thyme4change
Community Leader
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Nanny
Apr 8, 2013 12:14:31 GMT -5
Post by thyme4change on Apr 8, 2013 12:14:31 GMT -5
I'm debating if the best thing for next school year would be to have a nanny at the house every day for 2-3 hours. That person could help with homework and drive them to their activities, and I would still be home by 5-ish. Or, my daughter will be old enough to come home alone, and my son could go to the after-school program, and I could start work at 6:30 am and be home by 4-ish. (My daughter would have an hour or so alone.)
My requirements would be the normal stuff (likes children, etc.) and the person would also have to be a certain level of education - preferably English as their primary language, and also that they drive an own a car. I looked at a few nanny boards, and the process of hiring someone who would be alone with my children is a little daunting. Anyone ever use a web-based service that helps them find a nanny? What should I be looking for? Any tips or advice?
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kittensaver
Junior Associate
We cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love. - Mother Teresa
Joined: Nov 22, 2011 16:16:36 GMT -5
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Nanny
Apr 8, 2013 12:16:52 GMT -5
Post by kittensaver on Apr 8, 2013 12:16:52 GMT -5
If you live anywhere near a college or university, advertise for a student. We live right near one, and TONS of students "nanny" for the community's families.
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genericname
Established Member
Joined: Jan 31, 2013 11:36:33 GMT -5
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Nanny
Apr 8, 2013 12:18:29 GMT -5
Post by genericname on Apr 8, 2013 12:18:29 GMT -5
I used care.com when I was debating between a nanny and a daycare. I found their reviews and background checks to be acceptable. I interviewed a few candidates I narrowed down by a combination of reviews, email contact, and background checks. I also used spokeo.com to do an independent background check as well. If you have a college nearby that teaches early childhood education/elementary education, that is a good place to do a local search if you prefer to be hands on.
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thyme4change
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 26, 2010 13:54:08 GMT -5
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Nanny
Apr 8, 2013 12:19:55 GMT -5
Post by thyme4change on Apr 8, 2013 12:19:55 GMT -5
I knew that was the first thing someone was going to say. But where? I can't seem to find a job board at the school. They only post jobs that are sponsored by the school. Should I ask for a student on the nanny website? If so, back to my original question - did anyone use one service that was better than another? (The fees for one website was a minimum of $2,000! ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/shocked.gif) ) Where does one post a job advertising your name and area, and announcing you have children?
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Deleted
Joined: Jun 26, 2024 12:10:38 GMT -5
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Nanny
Apr 8, 2013 12:22:03 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2013 12:22:03 GMT -5
My wife used to do that sort of thing when she worked at a preschool. Do you have any friends who have kids in preschool that like the providers? Someone that works there could be looking for some part time work and you would have a personal recommendation.
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kittensaver
Junior Associate
We cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love. - Mother Teresa
Joined: Nov 22, 2011 16:16:36 GMT -5
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Nanny
Apr 8, 2013 12:26:17 GMT -5
Post by kittensaver on Apr 8, 2013 12:26:17 GMT -5
The university (and the art school) near me both have career centers. They allow postings of part-time jobs there. Try calling Information at the school?
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formerroomate99
Junior Associate
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Nanny
Apr 8, 2013 14:15:57 GMT -5
Post by formerroomate99 on Apr 8, 2013 14:15:57 GMT -5
sittercity dot com has listings and does background checks.
I agree that this is the perfect gig for a college student.
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kittensaver
Junior Associate
We cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love. - Mother Teresa
Joined: Nov 22, 2011 16:16:36 GMT -5
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Nanny
Apr 8, 2013 14:27:23 GMT -5
Post by kittensaver on Apr 8, 2013 14:27:23 GMT -5
Thyme: on the other hand, switching your hours might not be so bad? Clearly not everyone has this opportunity, but if you had it would you take it?
DH had a mother who adjusted her work schedule to the kids. She worked a blue collar job (a customer service desk) so she could up-and-leave without career consequences when her shift was over. For YEARS she worked 6 am to 2:30 pm so she was always available to the boys. She picked them up, fed them dinner, supervised homework etc. FIL was 100% in charge of the "morning shift" so she could get up and out really early. If you have medium or high-powered job with shifting priorities and responsibilities, however, this might not work for you?
Good luck whatever you decide.
