tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post4182668122957838033..comments2024-03-19T03:27:24.068-04:00Comments on I SAW YOUR NANNY: List the Red FlagsLeigh Raymerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210572527823459842noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-60563018386816863552012-08-06T08:26:01.529-04:002012-08-06T08:26:01.529-04:00Oh, OP, I forgot to mention that I was being paid ...Oh, OP, I forgot to mention that I was being paid for 20-25 hours/week of service, and I was working about 50-55 hours/week! Did I get any overtime? Of course not. <br /><br />I was in a different country, and ended up taking my former employers to court. It was a huge headache, but I did win the 2 month's pay they owed me. I can't believe they just refused to pay me because "I decided to leave"... I kept working for them for the duration my contract requested, I did everything they asked... yeah, some people are just cheap. I think you totally did the right thing by leaving, and all the other people on here who say otherwise are probably the people that we end up leaving. <br /><br />Nannies do NOT deserve to be taken advantage of or treated like second-class citizens. If something is stated in your contract and then the host family doesn't follow through, you have every right to leave and that does not make you "entitled"rm2082noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-44043186405666082482012-08-06T08:20:44.215-04:002012-08-06T08:20:44.215-04:00OP: I have *definitely* worked for a cheap family ...OP: I have *definitely* worked for a cheap family before! In fact, I recently had to take an employer to court for refusing to pay 2 month's worth of wages! <br /><br />I was a live-in, and part of my contract was that I would be provided with food. Well, apparently their idea of food was 2 minute microwave noodles, bread and butter, and french fries! I'm very big on healthy eating, and while I wasn't expecting organic, fancy food, they knew beforehand I was a vegetarian so you'd think I'd at least be able to eat a carrot every now and then! Nope! <br /><br />They required me to get a state DL, even though I could legally drive with my current license, for insurance purposes. Before I got it, they assured me they would reimburse me for the $50 it would cost. I fought for a month to have them finally shell out (and, when I left, they tried to argue in court that it was an "advance in wages" and not payment for the DL, and argued that they should not have to reimburse me for the DL...) <br /><br />Basically anything I needed during my (very very short) stay that had been agreed upon they would provide, I ended up having to buy. <br /><br />I found out after being there for a month that the family was over $250,000 in debt. They could not afford weekly groceries, and it baffled me why they had a nanny if they a) couldn't afford to pay me and b) couldn't afford to even buy food for themselves and their kids. The father would go out and spend money on new electronics, unnecessary repairs for his car, and heaps of other big-ticket items, but wouldn't buy his daughter new shoes when the soles came off. <br /><br />I ended up leaving after 2 months, and warning the nanny they had found to replace me.rm2082noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-10538759330569801672012-07-31T16:55:55.785-04:002012-07-31T16:55:55.785-04:00Wow, hope you find a better family this time aroun...Wow, hope you find a better family this time around!! <br />The past 2 families I had were AWESOME... and I passed up other jobs before selecting these families. These were some red flags for me:<br /><br />- SAHM who seemed to want a maid/cook more than a nanny.<br />- 2 year old climbing on the countertop during the interview.<br />- Wanting to pay under the table<br />- parents w no discipline<br /><br />Note, a family I LOVED working for did talk about their prev nannies in the interview and was very honest about what they liked and didn't like in an employee. I happened to agree with them, and was glad to have them be honest. <br /><br />Best advice ever <br />1) get a contract<br />2) do a 4 or 6 week trial period to see if they like you, and you like working for them :)Smilenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-23530116408572132112012-07-30T20:25:27.897-04:002012-07-30T20:25:27.897-04:00Those OPs are heroes and so is mppThose OPs are heroes and so is mppRBTChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12236958965651282895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-86309495245756132332012-07-30T15:19:32.104-04:002012-07-30T15:19:32.104-04:00nycmom,
As for offering up red flags, none were an...nycmom,<br />As for offering up red flags, none were any more substantial than what was listed here. The few I corresponded with at length had no clue anything was wrong and felt guilty their children had been neglected or abused.<br /><br />One Mother in particular trusted her Nanny so much she told me she had a hard time believing the validity of the Sighting. Her husband suggested having a friend keep an eye on the Nanny and they were devastated at some of the things the trusted friend reported back to them.<br /><br />Another Sighting comes to mind of a Parent not believing the bad sighting of their beloved Nanny. She asked if she could talk to the OP so I wrote them asking permission to pass along their e-mail... the OP actually offered up her phone number to this Mom because she was so upset at what she had witnessed happening to her children she wanted to relay it personally.MaryPoppin'Pillshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493804863551764605noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-76141428290989775332012-07-30T15:10:39.641-04:002012-07-30T15:10:39.641-04:00Thank you to everyone for all of your support... I...Thank you to everyone for all of your support... ISYN would be nothing without you! xoMaryPoppin'Pillshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493804863551764605noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-83292539412509301152012-07-30T12:50:19.877-04:002012-07-30T12:50:19.877-04:00i was wondering that also - and that revelation re...i was wondering that also - and that revelation re-doubles my belief that this blog should be friendly to OPs rather than scare them away - a child's life may be in the balanceRBTChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12236958965651282895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-85973633853930703512012-07-29T16:28:49.521-04:002012-07-29T16:28:49.521-04:00MPP,
