Would you fire a nanny who was sick?

[Anonymous]

In the first month of working for you? We have a nanny who missed one day the second week and then another the third. She is great other wise and we do really like her. A few other couples had babies at the same time. We were discussing nannies and so forth over dinner. I mentioned the sick days and we were told to fire her.

We really like her and she is an awesome nanny. We didn't think about firing her because everyone gets sick. It does suck she got sick this early on but we know she can't control that. We don't think we can find a better nanny for our son. She has been very accommodating with us in terms of staying late when I have been late, clean up leftover dishes, running the dishwasher, etc.

It is starting to make me think. Would people really fire their nanny for missing two sick days in the first 3 weeks to a month of starting?

[Anonymous]

I would, it shows no commitment and really just I don't have the time to waste with someone with a shitty immune system.

[Anonymous]

There are lots of parents with misplaced priorities when it comes to childcare. Stick to your gut sense on this. I assume you got good refs for her.

[Anonymous]

If it's just a one day "sickness" you actually can control that. If they get the flu it's one thing, but if they call in because they are hung over or they have food poisoning once every other week because they eat cheap sushi or other junk food 24.7 and give themselves the runs that is all a warning sign that this will continue and you should just let her go on good terms and find someone who takes life more seriously.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would, it shows no commitment and really just I don't have the time to waste with someone with a shitty immune system.

How many days did you miss in the last 12 months?

[Anonymous]

How does her general health seem?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How does her general health seem?

Her general health is fine. She has great references. We spoke to her last family and she was with them for 1.5 years and missed 1 day.

The first time as called off because of strep, but the second day we asked her not to come in because she had a cold.

[Anonymous]

She eats healthy and seems to take care of herself.

[Anonymous]

Has she worked for you for a month?

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't. Shit happens and people get sick, and sometimes the timing is bad. If I otherwise liked her, I'd give it more time to see.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has she worked for you for a month?

It will be a month this Friday.

[Anonymous]

What were her illnesses?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would, it shows no commitment and really just I don't have the time to waste with someone with a shitty immune system.

How many days did you miss in the last 12 months?

I have never taken a sick day in over 10 years.

[Anonymous]

In the situation you described I would not fire her.

I would also advise you to make your relationship with your nanny your own and not worry about what your friends think or do, same with parenting.

[Anonymous]

Usually you can tell someone is getting sick or getting over from their sickness. If you heard a scratchy throat or saw her wincing each time she spoke and then the next day she called in sick, I'd believe that. If I had any indication she was lying, I'd fire.