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thyme4change
Community Leader
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Nanny
Apr 8, 2013 14:33:19 GMT -5
Post by thyme4change on Apr 8, 2013 14:33:19 GMT -5
It sounds good to be at work at 6:30 or even 7, but the reality of that happening are different. It can be quite tiring. Also, I will be working with people not only in my time zone, but also in the time zone later than me. I can see me leaving early, every day, reflecting poorly on me in some circles. Companies always say it will be okay, but individuals don't always see it that way. Especially executives who don't have kids or who have other resources for their childcare.
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Deleted
Joined: Jun 26, 2024 12:10:38 GMT -5
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Nanny
Apr 8, 2013 16:01:26 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2013 16:01:26 GMT -5
Have you thought about a senior in high school? Would that work in your area? We have early release for juniors and seniors (they start school an hour earlier), and lots of my students do exactly what you describe.
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hoops902
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Nanny
Apr 8, 2013 16:40:25 GMT -5
Post by hoops902 on Apr 8, 2013 16:40:25 GMT -5
Try posting on Craigslist, lots of good solid trustworthy people there.
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Deleted
Joined: Jun 26, 2024 12:10:38 GMT -5
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Nanny
Apr 8, 2013 16:54:30 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2013 16:54:30 GMT -5
How old are your kids Thyme?
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kgb18
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Nanny
Apr 8, 2013 18:52:55 GMT -5
Post by kgb18 on Apr 8, 2013 18:52:55 GMT -5
I agree. While I wasn't technically a "nanny," I got a lot of babysitting jobs from ads posted on boards at my college. My college had cork boards in several buildings, including the student center, where local families would post flyers if they needed a sitter. I had one family that I babysat for about 30 hours a week, so I was pretty much like a nanny. That situation always, and still, kind of gets me because the mom was a SAHM. Well, I should say she was a mom who didn't work. She was never at home, which is why I was with her five kids 30+ hours a week.
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zibazinski
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Nanny
Apr 8, 2013 21:09:00 GMT -5
Post by zibazinski on Apr 8, 2013 21:09:00 GMT -5
DD is a nanny. She got her job from a sorority sister who graduated and went away. She does it part-time, of course as she has a full-time job but she loves those boys. When she leaves, she will pass her job onto someone she trusts from her old sorority.
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thyme4change
Community Leader
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Nanny
Apr 8, 2013 21:56:06 GMT -5
Post by thyme4change on Apr 8, 2013 21:56:06 GMT -5
That was another thing - I was looking on some profiles and some of them said they would babysit, but they weren't interested in being a nanny. The difference to me is permanence - as in, my babysitter comes on a Friday night because we have somewhere to go, but my nanny comes in on a set schedule. Is that the only difference or am I missing some nuance? [/span]
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kgb18
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Nanny
Apr 8, 2013 21:59:55 GMT -5
Post by kgb18 on Apr 8, 2013 21:59:55 GMT -5
Maybe it's just semantics, thyme. I don't know if there really is a difference except that nanny does sound more permanent. If you decide to place an ad, maybe just say you are looking for someone to provide childcare in your home for x hours a week on x days, etc. ![](http://syonidv.hodginsmedia.com/vsmileys/idunno.gif)
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raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on Apr 9, 2013 8:26:00 GMT -5
I tend to think the babysitter keeps the kids at your house, and a nanny would take them to activities.
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Deleted
Joined: Jun 26, 2024 12:10:38 GMT -5
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Nanny
Apr 9, 2013 8:39:50 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Apr 9, 2013 8:39:50 GMT -5
The difference between a nanny and a babysitter is about $15 per hour.
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thyme4change
Community Leader
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Nanny
Apr 9, 2013 12:26:41 GMT -5
Post by thyme4change on Apr 9, 2013 12:26:41 GMT -5
Maybe I'll just take the easy way out and use the school provided after-care.
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kittensaver
Junior Associate
We cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love. - Mother Teresa
Joined: Nov 22, 2011 16:16:36 GMT -5
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Nanny
Apr 9, 2013 13:12:21 GMT -5
Post by kittensaver on Apr 9, 2013 13:12:21 GMT -5
Maybe I'll just take the easy way out and use the school provided after-care. Well that of course is up to you! Do you think your kids would be happier at home with supervision, or in a group care setting?
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thyme4change
Community Leader
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Nanny
Apr 9, 2013 13:16:06 GMT -5
Post by thyme4change on Apr 9, 2013 13:16:06 GMT -5
I'm not sure. I actually think my son would be happier with the group care. Usually all the boys go outside and play kick-ball and such. It was great fun for him. His homework was a nightmare, but the play time was great. If I am able to get out of work early enough, I can still review his homework when he gets home.
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