Live-In Nannies

The agency provided me with two more nannies who turned out to be disasters. One was anorexic and her condition worsened as she got stressed out with the job. Childcare was just was not her vocation. The next one neglected the children. TV was more important to her. I put the boys back in daycare again.

Having a competent nanny relieved me of housekeeping duties and allowed me more free time to spend with my kids. I had an opportunity to go to night school without the hassle of finding a sitter.

All of this sounds ideal, but there is a downside to having a live-in nanny.

My second nanny kept asking me if she could drive my car. I was liable for any accidents or traffic violations so I said no. I felt guilty about my decision but I was scared to let her drive. She was very lonely and spent her off-duty hours with us. I felt sorry for her, yet I wanted some of my own space. I would feel guilty if she sat in her room alone.

The first nanny didn't know how to drive and was not interested in learning. That was a relief for me. She was hoping to work for a rich family where they had housekeepers and she would only have to babysit. To her disappointment, we were only an average household.

You do give up your privacy. While the nanny was in your presence, you couldn't talk over personal things with your spouse or have the opportunity to relax. It was like having visitors in your house all the time. The nanny could have differing views on child raising or on laundering your clothes. Just like any relationship, there has to be a good mixture of personalities. It also helps to have a big house with totally separate living quarters for the nanny. She needs her space too!

By the time all the children were school age, I found the need for a nanny decreased. It became cheaper to pay for after-school day care. I was again saddled with the housework. (I have been contemplating hiring a cleaning lady.)

Having a live-in nanny could be a good option as long as you're willing to accept the trade-offs.

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