Would you hire this lady as a Nanny?

[JessMcL]

My sister has a newborn and a 3 year old.

She advertised for a PT Nanny a few days ago on Nanny job and she has had interest off a retired midwife who worked at the same hospital for 33 years.

My sister has spoken to her briefly and she has said she seems like a lovely lady and she is looking forward to formally interviewing her on Sunday.

I just voiced my concerns though- because although this ladies is bound to have fantastic knowledge of newborns and the first few weeks/months of lives- would she be the ideal choice for her 3 year old and in six months time when her baby isn't a little baby anymore??

She is 65 but sister has explained she gets the impression she is very fit and has only retired to spend more time with her family but needs to pay off the remainder of her mortgage so is looking for part time work instead.

Just wondering what peoples thoughts are

Hi, I think that she's likely to have much more experience of children than a 20 yr old straight out of college.

Plus she's got medical training.

Has she raised children of her own?

I would imagine any family would be lucky to have this woman as a nanny

If your main worry is age then I really wouldn't worry! 60 is the new 50 and all that

Some 60-something people have more energy than a 20 year old. I know this can be the exception rather than the rule, but she might just be one of those.

What's really important is whether your sister feels confident in her ability and trustworthiness with what is her most valued and precious treasure(s). I'd take a trusted, slowed-up pensioner over an untrustworthy energetic youngster.
[Disclaimer: am in no way suggesting pensioners are slow or that youngsters are untrustworthy!]

Plenty of people have grandparents involved in childcare, even full-time in some cases, who are 65 and upwards. Just a thought... not sure if it is quite the same as hiring a nanny of that age.