Nanny reference - what would you say, if anything?

[Anonymous]

We have had a nanny working for us on a temporary basis. The basic idea was that she was taking this job in hopes of getting a good referral to look for a long term position. Anyway, she's great with the kids but really leaves the house a disaster. I think she is making an effort but is just not a good cleaner. I am not an uptight person and don't expect housekeeping from my nanny and this even bothered me. The references I spoke to before I hired her said largely the same thing. So I can write her a good reference, emphasizing her qualities, but I'm afraid she is going to have trouble keeping a position. Would you talk to her about it? Note that if I had plans to keep her long term, it's something I think I would feel comfortable bringing up and giving her a chance to fix. The current situation is complicated and it's almost like she is doing us a favor, so I was grateful to have her. Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

I'd talk to her on her last day or two and let her know as constructive criticism.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd talk to her on her last day or two and let her know as constructive criticism.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd talk to her on her last day or two and let her know as constructive criticism.

There is no such thing as constructive criticism.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd talk to her on her last day or two and let her know as constructive criticism.

There is no such thing as constructive criticism.

Of course there is. Please do not play games with semantics.

It would be in your nanny's best interest if you told her her weakness and how she could do much better.

[Anonymous]

Even though I am not a huge fan of nannies doing any housekeeping tasks, it is just common sense for a nanny to leave the house better each day than when she arrived.

What parent wants to walk in to a home with dirty dishes and scattered toys all over?

Nannies should wash up any dishes/bottles they dirty during their stay as well as make sure the toys/games/books are picked up as well. Sure, they will probably go back on the floor, but at least you won't be there to pick them up!

After her stay with you is done and you are ready to write her referral, let her know that this is one area where she may need to focus on more since the majority of families like to come home to order...Not chaos.

Let her know she is great with the kids and that if anyone asks about her work ethic and responsibility level, you can vouch for her on these.