We had a nanny start with us last Thursday in preparation for my going back to work on Monday. Since Monday, our nanny has been late two times. The first was on Tuesday and she was late by 25 minutes. This was because the one of the people from the nanny service was dropping her off. The second time was this morning and she was late by 20 minutes because the bus was running late.
I want to have a good relationship with her but need her to understand that when she's late, I get to work later than I want to (especially since I'm trying to get home earlier to spend time with the kids before they go to bed). I understand that this being the first week we are both getting used to commutes and want to be sensitive with that.
I would appreciate any advice that you all have on how to handle.
I had an issue like that with my nanny as well. I went to daycare where I knew it was stable and I decided the times!
Hi J.-
I've been a nanny for three different families over the years and I'm also a mother so can play devil's advocate. If it were me, I would probably see how next week goes and give her the benefit of the doubt (it probably wasn't her fault the first time and this is her first week taking the bus to your house too I'm guessing). If it happens again next week, I'd sit her down and have a quick chat. Just explain that you can't be late to work and your goal is to get home early/on time to spend time with your kids. Good nannies understand and respect that. Did she seem apologetic for getting there late? If not, I might worry a bit. You might ask that she catch an earlier bus possibly too. We all run into situations that are out of our control at times, but it shouldn't keep happening.
I had to drive to my last nanny position (and I brought my young daughter which meant I had to be organized and up early to get there on time) and I was early for 7 months. There was only 1 day I was delayed and it was only a few minutes due to a car accident.
Good luck!
D.
I would nip it in the bud. Simply state, I know that this is the first week and you are adjusting to how long it takes to get here, but one of the essential things to this job is getting here on time. I need to be at work on time and when you're not on time, it puts me in a bad position.
I might also add that as nanny and mom you are partners and need to talk about expectations.
Then see what happens.
Good luck
Hi J., hopefully she was apologetic for being late. It must be very stressful for both of you, because it is a bad start. Sit her down and give her a warning. If she really want to be your nanny, it would be important for her to meet your requirements. Perhaps she can allow herself more time to get there. I would talk to the agency if it continues! Good Luck with everything!
Ms P.
Licensed child care provider since 1996
It is tough to judge this early on if she is just getting her bearings and this won't continue to be a problem, or if this is going to be a pattern. Both time she was late was because she has unreliable transportation (ride from friend and public transportation) so you need to consider that this may continue and you may need to be okay with that if you decide to keep her. You know what they say- "3 strikes you're out" and speak frankly to her about giving herself more time to factor in the unreliabilty of public transportation. Good luck and I hope it works out.
Hi J.,
As an experienced nanny, I would say that this is a bad sign. She is late now that the weather is ok. Wait till we have lots of rain and snow, then she will have even a better excuse to be late.
How about talking to the agency??
To me, being late is disrespect, all the way around. It shows that the only one that is important, is her. We are talking more than a couple minutes, here. It is unacceptable, no matter what the excuse. If she does not have reliable transportation, than she is not qualified for the job. Whether or not, her excuses are legit, do you really want someone so selfish, handling your kids? There are good nannies, with reliable transportation, and who understand the importance of being on time, and that is where I would be looking. Every action, has a reaction, and the stress that this irresponsible person will cause to you, your job, and your life, is not acceptable. Look elsewhere, and don't add stress to your life, unnecessarily.
what is her response when she is late? Is she apologetic or does she not think it is an issue. The first time was with the agency- who was late? why? The second was a late bus- should you up her start time? Maybe you should to give yourself some wiggle room.
