The Unrealistic Expectation of 24/7 Nanny Services

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Is it okay to ask the nanny to come back and babysit in the evenings once in a while?

The Unrealistic Expectation of 24/7 Nanny Services

Once you've hired someone for a full time nanny job, it's important to remember that it's a job, not a 24/7 on-call nanny service. Depending on the relationship you have with your nanny, and whether she's a live in nanny or a live out nanny, you may be able to negotiate occasional babysitting services. However, you've got to respect the fact that your nanny has a life outside of your home. The kids may be attached to the nanny and insist on having her come in for the two or three hours of babysitting time you need. It doesn't hurt to ask the nanny if she's willing to do that, but be prepared to pay her what she's worth.

Hiring a teenager to come into your home for a few hours is not the same as asking a professional nanny to stop by so that you can go out on the town. Generally, the teenager is there to watch satellite TV, make sure the house doesn't burn down, and tuck the kids into bed at the appropriate time. She might gab on the phone for a while, eat the chips and dip you left for her, and watch the clock until you finally come home. Someone with professional nanny training, however, might actually keep busy. She may tidy up a bit, read the kids a book, bath them before bed, feed them a light nutritious snack, and then relax on the sofa with a good book until you get home. Either option works. The point is, just don't expect that your nanny will be able and willing to drop by whenever you need a babysitter.

   

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