SIL wants to be our nanny

jwthoms1

My DS is 2 weeks old.  We have had him signed up for a church daycare near our house for months.  Today my BIL came over to meet the baby and said that my SIL really wants to be our nanny but hasn't had the nerve to ask.  She has three kids, ages 11,8,5. She currently works a few days a week at a Mother's Day Out program and her youngest kid will be going to kindergarten this fall.  She wants to stop working at the MDO.  She is a WONDERFUL mom and I would love for her to watch him. 

Now I'm struggling with the logistics to make sure this would even work.  Can you help me think through all of the things I need to consider and potential problems or complications?

 I'm a little wary of getting in a business relationship with a relative but there is no one I would rather leave my DS with when I have to be at work.

Pesky

Honestly, have it in writing and go over it with her and let her think about it.  It'll make it easier for you both to think it out.  For example, you should plan that she has vacation -- how much?  What about her dr's appointments and sick days?  Pay?  Does she provide diapers, wipes, cream, food, etc. or do you?  What about when your DS is older and on table foods?  Will she go out and about with your DS?  Do you need to provide her with a carseat?  What about if you don't like how she is doing something -- for example, you are anti-juice and she makes juice readily available at her house.  You need ot set the ground-rules for caretaking and addressing any issues now so she understands it is not a judgment against her parenting but rather a difference between fun Aunt Jane and caretaker. 

carrie4g

In addition to the PP, the biggest concern will be what she'll do with her children when one of them gets sick. She herself will need sick days because she can get sick but if one of her children is home sick from school what's the backup plan?   When you have only 1 caretaker that can be good and bad. Good in that she'll still take care of your LO when he/she is sick. Bad in that if she can't work you and your DH will have to take a day off of work or find alternate care.