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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

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Original poster

Old nanny returning from maternity leave with baby! Help

63 replies

ziopin · 28/02/2008 09:54

This is a very long running story, but my old nanny has been off on maternity leave and is due to come back next month.

Originally I said that she could come back with the baby at the end of her leave, but then decided against it. She took this very well, and said that she would arrange childcare for the baby when she came back to work.

Having spoken with her last week, she has only arranged childcare for 2 days, and wants to bring the baby to work for the other 3. She suggests that we give it a trial for a couple of months, and if it doesn't work out she'll leave (no hard feelings)

I am not happy about this, but should I give it a trial just to be fair?

I currently have a lovely nanny, who is doing her maternity cover. I could lose her, and then find myself without a nanny if things dont work out with old nanny and baby.

Help!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

eleusis · 04/03/2008 15:17

tap tap tap....

Original poster

ziopin · 05/03/2008 09:43

Oh sorry again, bit rushed when I wrote the last post! Spoke to old nanny and we both agreed that she would not return at the end of the ML.

Therefore, can keep the lovely new nanny, but, a new twist..... the new nanny has informed me that she has a place from September on a PGCE course!!

Bloody hell! So am now left without a nanny for September. Am not tempted to offer old nanny job back!!

Only really need childcare for the morning (7.20 - 9.30) from September and a few hours (12.30 - 3.30) in the afternoon. Didn't really want to consider a childminder as dont wont to get kids up at 6.00am.

What to do?

The saga continues!

OP posts:

eleusis · 05/03/2008 10:05

Remember that old nanny needs to give you a written resignation.

Oh and congratulations!! I know it's a pain to look for new nanny (I just hired a new one as well -- this is her first week). But, jeez, it's better than horrid nanny.

PS
I get my kids up at 6:00. I must be a mean old bag of a mum.

looneytune · 05/03/2008 10:09

Just wanted to say well done And I agree, best to have to look for a new nanny than to keep horrible one! Can I just ask, if you don't need care until 7.20am, why would you need to get them up at 6am?

Good luck with the search

Original poster

ziopin · 05/03/2008 10:10

Fancy getting ur kids up at 6.00!

Eleusis have you ever had an au pair? Am thinking this could be a good option?

OP posts:

eleusis · 05/03/2008 10:37

Haven't had an au pair... yet! I can't wait until DS goes to school full time though becqause I'm getting one then. My job is long hours five days a week -- way too much for an au pair. And DS is only almost 3. So still a bit young for au pair variety.

But, don't you hire live out? And I can't remember how old your kids are?

eleusis · 05/03/2008 10:39

Oh, and I figure if I have to get up at 5:00 then they get their lazy arses up at 6:00.

Actually it is purely selfish on my part. I want to see them before I leave for work. So, they have to get up. They just come in my room and lay in bed and suck their thumbs until the nanny comes in to get them dressed. Ah the life....

missiesparkles · 05/03/2008 10:46

I think its nice that you want to see your kids before you leave for work thou... I once worked for a woman who didn't work and pretty much didn't see either of her 3 kids until she picked them up at 3.30pm

prior to decinding I could deal with the school run, she'd ignore the baby who wouldn't get any attention until I started work (about 7.30am - she'd clamber out of her cot just before 7am and wander around with a soggy nappy half way down her knees until I started) then she'd drive the eldest two to school, then come home, still ignore the baby and go back to bed until about lunchtime

so yes, selfish maybe, but at least you actually want to see your children!!

Original poster

ziopin · 05/03/2008 10:48

Oh that sounds lovely.

Mine are 13, 5 and 3. Youngest will be 4 in September. I could jumble the kids about a bit, and put her in the attic! It does have a toilet

OP posts:

eleusis · 05/03/2008 10:55

Oh, I think you might be ready for the move to au pair. I think you will also find it is much easier to hire when you are offering accommodation because the borders open up and you can hire from anywhere. Whereas with live out, you are restricted to people who already live near you.

Yes, so long as she's not going to have a lot of sole charge I would say an au pair might suit you.

eleusis · 05/03/2008 10:57

missiesparkles, she sounds like a witch to be honest. I can't imagine not wanting to see my kids in the morning. I must admit however I don't always make it home before they go to bed.

ernest · 05/03/2008 11:01

My neighbour gets her kids up at 5 so they can see their dad before he goes to work. Actually their choice. Have been snooping on this - so glad it's worked out for you

missiesparkles · 05/03/2008 11:19

she was an utter witch, I hated her... she did sooooo many other things too, but eventually I left for my own sanity but made sure to tell the husband (who didn't live with us) the score as I felt awful about leaving the poor kiddies with her

don't worry too much about not always getting to see them before they go to bed, this happens to every working parent and the promise of seeing mummy when they wake up is a comfort for most children and gives them something to look forward to if they miss mummy in the evening!

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