Nanny left 2yo DS with 7yo dd by pool
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Anonymous
| We have a pool in the back and our new nanny who comes highly recommended left my 2yo under his sisters supervision while she went inside to get his bathing suit. I was working from home and saw her come in but didn't put two and two together until later. I asked DD and she confirmed that nanny asked her to watch her brother. Ds does not swim and dd was swimming with her younger sister. I would never ever do this, not even for a second would I leave him out there without an adult. Dd is very responsible for her age but she is only 7 and can get distracted and surely would not know what to do if her brother slipped and fell in the pool. I'm really pissed, I will talk to nanny next time she's here but I can't believe she would use such poor judgment. Makes me want to look for another nanny just based on this. |
Anonymous
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It's an extremely concerning lapse in judgment and you absolutely need to speak with her about it. Water safety for all children and especially for toddlers is incredibly serious and, as you know, it takes only a second for something to go wrong.
I would have that conversation before making any decisions about firing her, and would probably base my decision on her reaction, but it would absolutely be something I'd consider if I were in your position. I'm a nanny. |
Anonymous
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I'm a nanny and I think this was incredible poor judgement on her part! I would love to know how she responds when you speak with her, but this is something I would consider worthy of finding a new nanny for. Water safety is a serious matter always.
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Anonymous
Thanks pp, I think your approach is right on. Are you looking for a part time nanny position by chance? 
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Anonymous
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I'm a nanny as well and would fire her. Leaving a 2 yo alone at the pool with a 7 yo makes me thing that she doesn't understand why water safety is important. Most 2 yo are crazy for water and I'm surprised nothing happened while she went inside. This time you were home, but if she's doesn't understand water safety, there is no guarantee that she wouldn't again run inside to get something quick.
When I was an au pair, we spend summers at a lake in Maine and there were strict water rules to be followed. Thanks happen so quickly, like a dog bumping the kid into the water (happened to my au pair family, hence the strict water rules) For me, it would just be too much of a risk. Drowning happens so quickly. I'd be looking for a new nanny and make sure to hire a strong swimmer with common sense. |
Anonymous
| Omg OP. I would be completely freaking out. I'd be interested in her reaction when you confront her. If she is horrible distraught herself and seems to understand, then continue but make sure you are explicitly clear about your requirements. If she brushes you off or is defensive even a little, I would fire her unfortunately. |
Anonymous
| I'm a nanny and honestly, OP, I would let her go without hesitation. It sounds like you didn't set out any "water safety rules" but... you shouldn't need to! This was a huge lapse in judgment and it makes me nervous that she is lacking in common sense, which in my mind is the #1 thing needed to keep kids safe as a nanny. Let us know what you decide! |
Anonymous
This. |
Anonymous
| Wow, that's crazy! I'm a nanny, too, and I would consider firing her. Another thought I had is that you could have her take a life guard course, if she reacts appropriately when you talk to her about it. But I don't think any rational person would fault you for letting her go in this scenario, if that's what you end up doing. |
Anonymous
But even if she acts appropriately, it's still after the fact. I might give her a second chance if she'd just turned around for a sec, but to leave and go inside the house is so unbelievably risky, I would not want that person around my kids and a pool anymore. I would compare that with not putting the two yo in the car seat while driving. I'm sure any nanny would be fired for that. It's just not worth the risk. |
Anonymous
| Another nanny here thinking that you should fire her. This is just one of those things that was VERY unsafe for her to do and she should never have even considered it, much less done it. It would make me question everything that could possibly happen with my kids in the future. Don't risk it, find someone else! |
Anonymous
| OP here. I've been completely stressing about this and can't wait to talk to her. Unfortunately she won't be back until next week. I want to call her but would rather do it face to face to see her reaction. What makes it even worse is that I usually work from home, but have to be onsite in a couple of weeks for an audit. The thought of leaving her alone with my kids now is making me ill. I know I won't find a replacement in time. Even if she reacts well and is apologetic, I think my trust in her will not be returned. She's only been with us for 3 weeks....... |
Anonymous
| Just be glad that you found this out about her fairly quickly and your children have not gotten too attached yet. |
Anonymous
| If she was a long term nanny who had given you confidence that she was very safety conscious in all other areas then I would have a very serious discussion and tell her flat out that her history with you is the reason why you are giving this a second chance but there will be no 3rd. In your case since she is brand new I would fire her. That sounds wildly insane to even think this was fine since she must have as you were home. |
Anonymous
| Start your search now and give her notice when she is back. If you WAH you can put them on restricted range to jeep them in the house. If you WOH then you will have to suck it up and use a service while you interview new nannies. I would Still pay her for the 2 week notice period though since it was a one time horrible judgement lapse and not something in bad faith. |