To ask my nanny to do this?

[Workreturner]

I’m in early stages of returning to work and this is my first experience of having a nanny.
We are two weeks in, and I think she’s so lovely and, more importantly, so do my children!

I desperately don’t want to pee her off, hence asking...

Today my daughter has a play date after school so the nanny technically not needed for 45 mins later than normal (she picks up my son after an extra curricular).
Would it be unreasonable if I was to ask her to use that “free” 45 mins to pick up some school kit at a shop (I have already paid for it and would just mean picking it up). It’s about an 8 minute walk away (school is 5 minute walk). Although she could pop by on her drive here.

What do you think? Unreasonable?

Many thanks

I would definitely ask her

Of course not

I mean it's not unreasonable sorry

I'm a nanny and no its not unreasonable at all

I've never had a nanny, but I don't see why not. I happily did things like that when I was an au pair. It's child related and during her working hours, so why not!

If it is an errand to do with the child then that's OK.

If you asked her to do your weekly shop at Waitrose then no, that's not OK.

Im a nanny and I wouldn’t mind at all.

Thanks so much

Not unreasonable to ask her to do child related errands.

@VanillaSugary I spend half my life at the supermarket:) part of nanny life.

Perfectly acceptable as its for the children. Its all swings and roundabouts with nannies, as long as you dont take the piss with extra duties that she was unaware of in the job description, she should not mind doing odd bits and bobs for you.
I used to go to the tip for my bosses once a week, it was on way home from school run, i didnt mind as they were lovely and didnt expect me to just do loads off random stuff.

Morning X

Today P has a play date.

Just for today, would you please be able to pick up some school kit from x (it’s next to subway) before you pick up L at 4.30pm?

Wording ok?

Sorry just don’t want to pee her off!

Sounds fine to me :)

“No worries at all if prefer not”

I’ve added that to the draft

No don’t put that last bit!! She’s your employee and your asking a reasonable request.
She won’t care but if you wanna be extra nice say something like feel free to grab a drink with kitty money while your out etc.

You sound lovely and a good nanny appreciates a good employer and will have no issue with this trust me!!

I used to nanny, and this would have been totally fine. Well within the job description!

We have a nanny and this is absolutely something I would ask her to do, and I know she would have no issues with it. I would leave off the last sentence - imagine if your boss said "I need you to write a report/prepare a presentation...no worries at all if prefer not!"

Text is fine bit will she not need to k ow when playdate is and how P is getting home/if she's to pick her up? Also, you may need to explain school kit is already ordered and paid for, it's just collection that's required. I'd need to text back for clarification!

Nanny here and I would do this without a second thought.
I have done many non children related things over the years including a shop at a supermarket and collecting dry cleaning,parcels etc.
Absolutely fine

Good grief, no need to put that ‘fine if not’ bit!

Totally fine - it's child related so would say it's within the remit of the job! Mine says she's happy to do reasonable bits and bobs, the only thing she can't bear is if employers think she is a mind reader and want her to do things without actually, you know, asking her.

It’s child-related so perfectly fine.
In the nicest possible way, you need to get stronger in this ‘employer-employee’ relationship, and do it quickly. You’re setting the tone for hopefully a long term situation - you’re the one who sets out the framework for her day so start doing it now.

It’s a few years since we had nannies, but they absolutely did jobs relating to the children - that’s one of the benefits of a nanny over other childcare.

I used to be a nanny and I would be perfectly happy to do that. Wouldn’t bat an eyelid at being asked!

Of course that's okay. Definitely leave off the last sentence though.

I left off last sentence
She’s responded that fine to do

Thanks so much