Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"So when your gardener comes, does he do your dishes for you, too? How about the electrician? When the electrician comes to your house to fix a light socket, does he wash your breakfast dishes for you? "

Those are not comparable because those people are actually occupied the entire time they are at your house. A comparable situation is the receptionist in an office. She is off and on busy but also unoccupied for stretches. That is why where I work others in the office are encouraged to give her projects for her to fit in during the "down time" periods. This work is not part of "receptionist" duties but it helps to justify retaining a position that other organizations get by without so if push came to shove is not 100% essential. Likewise other office workers that end up with large stretches of down time on a regular basis would get a real stink eye if they just sat around or engaged in busy work rather than pitching in to help as needed.

Nannying is similar to that in that it's not unreasonable to expect a nanny to make herself useful after taking an hour break for lunch or so. It's also not insane for most (not all) ages to expect that some stuff can get done while the kids are awake and safely occupied.

The receptionist would be asked to do administrative other administrative tasks correct? She's not picking up your dry cleaning, or babysitting your kid on a snow day right? I agree with you, that beyond her lunch break a nanny should be working. Where we disagree is on which tasks are appropriate. To me, as a child care provider, those tasks should be related to the care of your child, not simply things you don't like to do. I'm not making your bed, doing your laundry, or scrubbing your bathroom. That doesn't make me a lazy entitled nanny. The desire to have me do so makes you a lazy entitled boss. I will prepared and freeze meals for the child, I will clean and sanitize their toys, organize their bedroom and play areas, do their laundry, plan and set up activities, wash their dishes, and I will keep my developmental knowledge current and sharp.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"So when your gardener comes, does he do your dishes for you, too? How about the electrician? When the electrician comes to your house to fix a light socket, does he wash your breakfast dishes for you? "

Those are not comparable because those people are actually occupied the entire time they are at your house. A comparable situation is the receptionist in an office. She is off and on busy but also unoccupied for stretches. That is why where I work others in the office are encouraged to give her projects for her to fit in during the "down time" periods. This work is not part of "receptionist" duties but it helps to justify retaining a position that other organizations get by without so if push came to shove is not 100% essential. Likewise other office workers that end up with large stretches of down time on a regular basis would get a real stink eye if they just sat around or engaged in busy work rather than pitching in to help as needed.

Nannying is similar to that in that it's not unreasonable to expect a nanny to make herself useful after taking an hour break for lunch or so. It's also not insane for most (not all) ages to expect that some stuff can get done while the kids are awake and safely occupied.

The receptionist would be asked to do administrative other administrative tasks correct? She's not picking up your dry cleaning, or babysitting your kid on a snow day right? I agree with you, that beyond her lunch break a nanny should be working. Where we disagree is on which tasks are appropriate. To me, as a child care provider, those tasks should be related to the care of your child, not simply things you don't like to do. I'm not making your bed, doing your laundry, or scrubbing your bathroom. That doesn't make me a lazy entitled nanny. The desire to have me do so makes you a lazy entitled boss. I will prepared and freeze meals for the child, I will clean and sanitize their toys, organize their bedroom and play areas, do their laundry, plan and set up activities, wash their dishes, and I will keep my developmental knowledge current and sharp.

Anonymous wrote:"So when your gardener comes, does he do your dishes for you, too? How about the electrician? When the electrician comes to your house to fix a light socket, does he wash your breakfast dishes for you? "

Those are not comparable because those people are actually occupied the entire time they are at your house. A comparable situation is the receptionist in an office. She is off and on busy but also unoccupied for stretches. That is why where I work others in the office are encouraged to give her projects for her to fit in during the "down time" periods. This work is not part of "receptionist" duties but it helps to justify retaining a position that other organizations get by without so if push came to shove is not 100% essential. Likewise other office workers that end up with large stretches of down time on a regular basis would get a real stink eye if they just sat around or engaged in busy work rather than pitching in to help as needed.

Nannying is similar to that in that it's not unreasonable to expect a nanny to make herself useful after taking an hour break for lunch or so. It's also not insane for most (not all) ages to expect that some stuff can get done while the kids are awake and safely occupied.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If a nanny is using the house for 40 hours, it isn't unreasonable to expect to unload the dishes/load (they are probably using some as well) and help out with other chores. Really, one baby is not big deal. If you were talking 3-4 kid, I would think differently. Funny how a SAHM can do all those things and more and a "nanny" who is paid to replace the mom cannot.

