live in Question??

[Anonymous]

So I've been living in for a family for about three years. Its a very long week 7;30-7 every week day and unfortunately can feel myself burning out. There's one thing that has been driving me nuts lately and its the arguing of the parents or loud talking at night. My room is close to their living area so i generally hear them before they go to bed. I've been doing louder tv volume, listening to music but i really should be winding down than upping the volume. would you say anything? and how would you say it?

[Anonymous]

Id get noise cancelling headphones, or wireless headphones. I have a nook with a sleepytime app that plays a variety of white noises...river, rain, thunder, cat purring, traffic...you name it. I'd try that for a week or so and if doesn't help, have a blunt conversation with them telling them what you're hearing (give specific examples if you can, shame them into shutting their pie holes) and what you've done to drown them out and how it's affecting your job performance/satisfaction.

[Anonymous]

I'd get ear plugs if I were you. I think if you say something they will secretly resent you. They'll say it's their house so why should they have to walk on egg shells but they wont say it to you.

These are the sacrifices of being a live-in. I hope you're getting paid a decent wage.

[Anonymous]

Maybe they can't afford a nanny anymore?

[Anonymous]

Ignore the suggestions not to say anything. You live there too, and families who want to have a live-in make sacrifices as well, including giving up the right to have loud arguments/conversations right above where she sleeps. It's possible they don't know you can hear them, and I'd find a way to gently ask them to be quieter after a certain hour. Why let resentment build, on your end or theirs, when you could just communicate respectfully and openly.

[Anonymous]

Tell them that their voices are carrying to yout room and waking you up and they neec to soundproof your room. You live there and they meef to gove you some considetation.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the suggestions. To 17:01 Oh yes, that thought did cross my mind which is why i decided to ask first. I know that they complain out loud about some things I've done wrongly which the kids hear and tell me. So i feel if i talked to them, they would probably act that way. Well unfortunately the wage is not great. I have been job hunting because i think its best to leave when I feel a burnout. I will try the noise cancellation headphones and the app first. Will see if that helps. If not i will let them know as diplomatically as i can. Thanks a bunch!

[Anonymous]

As a nanny who works almost 12 hrs, five days per wk. you most definitely NEED your sleep. It's a no-brainer. How clueless are these parents?? Geez.

Yes, I would let them know that in order to be a good nanny and to be in top form everyday, you NEED your rest at night. Maybe they assume you are already asleep when they argue or perhaps they didn't realize you can hear them. Hopefully they will be embarrassed and apologize to you and the problem will be solved.

However if it continues, maybe ear plugs?
Or a noise machine?

[Anonymous]

Tell them you can hear them - if they don't tone it down get a better paying job.

I hate it when couples argue in front of their own children too and me the nanny. I tell them off!! lol.

ABSOLUTE WORST THOUGH is hearing them at night making love. Ugggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! So disgusting. I care for 11 & 15yr and they can hear them going at it in the next room - room right nxt to theirs - and one day they did it when I was home with girls sorting their laundry in room and one said what's that noise and older one stuck her ear to the wall to listen. The wife was a moaner and groaner - god help us nannies!!!