Nanny can’t figure out anything

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lol I had problems unfolding the stroller too. We not all have experience with all kind of strollers and the OCD methods you use at your home. You will never be happy with any nanny.

Again, no one has said that any decent nanny will magically know how to work all strollers. We do think that any decent nanny should know how to work google and be motivated to figure out the tools she needs on a daily basis.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here. I did take 3 days off for her to shadow me and to show her everything. We just have two detergents , a gentler one for baby. Yes we do have a lot of gadgets because of my husband but they are here and she needs to use them (ie nest thermostat). I guess what is frustrating is she doesn’t ask questions so I always have to come across something done incorrectly for me to see I need re-explain it to her. It’s also small things like resealable packages torn open not as intended etc so I don’t know if it’s just lack of attanetion to detail. I do encourage her to ask any questions etc, she just doesn’t. She’s doesn’t drive baby yet, and frankly I’m kind of scared she wouldn’t use the car seat correctly. And yes she came highly recommend with 15 plus years experience.

Okay, nanny here. I have no idea what an echo is unless I'm in a cavern, and what's the difference between a nest thermostat and a normal one (and why would a nanny need to play with the thermostat anyway)? The rest should be easier, but since I'm highly allergic to dyes and perfumes, there's only one detergent for everyone. It has nothing to do with education, legal status in the US, ethnicity, country of origin or anything beyond a comfort level with gadgets and questions about said gadgets.

[Anonymous]

I could understand having trouble with a couple of gadgets.. but taken altogether it is too much that the nanny cannot operate car seats or strollers or baby gates or baby monitors or diaper genies and doesn't try to learn. These are pretty standard things where most families with babies will have at least SOME of them, so what has she been doing at all those previous nanny jobs? Get a nanny who actually puts in an effort!

[Anonymous]

She sounds either lazy or stupid. Neither one bodes well for a nanny. How hard is it to google "how to fold BOB stroller" and watch a quick video? I did that at a bus stop once, when I realized I'd never folded one before. Is she really old or something? I'm in my 40s and wouldn't be stumped by most of these things and if I were, I'd find the information I needed to unstump myself. And baby gates? Seriously? I've never met a baby gate I couldn't open or step over. Not that hard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would get a new nanny. This would drive me crazy.

This! And get an American, EDUCATED nanny.

[Anonymous]

If you do end up getting a new nanny because of this, I suggest you do a trial day to assess her facility with these things. Some nannies might not take to the gadgetry as well as others. And some might be inclined to rip things open in hurry. Better to verify her style/skills before you commit, since you are finding her facility with them unacceptable. I don't have a nest thermometer and expect that would require some getting used to, especially if one is expected to change the temperature on leaving the house. Another thing to remember when trying to get the kids out the door. Plus some of these things are mechanical, some technical, and you no doubt also want an efficient, nurturing, organized, creative, reliable, energetic, knowledgeable nanny. That's asking a lot!

[Anonymous]

OP,
I find it truly odd that you are annoyed that your Nanny opened something wrong thus destroying the seal.

I am an organized neat nik & even I do this on occasion.
Especially when caring for a young child, sometimes this stuff gets overlooked.

You sound super Type A.

I think you are too picky.

[Anonymous]

OP quite frankly you are being ridiculous

[Anonymous]

You don't sound too picky to me, OP. Using a specific setting on the dishwasher or using the baby detergent for the baby's stuff should be pretty easy. I get being clueless with things that are used with apps... because I am clueless with these things, but folding strollers and working baby gates is not rocket science, at least not after four months.

You could put labels on the detergents, you could put a sticker on the correct dishwasher setting and you can show her again how to do the stroller and car seat... that is, if you like her work otherwise. If you're ambivalent about her anyway, I would look for someone else.

I job share with someone who just doesn't get it, kind of like your nanny, and it drives me nuts.

[Anonymous]

After 4 months, she should have learned a lot of these things.

And to the other nannies and the mom who have trouble with these things ... well, your family may think it's "cute" or something, but I would not keep either of you on, no matter how many degrees you have and languages you speak.

I can find a trilingual nanny who can operate a stroller and a dishwasher without constant teaching.

[Anonymous]

The best nannies are independent problem-solvers. Your nanny is either not very bright or not paying attention when you show her how to do something - and either reason would not be okay with me.

[Anonymous]

Nanny here. I could be your nanny. I am not good at some of the things you're mentioning.
There's not much I can advise you besides setting up everything you can so that she doesn't have to do it.
It's a pain, yes, but if you like her otherwise just let it go and help her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nanny here. I could be your nanny. I am not good at some of the things you're mentioning.
There's not much I can advise you besides setting up everything you can so that she doesn't have to do it.
It's a pain, yes, but if you like her otherwise just let it go and help her.

I hope you are planning to change based on the advice here (use the magic google machine to get instructions on how to use things you aren’t familiar with, work on being more deliberate/mindful).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nanny here. I could be your nanny. I am not good at some of the things you're mentioning.
There's not much I can advise you besides setting up everything you can so that she doesn't have to do it.
It's a pain, yes, but if you like her otherwise just let it go and help her.

I hope you are planning to change based on the advice here (use the magic google machine to get instructions on how to use things you aren’t familiar with, work on being more deliberate/mindful).

I'm usually fine when shown by someone but if I have to find my way to it alone, usually I'll fail.
I'm just not good with some devices, not everybody is perfect.
And that doesn't mean I'm a bad nanny

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Next time hire an American and educated nanny.

Seriously. If she cannot figure out how to open the stroller or use a washing machine, why in the world are you trusting her with your baby?!

Ok unrelated but all over this board people always say any issue is the result of hiring a foreign nanny. We had over 50 applicants and 4 or 5 were American. And 3 of those were like 19. 90 percent of the applicant pool is not “American”.

My guess is that your pay dictates your candidates.