fired my aupair!

[CookieDoughKid]

Twice my aupair didn't clean son's toilet seat as part of her bathroom cleaning duties even though I specifically called this out in my email to her. I got the potty out and asked whether she had cleaned it. She had the gall to lie in front of my face. I'm not that sorry that I blew my top at her and asked whether she needed a lesson in cleaning. She's 27 by the way and is Spanish. A reluctant aupair who is only here in the UK because she has not been able to find work in Spain.

After her blatant lying to me I decided to study her CV more closely. And asked her about the three degrees gained at University. She was unable to explain what degree classification received (said she couldn't remember?) And nor could she explain the overlap in years (MSc degree gained at the same time as her second (!!) BSc).

I've just booked her flight home in 5 days.

Would you have fired the aupair too? Incompetence is one thing but lying I feel is a trait not worth employing.

Lesson learned when studying cv's next time!! Grr..

Yes you should have studied the CV before you hired her.

Just going on the toilet incident I think you were harsh.

Are you fucking kidding me? Please tell me this is a joke.

Spanish degrees don't always have classifications and they are not comparable to our system either
It is possible to get an msc as well as a bsc

Why does one require a degree to take care of children? Someone please explain.

Oh and why would anyone expect an au pair to potty train their child?

The OP didn't say anything about potty training. Just that she lied and said she had cleaned the potty.

Well au pairs are meant to be treated as family members - a bit like an older sister that helps out with the kids - not skivvies. Sounds like she has had a lucky escape from you.

You fired you AP for not cleaning a toilet seat? god help anyone else employed by you!

You sound quite proud if yourself OP. It's ironic that bully's always feel proud instead of ashamed.

Best outcome for the au pair.

Did you know OP, that au pair means EQUAL.

You sound like a horrible cow to be quite honest.
I've had several au pairs and they weren't my skivvies. They were part of my family.

No potty training specified or required. I ask aupair to clean children's toilet seat regularly ...wipe down with wipes...(its the toddler support seat that goes on an adult size seat) as part of her duties and which I listed as part of her duties.

As I said, its the lying that I don't like. And she is unable to provide further details on her degree or any proof she went to those Universities. Nor does she recall subjects studied at college level or grades there either. Its the lying I have issue with. I'm not saying she needs a degree to be an aupair.

Aghast, I should have said upfront and not drip feed but she's lied about my kids at meal times (what they've eaten and the amount) as I've not seen the food I've asked either not cooked or thrown away. And she is always reluctant to provide reports on what activities during the day.

I have had 3 fabulous aupairs prior ...just this one I am not getting a positive attitude or truth out of.

I suspect she found your manner somewhat hectoring and intimidating which can cause people to be less than forthcoming or eloquent.

I say she's well rid of you op. If you want a cleaner hire a cleaner and pay the going rate.

snarl thanks for explaining about the Spanish system. It is helpful to know for next time. Im not asking the aupair to do anything onerous or above her job description which she agreed to in the first place. They are specific very light house duties at specific times/days within her hours to which we agreed.

Probably best all round. Hope experiencing you doesn't put her off entirely.

Just read your subsequent post. Obviously you aren't comfortable with lies and once you think she's lying you won't want her caring for your child.

Have you considered a nanny by the way?

It was a case of mismatched expectations for us. She doesn't like being an aupair (really) and hates have to report to someone. She's also never ever been employed before. I took pity and thought she would work hard and give her a chance. Incompetence, or not incompleteness of a job one can work on but its the lying I feel is a no go for me. Don't feel I can work with that kind of personality trait.

Yes. I am considering a Nanny which I think would have the experience more suited.

I did apologise to aupair for my unreasonable behaviour in having a go at her btw. Needless to say, we both agree on a swift exit and that its the best thing to do sooner rather than later!

You sound mad. An au pair isn't supposed to be cleaning any toilets. If a huge mess when the child goes I suppose she would see and wipe but on a regular basis is your job. Au pair means on par ie equal. Not doing it so you don't have to

I really hope whomever you seek to employ as a many recognises your rather negative personalty traits before making the mistake of entering your employ.

Nanny, sorry.

I'm not sure I would have fired someone for not cleaning a loo seat! Its also not really employment so technically you can't fire them.

But, yes lying on their CV wasn't on.

Cleaning kids bathrooms is part of an au pairs role

www.bapaa.org.uk/displaypage.asp?page=31

I totally understand that u feel uncomfortable with ap perhaps not being honest.
I always think it's stupid to be told that an ap isn't supposed to clean a toilet seat, heaven help them if they have their own home to run!
Why is it that ap's are such delicate people that they are unable to spray an object and wipe it?
They aren't cleaners but light housework isn't onerous!