Would you get rid of your nanny over this?

We were on the fence about about sending DS#2 to DS#1's preschool this coming September. He will be 18m. After going back and forth, we decided to keep the nanny.

DH ended work early today and came home to the nanny asleep in the family room and DS#2 was watching tv. DH had to wake up the nanny. We are both very very upset over this.

We are now going to send DS to school in September.

Are we overreacting or would you get rid of your nanny over this?

We never gave her a no tv policy but she knows we don't want DS watching tv.

ETA: DH informed me that she was asleep on our bed in the master bedroom and that DS was watching tv on our bed. I don't think this is any more acceptable. It bugs me that she is sleeping on our bed! She is gone for sure.

I don't know if it makes a difference but I do this when I'm super tired. We have a sitting room full of toys. I never fall asleep completely though. I will lay down and rest while the kids play/watch tv in our room.

Message edited 7/23/2012 8:22:30 PM.

Re: Would you get rid of your nanny over this?

I'd be more upset over the fact that she was asleep!

what was her reasoning behind this? How do you know she hasn't done it before?

point is, you're trusting and paying someone to watch your kid while you're not there - that does not include sleeping on the job!

Re: Would you get rid of your nanny over this?

I think I'd ask for more info- was she not feeling good, something going on and she's not sleeping? I would be P.O'd and issue a warning if there was no real reason- but I think I'd give her a chance to shape up before firing her.

do you have anyone that can drop in on her unannounced over the next couple weeks?

good luck with whatever you decide

Would you get rid of your nanny over this?

Definitely 100% get rid of her. I would have fired her on the spot if I had an alternative. Her job is to watch your child. It is not acceptable to nap during the day at work.

Re: Would you get rid of your nanny over this?

Your child watching tv is the least of the problem here imo. The fact that your dh had to wake her up is enough to tell her bye bye.

Re: Would you get rid of your nanny over this?

Re: Would you get rid of your nanny over this?

I am usually VERY laid back about things, but this is a deal breaker to me. You told her no TV - ds was watching TV, bad enough - but she was ASLEEP??? Seriously? Out! I would have fired her on the spot, honestly.



ETA: Ooops, I see you DIDN'T give her a no TV policy, but still - the fact that she was sleeping while DS was awake is enough for me! Ugh!

Message edited 7/23/2012 2:54:27 PM.

Re: Would you get rid of your nanny over this?

Re: Would you get rid of your nanny over this?

Is she a live-in nanny?

Re: Would you get rid of your nanny over this?

I would have fired her yes! The fact that she was sleeping with an 18 month old is unacceptable and dangerous!!! Thank goodness you LO is ok and nothing happened while she slept!!

Re: Would you get rid of your nanny over this?

Re: Would you get rid of your nanny over this?

So your husband was able to come into the house and she didn't wake up from that? She'd be gone if that was me. It's not like she closed her eyes but was still aware of what was going on. It sounds like she was out cold!

Re: Would you get rid of your nanny over this?

I find it hard to believe that this is the first time this happened. Seems like a habit to me, I would have fired her azz on the spot. She should have been entertaining your little one, I'm pizzed and it's not even my situation.

Re: Would you get rid of your nanny over this?

Re: Would you get rid of your nanny over this?

I am VERY laid back but 1. the fact that your husband walked into the house and had to wake her up and 2. your son was watching TV when you have a no TV policy would be a safety and trust issue deal breaker for me...two most important issues in childcare.

Would you get rid of your nanny over this?

Barring any medical issues, I think she needs to go. The fact that your DH had to wake her - thank god it wasn't an intruder!

Re: Would you get rid of your nanny over this?

Yes, she would be gone. You made the right call!

Re: Would you get rid of your nanny over this?

Message edited 7/23/2012 3:19:03 PM.

Re: Would you get rid of your nanny over this?

Would you get rid of your nanny over this?

I would fire her. The fact that your DH was able to enter your home and had to wake her up means she was out cold and not aware of anything going on around her. Somethign could have happened to your DS. Someone could have broken in. There are tons of things that could have gone wrong. You don't pay her to have to worry about your son's safety while he's in her care.

Re: Would you get rid of your nanny over this?

Would you get rid of your nanny over this?

I would most certainly fire her on the spot, and would not be a reference. Perhaps, unless she was immediately, over the top mortified, apologetic and swearing that this never happened before and explaining how it happened this time. Then I would be mad and might consider it "probation" for her. But, as others said, that is a huge safety issue. she's asleep enough for your husband to come in the house without her hearing? a million things could happen with a child awake in the house and her in that deep a sleep. If it was an infant, napping in the crib, and she was lightly napping on the couch, that would be different. I would also be mad about the tv--I pay her for more than using the tv as a babysitter.

Re: Would you get rid of your nanny over this?

I'm a SAHM and even I don't sleep when my kids are awake. WAYYYYYYYYY to much can happen, and at 18m we're not talking just about a bump or bruise. I would find out what is going on and then make a decision about it. I wouldn't fire her on the spot without having the whole story, but I would be very frank with her like this....."Nanny Paul told me what happened today. This is your chance to explain why you were sound asleep. I don't want an BS here because I am really concerned." This is her opening to be honest and say I have been sick or my mom is dying or something serious she didn't want to talk about. It could also be her chance to say I didn't realize and i'm sorry. Either way you need to let her know that is NOT ok. If you have a nanny cam or a way to borrow one I would. Sleeping is NOT ok, IMHO, unless the kids are sleeping and the chores are done.

Re: Would you get rid of your nanny over this?

I am a nanny and that's def not acceptable to be asleep when the child is awake and in your care. I don't even take naps when they are napping themselves. It could have been a one time deal Maybe she is on medication that makes her drowsy- who knows! If your DS is old enough I'm sure you can ask him what goes on.

If she is good to your family in every other way, id honestly sit down with her and have a discussion about it. There may be a perfectly good explanation or you may find out she does this all the time

Re: Would you get rid of your nanny over this?

I really think she'd be gone in my house. I don't think there is a good enough excuse to be sleeping when watching children, especially one so young. The sound of your DH entering the house didn't even wake her up so it's not like she would have know if your DS had wandered off or gotten into something. Totally unsafe!

The fact that your DS was watching TV when she knows you don't like that is just the icing on the cake IMO. Unless you ADORE her I'd give her the boot immediately.