Should we switch nannies?

[Anonymous]

We live overseas and have just hired our first nanny. Shes pretty good. Our DC--11 months old--likes her, and she likes DC. They have a routine and everything is going smoothly.

The other day, however, our nanny was sick and we had to use a backup for a couple of days. My wife and I really clicked with the backup. We just seemed to be more in sync.

Examples: We've asked our nanny to speak only the host country's language to our daughter, and the main nanny mixes languages quite a bit. The backup was really gung ho and switched right into the target language with DC. Another example: We're doing baby-led weaning, and the main nanny didn't quite get it at first, and I still think she spoon-feeds DC too much. Final example: The backup understood immediately when we said that it's important for DC to do as much as possible without help, to foster autonomy. My wife and I think that the root of the problem might be generational: the main nanny is in her 50s; the backup is in her 30s.

So here's the problem: Do we switch? We kind of want to, but we don't know how to let someone go if they're basically doing an A- job. How the hell do you do that?

(First world problems, we know, but where else besides DCUM can you ask such a question?)

[Anonymous]

Give the old nanny plenty of notice or a nice severance and an amazing reference and let her find a family she clicks with better. But be darn sure that the backup feels as enthusiastic about you guys as you do about her and that her plans are long term, or for however long you need.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We live overseas and have just hired our first nanny. Shes pretty good. Our DC--11 months old--likes her, and she likes DC. They have a routine and everything is going smoothly.

The other day, however, our nanny was sick and we had to use a backup for a couple of days. My wife and I really clicked with the backup. We just seemed to be more in sync.

Examples: We've asked our nanny to speak only the host country's language to our daughter, and the main nanny mixes languages quite a bit. The backup was really gung ho and switched right into the target language with DC. Another example: We're doing baby-led weaning, and the main nanny didn't quite get it at first, and I still think she spoon-feeds DC too much. Final example: The backup understood immediately when we said that it's important for DC to do as much as possible without help, to foster autonomy. My wife and I think that the root of the problem might be generational: the main nanny is in her 50s; the backup is in her 30s.

So here's the problem: Do we switch? We kind of want to, but we don't know how to let someone go if they're basically doing an A- job. How the hell do you do that?

(First world problems, we know, but where else besides DCUM can you ask such a question?)

If you are closer to age with the second nanny it would make sense you click more but age has little to do with how good a nanny is. When you start nanny comparing you will start running into trouble. If you really do like the second nanny more because she seems to fit better with your parent style then yes that is a good reason to make a change as you will most likely take out your preference on your original nanny and she does not deserve

[Anonymous]

what is wrong mixes languages quite a bit? Your baby still can learn both languages.

[Anonymous]

what other job to be done beside taking care of your baby> cleaning? laundry?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:what other job to be done beside taking care of your baby> cleaning? laundry?

OP here. The other duties are baby laundry and cleaning up after DC. That's it.

[Anonymous]

IF the temp nanny is interested in long term, full time employment and you come up with a mutually agreeable benefits package then I say switch. Give your current nanny a short notice and a nice severance. Fwiw, I have been the temp nanny in your situation twice now. I'm great at what I do and I'm respectful and professional. Your family is your number one priority, go with the person that fits your family better and brings more to the table. Good luck, OP!