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Original poster

Nannies/Employers how should I handle this

14 replies

Thiscrazylife · 04/02/2011 23:37

Hi

I am a nanny and today my employer asked if we could have a talk next friday about how things are going as I have been there for a while (7 months)- Also said it would give me time to think about what I wanted to say.

What I am wondering is if wanting to talk like this could signify that there is a problem?

OP posts:
Original poster
Thiscrazylife · 04/02/2011 23:39

Sorry I didn't finish. Would it be ok for me to ask my boss if we could, if possible, speak earlier in the week (as I am going to worry) or wait until next friday?

OP posts:
COCKadoodledooo · 04/02/2011 23:57

Not a nanny or an employer (just nosey sorry!), but maybe Friday is the first day she's got long enough available to do you justice, rather than a rushed 2 minute conversation. Annual/6 monthly performance reviews/appraisals are pretty common in any sort of employment, doesn't mean there's a problem. Good luck!

MilkNoSugarPlease · 05/02/2011 00:23

Am a nanny, my boss randomly springs these on me! Is always because that's the only time she feels she has time to have a proper chat.

Normally we have a chat about things she wants me to do better or that ive done well
I chat to her about problems I have or anything I need etc

Is all part if the job...I wouldn't worry :)

Rudgey · 05/02/2011 06:46

I was a nanny for 9 years and I used to have regular chats. There can be a problem if those chats don't happen because if there is a small issue that is easily solved, is not addressed then it can get bigger and bigger so it causes arguments. It sounds like it is the only time she has for this review and probably wants to see if you are enjoying it. I do know what you mean though as if anyone says to me "can we have a chat" , I always think that I have done something they don't like even when I think things are going well. I would have thought that if there is a problem she would speak to you asap about it rather then book a time ahead. Good luck.

Blondeshavemorefun · 05/02/2011 08:44

sounds normal to me - she prob just wants to make sure all is ok

Karoleann · 05/02/2011 10:57

There probably is an issue, but its likely to be very small or she would have brought it up beforehand.
I have regular chats with my nanny - every six months or so and I like her to mention stuff too. Maye a group/activity she'd like to do

nannynick · 05/02/2011 11:27

It is natural to worry about things. Your boss wants a chat, longer than the usual quick thing at the start/end of the day. So it's going to be about something... even if it's just to say how great things are going.

My boss and I get around this issue by using e-mail. Seems to suit us both. We may also leave each other a note on the kitchen table.

Different people have different ways of doing things.

Is your boss Corporate Office type? Maybe ask for an agenda!

Mtorun · 05/02/2011 12:11

Is there a reason or reasons to worry? You know better.

SnapFrakkleAndPop · 05/02/2011 12:25

If it were a big issue it wouldn't be left a week.

There might well be a small issue or several niggly things but it's better to talk them out. It may be an issue which isn't to do aith you but impinges on your work like they're planning an extension. Communication is a 2 way thing so if you have any problems it's a good time to raise them.

It also gives you a chance to plan ahead and talk about any changes that might need making.

giraffescantdirtydance · 05/02/2011 22:32

Mine did this at the start of this week and I was really worried all week. Spoke on Thursday - all perfect, shes delighted waqs just wanting to check I was happy with everything :) Hope same for you.

everythingchangeseverything · 05/02/2011 22:35

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Tagada · 05/02/2011 22:45

As a nanny employer I do exactly the same, with the intention as said above to do her justice with a proper chart, unhurried. And because I think it is two ways, I would mention it in advance so she gets a chance to think about what she'd like to say too. I wouldn't be worried, any issues personally I would clear out same day, not give an appointment.

Tagada · 05/02/2011 22:46

Proper chat...

BrandyAlexander · 06/02/2011 12:13

I am a nanny employer and do exactly the same every 6 months. The first time, I didn't realise that my nanny had never had this with previous employers and had been bricking herself all week.

Just to give you my perspective, I think its important to have a professional relationship with my nanny. Yes she looks after my children, but I am her employer, she's not my friend or my family. I give her the same consideration that I would give any of the people I work with in my workplace.... I would always do 6 month reviews with them, and would never just spring it on them!

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