...to expect nanny to do dd1 washing while I'm on Mat leave with dd2

[sun85]

We've had the same nanny for over 2 years now. It never really bothered me before but she doesn't do any of dd1 washing - she'll fold up dry washing that I've done but has never put a load on. Last week I found her swimsuit in laundry basket after she had taken dd1 swimming. She's great with the kids but terrible at any household stuff. There isn't a lot to do as we have a cleaner as well.
Also thoughts on whether fish fingers/scrambled egg suppers are sufficient every night or should she be cooking something 'proper' for dd1?
In general I guess my question is how many times do you ask someone to do something before you throw in the towel? And how important is washing etc compared to being good with the kids? Thanks mummas xx

Sun if your on Mat leave why don't you cook for own child?

I never expected my nanny to cook for my children when I was at home on mat leave.

Sun, I really was only curious. But absolutely,you need to keep her employed. Just sounds awkward situation you are in. Probably many other people are too.

I also have to ask sun is there fresh food in the house for your Nanny to cook with or does the nanny shop for DD1 too?

Me too Writer I live in a different world.

RE the meals, can you draw up a meal plan for her and do your weekly shop to fit it?

I've never had a nanny but if I did I'd expect her to cook the meals I'd like my child to eat. Fishfingers and scrammbled egg every night is not acceptible in my book... others have mentioned a meal planner. That sounds like a good place to start.

As for the washing... Isn't a nanny purely employer to care for the children?... and an Au Pair a mix of childcare, cooking and cleaning?
As you have a cleaner, does washing fall on them... or does the nanny think it does? Perhaps go over her role and what you expect... which a prepared meal planner in hand?

*Employed

*with I hate predictive text!

Care for the children includes laundry and light child related housekeeping - although that can depend on the nannys hours and days.

Will she be looking after both kids when you go back to work?

Oh to be rich and have these first world problems!!!

Neither is acceptable Imo. Proper meals are a nanny basic and doing children's laundry is a standard nursery duty.

bYOSnowman yes she will look after both - does that change things in your view?

Meal planning is a good idea. Who keeps buying the fish fingers? Perhaps limit the stock of this type of food? Batch cook and leave it out for meals. Or do dinner for your dd and ask nanny to hold the baby?

I trained as an NNEB. This means I can work in Education, Social Services, nurseries, hospitals and as a nanny. In our training which covered nannies we were told we should do everything involved with the child. So looking after the child,cleaning the child's room unless there was a cleaner, washing and ironing the child's clothes, making meals if the child wasn't eating with the family. We were told we shouldn't be washing for the whole family and to be careful to make sure we had a written contract before we started working.
I hope this helps. Weigh up how good she is with your children and how fond they are of her but perhaps a serious chat is needed if you want her to do more.

No not really - but with kids that age washing is a nightmare so I would want to get it done on my work days - especially if I worked full time!

Of course she should do the washing!

Are you telling her what you want her to cook & she is ignoring it?

What's wrong with fish fingers and scrambled eggs?

What does everyone else eat? Why can't you cook for your toddler as well? If she's doing this every night why have you left it to go on instead of making something yourself?

I am a qualified Nanny, I do:
*Childrens washing/drying/folding and putting away (would do ironing but family don't want me to iron - thankfully!) including bedding and towels once a week

• Childrens cooking - batch cooking of meals and snacks for both children
• Wash/sterlise bottles ready for the next day
• keep on top of the nappy bag and re stock, make sure buggy is clean
• food shop online for the family so I know what ingredients I have for the week
• Let family know if we need any more clothes, bigger size etc
• clean the kitchen after use, clean high chairs/ tables That's all the nursery duties I can think of ATM!

So what she do all day?

Tell me she makes her own fish fingers at least!

Get a new nanny before the baby arrives. As you know, being a mother already - there's going to be a lot of laundry.

Of course she's falling short! This is basic stuff.

Junior doctors get paid less than nannies in this country. Many have a very easy ride.

In many cases having a nanny doesn't been you are rich - it often means you do long hours and no other child care will work. I am a lone parent and I have a part-time nanny - I am by no means rich and the cost takes a huge chunk out of my pay. It's a choice between having a nanny and working hard, or being at home on benefits.

And yes, the nanny should be doing the washing. A nanny is more than just a baby sitter.

Sounds like she's not having to try to hard. I always find it weird when "good with the kids" is given priority over all other skills a nanny needs to have. "Good with kids" is the absolute minimum requirement of the job!! Cooking decent food and doing your child's laundry - yes absolutely I would expect that.

But how does the relationship work when the mum is on maternity leave? I do understand keeping a member of staff. It sounds like having a dog and barking yourself.

Do you say "look after the first born while I look after the baby? " I find the situation odd, if you like the nanny then let it go.

The feeding thing is strange, plenty of people breast feed and manage to make sure the other children don't starve.

If you like your nanny toucans just make her redundant because you are on maternity leave. And if she is still being paid wouldn't you expect her to do a days work.

I've not done it but I can imagine it is quite awkward!