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Paid childcare

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

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Original poster

my nanny needs a new direction

7 replies

Beckagee · 31/05/2011 12:22

My lovely nanny is depressed and I feel she needs a break after 7 years looking after my babies. I suggested she volunteer oversees for 3- 6 months, but don't know how to advise her. Any thoughts?

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catepilarr · 31/05/2011 12:54

is she really depressed? or just feeling down? if she has depression she obviously needs medical help. otherwise going abroad, not necessarily doing vounteering, might be a good idea. the bad thing about that is that teh 'comng back' might leed into new set of difficulties emotionally.

Original poster

Beckagee · 31/05/2011 17:51

No, she's not proper depressed, just a little down. She's young (23) and Brazillian. She loves India and all things hippy. I (and she by the the way) feel she needs a new direction. She is amazing with children, brilliant with languages and generally a lovely person. Something like VSO might help her find a focus for her talents. I feel responsible to help her as if she were my niece or something, cos I lover her.

OP posts:

5318008 · 31/05/2011 17:54

crikey she was 16 when she started ?

will you get in a temp nanny for the period she is on her sabbatical?

how do feel about sending her home for a spell (Brazil)?

Grabaspoon · 01/06/2011 08:25

Wow how old are your children? Can't believe she's been working for you for 7 years and is only 23!

sarz · 01/06/2011 21:03

wow! i am not suprised she needs a change in direction. I would probably think she needs some 'me' time rather than going into volunteering, or at least a hance for both.

I have travelled to India using a compnay called 'intrepid'. I couldnt recommend them highly enough, I felt so safe, but still used local transport, ate in local restaurants, and even stayed in a family home. I am pretty sure they also do volunteering projects.

Interestingly, I also did this as a break from a f/t live in job. I had 2 months off unpaid and came back a much calmer and refreshed nanny. My employers just hired a temp while i was away.

dorsetdumpling · 05/06/2011 17:34

How about a yoga retreat/ashram. She could work for free accommodation and food.

sunshinenanny · 05/06/2011 21:50

This poor girl has been caring for your children since she was 16? She certainly wasn't a nanny then! Although she may have earned the right to call herself a nanny along the way.

This girl was barely out of childhood herself when you employed her to look after your children and I wonder at the circumstances, employment contract ect.

If you think she's depressed she needs to see a doctor if she's just unhappy, ask yourself why?

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