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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]It's extremely difficult to screen for this sort of thing when hiring a nanny. For one thing, you're asking for someone who is open to committing 10+ years of their life to one job with one family. Nannydeb has sage advice, as always with regard to a good compensation package, annual raises, and never reducing pay even when you may need her less.

One of the things that struck me as very difficult is age. You can't hire anyone over 40 because someone who is healthy and active at 40 is not guaranteed to be able to keep up with tens and preteens over 50. You need someone experienced for young children, so 25 is the minimum age you'd want, but it's going to be hard to find someone to commit for so long at that age. Obviously you can't say this but I feel like you're going to need to find someone who doesn't want her own kids because otherwise in a couple years she'll be asking to leave to raise them or to bring her own kids to your house. And while finding someone who's already raised her own kids sounds ideal, once again you're left with someone well over 50 in ten years (or find someone who has school age kids and deal with excessive germ exposure, and nanny needing to be off for every snow day and teacher workday and bring her kid all summer).

I dunno, it's obviously possible but difficult. Personally I'd screen for someone between 32 and 36 who doesn't want her own kids. [/quote]

This poster makes a lot of good points.   Although, I'm not sure how you'd ask them about wanting kids.  I would be very put off by that question.

I have a position somewhat similar to what OP describes.  I've been a part time nanny with the same family for over ten years.  I have another job unrelated to nannying and started with them as a date night sitter.  They had more kids over the years, advanced in their careers and needed much more help.  We were both fortunate that the hours (mostly evenings) worked with my schedule, and I'm usually with them 15-20 hours a week.  They also have a full time nanny.  Three of the kids are in school and the youngest starts in the fall, so they will now only need one person, and just after school/evenings.  It's not enough hours for their full time nanny,  and I'm really hoping I can make it work with my other job schedule.

I never had any intention of becoming a nanny.  I was 25  when I  moved to the area and was looking to make some extra cash.   The job has obviously changed very much since I started, and most days I think it's more challenging than when they were younger.  But, after 10 years,  I can't imagine not being with those kids.  I don't have kids, and probably won't so I think the PP made a great point about finding someone without kids.   They have been through 6 full time nannies since I've been there, and all but one left to start her own family.   Since I don't have kids, I don't face a lot of the challenges that some nannies do and I'm able to offer a  great deal of flexibility to the parents.   This is extremely important to them, and they compensate me very well.

OP- I wish I had better advice for you.  Don't giver up, this person does exist.   BTW....I respectfully disagree with the PP about not wanting someone over 40.  As with any situation, there are pros and cons, but this shouldn't be a deterrent.  MB will be 50 this year and her youngest is 5.  She can run circles around the 20 something nannies she has hired over the years.   Someone a little older may have grown kids, and a husband to depend on.   She may not need 50-60 hours to get by.  That is one of the biggest obstacles to overcome.  Someone who is ok with the salary of a part time job, but takes the job seriously.

Good luck:)[/quote]

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