Reply to How do we find an Alice from the Brady Bunch?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Yes, I grew up with an Alice.

And I have had two Alices work with my children and home for between $18-$20 hour.

We found them through an online ad on www.sittercity.com and www.care.com.  We were very clear about what we were looking for, but we wrote it in such a way that conveyed our personalities and our commitment to the nanny-- it wasn't just a list of required skills.  (Because what you're looking for is someone who fits with part of your *family* right? So it's kind of like dating--you need to find someone who fits you and vice versa.)

We interviewed several people.  We provided a written contract.  We established open communication, we chatted about whatever was of interest to the nanny (not just about the job), we give presents on birthdays and holidays, and whatever else people who like each other tend to do.

I also give job advice, when asked. I don't expect that someone will stick around forever because they signed a one year contract. I anticipate they're always looking for a better deal... and the best I can do is be nice, thoughtful, and fair.  So far, no one's left us for any reason other than (a) we moved 2000 miles away and (b) nanny got married and moved 50 miles away.

We would immediately fire someone who didn't fit, because they deserve better... and we want that fit, too.[/quote]

Not to be snarky, but you didn't hire Alice if your nanny/housekeeper 1) gets paid 2) ever leaves your family 3) has any kind of personal social life outside of your family.

Yes, there are people who will do the work Alice did, but as you point out they cost money and won't stay until your kids graduate high school. ;)[/quote]

To be clear, the nanny who grew up with us did stay with the family for over 20 years.  She was older, in her 50s, widowed, when she joined the family.

The first nanny we had would've stayed with us forever--she was with us for three years, and then we moved. She was also older, in her early 50s with grown kids, divorced.  We keep in touch, call on occasion.

The nanny who left was younger -- her life just moved on.

The nanny we have now has been with us for three years.  She's young, married, but seems to be committed to being a nanny as a career.  I anticipate we'll offer her employment for as long as she wants it.

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