Re: Nannies

[Maryhs]

Hi everyone,

I wanted some advice on nannies. In the space of 5 months, i have changed 3 Nannies and I’m getting a bit disheartened and frustrated. So I will give context on the ones we have had so far:

Nanny 1: She was good, very good with my little one who was 3 months then, however she wanted cash in hand and we were eligible for help with childcare costs, so we had to let her go. (Also we weren’t happy with her paying no taxes!)

Nanny 2: Had to be told every 5 mins what to do. Our baby wouldn’t settle with her at all and she was constantly crying. Once i left her with the nanny for an hour, only to come back to my baby shaking and crying non stop. It wasnt her fault - for some reason my baby was frightened of her.
The nanny wasn’t proactive at all. In her first 2 weeks she took 2 days off. Was constantly talking about taking my little one to the pub to see her nanny friends and the kids they were looking after - but when at home she did nothing with her whatsoever.

Nanny 3: started off really well but now has to be told everyday what to do. For example, could you make her milk or could you make her lunch. Once i told her to make squash for lunch and i came down because the baby was crying so much and i asked her why is she crying so she said because shes hungry - so i said why dont you give her lunch, “oh you said to make her squash but squash is a drink”. I said to her i meant butternut squash and you could’ve come upstairs to ask me if you were unsure.

She only takes her for a walk, has to be constantly told to engage the baby in the play gym or suggestions of what games to play etc

If she’s left to it, she just carries her around. Doesn’t bother reading her a book, playing a game etc. I have to tell her to tidy up after herself, or do the baby’s laundry etc etc the list is endless.

Is this the norm with nannies? Also i feel like we are being taken advantage of. We pick and drop her, offer her lunch and snacks and pay her a monthly wage - but shes obviously not even fulfilling her job role.

I am planning on getting rid of her but im not sure if i am justified?

Hi,

No I didn’t check references unfortunately as they seemed so experienced in their interviews. BIG mistake!!

Anyways, I have finally found a nanny who is very proactive. Shes been like that from day one and she engages DD1 too not just DD2. I only briefed her on the first day and ever since she follows the routine, is very professional and just gets on with if. Both my children took to her straight away! DD1 keeps telling me to employ her for another day so she can spend time with her.

After all this hassle I am so relieved and I feel like giving her a bonus just for being good at her job! I can now focus on getting on with my studies without any stress.

Tips for anyone else that has to hire a nanny:

1. Be sure of what their duties are and write them down - including any light chores
2. explain your routine and be very firm that it needs to stay the same and to be carried out
3. Pay and holidays should be clarified.
4. Check references!!!!

I can’t believe anyone would trust their child and home to someone without checking references! Your entire approach to being an employer needs to be far more professional. You have a job description at work - nanny needs one too. The experience you’ve had entirely reflects your approach to recruitment.