CM Club - Inappropriate Clothes, late drop off etc etc

[bloodsuckingLOONEY]

Morning

I'll make this quick as need to do baby a bottle in a minute.

The 2 sisters new au pair dropped off today. First of all she arrived at 8.40 when it should be 8.20 as I'm supposed to leave in my car at 8.30!!! Kids were covered in dry snot, strawberries etc so I think she's just struggling with the rush as just started but the thing is, I can't be late for school. After half term I will be dropping a mindee at pre-school for a week and I MUST leave dead on time! Hopefully au pair will be fine by then (I'm off next week) as I think a lot of the problem was driving (she was in front of me when pulling onto main road and my god, she was dead nervous, I actually thought something was going to hit her )

2nd thing, toddler mindee arrived in short sleeved top and body jacket - her arms were cold as it's really cold wind even though it's sunny. I grabbed a blanket out of the car (as no cardy or anything in the bag for her ) and covered her the best I could for the walk in the pram but of course, being a toddler, it didn't stay on long!!

I've said before about appropriate clothes etc. How should I deal with this this time? I really should have cardy's, rain coat/coat, warm hat etc for this weather. I think they dress them fine for a car journey but I'm out and about outdoors and they know this! Also, I'm going to have a word about this lateness, I know there's the new au pair but the thing is, it's not my problem. My job is to get children to school on time (also, I especially don't want to be rushing like a mad woman after getting my news yesterday ).

And the last thing.....I suppose I can't really say anything but do any of you have kids arrive covered in food, snot etc (in a big way!)? I'm so embarrassed if I am so late I can't wipe them straight away, people must think it's me not cleaning them! Especially poor baby who has a terribly sore mouth area/chin atm, the last thing she needs is strawberry juice on her sore skin (saz knows what I mean as helped out with her last week).

Advice anyone?

Leave at 8:30 - you'll only need to do it once

Clothes & snot I'm not so sure about

I've got 5 minutes whilst my neighbours washing finishes in my machine (hers is broken!) then I'm off again, promise.

I think you can take this as a perfect opportunity to let the new au pair know that YOU are in charge. She's brand new and doesn't know how you work yet, so tell her quite clearly what you expect from her. She's not going to know any different, is she? This is going to be a brilliant relationship, because YOU are going to call the shots! I'm all assertive today and fired up for action, so do it! Tell her, you must leave by 8.25am (not 8.30 because she's bound to think arriving 5 mins late is acceptable) That gives you an extra 5mins to collect yourself & mindees together. Tell her that you would like to have spare coats for the children, in case she forgets them and tell her to stick a package of wet wipes in the car, so that she can wipe faces before they come into your house, because you won't have time and usually go out straight from school run.

God, I'm on fire today!

CONGRATS ON YOUR NEWS HUN!! Wasn't about yesterday so just seen, am so pleased for you!

Lateness - I would send out a newsletter, that you know leave for school promptly at xyz am, and anyone running late can call you to arrange drop off/ meet you at school / whataever is appropriate. I set off bang on time, if people are late tough.

Clothing - as this family are often sent dressed inappropriately can you maybe ask they have a set of sutable clothes left at yours? Maybe trousers jumper socks hat etc? Or send them home for coats etc if they tur up without them. Say it is for the children's benefit. I would direct this problem just at this family rather than in a roundabout manner.

Mucky faces - I use wipes quickly or on ds who has excema I use a small piece of muslim cloth with his emolliant cream on it to clean his skin, just as quick as wipes, and better for them if they are sore.

Cheers Katy, I was pulling off as she turned up but yes, should have gone at 8.30. Just felt bad as this very young girl was on her first proper day. Will deffo go next time.

Thanks everyone else. Oh Mo - I wish I could dictate to au pair but I'm not her boss and it's really not my place to be so firm with her.

Kay - thanks

Well, mum emailed me saying sorry about this morning but also said will be better next week. I've replied saying that I'm not working next week REMEMBER. I then went on to explain about needing these clothes, must be on time etc etc. I just hope she slipped up about next week - no way am I working just coz she forgot!!!

Fair enough. But you're not really dictating. Surely, part of her job description is making sure the lo's are taken to you ready for the day? Have a word in her shell like and just ask nicely then!