Nanny performance review feedback

[Anonymous]

We are in a nanny share. The other mom and I are very pleased with some aspects of her performance, like being very organized and having the babies on a consistent schedule. The babies are clean, well cared for and happy. There are other aspects of her performance that we will need to address and we want to provide constructive feedback realizing we will be in a work relationship for several years. For one, our nanny is only responsible for the babies' laundry. Everyday there is some excuse as to why the clothes and diapers have not been washed. We use cloth diapers for health and environmental reasons and the feces hasn't been dumped in the trash or toilet, it has been left in the diapers all day. I'm now having to wash diapers in addition to my other tasks that I have after a full day of work. In the room where the other baby sleeps, his clothes and blankets are everywhere. My husband and I are neat freaks and this drives me nuts. In the playroom, the books and toys are not put away.

The other issue is professionalism. The prior family sold us a bill of goods about the nanny's literacy level. I'm pretty sure she is functionally illiterate and this has caused a lot of issues, from misunderstandings with her contract and benefits, to misreading and mid measuring milk and formula. I worry about the babies as they get older since she literacy is limited.

Additionally, she has an adult daughter she is trying to train. Several times she has asked in the spot if it is okay for her daughter to help her out. The other family and I do not think this is very professional and also do not like how she just invites the daughter over and assumes it is okay. I had a frank discussion with her yesterday about how her daughter is considered a guest and under no circumstances can she have others over without both families permission.

We pay her very well considering her education. She makes $25/hour plus overtime and is guaranteed a minimum pay rate per week. We pay for her cell phone and metro card and give two weeks vacation, 7 sick days, all paid holidays and a week's pay bonus at the end of the year. For what we are paying, I expect a bit more professionalism. I also realize she is uneducated and unpolished.

How do I kindly suggest that our nanny seek ongoing professional development and continuing education? I think she would benefit from classes for professional nannies and on infant and toddler learning.

Do you think we are being too harsh to expect her to do her job? I can understand being too busy to do laundry a few times a week but an entire three months is crazy.

[Anonymous]

You are letting her walk on you.
She isn't doing her job. You've asked her to do things that she is refusing to do, she is bringing someone into your home that you do not want to be there. Is she worth the money you are paying her? No. Especially if she can't even read a book to your child.
I'd give her a warning and if she doesn't step up to the plate, replace her.

[Anonymous]

I agree with PP. I suspect talking to her isn't going to help. Given what you are paying her you could easily find an amazing nanny who also does what you are asking. Don't settle.

[Anonymous]

Definitely find a new nanny.

[Anonymous]

Talking to her isn't going to make her a literate professional. If these things are big issues for you, you need a new nanny. At the rate you are offering can easily find a nanny who is not only literate, but is college educated and knows her child development.

I would venture to guess that your nanny's duties sometimes veer off into the nanny/housekeeper role by the high rate you are paying and some of the things you mentioned in your post. You need to decide what is important to you. You can get an educated nanny who will be great at teaching and stimulating your kids while providing good care, or you can get the less educated but very safe and kind likes being around kids and is willing to do some cleaning probably foreign nanny. A nanny who is the best of both worlds is rare and expensive.

[nannydebsays]

Damn. I bet you could find a literate professional capable of doing her job who doesn't invite her family to come to work with her for what you're paying.

And I don't think you are asking anything from her that isn't a basic nanny responsibility, so IDK what PP means about housekeeping.

[Anonymous]

We do not expect her to do any housework. The only things she is responsible as far as cleaning is to make sure the area where the babies crawl and play is clean and neat, meaning it is swept and the rugs are clean, toys are picked up. We did ask that she do the babies' laundry, but realize that sometimes it might not get done. However, every day to not have it done. I worked as a nanny in grad school and got paid far less than our nanny. We do not expect her to do housecleaning. That is my husband and my responsibility and the other family's responsibility. I do think we are allowing her to walk all over us.

We pay her a high rate as she is caring for two infants, which is a lot for anyone. I do wonder if we could find someone better. She is very loving and attentive to our children and it is clear she wants to be considered part of our family. I did have a frank discussion with her.

[Anonymous]

nannydebsays wrote:Damn. I bet you could find a literate professional capable of doing her job who doesn't invite her family to come to work with her for what you're paying.

And I don't think you are asking anything from her that isn't a basic nanny responsibility, so IDK what PP means about housekeeping.

Not for a share. Daily laundry from two different households is no joke. And daily laundering of cloth diapers is also not typical. As a nanny who has done it for a 2 infant share, both cloth diapered, and breast fed, I can tell you this nanny is working her ass off. At that rate, of course OP can expect the job to be done well, but some perspective and understanding is also in order. One person can only do so much. As for the other unprofessional behavior, that isn't okay and you have every right to put your foot down, but is it possible that your nanny just can't handle the job by herself?

[Anonymous]

You need a different nanny. For that rate and benefits package you should be getting FAR more professional service. Just advertise the position, interview discreetly and when you have someone new lined up give the current nanny a decent severance package and move on.

Good luck.

- MB

[Anonymous]

I am an educated degree-holding nanny seeking full time employment and have experience with newborns through early school aged kids and have never been offered that !