She sounds very similar to our current nanny, and I've been struggling with this question lately. Her references were good, she's not bad, just very 'meh' and sometimes requires a lot more micro-managing than I expected. My kids are preschool/elementary ages and I don't want to change for stability reasons. Having had a fantastic nanny previously, I am also just wondering if I'm reacting overly negatively to an average nanny.

To answer your question, I haven't fired our similar nanny and I'm not planning to, but that's just because I'm not confident about finding someone who will fit our requirements who is any better.

Is she a nanny or an au pair?

I would never hired her in the first place. Get a new nanny.

Anonymous wrote:Already saw your post in the au pair section.

I was thinking the same thing

Already saw your post in the au pair section.

I have a younger child and a nanny just like this and it drives me crazy. Especially the lack of care about nutrition or desire to learn new skills. I don't want my 3 year old thinking chicken nuggets are food. And I want him to be taught new things.
We are going to let our nanny (that had almost identical credentials) go.

OP here

Her English skills need improvement but I never really saw her one on one with the kids and their homework until recently. Normally their father handles it during the week. She wasn't able to assist nor did she check their work ( check that it was done, rather) and I had to step in.

Did you notice that her English skills were sub-par prior to hiring her? And did you know that one of her duties would be assisting your child w/homework??

I think you should find another Nanny for your family.
She doesn't sound like an awful Nanny.... Just one not best suited for your family's needs.

Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:I think she's not very good. The speeding would really, really bother me. She is not their parents; she doesn't get to decide that it's ok to speed.

The other stuff would depend on how much I was willing to pay to guarantee a much better experience. If housekeeping is her primary duty, and she does that well, it may be hard to find someone who will live in and is also great with kids.

No, kids are her primary duty. I have a bi-weekly housekeeper, and her duties are only child oriented and light.

I think she's not very good. The speeding would really, really bother me. She is not their parents; she doesn't get to decide that it's ok to speed.

The other stuff would depend on how much I was willing to pay to guarantee a much better experience. If housekeeping is her primary duty, and she does that well, it may be hard to find someone who will live in and is also great with kids.

I have school aged kids.

Positive:
Tidy/neat and keeps home clean.
Does laundry but no attention to detail (who's clothes go where or folded clothes).
Safe driver, but hard on the car (braking a lot, speeding).

Negatives:
Her English isn't very good. Can't help with homework as she doesn't know English words or math concepts. Trouble communicating clear instructions to her, even via text.
Not creative or taking initiative. Have to suggest outings with the kids on off-school days or after school.
Can't cook much other than basics (pasta, chicken nuggets, etc.) Not creative and can't seem to seek out how to cook other dishes/look at recipes.
Meek when kids fight/argue.
Can't control kids when they separate at the library or don't listen. Once left one kid alone when playing with other kid in a public place.
Live-in, but stays out late before work days.
Heavy cell phone user...even when working.

I have had conversations with her, and she is very nice and friendly, but think she might be better suited to a younger child.

Thoughts?