A nanny is NOT paid to "replace" the Mom!!! When a child is school-age is a teacher paid to replace the parents? Seriously, this is where mothers get into trouble!

As a nanny, I will wash what every I use for the baby and NEVER use the parents dishes, glassware, etc. I bring my lunch and I even bring my own water.

A teacher is not working in someone's home. You cannot compare the two. You sound nasty. If a parent leaves a few cups in the sink, you wash them.

Anonymous wrote:We have had nannies for the past 7+ years. The best nannies have always been the ones WILLING to take on more tasks (note that I say willing, as additional housekeeping is not part of the job description at our house). It's not because I'm looking for a bargain, it's because those individuals had great work ethic, flexibility, and (for lack of a better term) team spirit. Those are the kind of people I want around my kids.

We've had a couple of "I am a CHILDCARE PROFESSIONAL!!!" nannies who would only grudgingly consider emptying a dishwasher and would hand wash a couple of plates just to avoid the dreaded task. Those were the nannies who would be found shoving their iPhones into their pocket if I came home unexpectedly early. The kids were not getting their undivided attention. Those nannies were lazy all around, and we quickly parted ways with them.

We have found that the nannies asking for very middle of the road wages, and OFFERING to lend a hand with other tasks, have been the best. Anyone describing themselves as an "infant specialist" would have gone immediately into the discard pile. Why hire someone with such limited abilities?

Anonymous wrote:10:16's response is one of the stupidest things that has been posted on the board.

1. You don't prevent SIDS by looking at the baby every minute. You prevent SIDS with good sleeping practices. SIDS happens more often in the presence of another care giver because the relative or sitter puts the child to sleep on their stomach, a couch or puts a blanket in the bed. When SIDS occurs in a group environment it can be due the child not getting good sleep with noise and distraction so the child later sleeps more deeply creating the SIDS risk.

2. Babies do not get as much restful sleep when sleeping in strollers or car seats. Its fine occasionally but as a regular practice its not recommended.

3. Hiring a non-lazy nanny does not put your child at risk for SIDS or short change the child in any way.

4. If anyone believes that you watching the child every second, they are very naive.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Helping out with household chores doesn't mean the child is any less well cared for. Not being willing to unload a dishwasher is completely independent of the quality of child care you provide. In fact, I think it's better for a child not to ways be the focus of adult attention and to learn independent play. If my choice is a nanny who strictly limits her work vs a sitter who is generally helpful and hardworking, I'll hire the sitter any day. (And Id definitely pay her more!)

So when you go to work, MB, do you wash your boss's car during your lunch hour? Do you vacuum your office while thinking about your project or empty the waste-baskets when talking to a client? Why not?! I'd definitely hire someone who is generally helpful and hardworking!

And, no - you know very well you would not pay a sitter any more - who are we kidding here?!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If a nanny is using the house for 40 hours, it isn't unreasonable to expect to unload the dishes/load (they are probably using some as well) and help out with other chores. Really, one baby is not big deal. If you were talking 3-4 kid, I would think differently. Funny how a SAHM can do all those things and more and a "nanny" who is paid to replace the mom cannot.

A nanny is NOT paid to "replace" the Mom!!! When a child is school-age is a teacher paid to replace the parents? Seriously, this is where mothers get into trouble!

As a nanny, I will wash what every I use for the baby and NEVER use the parents dishes, glassware, etc. I bring my lunch and I even bring my own water.

Anonymous wrote:PP you have more than just a bit of time for yourself.

You are trying to dupe MBs if you think that tidying and organizing the closet is something that is done daily for 10-15 hours a week. Organizing play dates? Please, you have got to be kidding.

Anonymous wrote:I am a nanny to first time parents and they are amazing! Never micro manage, have never asked me to do anything that's not stated in my contract. Because they are so good to me I do fold their laundry if it's in their dryer, always unload the dishwasher and keep the house spotless. I do these things Bc they would never expect me to and are so grateful when I do!