Need Nanny Advice and Input

I'm sure this is not the easiest solution, but I would start looking for someone new. She doesn't sound like someone I would want with my kids. She sounds like she is not interested in the job anymore, for whatever reason. You don't want to trust your kids to someone who is not giving their full attention to them. Don't wait until they get hurt because she's not paying attention.
One more thing.....if she keeps making you late for work, you may not need a nanny at all...you'll be home all day when you get fired for always being late.

If her job requirements are clearly outlined in her contract, then she needs to comply with them or have repercussions - like decreased pay per quarter hour that she's late. If she's traveling a long way to get to you, then a Metro Card might not be out of the question, but lunch allowance is questionable unless she's taking your son out for the day. Otherwise, if you're providing her lunch, a lunch allowance isn't really reasonable. I think pay depends on her experience. I know the city is different, but I live in Suffolk County, and $15 an hour is very good pay for a babysitter/nanny.
If she seems resentful of what you're asking her to do, I think it's time to look for another childcare provider. She might take it out on your son and might not look after him as carefully as she should. If she's not happy, you should talk to her about it and give her a chance to look for other work while you look for other childcare.

As a former Nanny myself I would say that, in my opinion, your nanny is giving signals of "job-burn". She doesn't seem interested in the job anymore. Only some extra perks -money, mainly- will make it worthwhile for her to "endure" the daily routines. She's not enjoying it anymore and your kids are going to pay the consequences one way or the other. She's going to be more short-tempered with them and more likely to ignore them and watch TV or talk on the phone all day.
I would start looking for a substitute RIGHT NOW.
By the way. $15/hour seems very reasonable.
Good luck!

Dear B.,

All I can say is if she acts this way in front of you I am afraid to see how she is with your kids when you are not there. She is burnt out, cranky, and obviously not into the job any longer. GET A NEW NANNY!! Is it possible to put your son into a daycare program for socialization as well as a structured academic program, and your older son into an aftercare program at school. I think your two year old might be better off interacting with his peers and having an academic program available to him. At least in a preschool program there are rules that are mandated and must be followed. Good luck!!

She sounds like a spoiled brat - check out www.nannyny.com - I met some wonderful women through this site and some not-so-great - trust your instincts - If they're not mature enought to have an honest conversation with, they probably aren't mature enough to properly deal with your children. Good luck

We had similar attitude issues with our first nanny (both related to money, lateness and things that were asked of her). We let her go after just 10 weeks on the job and it was a circus which ended with us having to retain an attorney.

My only regret is that it took 10 weeks for me to do it. It turned out financial problems and other issues in her life were making her emotionally unbalanced. I pulled the plug and took the key and had to take time off from work to find a replacement, but it was worth every rescheduled meeting. We ended up with a nanny who is a complete dream.

I know that it's going to be hard with work, but get her out of your house IMMEDIATELY. I suspect the kiddos are not getting the loving care they need.

hi B.,

You need to find someone new. That is all I can say. You pay her enough and anyone that is taking care of your children should care for them as if they are her own. she also should not bite the hand that feeds her. Fire her, if you can find daycare where there is before and after school program. I myself , will be re-starting a group daycare very shortly. I have had my own children and custody of my 7 yr old granddaughter. I was co- director of a group daycare for 7 yrs , worked previously in a daycare and have also worked with high school special ed children. I have always made it a policy to treat these children the way I would hope my own children would be treated . Your nanny should be fired.