom has a more flexible work schedule and has been able to cover for the nanny when needed - that is probably why nanny thinks it is relatively easy for us to "be flexible." But my mom works full time too and is really only there for emergencies during the work week.

[Anonymous]

This is why nannies without kids are more ideal, and should be better compensated. I hope this serves as a lesson to other MBs or potential future MBs-- you might think you're getting someone with more experience as a mom, but you might get more than you've bargained for. Stick with an experienced nanny without her own kids.
- Nanny

[Anonymous]

Your nanny needs backup childcare - usually nannies with school aged kids have family in town, a large mom network, etc.

Just keep things professional and say "no". And if things keep up you say "things aren't working". And then "2 weeks notice."

Nanny searches aren't that difficult and there is sometimes a bad fit/match. You will be happy and relieved once you have a nice, reliable nanny in place. It is hard to let someone go, but it has to be done.

[Anonymous]

How would a nanny manage constant upheaval and last minute changes. We set a schedule W-Fri 9-6. Up to nine hours. Now I’m expected to be provided to less than 24 hours notice and a shift from a 9 hour day to 11 hours. Is it wrong to feel upset. Plus they promised to manage their lunches they are not doing that. How many changes is too much when you’re the nanny?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How would a nanny manage constant upheaval and last minute changes. We set a schedule W-Fri 9-6. Up to nine hours. Now I’m expected to be provided to less than 24 hours notice and a shift from a 9 hour day to 11 hours. Is it wrong to feel upset. Plus they promised to manage their lunches they are not doing that. How many changes is too much when you’re the nanny?

This is a very old post 7 years ago. Try to start your own thread if you would like to hear some advices for your issue.

[Anonymous]

I like reading the older threads. I have only been on this board for 2 years.

Continue. This is a good one.

[Anonymous]

You need to have a serious conversation about schedules. Either you can accommodate her needed schedule and she can fill the schedule you need, or you each need to move on.