What can I do to help the nanny this week?
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Anonymous
| Our nanny has been with us about a month now. She started right after the school year ended. I have 3 DCs, the oldest is 4. DC#1 and #2 are going to camp at the place they will be going to school in the fall. I know it is difficult for the nanny to have to take all 3 children with her to take DC1 and 2 to camp. There is no drop off/pick up carpool line so she has to take all 3 out of the car, get them through the parking lot, open the locked door (unless someone else is coming in or out at the same time) and go up a set of stairs. Our previous nanny used to use a carrier for DC3 but this nanny wasn't comfortable with that. She tried using a double stroller for the baby and DC#2 but it's hard to get the school door open while pushing the stroller and she has to take them out then to go up the stairs. Anyway, between my work schedule and my parents help most weeks the nanny only has to take them and pick them up with DC#3 in tow 1 or 2 days a week. This week, unfortunately, is a bad combination of a busy work week for me plus my parents are out of town so the nanny has to take them everyday herself (except for Friday when she has the day off with pay). Yesterday I asked her how it was and she seemed tired and said it was difficult but she managed. I have assured her that other weeks when I am busy at work my parents will be here to help out. Does anyone have any suggestions for how I can help her get through this week? I could ask her if she wants my grandmother (who lives nearby) to go with her in the car so the she can wait in the car with the baby. That is what I have done when I had to do it myself. She likes my grandmother so I don't think she'd mind her company. Or should I just let it go and assume she's ok since it's just this week. I don't want her to get burned out. |
Anonymous
| Can you please be a bit more concise? |
Anonymous
| I don't understand why it's hard. 3 kids. The oldest is 4 and can definitely walk and handle stairs. The second should also be able to if he/she is going to camp. Carry the third. What's the issue? |
Anonymous
| Get her an infant seat and simple stroller with an attachment or snap and go. Much easier than a carrier if she is driving. |
Anonymous
| Anyone who is old enough for camp is old enough to both walk themselves and follow directions. If she can't handle it then she should get a job with only one kid. I have four kids 3 and younger and routinely bring all four places by myself. |
Anonymous
| I have to agree. My nanny routinely takes my three kids all sorts of places by herself, including camps. What's the problem exactly? |
Anonymous
| OP here. Yes DC1 and 2 can certainly walk themselves but they have to go through a parking lot with other cars and it makes her nervous that she can't hold everyone's hands. The 4 year old is fine and he will walk right next to her and hold her arm if she can't hold his hand. DC2 is 2 and I wouldn't trust him not to walk in front of a car if he wasn't paying attention. I've had to cross streets before with all 3 and it is definitely difficult. DC1 and 2 are also not done at the same time so she has to do this 3 times a day. I think that's what makes it difficult. |
Anonymous
OP again. We have that but she still can't hold everyone's hand and push the stroller. Plus when she gets inside she has to take the baby out to go up the stairs. Maybe she is making it sound more difficult than it is? I've done it and it's hard but I didn't think it was as hard as she is making it but then I am their mother so maybe I'm just more accustomed to it. |
Anonymous
| Perhaps get a professional who can do these things in her sleep. Is that in your budget? |
Anonymous
Why is it that practically every time someone asks for advice the answer always goes back to money? It shouldn't be relevant to the question I asked but she is a professional with 15 years previous experience who we happen to pay $26/hr plus OT for 42 hours/week. |
Anonymous
If that's true, SHE ought to be finding a solution to her predicament. That's what professions normally do, within reason, of course. Don't you think? |
Anonymous
professionals |
Anonymous
Sigh...Ok, I guess I will leave it to her then. For the record, she's not complaining. She IS handling it but she's an amazing nanny who goes above and beyond every day and I wanted to try to make things a little easier for her. She looked tired after a long day yesterday and I was looking for some advice to help her, despite the fact that she hasn't asked for help. So fine, I guess the answer is don't help her... |
Anonymous
Look lady, the answer is you do whatever you think is the right thing to do. Ok? |
Anonymous
If that's the answer then what is the point of ever asking for advice? |