Advice Needed!!

[Anonymous]

Our nanny has grown a bit too comfortable about certain things....the current issue revolves around the disposal of tampons/pads etc. Used items are being left very regularly and not very discreetly in our trash cans without much care being taken at times. This evening we came home to 2 pads (one in packaging and one out of packaging but not used obviously) placed behind our toothbrush holder! Now we are sure this was just done to keep them out of kids way while she dealt with them and then she forgot about them, however, this combined with the carelessly discarded used items is getting to us. Is there any way to politely address this? We are at a loss for how to kindly address this. Should we even try? Anyway, any thoughts from anyone who may have a good way to handle this or has even dealt with it would be appreciated. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Beyond disgusting. Next time hire a real nanny who has a little self-resect and dignity.

[Anonymous]

Troll

[Anonymous]

Leaving the unused pads out doesn't seem outlandish. She just forgot. I would put them in the cabinet under the sink. She'll find them. Seeing unused pads on your sink shouldn't make the other issue any worse, as unused pads aren't embarrassing or weird.

As for the used pads, I would just get a trashcan with a lid. There's no reason to make a deal out of this.

[Anonymous]

I'm sure I've done this, much to my embarrassment, without realizing it. Just as someone in my NF has left #2 in the toilet un-flushed, tampons have been left unwrapped in the trashcan, a suspicious tissue was found near the couch. I have always disposed of these things silently and without being awkward at the end of the day.
Try to realize that you are sharing a house with a relative stranger and these things are just going to happen. Just roll with it. She is just as mortified as you are.

[Anonymous]

The only thing I can add to the pps is to offer her a drawer or small basket or something where she can leave some things like that? i don't think the unused pad is anything to be upset about, personally. Also, where is she supposed to leave used items if not in the trash? Personally I've always used tampons w/o the applicator so there's never been any evidence left behind, but not everyone can get on board w/ using those.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm sure I've done this, much to my embarrassment, without realizing it. Just as someone in my NF has left #2 in the toilet un-flushed, tampons have been left unwrapped in the trashcan, a suspicious tissue was found near the couch. I have always disposed of these things silently and without being awkward at the end of the day.
Try to realize that you are sharing a house with a relative stranger and these things are just going to happen. Just roll with it. She is just as mortified as you are.

I don't even understand this. In my entire life, neither the family I grew up with nor the family I created has EVER done this. How hard is it to flush, and double-check that you flushed?

[Anonymous]

Casually, when there is a moment:

"Nanny, would you please make sure not to leave personal hygiene items laying around? We keep finding pads and tampons and I'm sure you'd not choose to have us handling those. Thanks."

Then move on quickly. Don't make a huge scene about it but be clear and direct.

If she doesn't wise up immediately you have a bigger issue on your hands.

[Anonymous]

How old is she, sixteen?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How old is she, sixteen?

+1. Usually women figure out how to handle this stuff. It's not like it's a rare occurrence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How old is she, sixteen?

+1. Usually women figure out how to handle this stuff. It's not like it's a rare occurrence.

Exactly. Op's probably a stupid troll.

[Anonymous]

How do you discreetly throw away a pad or tampon? Just the act of putting it in the trash can is discreet.

[Anonymous]

If I found out our nanny was changing and disposing of her tampons at our house I would probably look for a new nanny. That is gross and she should wait and do that at home. Your nanny has no manners OP.

[Anonymous]

Eww....This is just gross to me.

You are so right...She has gotten waay too comfortable in your home.

I would most certainly have a word or two with her.

It will be awkward, but just kindly let her know that you have found her "personal" items left behind in certain areas and that she may have forgotten to take them with her and that you would hate for your husband or children to find them first.

I am sure she will be embarrassed and never leave them behind again.

[Anonymous]

I have been on both sides of this. I have forgotten to pick something up because an alarming cry from DC sent me racing from the bathroom. I have also stumbled on things like lube or condoms while picking up around the house, though only a couple time in my six year career. I always use cleaning gloves to throw away anything I find around the house. I don't even mention it because obviously no one would intentionally leave that stuff out, it is just a mistake. As far as my items, I now empty the bathroom trash myself at the end of the day when I am on my period. Sometimes the bathroom trash does not get emptied for days since it doesn't get full so often. So I also want to be sure things aren't just sitting around in there.