FTM seeking advice on hiring a nanny

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP again.


What nannies do not seem to realize is how much of an issue their cell phone use is becoming. The stereotypical nannies texting while her charges play is a scene we have all seen WAY too much of since the introduction of the smart phone. More and more working mothers are talking about this as a fireable offense as some nannies cannot seen to control their addictions to texting and social media for even a three hour stretch.

A child is going to be seriously hurt or killed while the nanny is looking at her phone and not paying attention -- and then this issue will become paramount.

Do you really believe it's appropriate to isolate a human being from adult communication 10-12 hours a day, five days a week? Who are you fooling?

Best to hire a professional who will provide excellent care for your child, even though it costs more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP again.


What nannies do not seem to realize is how much of an issue their cell phone use is becoming. The stereotypical nannies texting while her charges play is a scene we have all seen WAY too much of since the introduction of the smart phone. More and more working mothers are talking about this as a fireable offense as some nannies cannot seen to control their addictions to texting and social media for even a three hour stretch.

A child is going to be seriously hurt or killed while the nanny is looking at her phone and not paying attention -- and then this issue will become paramount.

Hurt or killed ? Um seriously I'll take my chances

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP again.


What nannies do not seem to realize is how much of an issue their cell phone use is becoming. The stereotypical nannies texting while her charges play is a scene we have all seen WAY too much of since the introduction of the smart phone. More and more working mothers are talking about this as a fireable offense as some nannies cannot seen to control their addictions to texting and social media for even a three hour stretch.

A child is going to be seriously hurt or killed while the nanny is looking at her phone and not paying attention -- and then this issue will become paramount.

Do you really believe it's appropriate to isolate a human being from adult communication 10-12 hours a day, five days a week? Who are you fooling?

Best to hire a professional who will provide excellent care for your child, even though it costs more.

A nanny should be free to talk to her friends and family when the baby is in his crib napping - but no more than that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP again.


What nannies do not seem to realize is how much of an issue their cell phone use is becoming. The stereotypical nannies texting while her charges play is a scene we have all seen WAY too much of since the introduction of the smart phone. More and more working mothers are talking about this as a fireable offense as some nannies cannot seen to control their addictions to texting and social media for even a three hour stretch.

A child is going to be seriously hurt or killed while the nanny is looking at her phone and not paying attention -- and then this issue will become paramount.

Hurt or killed ? Um seriously I'll take my chances

No, Dear, you will not take those chances with my child.

[Anonymous]

OP here. No, I will not allow a nanny to use her cell phone when she is working but I do think I should allow it when she is having lunch, resting, when the baby is napping. Thank you for that suggestion.

I will not allow cell phone use when the baby is awake. That is a deal-breaker for me. I am sorry if that upsets some nannies on this thread but I am paying for a professional and I expect professional behavior.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP again.


What nannies do not seem to realize is how much of an issue their cell phone use is becoming. The stereotypical nannies texting while her charges play is a scene we have all seen WAY too much of since the introduction of the smart phone. More and more working mothers are talking about this as a fireable offense as some nannies cannot seen to control their addictions to texting and social media for even a three hour stretch.

A child is going to be seriously hurt or killed while the nanny is looking at her phone and not paying attention -- and then this issue will become paramount.

Do you really believe it's appropriate to isolate a human being from adult communication 10-12 hours a day, five days a week? Who are you fooling?

Best to hire a professional who will provide excellent care for your child, even though it costs more.

Our nanny was able to handle being alone with the baby and NEVER using her cell phone. She is an excellent nanny but not super-human!!! She interacted with people when she went on walks but she understood her responsibility. Now that DC is older and a toddler, she is out and about with him everyday for classes and play-dates. Our nanny is a professional - you are a spoiled child. You can actually live without checking your social media or talk to your friends for 10 hours!


Some of you girls as so childish. We all existed without cell phones for decades and no one dies of isolation when caring for children!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. No, I will not allow a nanny to use her cell phone when she is working but I do think I should allow it when she is having lunch, resting, when the baby is napping. Thank you for that suggestion.

I will not allow cell phone use when the baby is awake. That is a deal-breaker for me. I am sorry if that upsets some nannies on this thread but I am paying for a professional and I expect professional behavior.

For $22 an hour plus five hours at time and a half AND healthcare and other benefits - I would gladly follow your restrictions on cell phone use, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP again.


What nannies do not seem to realize is how much of an issue their cell phone use is becoming. The stereotypical nannies texting while her charges play is a scene we have all seen WAY too much of since the introduction of the smart phone. More and more working mothers are talking about this as a fireable offense as some nannies cannot seen to control their addictions to texting and social media for even a three hour stretch.

A child is going to be seriously hurt or killed while the nanny is looking at her phone and not paying attention -- and then this issue will become paramount.

Do you really believe it's appropriate to isolate a human being from adult communication 10-12 hours a day, five days a week? Who are you fooling?

Best to hire a professional who will provide excellent care for your child, even though it costs more.

Hell I'd fire a nanny who was keeping my baby isolated for 10-12 hours a day five days a week. They should be going on walks, checking out playgrounds, story times, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you absolutely 100% don't want her eating ANYTHING from your home, it would be nice for you to offer her a shelf in your pantry and/or a small section of the fridge so she can keep a few extra things at your house.

Cell phone use: I understand wanting her to not use it while your child is awake, but what about while your child sleeps?

Mostly the compensation package is great, but you're only giving her 1 week of vacation + sick days vs 2 weeks + sick days.

One week of vacation at her choosing. She will also have two weeks paid vacation when we go on vacation (which I thought was covered under guaranteed hours). And we will increase vacation time and pay at her annual review.

