The flexible (yet not so flexible) nanny

[Anonymous]

Sometimes we’re just tired and money can’t buy sleep! I think parents need to have back up care. Why do you want your nanny to work 7:30-7 and then have to come right back at 7:30? Are you going to allow her to come later the next day? Nannies are not robots! We’re human and we get tired. From time to time, it’s cool but twice a week or even once every week can be too much and parents have to respect that and not catch an attitude. Also, don’t wait the day before to tell me either. I have to mentally prepare, perhaps bring (or buy) dinner, etc. and like other ppl have said, I don’t know one person who hasn’t become annoyed at the fact they have to stay late, when it’s becoming a reoccurring thing.

Find a babysitter to relieve your nanny, op. It doesn’t have to be every time but we appreciate splitting the late days up w/ others. We already do a lot during our 10 & 11 hour shifts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op, do you plan to use the nanny until 7 daily? If so, is the nanny aware of this aspect of the change? If not, do you have a limit to the number of days she stays late? Will you ever go past 7pm? This could easily not work if everyone is not on the same page.

We made it clear that she is expect to work until 7 whenever we need it. And we never need her past 7 pm. She has never stayed past 7 pm. We will usually only need her to stay until 7 1-2 days with short notice.

If

So this means that she had no life of her own. Burnout and resentment aren't far away.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op, do you plan to use the nanny until 7 daily? If so, is the nanny aware of this aspect of the change? If not, do you have a limit to the number of days she stays late? Will you ever go past 7pm? This could easily not work if everyone is not on the same page.

We made it clear that she is expect to work until 7 whenever we need it. And we never need her past 7 pm. She has never stayed past 7 pm. We will usually only need her to stay until 7 1-2 days with short notice.

If

So this means that she had no life of her own. Burnout and resentment aren't far away.

Not every nanny would burn out with those hours. I've worked 24/7 twice, and I love it! However, for this nanny, I agree that burn out and/or resentment may happen quickly.

OP, you need to start looking for a new nanny now, someone who WANTS the guaranteed hours til 7.

[Anonymous]

Why do you AND your husband have to work late on the same days? Can you not vary your hours so one person can make it home to relieve your nanny on time?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why do you AND your husband have to work late on the same days? Can you not vary your hours so one person can make it home to relieve your nanny on time?

My husband and I work together so sometimes we both have to be present and cannot leave the office.

[Anonymous]

I am a nanny - and an older nanny at that - and I worked 12 hours, five days a week for years in my last position. You get into a groove and it is not that bad. As far as I am concerned, nothing is worse than not knowing when you are going to be relieved - working 12 hours and knowing you are going to work 12 hours becomes routine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a nanny - and an older nanny at that - and I worked 12 hours, five days a week for years in my last position. You get into a groove and it is not that bad. As far as I am concerned, nothing is worse than not knowing when you are going to be relieved - working 12 hours and knowing you are going to work 12 hours becomes routine.

+1. I did 7 to 7 for a weekend job. You do get used to it. The weekday nanny also works 7 to 7.

[Anonymous]

If you need her to stay till 7 on x days, make it clear to her ahead of time. Or make staying until 7 part of her regular hours- that way, she knows for certain how long her day will be. Her hours are already long. The last minute notice on staying an extra hr can be grating especially if she has other obligations.