MB sounds like a wench.. I would just cut right to the chase. Say "Name, I have no problem picking up an item from the store. If you notice you're running low and can't pick it up then ask, I'll be more then happy to grab it for you."

That way you're letting her no that although it's not your responsibility, you'll still have no problem doing her a quick favor and grabbing it.

The MB sounds ill. Line up a new job.

The MB is ridiculous! First of all, if shopping is not your responsibility, you would be doing her a FAVOR by getting detergent on your way, and if she or the dad really couldn't run out and get it themselves, the text should have read something like: "I am sorry to even ask, but is there any way you could get some detergent on your way?", etc.

Her texts were silly!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Do you want me to pick up some more detergent on my way 6:15AM

Agree that you didn't help this. Text's aren't passive aggressive they are just short big difference.

"OK I'll pick some up on my way in" or "Sorry, can't pick some up on my way in without being late"

I have to disagree only because I never buy anything without confirmation from my MB first. I know other nannies have a different relationship, but my response would have been the same - "Should I pick some up on my way in?"

Only difference is, my MB would have answered promptly. Sorry OP, that is not an ideal level of communication at all.

I think I've been able to have a real conversation with her 4 or 5 times since I started the job. She never answers calls, so I don't call unless it's an emergency. I know she gets the texts because she has her phone with her 24/7.

I asked if I should get the detergent, and she never responded. It is not my responsibility to do the families shopping, yet I still offered and now she seems irritated. I just can't do everything.

I'm the PP you're responding to and just want to reiterate that I think your MB is the one dropping the ball here (I realized my post was a little ambiguous). You are absolutely not responsible for trying to read her mind or make unauthorized purchases.

Oh, i was thinking a soccer or basketball uniform. Really all you can do is iron it and make it look fresh.

Anonymous wrote:I hate people who only buy something when they run out. When your bottle is half used, get a new one! Then you don't run out. This goes for anything....milk, olive oil, cereal, toothpaste etc. Not your problem op. Also, why on earth does a uniform need to be ironed?

DS has a recital tonight, and he has to wear his "special" uniform which looks like a little blazer.

I hate people who only buy something when they run out. When your bottle is half used, get a new one! Then you don't run out. This goes for anything....milk, olive oil, cereal, toothpaste etc. Not your problem op. Also, why on earth does a uniform need to be ironed?

Anonymous wrote:

Do you want me to pick up some more detergent on my way 6:15AM

Agree that you didn't help this. Text's aren't passive aggressive they are just short big difference.

"OK I'll pick some up on my way in" or "Sorry, can't pick some up on my way in without being late"

Fine. Than she should have actually asked me if I should pick it up, she didn't.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Do you want me to pick up some more detergent on my way 6:15AM

Agree that you didn't help this. Text's aren't passive aggressive they are just short big difference.

"OK I'll pick some up on my way in" or "Sorry, can't pick some up on my way in without being late"

I have to disagree only because I never buy anything without confirmation from my MB first. I know other nannies have a different relationship, but my response would have been the same - "Should I pick some up on my way in?"

Only difference is, my MB would have answered promptly. Sorry OP, that is not an ideal level of communication at all.

I think I've been able to have a real conversation with her 4 or 5 times since I started the job. She never answers calls, so I don't call unless it's an emergency. I know she gets the texts because she has her phone with her 24/7.

I asked if I should get the detergent, and she never responded. It is not my responsibility to do the families shopping, yet I still offered and now she seems irritated. I just can't do everything.

Anonymous wrote:

Do you want me to pick up some more detergent on my way 6:15AM

Agree that you didn't help this. Text's aren't passive aggressive they are just short big difference.

"OK I'll pick some up on my way in" or "Sorry, can't pick some up on my way in without being late"

I have to disagree only because I never buy anything without confirmation from my MB first. I know other nannies have a different relationship, but my response would have been the same - "Should I pick some up on my way in?"

Only difference is, my MB would have answered promptly. Sorry OP, that is not an ideal level of communication at all.

Do you want me to pick up some more detergent on my way 6:15AM

Agree that you didn't help this. Text's aren't passive aggressive they are just short big difference.

"OK I'll pick some up on my way in" or "Sorry, can't pick some up on my way in without being late"

Anonymous wrote:You are just as responsible for this communication as she is. Pick up the phone and CALL. Seek clarification.

Called at 6:30 and 9:00.

No answer, honestly you don't think I tried that? Not calling again, she can call me back if it's that important.

If it was really that serious, she could've picked it up herself. I mean, unless you're responsible for the parent's laundry in addition to the child's laundry, then I'm pretty sure she should've known when the detergent was running low, and should have made provisions to purchase another bottle accordingly.

Also, if it was that serious and she herself couldn't have picked it up, she could've asked you to stop into the nearest market on your way over to their home, even if you might have been a few minutes late (assuming most markets don't open up until around 8:00AM or thereafter), you know, since you can't drive with the kid.

You are just as responsible for this communication as she is. Pick up the phone and CALL. Seek clarification.

I've worked with this family for about 6 months. We mostly communicate through texts, not my choice.

Text conversation:
MB: We are out of laundry detergent 11:45PM
Me: Ok 11:55 (I was asleep, don't know how to respond to this)
Me: Do you want me to pick up some more detergent on my way 6:15AM (although shopping for the family is not my responsibility)
[no response]
MB: [DS] Needs his uniform washed, dried and ironed 8:00am (I'm at her house, DB said NOTHING about laundry this morning)
Me: Ok, by when. I can get laundry detergent tonight. 8:15 (Not suppose to take the LO in my car, no store within walking distance)
MB: He was suppose to wear it tonight. 8:30
Me: Ok... Does he have an extra one? 8:35
[no response since]

What am I suppose to do? Pull laundry detergent out of my ass? I asked her this morning if she wanted me to get some on my way, I'd go now but don't have a carseat for the 2-year-old. Seriously.