when nanny is at work but you are off work...

[sleeplessinderbyshire]

I go back to work from maternity leave next month. Our new nanny starts next week - she'll be doing nursery/school pick up 2 afternoons per week. I'm happy she's starting well before I return to work so I get 2 afternoons a week to myself and so she can get the kids settled with her and iron out any issues. Stupidly I've realised one of the afternoons next week (her second day of work) we won't need childcare as we'll be away with my in laws who have got tickets for my kids to see a play at the theatre (they told me this today so no time to discuss with nanny first).

I don't want to make her take a/l in her first week (we've agreed 5 weeks - 2 weeks her choice 3 weeks ours but I think that's silly to make her use a day with so little notice) We've agreed a job plan which is mostly childcare but she'll also change the children's beds once a week and cook a family meal once a week (so hurray DH and I will get to come in to a shepherd's pie or similar one night a week). Trouble is as I am on mat leave my freezer is stuffed full of meals I've cooked (and raw ingredients) so I can't get her batch cooking. any ideas of non-child related stuff I could set her on to? She's studying for an NVQ so I guess she could just do some studying or as she is from the next town I could give her a list of places we like going and get her to check out some potential trips out and look through the surestart activity brochure. any other ideas?

if you don't need her, couldn't you just give her the day/afternoon off??

I wouldn't struggle to find work for her to do when it's not really needed, it seems petty.

You can't make her take a/l when it's your issue. Not fair, and not a good starting point.

I agree

surely if you treat her with respect, you will get the same back from her. it's not a good attitude to take

It's only one afternoon - let her have if off.
She could 'work from home' doing a meal plan and activity schedule for her first few weeks

Just give her the day off.

indeed I shall just give her the afternoon off then I just thought that might make me look an idiot for not having anything to suggest she does - she's new to nannying so is used always to being "at work" on work days. she's done a trial session with us and was hilarious at the end of the afternoon when I told her I'd pay her for the trial saying "but all I did was have fun and play with the girls"!! so hope she has job satisfaction.... so it wouldn't seen odd to say we don't need her and if she wants to plan some activities/meals that's ok but feel free to have the afternoon off and do whatever she wants

McPhee and Reet totally agree with you both. It is only the one day.

I also like ceeveebees idea too. That won't take the whole day, only a few hours, but, she still get's some time.

I don't want to out myself here, but, lets just say, I had more than a month to myself on full pay before I even stepped foot in the door as the family really wanted me, but, knew I had an immediate start offer also.

Yes that's way beyond normal, but, gives you an idea as to how petty it seams when talking of one day.

OP x-post with your last message. Sounds perfect. She may even (if like me) turn round and say, I might just have a look at classes and activities in the local area while i'm out and about.

As others have said give her the day off - your choice motto have her so she def won't be using her holiday up over it

Also you need to talk to inlaws - they can't just book things without consulting you or the nanny if on her day

Sure she will appreciate the time off :)

Enjoy the show :)