nanny's age

[Anonymous]

MBs - does it matter to you whether your children's nanny is younger, same age, or older than you, and if so - why?

[Anonymous]

Doesn't matter to me. However, I would not hire someone under 24 because I want a college grad with a couple years experience who is mature enough not to spend all day texting her BFFs, and I would avoid hiring someone who is older than 55-60 because it takes tremendous energy to care for toddlers the way I want it done and even the most healthy and fit women start to tire more easily at that age.

[Anonymous]

Older- experience, calmer, more able to just know how to be helpful around the house. Especially with an infant-- you want someone who is ready and willing to hold and soothe your child. An older nanny is generally less likely to be on her cell all the time and probably has grown children and is likely going to be ready to stay in the position for a while. I have had a 20yo, a 40yo and a 55yo-- I would go with the 55yo EVERY time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Older- experience, calmer, more able to just know how to be helpful around the house. Especially with an infant-- you want someone who is ready and willing to hold and soothe your child. An older nanny is generally less likely to be on her cell all the time and probably has grown children and is likely going to be ready to stay in the position for a while. I have had a 20yo, a 40yo and a 55yo-- I would go with the 55yo EVERY time.

They also tend to be less up to date with new childcare Philosophies and set in their ways. I've seen many older nannies just yell at the children and stick them in time out without assessing the behavior and figuring out a more appropriate punishment.

[Anonymous]

I prefer 30s and early 40s - young enough to be aware of changing guidelines and parenting philosophies but old enough to have good experience and zero workplace drama.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Older- experience, calmer, more able to just know how to be helpful around the house. Especially with an infant-- you want someone who is ready and willing to hold and soothe your child. An older nanny is generally less likely to be on her cell all the time and probably has grown children and is likely going to be ready to stay in the position for a while. I have had a 20yo, a 40yo and a 55yo-- I would go with the 55yo EVERY time.

Precisely.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Older- experience, calmer, more able to just know how to be helpful around the house. Especially with an infant-- you want someone who is ready and willing to hold and soothe your child. An older nanny is generally less likely to be on her cell all the time and probably has grown children and is likely going to be ready to stay in the position for a while. I have had a 20yo, a 40yo and a 55yo-- I would go with the 55yo EVERY time.

Precisely.

Yep, I'd go with the older nanny also. I care much less about current/changing parenting techniques than I do about consistent, reliable, mature, common sense. Our nanny is older and will probably (hopefully) be with us until well into her '60's if we can afford it. I trust her completely with absolutely everything I hold dear in the world.

[Anonymous]

I actually have hired two younger nannies (26 and 24) who have turned out to be wonderful!! I just had great feelings with both. Bother were very professional, energetic, organized, and educated on the latest modern parenting techniques. The 26 year old is still with us and I am so glad I chose her, she fits very well into our family.