How much untidiness would you tolerate from your nanny...

[ExpLEUSIveS]

before you issue her with a formal written warning?

I used to think this was a battle not worth having. But it's unbearable. And rest assured I am no neat freak myself. But, I've gone over it with her time and time again. The duties are clearly outlined in the contract, and I have explained them on several occassions when it became apparent they need clarification and she needed reminding.

Would it be hasty of me to issue her with a formal written warning?

erm... can I just clarify something. I ain't no neat freak. My standards of cleanliness are not high. If anything they are a bit on the low side. But when I go to pull out a toy I want it to be where it belongs, I don't want to have to hunt for the puzzle pieces in four different rooms of the house. That is no good.

I want my kitchen cleaned at 7:00 to a level where I can make my own dinner. If there is still crap all over the counter and pans on the stove then I can't really make my own dinner.

I used to nanny for 2 children in two families who were both 6 months old. I had 2 days at one house and 3 days at the other. Anything linked to the children, I did. Washing, drying, ironing, tidying their rooms and play areas. Cooking their food and sometimes shopping for it.

There was no way pots would have been left, trays not cleaned. It is part of her job!

Maybe she needs time management help?

Mrs. Recycle - I would be grateful if you would mail me a copy of your rules! No nanny here, just DH and self at home on different days and chaos ensuing.

I'm on [email protected]

thank you

Admittedly my nanny only has one child to look after but she always manages to make sure my flat is tidier when I come home than when I left. I think it's about attitude.

Also I think she was well trained by MrsRecycle who, if my memory serves, was the MNer who gave me her details. MrsRecycle, I think you need to start some sort of business here

Oh oh, have you got MrsR's old nanny/au pair? Very nice. Keep them in the MN family.

Oh what a coincidence I was going to ring her tonight - I was thinking this morning how much I miss her. How are you Mags? Glad to hear she is still as wonderful, you are so lucky to have her (as you know). How is your dd doing? My dds miss your Nanny so much I must get her over to babysit one night.

How about I start up a Nanny/Husband/AuPair Effective Time management training business? Barry will send you it to you as well - although it is in Excel (once an accountant always an accountant!!).

I'm having similar issues with my AP, when she eats she does not clear up after herself.

I got in last night at 10.30 only to find her dinner plate on the side - as the dishwasher was finished and full, but she didn't want to unload it as she was not working!! Get this every breakfast at the w/ends too.

Have had 3 realignment meets this week and given her a timetable - Mrs R any chance you could send me your/look at mine for comparison as I'm sure I've missed something. I haven't had to be so specific with an AP before.

Yes, have got MrsR's old nanny and she is lovely. Really lovely! My one year old loves her and she's just a sweetie. And makes my bed for me (I don't ask her to I hasten to add - I just rarely bother myself and I often find she's tidied it all up for me). I owe you one MrsR!

My rule re the dishwasher is the AP unloads it in the morning (at 7.30am) whilst dds are getting dressed. She puts in a tablet when it is empty and then it gets loaded up by dds/AP/me/dh during the day. The last one to bed presses the on switch and, in the morning, its ready for the AP to unload (at 7.30am). So we always know when the plates are dirty/clean.

If ele doesn't mind, I'll try and post my various Routines on here later on tonight. Maybe I should change my name to MrsRoutine!! I'm not really a control freak just like to take the confusion out of what has to be done, especially where there is a large busy family involved.

Is she one year old now mags?? Wow where does the time go eh? We must meet up one time (are you coming to the Mumsnet Xmas party?).

Yes she is! It's amazing isn't it.

MN party? Think I am NFI!

Is that a yes? Sorry not sure what NFI stands for!!

Eh? You are too a control freak.

MrsControlFreakinDenial

Obviously too well brought up MrsR - Not Effing Invited!

I meant I didn't know there was an MN party so assumed I'm NFI!

NOBODY is invited. Just go sign up. This is no time to be bashful.

Oh I like that one!! Will remember it. No you don't have to be invited to this one, you just invite yourself. Ele is going as well. Its on 1st December and details are here. Just add your name - we can meet up before hand if you want. Would be nice to meet you after all this time (and you can buy me a drink for introducing Nanny!!)

Right, so on one thread, you've bribed one person for a bottleof red wine and another for a drink? I bet you're an expensive date.

Moi - an expensive date? - you should know . No actually, anything for a drink - talking of which must top up my wine glass!

Seriously though, I've just sent out the Excel Control Freak files to those who've asked. I've CAT'd those that haven't provided email addresses so once I receive a reply I'll forward to you.

Ooh Mrs Recycle, please could I see your rules too, got a new ap arriving on Tuesday and I'm definitely not the world's most organised person. Anything to help the process gratefully received. I'm on the cat thing.

Could I have a copy too? CATs don't work for me as they go to my old email address, and I can't work out how to change it!

[email protected]

Oh Mrs Recycle could I have a copy when you get a minute? [email protected]. We have just moved to your neck of the woods and have just posted re Ruislip mums meet up!

Re Eleusis OP-I am having a similar issue and my last nanny was an absolute paragon (Norlander) She is not messy as such just doesn't seem to take initiative, doesn't shake and hang out washing properly so it ends up creased, doesn't hoover DS's room, crumbs on kitchen floor etc. I think I will give it another month or so and then have another review.

However DS is happy and that is the most important thing

Just a quick post - am feeling very sore at the moment - had a biopsy this morning at Hillingdon Hospital (were fab LadyG!!) - so will send out everything tomorrow when I'm feeling a bit more with it!

Sorry MrsR just seen yr post hope all goes well with biopsy

I always tidied when i nannied - am a maternity nanny now and still tidy up.

You make the chores part of your day and i would have been unhappy if my bosses had come home to a messy home even with 3 under the age of 4.

Hope you get it sorted soon ExpLUESiveS