no-show babysitters. is this common?

[Anonymous]

I attempted to get a sitter for 3 days this week, while our nanny is out on vacation (we took ours last week, she chose this week). Someone sounded great, was supposed to start wed afternoon, called that day to say that her morning job was extended, but promised to be at our house 8 am today. I asked her that no matter what happens, she please let me know if she couldn't make it. Of course, she didn't show up, call, text or respond to my call or text. I even asked her simply to confirm that she wasn't coming so I could try to find someone else for the rest of the week. I got on the phone this morning to try to find someone else. I talked to someone who confirmed for this afternoon, she called a little while ago to cancel, but said she could make it tomorrow. I just said no thanks.

Is this common? This is someone who is looking for a full-time nanny position. I am baffled at the total lack of contact. how can you be on board for a job at 5 pm and then not show up the next morning.

The one thing it has reinforced is how amazing our nanny is. She does not drive, which is an issue for us, but she is uber-reliable and responsible. She will definitely be getting a raise next month. I also had a nice morning at the zoo with my kids. Unfortunately my boss is pissed.

[Anonymous]

No, this isn't normal. I'm a many who makes a living doing pt and fill in work. I'm able to do this because I'm reliable and a good communicator. I also ask in advance if families are open to a share so if someone else calls for the same day I can either give both families a reduced rate out tell the second family I can't help them. Usually they go for the share depending on the ages of the kids, where the families live etc. often the muffs will chime to my house where I have a nice play area, two cribs etc. so no, your experience isn't normal.

[Anonymous]

OP here, PP where do you advertise? what areas do you work? We would love to have the name of a reliable back up or part time sitter.
I don't mind shares as long as the premises are safe, nor do I mind a sitter bringing her own kids, more fun for everyone...


I'm still so angry at the first one who never called/texted. I'm tempted to write a negative review of her on sittercity to warn others. Its possible that most of the folks who responded to me are looking for a f/t position, so if something better came along, I would understand... but to confirm at 5 pm and not even give a heads up that you're not showing up the next morning? that's just unbelievable to me, but we have been very lucky so far with our one and only nanny being a superstar.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here, PP where do you advertise? what areas do you work? We would love to have the name of a reliable back up or part time sitter.
I don't mind shares as long as the premises are safe, nor do I mind a sitter bringing her own kids, more fun for everyone...


I'm still so angry at the first one who never called/texted. I'm tempted to write a negative review of her on sittercity to warn others. Its possible that most of the folks who responded to me are looking for a f/t position, so if something better came along, I would understand... but to confirm at 5 pm and not even give a heads up that you're not showing up the next morning? that's just unbelievable to me, but we have been very lucky so far with our one and only nanny being a superstar.

I would go ahead and write that negative review. She gives others a bad name. I am a nanny.

[Anonymous]

Before leaving a bad review, I would text/leave a VM messag letting her know that you intend to leave a review. Wait a few days and if you don't hear drom her, leave the review. Although unlikely, something major could have happened in her life. Again, it's unlikely but it happens.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Before leaving a bad review, I would text/leave a VM messag letting her know that you intend to leave a review. Wait a few days and if you don't hear drom her, leave the review. Although unlikely, something major could have happened in her life. Again, it's unlikely but it happens.

Ok, 16:43 here. It would probably be a good idea to give her a couple days to explain herself, just in case. But I also think that someone could easily lie about something like grandparent dying and forgetting to call you to let you know. How would you know if it was the truth or not? If someone is the type of person who wouldn't contact a potential employer about not being able to show for work (not due to an emergency), then I wouldn't assume that they would tell the truth about the reason why either.

[Anonymous]

This is not normal. People who you'd trust with your children generally have to be organized, honest, prompt, and trust worthy, and these characteristics should extend to all professional interactions.

[Anonymous]

I would write a review. She is in it for her self. Very selfish and I think writing a review would show other parents just that.

[Anonymous]

she can just make a new profile

[Anonymous]

I worked as a temp nanny for a month earlier this year-I was the FOURTH nanny to come in. 2 didn't show up and 2 "had family emergencies" after a few days. It was a HUGE red flag for me but the family was great and I loved the kids after my short month.

Sometimes "nannies" just suck. It happens, unfortunately. Good luck for the rest of the week!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here, PP where do you advertise? what areas do you work? We would love to have the name of a reliable back up or part time sitter.
I don't mind shares as long as the premises are safe, nor do I mind a sitter bringing her own kids, more fun for everyone...


I'm still so angry at the first one who never called/texted. I'm tempted to write a negative review of her on sittercity to warn others. Its possible that most of the folks who responded to me are looking for a f/t position, so if something better came along, I would understand... but to confirm at 5 pm and not even give a heads up that you're not showing up the next morning? that's just unbelievable to me, but we have been very lucky so far with our one and only nanny being a superstar.

I'm on the west coast. For the most part I don't advertise because right now I work mainly by word of mouth, but occasionally I'll respond to an ad for a part time family if I have a spot open up. I try to have regular work 3 days a week and ad hoc the rest of the time, though I've done all ad hoc as well.