Out of Bounds to Ask Nanny...

PaulandPregnantChelsea

Hey guys!

I'm setting up interviews with some nannies for next week and I'd really like to see a copy of their immunization records.  My husband thinks it's not appropriate to ask for, but since she will be caring for our son before he's had all his immunizations, I feel like it's a reasonable request. Thoughts?

I'm also wondering about "light housework" - most nannies say they are comfortable with light housework, but what's reasonable to ask of her? And should it be expected or just a bonus? 

All experiences and personal stories are appreciated! TIA!

[Deleted User]

I think it would be fair to ask for a copy as a condition of employment but perhaps not as part of the interview.  I would make it clear that you expect immunizations to be current and ask if that would be a problem.  When you make the offer, let them know your request then.  

Daycare teachers provide this to the Director (or at least at our school).  So I would think it is fair to ask a nanny.  

 

[Deleted User]

I would consider loading/unloading the dishes, maybe some laundry (?), and possibly other quick chores as light housework.  

PSU_Texan

You should make it clear during interview that it will be a requirement for employment.  If they have them great.  If someone doesn't that you ultimately decide to hire, then maybe offer to pay for her to go to CVS and get them.  Many ladies who are nannies do not have health insurance (generalization that I hope doesn't offend anyone).  So it's a nice gesture.  I consider it the same as asking the nanny to take an infant CPR glass and paying for it.

As to light housework, that adjusts as your child gets older.  When little, I would expect the house to be as I left it (not messier, but maybe not that much cleaner either), bottles to be washed, and kid's laundry done once per week.  As the kids are older/sleeping for longer naps, etc, you can add in unloading dishes, quick errand running, maybe an extra load of sheets/towels.  I think if you are super messy people, it's unfair for her to pick up after you daily.  But I think it is fair if you are pretty neat for the house to be as you left it.  So no extra dishes in sink, toys left about, etc.

rockychryslerb2010

I'm pretty sure our nanny agency screened for immunizations, so it is definitely not an absurd request.

As for 'light housework', we made it clear when E was younger and a handful, he was (and continues to be) her first priority.  That being said, as his naps got longer, she was able to do more.  It started out that she was responsible for cleaning up all the play areas, washing bottles and doing his laundry.  She's been with us over two years, and now she cleans our kitchen everyday, loads and unloads the dishwasher, cleans up the play areas of the house and does all of our laundry.  Oh, and she walks our dog when she first comes and right before she leaves.

TheBorg7of9

I interviewed 5 nannies and stressed that they would have to do light housework: pick up toys, dishwasher, kid laundry, clean up after themselves. No one balked at the request. Now that the babies are on the same schedule and DS1 goes to preschool, she offered to do even more-- freeze breast milk, change crib sheets, etc. today she even offered to wash the dog!

mommaoftrips

As PPs have said - I told all potential applicants that immunization being up to date would be part of the hiring requirement and asked if that would be a problem.
As for chores/light house work - I stated what the responsibilities/duties and current routines were at time of hire. I walked them through what I expected from them each day - ei folding babies laundry from the night before, washing bottles, running dishwasher and unloading, vacuuming the floors and/or washing the play mats. Nobody said that this was something they wouldn't do but perhaps the two that didn't end-up coming for the in person (I pre-phone screened everyone first) declined because they didn't want to do these thing.