Anonymous
Post 06/12/2014 08:35     Subject: Is this is asking too much?

Good to hear a story that ends well, for a change. Thank you, OP, for your follow up. I wish more OP's would take the time to do that.
Anonymous
Post 06/12/2014 08:10     Subject: Re:Is this is asking too much?

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I asked and she seemed completely fine with it. Thanks for all of the responses.

To address a few of the questions -- she's very familiar with driving in the area, and a very confident driver. She knows the way to the airport well, plus we have GPS in the car. So I was sure that I wasn't asking her to do something she's uncomfortable with.

To the PP, I completely agree that simply because I'm paying her doesn't mean she has to do anything we ask. Absolutely. For instance, I'd never ask her to do heavy housecleaning or care for the pets (beyond, you know, shooing them off countertops or something). That said, I do think this is perhaps a bit of a grey area because the kids are the primary reason I need to drive (if I were alone, I would cab or Metro). Obviously, driving the kids to the airport isn't explicitly in her contract, but that's why I think it's grey, not black and white.

Lastly, I think we do have a very good relationship and honestly, I would probably ask her for a favor before almost any friend in the area. That said, I also want to be a respectful employer and not take advantage of our good relationship or her good nature, so I really appreciate the feedback.

Oh, and also, great idea to bring her back a small gift. Definitely going to do that.[/quote

OP, you sound like a really amazing MB who is diligent about protecting her boss-employee relationship. Kudos to you.
Anonymous
Post 06/12/2014 02:10     Subject: Re:Is this is asking too much?

OP here. I asked and she seemed completely fine with it. Thanks for all of the responses.

To address a few of the questions -- she's very familiar with driving in the area, and a very confident driver. She knows the way to the airport well, plus we have GPS in the car. So I was sure that I wasn't asking her to do something she's uncomfortable with.

To the PP, I completely agree that simply because I'm paying her doesn't mean she has to do anything we ask. Absolutely. For instance, I'd never ask her to do heavy housecleaning or care for the pets (beyond, you know, shooing them off countertops or something). That said, I do think this is perhaps a bit of a grey area because the kids are the primary reason I need to drive (if I were alone, I would cab or Metro). Obviously, driving the kids to the airport isn't explicitly in her contract, but that's why I think it's grey, not black and white.

Lastly, I think we do have a very good relationship and honestly, I would probably ask her for a favor before almost any friend in the area. That said, I also want to be a respectful employer and not take advantage of our good relationship or her good nature, so I really appreciate the feedback.

Oh, and also, great idea to bring her back a small gift. Definitely going to do that.
Anonymous
Post 06/11/2014 23:30     Subject: Is this is asking too much?

I would not expect this as part of her nanny duties - just because you are paying her doesn't mean you can make her do anything you want. You are paying her for the job description you hired her for. I never quite understand these posts where people say you are paying her, therefore she has to do anything you say. If paying her for days you are away is part of her contract, you aren't doing her some fantastic favor that means she owes you all her time. Nannies aren't indentured servants.

However I would be perfectly fine asking her to do it as a favor - just as you would ask a trusted friend of the family to. Assuming you have a good relationship and go a little out of your way at times for her, she will likely not mind driving you. The only thing might be if she has known for awhile that she has the week off, she might have made plans already for your travel days.
Anonymous
Post 06/11/2014 20:26     Subject: Re:Is this is asking too much?

Anonymous wrote:I would do this favor for my family. Of couurse it would be easier to say yes if we are on good terms and they are equally reasonable when I need some flexibility.


Also, I prefer to pack a day or two before and would not want the chaos and pressure of having to pack and watch the kids and make breakfast and get you all to the airport on time. If you need help with packing tell her in advance so she can do it while the kids are napping.
Anonymous
Post 06/11/2014 20:23     Subject: Re:Is this is asking too much?

You should drive on the way to the airport and explain to her the directions you are taking as you go. Include any helpful details such as where she should go if she is too early because they won't let her idle too long at departures. If it's a large airport make sure she understands that arrivals might be in a different spot when you return. Just any details that will help her to know what to expect.
Anonymous
Post 06/11/2014 20:19     Subject: Re:Is this is asking too much?

I would do this favor for my family. Of couurse it would be easier to say yes if we are on good terms and they are equally reasonable when I need some flexibility.
Anonymous
Post 06/11/2014 14:36     Subject: Is this is asking too much?

I have a great relationship with my families so I would most definitely do this for them.

If you do too, then I am sure your nanny will not mind.
Anonymous
Post 06/11/2014 14:30     Subject: Is this is asking too much?

I would def agree to this!