I rarely write personal comments on here as ...MPP,<br /><br />I rarely write personal comments on here as you know, but I also want to take a moment and thank you for the service this blog provides. I am well aware of the huge number of work hours that go into maintaining this blog. <br /><br />Separately, you mentioned receiving emails from parents identifying their nannies from sitings and/or "getting a glimpse into their lives with the Nanny, and how upset they are to have missed all of the red flags." If you have posted it in the past, apologies for the repetition. If you have not, I wonder if there is any way for you to post a summary or list of those glimpses and red flags while still preserving the family's anonymity?<br /><br />In the interest of protecting our kids, direct and personal experience such as that could be an invaluable resource. Parents would surely be reluctant to openly admit their oversight in real life, so this may be even more helpful. I understand, of course, if it is too much work or not possible. Just a thought!nycmomnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-62103079539573677572012-07-28T15:56:33.829-04:002012-07-28T15:56:33.829-04:00Its not always about affording the utilities. Just...Its not always about affording the utilities. Just to give you another view point, had we known water would cost a little under $200 a month, we wouldn't have bought an old home of ours. We went to the water co & they looked into it. We didn't have a leak. Water is just verrrryyyy expensive in that area/house. $200 isn't an unaffordable amount. But its an unreasonable amount. But I agree with the Realtors decision. That would've prevented the sale in our case.gypsynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-20676753262618794502012-07-28T15:46:10.331-04:002012-07-28T15:46:10.331-04:00I think this would be a good opportunity for me to...I think this would be a good opportunity for me to just say thank you. Thank you for caring about the kiddos, who can be helped by this blog. At the end of that day that's what matters most.gypsynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-23697186762637111342012-07-27T22:58:46.850-04:002012-07-27T22:58:46.850-04:00Several Thoughts:
Remember that a contract in dis...Several Thoughts:<br /><br />Remember that a contract in dispute (court) will always be construed strictly against the drafter and liberally in favor of the party who merely agrees and signs. I have many times seen it recommended that the nanny show up with a contract - DON'T, it won't go your way if disputes arise. <br /><br />Yes,there is a statute of limitations on labor disputes, both federally and state. In fact, this was part of a major Supreme Court ruling a few years back.<br /><br />It is awful to work for cheap people, whether parents or law partners. You may accept a job as a new nanny or a new graduate and then find yourself nickled and dimed to death.<br /><br />Lastly, anyone who needs to worry about how much the DISHWASHER costs to run should not be in a house. A few years back, we were selling our home and I asked our Realtor if she wanted me to prepare copies of utility bills. Her answer was no, if they needed to worry about that, they could not afford the house. So maybe the parents are right to remain in Dad's former bachelor pad, although they sound AWFUL, in fact.Slow Hand Roadnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-5797992831944971362012-07-27T14:46:11.350-04:002012-07-27T14:46:11.350-04:00MPP,
Thank you for everything you do. But at this...MPP,<br /> Thank you for everything you do. But at this moment, thanks even MORE for all you put up with.Lynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16792145175465896760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-58242205356340218132012-07-27T13:53:48.348-04:002012-07-27T13:53:48.348-04:00RBTC,
Thank you, that means a lot. I also appreci...RBTC,<br /><br />Thank you, that means a lot. I also appreciate the Parents that write me after seeing their Nanny on this Blog. Some, depending on the severity of what is reported, do let their Nannies go... and others decide to just keep a closer watch. <br /><br />Over time, there have been a couple of Parents I exchanged several e-mails with, getting a glimpse into their lives with the Nanny, and how upset they are to have missed all of the red flags. <br /><br />I don't think I have ever shared the emotional toll running this Blog can take on a person but I will do my best to continue.MaryPoppin'Pillshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493804863551764605noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-39329094084594593672012-07-27T11:47:25.703-04:002012-07-27T11:47:25.703-04:00to the OP: you did everything right - told your st...to the OP: you did everything right - told your story, got some good advice from reasonable people, let the rude comments roll off your back and checked back in with us to let us know you were good ! thank you!<br /><br />to mpp: it's possible this blog could save a life - thank you for your hard work!RBTChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12236958965651282895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-79495586831961081022012-07-27T09:24:33.683-04:002012-07-27T09:24:33.683-04:00No gypsy, I would appreciate the OP's not bein...No gypsy, I would appreciate the OP's not being flamed. Without them, there would be no blog. As for the posters, I have no control over the in-fighting. It seems some of you succeeded in getting your point across to those you consider bullies as they have not been on the blog the past few days anyway.