Nanny share for a day?

[Anonymous]

I'm the mom of two kids. My nanny is on vacation for the week and my mom who was lined up to watch the girls tomorrow had fallen sick and wouldn't be able to watch after the two little ones (she's older and I don't want to push her limits). Anyway, my nanny met this other nanny at a gym class for the kids. Since they met they've done play dates, gone out together, and probably do something with the kids at least once a week. Which we love! She only has one to look after, but she's the same age as my oldest and they all get along beautifully. I've met the other parents a few times and while we're not on a "friend" level, I think it's great that our kids are, and that our nannies are too!

Anyway would it be inappropriate for me to ask the other mom, since i'm in a bind, if we could do a share for the day? Everyone could come here or if preferred I could bring them there. I only say they can come here so it's our stuff being used, our house that may get messy, etc. I've got no problem with it. I was even going to suggest that I pay part of the rate that she'll owe for the day on top of what I'll pay the nanny for my own kids because of the inconvenience. I've already talked it over with the other nanny---she's more than ok with it as long as its ok with her "boss". (The other nanny will babysit for us on occasion because our ft nanny doesn't do weekend date nights as she's got her own child). Anyway is this ok? Have others done it? What's appropriate for me to ask in this situation?

[Anonymous]

Sure you can ask the mom. I wouldn't necessarily say you've already spoken to the nanny (some MBs would be put out by that) so maybe just say, "We're in a childcare bind due to XYZ. If you're comfortable with it, would you be willing to ask Nanny if she'd be all right with taking the kids XYZ? Of course we would pay her XYZ or whatever you think is fair."

She might say no. She will probably say yes.

[Anonymous]

I see absolutely no problem with asking. I also do not think you need to pretend to have not spoken with the many first. I am a nanny and my employers do not own me. It is up to both the parents and the nanny and I see no problem with asking her first.

[Anonymous]

I think it's fine to ask. As an MB I have to say that I'd appreciate you checking w/ me before the nanny (agreeing w/ 11:44). Whether the nanny is willing or not is secondary to whether the MB is willing.

Seems like a pretty easy enough thing though, and nice for the other MB to have it as an option in return in an emergency.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I see absolutely no problem with asking. I also do not think you need to pretend to have not spoken with the many first. I am a nanny and my employers do not own me. It is up to both the parents and the nanny and I see no problem with asking her first.

PP here. This could also be the case for you, OP! I do remember one thread from a while back with MBs who were put out that their nannies had discussed having an extra child for a day or two with other moms before clearing it with them, but PP is right, it might not be an issue at all.

[Anonymous]

I would rather have an MB ask ME about something like this beforehand if I were to be the one watching the kids, than to talk to my MB first and have her bring it up. Especially if I am the one that is friends with her nanny, and has met her children before. I would feel like it was totally my choice and that I had no obligation to do it (or even have my employer hear about it if I didn't want to do it), but if my boss was asking me, I might feel more pressured into doing it (even if I would have anyways).