Nanny bringing her baby to work

[LCXP]

Hello,

Would be really grateful for any help - our nanny will be going on maternity leave soon and wants to come back to work with her baby. We have 3 children 7,4 and 2 so she will need to juggle 2 different school runs, homework, clubs etc, a lively 2 year old and a young baby. She also works 7.30-7pm 4 days a week. I know lots of people have good experiences when they only have one child so the two together become playmates. However, I'm concerned she already has her hands very full with our 3 children!

Would really appreciate any advice. I really like our nanny and would love to make it work but I also want to ensure the best outcome for both of us.

Thank you!

What is your gut feeling? Do you want to make this work with the baby or would you rather that the nanny not come back than have to come back with baby? You are obviously under no obligation to accept her back with the baby but if you would rather keep her than recruit again, then that may be the only way forward.

Apart from her possible tiredness and meeting the needs of your children with her own baby in tow, do you think that this can work practically? Does she have to drive? Does the car she is using have the capability to take four car seats? Is your 2-yr old still using a buggy? If so, who will buy the double buggy?

Will she need to drive? Getting 4 children in a car might be a problem.

Maybe it would be worth having a trial period in the contract - give it a couple of months with her bringing the baby and see if it works out?

I think you have a lot to consider and need to talk to your nanny.

The hours are long, there will be 4 children, you will probably need 4 car seats, a double buggy and to keep your house childproofed for another 2 years or so.

Will the baby impact on your children's activities?
How do you think your children will react to having a new baby around?

You do not have to have her back WITH BABY. She does have the right to return to her job without, obviously.

That said I think you are likely to lose her if you don't let her come back with baby.

FWIW I would keep your options open for as long as possible and suggest she uses her 'keeping in touch' days as a trial run to see how it would work with baby while making no commitment to accept her back with baby.

It is well within numbers for a childminder so I can't see that it would be too hard for her. She might find the days very long with a young baby but that could be overcome by providing a cot in your house for her to settle the baby in for decent sleeps.

Would your nanny consider/be able to find childcare for her baby 1 or 2 days per week so she did 2 days with baby and 2 days without?

def doable and sure the nanny will be able to cope

so up to you if you want nanny and baby to come back - how long has she been there?

yes long days buy maybe daddy or parents (of nanny) can pick up early or have baby 2 days and nanny bring two days

I'd also suggest a trial period - maybe 3 months, with regular reviews? Also, have you talked to your nanny about how she'd meet all of their needs - its almost like interviewing her for a new position...

If she's good and you're keen to keep her then that already speaks volumes about how good she is at managing the needs of different children.

Thanks all so much for your great advice! You've been really helpful in mentioning things to think about.
My gut feeling is to try and make this work as she is a fantastic nanny and my children are really happy. I will put together a list of things to discuss and have a chat with her to see what we can work out! It's clearly not straightforward but I'm keeping an open mind!

Any other pros and cons gratefully received if you think of any more?

Thanks again!

I'm going back to my old job in a couple of months (my dd will have just turned 1) and the kids i look after will be 3.5 and 5.5 so in school and nursery. It was important for me not to rush going back and it will be easier because i will have time to do chores so not rushed off my feet.

I think your nanny needs to be realistic about what it entails going back and if she isn't that would have alarm bells ringing really. It would personally be too much for me but if she really wants to come back then a trial period is a really good idea.

personally i would never consider it. when i pay someone to look after my children i want MY children to be their priority and i don't think that will ever be the case if there own child is there, no matter how professional and fantastic she is. a harsh statement,i know, but based on observations from all species of life (ie protecting one's own cubs at the expense of everything else).