<br /><br />As for my throwing the F-bomb Amy Darling, I already made my apologies. Just as some of you here, I am allowed to reach my threshold of frustration. I spend several hours every night of my free time, often missing sleep, to run this blog for the sake of neglected and abused children... and in the interim, it is used as a sounding board for you guys. <br /><br />I love what I do but refuse to take any abuse from those that are upset about the few posters that shake things up around here and accuse me of favoritism. That is between all of you, please don't bring me in the middle of it.MaryPoppin'Pillshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493804863551764605noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-48945686451303738742012-07-27T08:52:50.218-04:002012-07-27T08:52:50.218-04:00Apparently some delusional individual could not re...Apparently some delusional individual could not read the story right so me going on a rant about the repairman was to clarify what I had already stated. He defended me when they tried pinning the water damage on me. Apparently someone here couldn't read thoroughly and had to jump the gun and try twist things. So yes I had to clarify.OPnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-38322422655917270552012-07-27T08:48:09.491-04:002012-07-27T08:48:09.491-04:00I actually did sign an agreement. I'm no longe...I actually did sign an agreement. I'm no longer there. I am at an amazing nanny job. So thankful. I've done my research and have grown a lot regarding how to navigate this Business and of course continue to learning from<br />Others.OPnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-4540320876297493332012-07-27T08:44:54.582-04:002012-07-27T08:44:54.582-04:00useless*useless*OPnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-84583078326633363252012-07-27T08:44:00.384-04:002012-07-27T08:44:00.384-04:00I don't need your sympathy. Trust me. I've...I don't need your sympathy. Trust me. I've learned my lesson. I asked a question about other red flags. All I did was share my story. I have a new job now. Pays more then what I want with awesome benefits and parents are professionals who know how to treat their nanny!! Thanks for chiming in with a uselesadams obvious statement and not answering the question.OPnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-84443341198029388102012-07-27T01:48:20.172-04:002012-07-27T01:48:20.172-04:00Mary Poppin Pills sure knows how to throw the &quo...Mary Poppin Pills sure knows how to throw the "F" bomb around. ROFL.<br /><br />On a personal level, I think it is inappropriate for a nanny/blog to use the "F" bomb, call me old-fashioned.♥ Amy Darling ♥noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-32594283765763822092012-07-26T23:20:36.635-04:002012-07-26T23:20:36.635-04:00So the only bad mouthing allowed is from poster to...So the only bad mouthing allowed is from poster to OP. Never poster to poster? Got it.gypsynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-49301873639384325012012-07-26T23:11:59.973-04:002012-07-26T23:11:59.973-04:00Actually she doesn't look like a bully at all....Actually she doesn't look like a bully at all. But you sure do.whats.my.password?noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-40790511050489920562012-07-26T22:49:37.101-04:002012-07-26T22:49:37.101-04:00ks, did you contribute anything to this thread, or...ks, did you contribute anything to this thread, or to the blog for that matter, or are you just going to continue leaving these annoying little non-quips of yours?anon nannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-16968730395645561922012-07-26T18:29:34.499-04:002012-07-26T18:29:34.499-04:00I know this is only my opinion, but I have alot to...I know this is only my opinion, but I have alot to say. Firstly, I agree with Tales in that if another poster bothers you, just ignore them! Going toe to toe with them only adds fuel to the fire. And trust me here, I'm certainly not a big fan of missmannah or phoenix (I can't think of the other one or two posters that make some of you mad) but really, this blog needs their opinions just as much as yours! (where the hell has phoenix been lately anyway?) But good, bad or indifferent, everybody's comment should be valued! And honestly, I believe mpp tries her best but some of you put her threw the ringer when she's done nothing wrong! How's she supposed to control what other posters do? If their racist she deletes them! And to okiedokie, what did she do to "save" missmannah or phoenix? That makes no sense. I've never seen mpp come up here and tell other posters to quit picking on missmannah or phoenix! Besides, their tough girls that can handle themselves! <br /><br />If you guys like this blog so much, stop whinning like Tales said or she may just shut this place down! And I don't know about some of you, but I need this place! I'm in the middle of nowhere and at times need advice or really, just knowing there are some people here going threw the same things I am!ncnannynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-82628815112926008242012-07-26T17:32:43.419-04:002012-07-26T17:32:43.419-04:00tales - go look at the very 1st post - it was unhe...tales - go look at the very 1st post - it was unhelpful at best and false at worst - it was the 1st thing a new OP saw representing this blog ;(<br /><br />When a regular blogger compromises the blog like that - there are options--<br />1. ignore them<br /><br />2. disagree<br /><br />3. agree<br /><br /><br />you are a regular here - do you remember the posters who fequently say they would love to participate but have great distaste for the posters who flame the OPs on a regular basis?<br /><br />The reality is that some of us have thick skins - maybe that is you ( and Dr J ) - i admire that;)<br /><br />But - what of us who don't have thick skins? Some of us when we are called an untrue name or accused falsely it feels bad for a short time - i have experienced it on this blog<br /><br />you can see the OP of this thread feeling it<br /><br />Do we have the right to stand up for ourselves and others?<br /><br />Do we have the right to ignore it?<br /><br />Yes! We have ALL those rights!<br /><br />It's clear to me that there is a constituency on this blog that are getting tired of the bashing of a small group prone to that behavior - it seems alot of people are getting tired of ignoring it and feel the need to speak out - so we have the right to do that ;)!RBTChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12236958965651282895noreply@blogger.com