I have a question for both nannies and parents. What kinds of things do you think are acceptable to do during the workday? For example, grocery shopping for yourself. Okay or not okay? Things like that. And along with that, what would be fire-able offenses? If someone was grocery shopping, or other things for themselves during the workday, is there a line that you would draw where you would fire them for something they are doing for themselves?
9 comments:
Personally, I think it depends. If the nanny is working 12+ hours a day, then shopping for yourself, from time to time is ok. If the nanny isn't working 12+ hours a day, then I think if it's an occasional quick, 5 min, event then that would be ok. Now, if it's everyday and it takes a long time, then it would be fire-able for me. I'm paying a nanny to interact with my child, not to shop.
As a nanny, I try not do too much of my own stuff, but sometimes I can't get stuff done over the weekend or an appt can only be made during working hours. I always clear it with MB first, but none of the families I've been with have had any problem with me running my own errands. It really just depends on the parents and what they find acceptable.
I don't think grocery shopping is ok on the clock or any type of shopping really. I will go to a pharmacy while we're out if I need something or stop for coffee if I have to. Generally though, I bring coffee in the morning or Aleve or whatever I need. Planning is important.
It depends on the family/child. When my charge was little (18 months to around five years old) she thought shopping was a great outing. She'd bring me her shoes and ask to "go out." I was completely engaged with her; we'd walk through the store and name everything we saw (pants, shoes, shirts, or purple shirt, green shirt, red shirt, etc), she'd help me count out tomatoes or grapes or whatever, she liked looking at greeting cards, seeds, etc. She usually got to pick out something from the $1 section if we were in Target. Her mom told me I was welcome to do whatever I needed to do, was fully aware, and loved it (she told them all about our "adventures" when they got home). When she got older and shopping became a chore and unless I'm running in to grab something we need, we don't shop together. My other MB also sees going shopping as taking the kids on an outing (I don't take them myself, but only because packing three small children into a car for a shopping trip feels like more trouble than it's worth lol).
I think communication is key here. Parents need to express their wishes clearly, nannies need to respect them absolutely. :)
I always look at it like this - if she can get everything done, and my kids are happy and taken care of, and fed and she has done everything she said she will do - she can do whatever else she wants. I mean, within reason. But if she can handle it, I am fine with it. If she wants to do all of her grocery shopping during the day, or whatever errands - I am fine with that. My oldest is in school and my little one just tags along. If she was neglecting to get in his naps or feed him properly, then I would address it - but so far, it works.
If the parents are fine with it and the child likes going on errands I don't see the problem, provided most of the day is centered on child-focused things. Little ones love grocery stores provided they're allowed to engage and indulge their interest in the variety of things there. I used to take my charges to the grocery store when we didn't need anything at all, just for the fun of it.
My son loves the grocery store, we have sooo much fun! Pointing things out, singing songs "pizza, pizza, pizza, cha cha cha!" (we just got home from grocery store, with a pizza lol) He is two. So definitely depends on the age imo and how engaged the care give is. Case by case basis.
Some personal errands is IMO no big deal. Some groceries while shopping for the family, not a big deal. Just remember...nannies don't get breaks. We can't take off for 30 mins or an hour to do personal stuff/lunch like you can in every other profession. To expect us to do absolutely nothing for ourselvss all week is unreasonable. If the households needs are met, the kids get to events on time....no big deal. This doesn't mean the nanny should take advantage though. As wih anything, it can be abused.
Angi
Agree, communication...I'm a live in and as long as I run it by MB then all is well
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