Compromise for live-in nanny who is cold

[Anonymous]

We have a new nanny living in with us. The guest suite is upstairs and shares a thermostat with the whole floor (thermostat is in master bedroom). The room is a few degrees colder than the master, but we've had guests there for months at a time with no issues. We did explain the setup in advance.

Our nanny said it's been cold and she will be buying a space heater. I am worried about a fire hazard and suggested an extra comforter instead. She said that's ridiculous (and it looks like she is not even using the comforter we have in there -- I don't understand why). She said extra blankets are not a solution for lack of heat.

Are there any safe compromise solutions here? Overall everything else seems to be working well, and I want to be respectful but also don't want a house fire.

[Anonymous]

Do some research, there are plenty of safe space heaters.

[Anonymous]

I get your concern op but pp is right. Lots of space heaters now shut off when tipped over, have timers, etc. Our Dyson heater even had a thermostat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a new nanny living in with us. The guest suite is upstairs and shares a thermostat with the whole floor (thermostat is in master bedroom). The room is a few degrees colder than the master, but we've had guests there for months at a time with no issues. We did explain the setup in advance.

Our nanny said it's been cold and she will be buying a space heater. I am worried about a fire hazard and suggested an extra comforter instead. She said that's ridiculous (and it looks like she is not even using the comforter we have in there -- I don't understand why). She said extra blankets are not a solution for lack of heat.

Are there any safe compromise solutions here? Overall everything else seems to be working well, and I want to be respectful but also don't want a house fire.

The guests may not have complained because they were your guests and (presumably) staying there for free and temporarily. This is where your nanny will live for the the foreseeable future, and part of her compensation. She has a right to be comfortable.

[Anonymous]

Adjust the thermostat or YOU put on a sweater.

[Anonymous]

Space heater is fine as long as it’s off when she’s not in there.
If she’s cold she’s cold.

[Anonymous]

I think that space heaters these days are manufactured much safer than they were in the past.

Otherwise you may just have to up the temperature on the heater if you can stand it.

That or switch bedrooms.

[Anonymous]

Simple, adjust the ac or heat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think that space heaters these days are manufactured much safer than they were in the past.

Otherwise you may just have to up the temperature on the heater if you can stand it.

That or switch bedrooms.

+1

[Anonymous]

I’m very cautious and would probably get a new nanny. I’m not going to be uncomfortably hot in my house so I can have childcare. That defeats the purpose of live in help. Our house is colder than most by the way by we live with it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m very cautious and would probably get a new nanny. I’m not going to be uncomfortably hot in my house so I can have childcare. That defeats the purpose of live in help. Our house is colder than most by the way by we live with it!

Do you have a live in nanny?

[Anonymous]

Live-in nanny here. I have several thoughts:

1. A comforter doesn’t help unless she’s in bed. Ask if she’d like an electric blanket or micro fleece. Either is lighter weight than a comforter and can be used out of bed.
2. Electric space heaters are fine if they’re up to current code. Unless you’re providing an old kerosene heater with a possibility of carbon monoxide or an old electric unit with no safety features, I don’t see the issue.
3. Ask if she has sweaters or sweatshirts.
4. Switch bedrooms immediately. You know the room is several degrees colder, she’s prone to being chilled and you’d be too warm if you turn up the heat.
5. However, my big question is simple: you’re posting this at the end of MAY. What temperature do you set on your thermostat? Have you considered that many nannies might have issues next winter if you keep the thermostat set too low for their room?