Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would guess that it would depend on the number and age of your children, as well as the schedule you need. If the children are all at least preschool age, it's much easier to work around bathroom issues, but having a mobile 1-2 year old with someone who needs to spend 10+ minutes at least every 2 hours in the bathroom could easily become an issue.

With that said, I have IBS-D and I've dealt with similar issues to those you described. I had twin toddlers who went into the bathroom with me, and they drew on the tile floor with bath crayons while I was occupied. It allowed me the opportunity to take care of myself while they were occupied in something fun and age-appropriate, and (most important to the parents) something safe yet easily cleaned. At other times, they played with stuffed animals, dolls, leaned over the bathtub and played with boats. If your nanny is creative, she will find ways to work around her issues while she's at work, without creating issues for your children.

With older children who are being shuttled around, as long as there is a bathroom at their activities, she'll make it work.

Appointments are a different story. I tried to schedule mine for when I was off, and I specifically requested to not have dedicated vacation time. I had PTO that I negotiated with the stipulation that I would use it in half day increments, scheduled at least two weeks ahead. I actually was able to schedule most of my appointments 3 months at a time, so it worked for us.

I would suggest a discussion with your nanny. Let her know that you want to keep her, but you're worried about the possibility of a lot of missed days and of what the impact of her illness will be on your children. If she's prepared, she'll have answers for you. If she's not, give her a time frame to get a plan together, and if she doesn't, you have your answer.

Good luck OP. Thank you for thinking this through rather than just firing her.

You were taking twin toddlers in the bathroom with you frequently throughout the day during your bowel movements? Lord bless your soul. Glad your NF was understanding. That would’ve made me a nervous wreck. I have to take my toddler in the large stall with me when I absolutely can’t wait but at home I just stick him in the pack n play or crib with books and toys until I come out.

It's a fact of life for me. I look for families who are open to talking through possibilities, and open to creativity.