nanny pre-offer trial days? RSS feed

post reply Forum Index » Employer Issues
[Post New]08/27/2013 23:56
quote
Anonymous
Hi,

So, we are trying to have a nanny start with us when our twin boys turn 1 year old. What I have found is that when we have been looking for a mother's helper over the last year, not everything has turned out to be as we expected - though we were reassured at the interview, we were not happy with the attitude/behaviors when they were actually spending time with the boys (not following guidance, our preferences, lots of phone time, etc).

is it pretty routine to do a few (paid) trial days with different candidates? How does this work?

Any information appreciated thanks!
[Post New]08/28/2013 00:13
quote
Anonymous
Hi,

I nanny part time in the evenings and on weekends. I've had one family request this and I
was happy to oblige. It gave me a better understanding as to how the mom
wanted things handled, and I could ask questions as they came up.

It also helped the kids get comfortable with someone new.
I did one trial day (about 8 hours) when the mom
was there, and we did two more when she was in and out. She paid my regular rate each time.

Good luck!
[Post New]08/28/2013 00:36
quote
Anonymous
Nanny here. I always offer to do this for families but have actually never had one ask. As long as you pay for the nanny's time, I think this is a great idea!
[Post New]08/28/2013 01:14
quote
Anonymous
Your best bet is to find a sitter with little or no experience. She'll depend on you to tell/show her how to do everything. The best part is that she'll cost you a lot less than a professional nanny.
[Post New]08/28/2013 05:36
quote
Anonymous
00:13 and 00:36. thanks. It seemed reasonable so that we didn't waste everyone's time setting up a position that didn't work out - from payroll to contracts, etc

01:14 - not sure who you are but must be a childcare expert. it's interesting when someone coming in who's never met the children before thinks they are the expert on them before they've developed a relationship. not being able to follow guidance from the parent thats been at home with them 24/7 since they were born. the best mother's helper we had was a great back and forth relationship where she offered her experience and advice in combination with what we knew about our children and gradually developed her own style with them as she got to know them longer and longer. but you know, clearly I will take your advice.
not sure why are you are concerned about cost, since I clearly said I would pay for the trial time, which is how any on the job training works in any profession. however, you are not only a childcare expert but a "reading between the lines on the forum" expert also, since you read my mind about costs concerns I never expressed. thanks for your help.
[Post New]08/28/2013 07:39
quote
Anonymous
What a breath of fresh air you are! I believe you're the first MB not to be concerned with childcare costs.
[Post New]08/28/2013 07:48
quote
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:What a breath of fresh air you are! I believe you're the first MB not to be concerned with childcare costs.

...at least on DCUM. Lol.
[Post New]08/28/2013 09:09
quote
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:00:13 and 00:36. thanks. It seemed reasonable so that we didn't waste everyone's time setting up a position that didn't work out - from payroll to contracts, etc

01:14 - not sure who you are but must be a childcare expert. it's interesting when someone coming in who's never met the children before thinks they are the expert on them before they've developed a relationship. not being able to follow guidance from the parent thats been at home with them 24/7 since they were born. the best mother's helper we had was a great back and forth relationship where she offered her experience and advice in combination with what we knew about our children and gradually developed her own style with them as she got to know them longer and longer. but you know, clearly I will take your advice.
not sure why are you are concerned about cost, since I clearly said I would pay for the trial time, which is how any on the job training works in any profession. however, you are not only a childcare expert but a "reading between the lines on the forum" expert also, since you read my mind about costs concerns I never expressed. thanks for your help.


I agree with what you posted, OP, but wow, snotty much? Why get so offended by a benign post from an anonymous poster (or anyone for that matter). Wouldn't it just be easier, and more sane to say "cost isn't the issue" etc. and let it go at that?
[Post New]08/28/2013 09:23
quote
Anonymous
I had each prospective nanny do paid trial half-days, and scheduled them when there was minimal napping and I was working from home.
[Post New]08/28/2013 10:17
quote
Anonymous
In my 10+ years of experience, I have always done a few trial or transition days with a new family. I need to know that we click just as much as you do, and the first few months of employment are really about getting to know and trust each other. I've done trials that range from 2-4 days; usually the first day is spent together with MB/DB learning the routine of the day and any kind of idiosyncrasies that will help with the kids. The time alone is gradually spread out throughout the subsequent days. As long as you are paying, any good nanny will be happy to spend some time getting to know your family.
[Post New]08/28/2013 11:07
quote
webbkathy

Member Offline
OP if a nanny is currently unemployed they are typically happy to work some paid trial days - they get as much of an opportunity as you to assess good job fit.

However, if you have a good candidate who is currently employed, your only option would be to have her try out on her days off, if that is even possible for her. Try to stay flexible on this situation, as it is perfectly reasonable that the employed nanny doesn't want to mess with the sure bet she has now for the opportunity to audition.
Kathy Webb
HomeWork Solutions Inc.

http://www.HomeWorkSolutions.com
800.626.4829

Simplifying Nanny Tax Compliance Since 1993
[Post New]08/28/2013 19:58
quote
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:00:13 and 00:36. thanks. It seemed reasonable so that we didn't waste everyone's time setting up a position that didn't work out - from payroll to contracts, etc

01:14 - not sure who you are but must be a childcare expert. it's interesting when someone coming in who's never met the children before thinks they are the expert on them before they've developed a relationship. not being able to follow guidance from the parent thats been at home with them 24/7 since they were born. the best mother's helper we had was a great back and forth relationship where she offered her experience and advice in combination with what we knew about our children and gradually developed her own style with them as she got to know them longer and longer. but you know, clearly I will take your advice.
not sure why are you are concerned about cost, since I clearly said I would pay for the trial time, which is how any on the job training works in any profession. however, you are not only a childcare expert but a "reading between the lines on the forum" expert also, since you read my mind about costs concerns I never expressed. thanks for your help.


100% agree. Ignore 01:14, she's the kind've "nanny" you DONT want to hire. She isn't as good as she thinks infact, you'll most likely have alot of complaints with nannies like that. Good luck with your search!
[Post New]08/28/2013 20:53
quote
Anonymous
Training a newbie from scratch has its benefits.
[Post New]08/29/2013 09:54
quote
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Training a newbie from scratch has its benefits.


True - but a FTM with twin boys who are coming into the toddler stage might really want someone experienced! (Said as a FTM with toddler twins!)
post reply Forum Index » Employer Issues
Message Quick Reply
Go to: 

Search   Recent Topics   Hottest Topics