Please or to access all these features

Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

How do I ask my au pair to wash her hair???

162 replies

MiddleAgedMother · 18/06/2016 07:58

That's it really. But it's seriously greasy, I thought it was wet!
She is very sweet, 19, but I have no idea how to approach it.
Older DC commenting on it too just not yet to her.
Thought she had yesterday but then it didn't dry so not..........

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
YvaineStormhold · 18/06/2016 09:09

Sorry, but I look back to some of the stuff I did when I was 19 and I wish I'd had a blunt, well-meaning adult to take me to one side and put me on the straight and narrow.

swamitjanet · 18/06/2016 09:08

If it's not affecting her job I don't think there's much you can do about it.

RiverTam · 18/06/2016 09:08

I would tell her that she can't use your DCs hardibrushes for a start. And if she's a nanny refer to her as a nanny.

Bambooshoots14 · 18/06/2016 09:07

I think what you did would be what I'd of recommended. Was she clean at the interview? I understand why you'd like it dealt with but really not sure how

MiddleAgedMother · 18/06/2016 09:06

Rogan josh - def not gel.

OP posts:
MiddleAgedMother · 18/06/2016 08:58

It took days for her to shower after arrival - kept saying she'd do it later.
Eventually I said DC and I are going to do this which will give you time to shower then we will all go out and do X.

I did offer her a choice of shampoos etc and she said no, she had her own.

On none of my business - personal hygiene is important to us as a family. I now have youngest saying why do I have to wash my hair.

She uses DCs brushes when playing at doing up hair which makes me cringe.

I need her to set a good example for DC.

I call her an au pair as she's young but she's employed as a live in nanny on nanny wages.

OP posts:
LIZS · 18/06/2016 08:10

How long has she been with you? Perhaps she is shy about using your hot water or uncertain how the shower works. Maybe she didn't bring stuff with her so you could do a shopping trip to introduce her to Boots, Superdrug etc where she might recognise brands,

Bambooshoots14 · 18/06/2016 08:08

YvaineStormhold please do not say that! Terrible

Afreshstartplease · 18/06/2016 08:07

I don't get why you need to TBH I don't think it's any of your business! Unless it's affecting her work? You do realise she's not your property right?

YvaineStormhold · 18/06/2016 08:05

Buy her a nice bottle of shampoo and conditioner and say,

"You need to wash your hair sweetheart. It will look better and you'll feel better. Go do it now and I'll watch the kids."

Smiley, bright, breezy, friendly...blunt.

OiWithThePoodlesAlready · 18/06/2016 08:05

I don't think you can mention it really. Unless is smells or has some big negative impact on your life (apart from you not like looking at it).

I would be absaloutly reading the riot act to my children if they said anything to her about it.

RoganJosh · 18/06/2016 08:03

Are you sure it isn't gel or similar? Does it smell?