Anonymous wrote:Sounds like OP is very dramatic.

Nanny has been with them for a year, and this is her only complaint/infraction? Seems a little extreme to fire the nanny.

Agree, would be concerned, talk to her, and keep an eye in things but certainly not fire an otherwise good nanny over this.

I'd give her a strong warning.

I am a nanny, first I would not have left the house open if I knew what kind of neighborhood I was in especially if you told me about robberies. Second of all , this is why I ALWAYS have my cell phone on. I don't care what parents say. I always respond texts and calls no matter what so that parents do not worry even if we go to a movie I tell them we are in the movies but still keep it on but silent.

Parents who tell nannies to keep their phones off are crazy. No way, would I ever do that for your story is why.

Or hire a professional.

Anonymous wrote:Agree, this is not OK. And the fact that she got defensive is even more of a red flag. I'd line up a replacement ASAP.

Agree. ANY time a nanny does not answer your question you have a big problem.
If she chooses to respond with excuses or change the subject casting blame, you also have a big problem.
Take a breath, smile and re-ask your question nicely.
The truth will be clear. Choose to give a reminder, a warning, or, if you are fed up with the attitude, fire her.

Asking a nanny why she didn't lock the door is a basic question. Her response both times was awful and immature. Perfect response is Wont happen again, we didn't think we'd be out more than a minute.

Sounds like OP is very dramatic.

Nanny has been with them for a year, and this is her only complaint/infraction? Seems a little extreme to fire the nanny.

All of these things combined would make me question the nanny's judgement as well. Agree that a sit down with the nanny is warranted to ensure the nanny understands what you want in the future (locked house, hydrated child, no trespassing). Not answering the phone for 20 minutes would be the least of my concerns. If I had been in your situation I may have called the police by the time the nanny showed up!

Agree, this is not OK. And the fact that she got defensive is even more of a red flag. I'd line up a replacement ASAP.

Nanny here, but I would say the nanny needs to go:

1. Nobody "plays" with chickens, especially not for an hour. The chickens are being raised for meat or to produce eggs. Chickens that are chased don't lay well. Chickens that run have tougher meat.

2. Nannies don't teach kids to do illegal things. By scaling a fence, she's teaching your son that boundaries don't matter and that he can do anything he wants.

3. I don't know a single nanny who wouldn't lock the door when she left if she wasn't sure she would be back in 15 minutes or less. Surroundings don't matter.

4. Every nanny I know has a cell phone to carry for emergencies. That cell phone is *always* within earshot, and there is no excuse to not answer a parent's calls or texts unless she is currently dealing with an emergency, in which case, you should have had a call from her as soon as the situation stabilized.

5. If the parent doesn't trust the nanny, the nanny needs to be replaced.

I wish you luck.

Btw, where in an urban setting are your neighbors allowed to have chickens?!

OP, anytime a parent walks in early they run into less than desirable situations with nannies. I think she showed poor judgement, I would not fire her but issue a strong warning. If something like this happens again, fire her.

Anonymous wrote:Then I would replace her OP. I would not feel comfortable trusting her judgment going forward.

Bummer. But better to find out this way than to come home and find your house burgled, or your neighbor furious about the trespassing.

+1000. I wouldn't leave my child with someone who had exhibited such poor judgment.

Anonymous wrote:A) I live in the 'burbs and would not ever lock my house to walk around the block. Perhaps your nanny's home situation is the same so I think a reminder that this is a busy city street so she needs to be more crime-conscious is needed. But given that in MANY neighborhoods I think a lot of people would not lock the door in they were pretty close by I would not be furious.

B) "no response despite multiple calls and texts"
ugh! My DH is like you, OP. If I don't pick up he calls and calls and calls and calls. Same with texts. Guess why- it is NOT that the other person is screening all 10 of your calls; they never heard/felt the first one so they don't feel/hear the next 9 either. I HATE feeling like my phone is a leash that people think they should be able to reach me through every minute of every day. It's a useful tool but please do not expect that it's reasonable for your nanny to hear your call/text.

I agree, it sound like nanny took your child on a little adventure. He probably loved the chickens. She should lock up but it's not the end of the world.

Then I would replace her OP. I would not feel comfortable trusting her judgment going forward.

Bummer. But better to find out this way than to come home and find your house burgled, or your neighbor furious about the trespassing.

This is definite red flag and grounds for firing.

Get someone with good safety awareness. This is basic.

I addressed it with her and she became very emotional and defensive. She also lives in an urban environment, but is very trusting.