Have to move to a full-time nanny?

[Anonymous]

My existing nanny’s agreement is up soon (she will be starting another full-time, non-nannying job we’ve all known about for months), and we have a fantastic undergraduate student who has agreed to nanny 20ish hours a week. However, we are having trouble finding another part-time nanny to pick up the remaining hours. If this continues, I’m probably just going to have to cut the undergrad loose and look for a full-time nanny, aren’t I? If so, do you think a one-time cash gift ($500-$1000) to the undergrad will lessen the blow? We have a signed agreement, but we are still far off from the start date, so she’d have at least 5 weeks notice (which is longer than the agreement requires).

Also, beyond Care, Urban Sitter, individual college job boards, and Quad Jobs, any advice as to where to find students who might be interested in picking up the other half of the hours?

[Anonymous]

That’s a generous gift and a good thing to do since your parttime nanny undoubtedly turned down other offers. I’m sure she will understand your dilemma and find another position quickly.

You and your kids will be happier with one devoted full time nanny anyway. It just makes sense.

[Anonymous]

If you're not even started with her, just tell her now you actually need someone full time so can't go through with it.

[Anonymous]

Do you really want to juggle two undergraduate sitters?! Your plan was ill-conceived from the start.

Tell your sitter now, give her a bonus, and find a reliable full-time nanny.

[Anonymous]

It does sound like a full-time person is what you need OP.

But your generous approach to ending things w/ the undergrad is lovely - and might let you keep him/her as a great back-up option, wrap around - few extra hours kind of option.

In this environment, and with more than a month's notice, I expect the student can probably find another option fairly easily.

[Anonymous]

Have you told your new hire of your issues? Maybe she has a friend who she would want to split it with.