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OP, did you get paid???
Anonymous wrote:Has anyone hired a younger relative, to work as a nanny and did it work out well (or badly)?
My husband and I are expecting our first baby next summer. Since I'm still in the first trimester, we haven't seriously explored childcare options yet, but were contemplating the idea of hiring either my sister or perhaps (but less likely) my niece as a nanny for the short term (probably 6 months to a year).
Assuming she even wants to do it, my sister seems like a great choice: she lives in the area and will just have graduated from high school but isn't planning to go to college yet as she's a little burnt out from school. We'd give her free room and board in addition to her salary, and she could take evening classes if she wanted, to keep from getting too far off the college track. Only potential downside in my view is that she doesn't have a lot of childcare experience, but she could presumably live with us for the final month of my maternity leave to get acclimated.
If my sister didn't work out, my husband is also interested in possibly hiring our niece, but this is much less likely due to major reservations on my part.
I'm curious if anyone else has done something similar and if there are any pitfalls here that I am missing?
OP, Can I get off track for a minute and ask why aren't you encouraging your sister to go to college? I am not judging, I just .... she has no business stopping education to take care of a baby. There is always that chance that she wont go back to college or will postpone her college plans for years and end up resenting you. I would not want to live with that risk. I also don't think is smart to let all other kids her age get a head start on her. When she finally gets back, she will be at a disadvantage in whatever career field she choses.
You should know there are plenty of great nannies out there that will love and care for your baby as if it were their own. I don't know your financial situation but if you are willing to offer a live-in position that might sweeten someone's interest. If you do go with your sister, things might (shall I say things WILL) complicate a bit as you go. Will she have set hours? If she says she cant babysit that saturday night, will you be resentful or think she "should be doing more for me as I am her sister, I give her food and a roof"? Will you pay her normal rates or will you expect her to not "charge" you full nanny rates because she is your sister and she is doing this partly out of love, to help you out? When you encounter difficulties in routines, directives, tasks, deadlines, etc... will you be able to give her a neutral feedback as you would to a regular employee? Will she be able to respect you as her boss, apart from being her sister?
Whatever you decide, I wish you Good luck....
OP are you a MB? I feel like if you are a parent then the directive you take is your choice, considering you are following the law. But I am a nanny and I WOULD NEVER EVER spank a child that is under my care, regardless of being legal or illegal on my state.
OP, I would start making and collecting all sorts of evidence to prove you worked during this time. Record all your time-in and time-outs everyday. Take dated pictures, send e-mails talking about the day etc.. This is in case you need to sue him for the back pay you are owed. It's a extremely nice thing you are doing for him (work almost 2 months without any pay) and I would certainly hope what you learn is to not do it again!! I would also expect financial recognition (AKA A BIG ASS BONUS) but looks like he's broke so chances are you wont get anything extra, if at all. I hope you do get your money and that your boss will pull it together and not use the chance to screw you.... god luck.
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