Anonymous wrote:Yikes, 20:45 offers some very bad advice, OP.

Cameras are used for whatever reasons the parent deems appropriate. The only "abuse" of a camera is to locate one in a bathroom or bedroom. Otherwise, OP, use your cameras as you see fit and be very wary of a nanny who suggests otherwise.

Also, if she is a bad fit, replace her. It seems strange to offer a letter of recommendation to someone you need to replace because she is not a good nanny. Yes, being late, not following your instructions, and spending time texting while your baby is awake are all signs she is not a professional nanny.

Don't settle for excuses like "personality differences". Failing to engage with your child is a basic nanny failure.

Anonymous wrote:OP, the purpose of having a camera in the house is to make sure your child is not abused or neglected in any way. It is not there to see how much time your nanny spends playing w/your child, and how much time she spends texting people on her phone.

I am sorry to sound so harsh, but it just irks me when I see people abuse this.

If you are going to have a camera or cameras set up in the home, use them for the intended purpose please and not to micromanage.

For your other issues, I suggest you find another nanny.
It doesn't sound like a suitable fit for me.

I think it's personality differences and that you both are not suited for each other.

It doesn't mean you are a bad boss or that she is a bad nanny.
It's just that you both have your own unique ways of doing things and you both do not seem to know how to do things in a mutual and agreeable manner.

I would give her 2 weeks notice and let her know you will offer her a letter of recommendation.

Good luck.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have employed a nanny since last fall for my infant. She gets paid on the books (now) and is putting in some overtime as I travel. For the majority of the last several months, I have been WFH. There have been weeks that I care more for the baby during the day - because I want to, snow days, etc. It's my baby, so of course it's not generally a problem.
I was also careful not to task her with responsibilities outside of her nanny role. (She washes his bottles, loads her and his dishes in the dishwasher, cleans toys, but no laundry or any other type of cleaning). I have two cameras - not hidden, set up in the house. I see her playing games/texting a fair amount when the kid is awake. I'm not looking for a french immersion program for my baby or anything, but I'd like to see some structured play, reading and daily walks (weather permitting). Is that too much to ask? I try to manager her like I manage other adults in the workplace (though I know it's not exactly the same) but what I see is promises and head-nodding, but not a lot of follow through/ consistency. This past week I asked for a summary of activities and schedule, since I'm not there. I got it twice - then nothing. And she never writes anything down (which is a personal pet peeve). I'm reluctant to be too adversarial with her. She's pretty sensitive and I can be a bit harsh when annoyed, so I've been hanging back while borderline seething.

Any suggestions or sage advice to get her on a reasonable track and schedule with the baby?

How clear have you been when you ask her to do something? In other words, when you wanted her to keep track of the schedule/activities did you say "If you could keep track of what you are doing with DC this week that would be helpful" or did you say "here is a log I'd like you to use to write down each activity and when DC eats/sleeps etc." I think you need to sit down and have a polite but clear discussion with her of exactly what you would like. If you continue to quietly seethe you're not helping her do what you want and you are just going to get more annoyed until you explode. Tell her some things you like about how she is/what she does with DC and then tell her the areas you'd like to see some improvement. Then see if she can improve. If not, you may need to start considering someone else. Playing games/texting while she is supposed to be playing with DC is presumably not what you are paying her for.

Anonymous wrote:I have employed a nanny since last fall for my infant. She gets paid on the books (now) and is putting in some overtime as I travel. For the majority of the last several months, I have been WFH. There have been weeks that I care more for the baby during the day - because I want to, snow days, etc. It's my baby, so of course it's not generally a problem.
I was also careful not to task her with responsibilities outside of her nanny role. (She washes his bottles, loads her and his dishes in the dishwasher, cleans toys, but no laundry or any other type of cleaning). I have two cameras - not hidden, set up in the house. I see her playing games/texting a fair amount when the kid is awake. I'm not looking for a french immersion program for my baby or anything, but I'd like to see some structured play, reading and daily walks (weather permitting). Is that too much to ask? I try to manager her like I manage other adults in the workplace (though I know it's not exactly the same) but what I see is promises and head-nodding, but not a lot of follow through/ consistency. This past week I asked for a summary of activities and schedule, since I'm not there. I got it twice - then nothing. And she never writes anything down (which is a personal pet peeve). I'm reluctant to be too adversarial with her. She's pretty sensitive and I can be a bit harsh when annoyed, so I've been hanging back while borderline seething.

Any suggestions or sage advice to get her on a reasonable track and schedule with the baby?