Thanks - I'll make that clearer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP again.


What nannies do not seem to realize is how much of an issue their cell phone use is becoming. The stereotypical nannies texting while her charges play is a scene we have all seen WAY too much of since the introduction of the smart phone. More and more working mothers are talking about this as a fireable offense as some nannies cannot seen to control their addictions to texting and social media for even a three hour stretch.

A child is going to be seriously hurt or killed while the nanny is looking at her phone and not paying attention -- and then this issue will become paramount.

Hurt or killed ? Um seriously I'll take my chances

WHAT?!! You'll take your chances with my kid being killed so you can keep texting your friends?!!! Holy hell!!! What is wrong with you?!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP our contract specifies that food will not be provided for the nanny but cabinet and fridge space is provided for her to keep whatever she wishes to at our house. (We also have a shelf in a hall closet where she can keep some spare clothes, change of shoes, toiletries, etc...)

As the relationship has evolved over time I often include things she likes when I make a run to the grocery store, and she'll often pick up something we're low on as well (which we reimburse of course). Similarly I'll make plenty of something I cook so that there are leftovers for her and the kids, will pick up something pre-cooked and get enough for her, etc...

But I definitely started off with meals are not included and when I do those things now they are extras, not expected.

We also have a policy specifying that personal phone/email time should be restricted to when the kids are napping, or occasionally if playing quietly while she is supervising. Texting and talking on the phone while driving our kids is grounds for dismissal.

Your rate (if you're in the DC area) is very high. You should be able to be quite picky in what you seek to hire.

Good luck.

Excellent suggestions - thank you.

And it is not that I am opposed to the nanny eating our food... It is embarrassing but this was an issue DH and I had when we were first married. I am always dieting and often look forward all day to one special treat when I get home -- and then I would get home and find out that DH had eaten it! It would just be easier all around if the nanny didn't have free-reign in the kitchen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP again.


What nannies do not seem to realize is how much of an issue their cell phone use is becoming. The stereotypical nannies texting while her charges play is a scene we have all seen WAY too much of since the introduction of the smart phone. More and more working mothers are talking about this as a fireable offense as some nannies cannot seen to control their addictions to texting and social media for even a three hour stretch.

A child is going to be seriously hurt or killed while the nanny is looking at her phone and not paying attention -- and then this issue will become paramount.

Do you really believe it's appropriate to isolate a human being from adult communication 10-12 hours a day, five days a week? Who are you fooling?

Best to hire a professional who will provide excellent care for your child, even though it costs more.

Our nanny was able to handle being alone with the baby and NEVER using her cell phone. She is an excellent nanny but not super-human!!! She interacted with people when she went on walks but she understood her responsibility. Now that DC is older and a toddler, she is out and about with him everyday for classes and play-dates. Our nanny is a professional - you are a spoiled child. You can actually live without checking your social media or talk to your friends for 10 hours!


Some of you girls as so childish. We all existed without cell phones for decades and no one dies of isolation when caring for children!

+ 1,000,000.

This nanny-on-the-cell-phone thing will explode one day in the same way that texting while driving did.

Our nanny is always out and about with the babies and is never isolated either. She is also NEVER texting/talking on her phone. Never. Yes, Virginia, it can be done.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP again.


What nannies do not seem to realize is how much of an issue their cell phone use is becoming. The stereotypical nannies texting while her charges play is a scene we have all seen WAY too much of since the introduction of the smart phone. More and more working mothers are talking about this as a fireable offense as some nannies cannot seen to control their addictions to texting and social media for even a three hour stretch.

A child is going to be seriously hurt or killed while the nanny is looking at her phone and not paying attention -- and then this issue will become paramount.

Hurt or killed ? Um seriously I'll take my chances

WHAT?!! You'll take your chances with my kid being killed so you can keep texting your friends?!!! Holy hell!!! What is wrong with you?!!!

How exactly will the child be killed? Texting while your child plays right next to me ? So you have never once texted since you have had a child ? I doubt it or ever made a phone call. Did your child die ? Why would a child die by me texting while they play quietly. What maybe 3 minutes of texting during a 12 plus hr day of working. Listen to yourselves

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP again.


What nannies do not seem to realize is how much of an issue their cell phone use is becoming. The stereotypical nannies texting while her charges play is a scene we have all seen WAY too much of since the introduction of the smart phone. More and more working mothers are talking about this as a fireable offense as some nannies cannot seen to control their addictions to texting and social media for even a three hour stretch.

A child is going to be seriously hurt or killed while the nanny is looking at her phone and not paying attention -- and then this issue will become paramount.

Do you really believe it's appropriate to isolate a human being from adult communication 10-12 hours a day, five days a week? Who are you fooling?

Best to hire a professional who will provide excellent care for your child, even though it costs more.

Hell I'd fire a nanny who was keeping my baby isolated for 10-12 hours a day five days a week. They should be going on walks, checking out playgrounds, story times, etc.

Not so bright, are you? We're talking about the nanny here, not the child.

[Anonymous]

You can ask whatever you want to OP.

But you may not come off as a family that most nannies would want to work for.

Are you really that cheap that your nanny is restricted from your fridge + pantry? If she makes herself a sandwich and grabs a cup of yogurt one day because she forgot to bring a lunch, will you deduct it from her next paycheck?

Also, regarding phone usage...I can understand the fear of having a nanny who talks/texts as well as checks her Facebook, Instagram and e-mail all day long vs. adequately watching your child, however to ban her completely sounds very restrictive to me.

If she gets a phone call during working hours AND it is not an emergency, I feel it is okay for her to tell the caller to call back either during nap time or after work.