Younger nanny versus older, grandmother-type nanny?
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Anonymous
| We have had one of each and each had pros and cons. We have 2 kids, age 4 and 1. I want the nanny to play with them, ride bikes, walk to the neighborhood pool and swim, go to the park, etc., so it seems like a younger nanny would probably be best suited to those needs. On the other hand, in our experience, our younger nanny was reluctant to do light housework (like putting kid's dishes in dishwasher) and she and the other younger nannies we've interviewed are not planning for a long-term position (our current nanny was just waiting to get pregnant herself, apparently). On the flip side, our previous grandmother-type nanny was as sweet as can be and left our house spotless each day, but she was too passive with the kids and wasn't proactive enough or energetic enough to plan activities, outings, etc. Admittedly, my stereo-types are based in my own experiences with our two nannies, but I'm curious to hear from others. Which do you prefer and why? |
Anonymous
Sounds like you need a nanny between the age of 30-40 with no plans of children or already grown children. OR hire a young nanny with ocd cleaning tendencies 
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Anonymous
| We hired a guy nanny (young) and found he was much more willing to do the cleanup stuff that the other female (also young) nannies would skip. |
Anonymous
| You can't know if the younger nanny you think about hiring has plans for children are not - she may lie, she may be undecided, or she may be honest and later change her mind. What you need is someone of your generation - more likely to have similar child rearing styles - who has a history of long-term positions and says that is what she is looking for In a new position. A professional nanny like that will be very experienced at keeping the house tidy, may do light cleaning for you unasked, and would almost certainly be will be willing to negotiate the household duties into her contract specifically (do recognize it may or may not cost a little more depending exactly on what you want done). |
Anonymous
| OP here. Thanks for the responses. I'd love to find someone right in the middle, age-wise, and I'm more than willing to pay above market pay, but in my city the nanny population seems divided into only young (20-25) and old (55+) nannies. (I moved from DC last year, but can't quit my DCUM addiction). The nanny market in my new town doesn't have the diversity or the experience as what we found in DC. |
Anonymous
| It is unwise to stereotype based on age. You've had a few nannies now, and have a good idea what you want in a nanny. Don't get too wrapped up in an age requirement, rather be very clear on your expectations and do not compromise. Your perfect nanny may be 19 or she may be 70. Dont eliminate candidates for superficial reasons. Eliminate them because they don't meet your needs. Good luck! |
Anonymous
I think this is good advice. You are experienced enough to know what is important to you (basic child related housekeeping tasks, level of activity, etc...) So you can spell all of that out very clearly in the ad and job description and allow applicants to decide whether they want the position. Then you can interview with those things in mind (We require the following housekeeping work, and ask that the children be physically active outside the home at least one hour per day weather permitting, etc...) This also allows you to give feedback on performance once you've hired someone - you lay out your clear expectations, you find someone you like who accepts the offer, and then you see how they perform according to the expectattions they agreed to. Good luck! |
Anonymous
This . A nanny in her 30's sounds perfect for you. |
Anonymous
| I am a ,grand ma nanny, I cook from scratch, read, sing, play, love the out doors, I am not on the phone while child is falling or waiting for my boy friend to call, I am mature and responsible, help out in what I can, i am crafty, intelligent and capable, not 20, not 30, not 40, not 50 but 60 and I am proud ,and kids adore me, so young nannies you are active and great but dont compare to me!! |
Anonymous
That's right, we can't compare because we're not at risk for strokes, heart attacks or a broken hip. |
Anonymous
Hi, troll! I am everything you claim to be, only younger and less at risk for health problems. As a bonus, I can spell and use correct punctuation! |
Anonymous
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Not to derail the intention of your thread but I would hate to walk to the pool, I dont care how close it is. I love swimming and love going to the pool. In all my years nannying though when we leave I go home in my swim suit,gets the kids showered, I shower and put clean clothes on.
I dont want to change in the pool changing rooms with your kids and I dont want to have to walk in a wet swimsuit in the heat and humidity back to your house lugging a swimming bag filled with all the relevant swim/diaper paraphernalia. Im not lazy, will happily walk to the park, just not the pool. |
Anonymous
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I'm a seasoned nanny. Today we shoveled our driveway and the neighbor's (important component of our homeschooling curriculum), and played in the snow virtually the entire day (except for bathroom brakes). We both had food in our backpacks, so we had several picnics in the snow, as well.
You should broaden your horizon, OP. |