Should I employ my friend's girlfriend as a nanny?

[themymble]

This is a sort of 'what would you do?' question.

I am currently interviewing nannies - I have various advertisements in various places and have been sifting through the replies. The other day I received one that sounded very familiar. It turns out it was from my friend's girlfriend who has recently moved to this country. He is a very close friend and they have been together for a couple of years. She is very experienced with children with learning disabilities, and has a degree in something related to this, however, she has not taken care of a baby full time before.

The thing is, I know her, I like her and she is always lovely with my children when we see them. She is desperate for work - my friend works freelance, so money is sometimes erratic, so a steady income would be really great for them. HOWEVER, possibly due to my slightly weird boundary/role thing I feel funny about offering her the job! I keep worrying about things, like what if it really didn't work - how would it affect our friendship.....what if she found us nightmare employers.....

So what do you think? Has anyone had a similar experience? All opinions welcome.

CONTRACT is the word I would use. Use the contract as a guide and discussion tool so she knows your expectations and you know hers. Its a way of keeping the boundaries clear. Perhaps offer it temporary thing to start and if all is well then move to perm.

I would only employ her if you are prepared for your friendship to go sour in the event that the job doesn't go well. Even if you're not to blame for something going wrong, I assure you that employers are always blamed by employees (at least in private). I bet you'll also end up feeling responsible for your friend's livelihood as well, if you already know that his income is erratic, and therefore would find it difficult to deal with problems.
You could always ask her to do a temporary role while you interview nannies, or babysit, and see if you think it would work.

Avoid

NEVER work/employ for/with friends or family - it will always end in tears and cause problems with that friend/family