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Subscribe to RSSWhen it comes to the people we trust to watch our children, some conversations have a way of getting .... awkward. Fast.
Say your babysitter isn't getting your kid to eat his veggies like you want him to. How do you communicate with her without coming off as a micro-managing momster?
What if your nanny shows up late a lot -- but she's otherwise so great, you don't want to upset her by complaining about her tardiness?
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Do you have trouble raising issues with your childcare provider?
Or, what do you do when a friend asks for your baby-sitter's phone number -- but you're afraid if you give it to her, your babysitter will end up being her babysitter, and you'll be out of luck.
The truth is, the relationship you have with your child's caregiver is unlike any other employer-employee relationship. An episode of 30 Rock last season brilliantly spoofed the dynamic when executive Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin), who considers himself a master negotiator, finds himself totally at the mercy of his child's nanny. Most (good) bosses want their employees to be happy -- but when you're dealing with someone who takes care of your child, you really, really want them to be happy.
Debra Shigley, author of the "Go-Getter Girl's Guide," and Chandra Turner, executive editor of Parents magazine, joined TODAY this morning to talk about how to navigate your way through these tricky conversations with nannies and babysitters.
In general, honesty is the best policy. If you talk openly and honestly with your child's caregiver, you can work out most issues. Setting out expectations up front goes a long way. Of course, sometimes a little subterfuge is OK -- like when you think your friend wants to poach your best babsitter. Try stalling, "forgetting" about her request, or giving her the number of your backup, Debra Shigley told TODAY in an earlier interview: "Keep your friends close -- and your babysitter closer! It's every woman for herself when it comes to reliable childcare, and all is fair in love and daycare!"
What do you think? What sticky situations have you encountered with your child care provider, and how did you handle them?
Career coach Debra Shigley and Parents magazine's Chandra Turner discuss how to deal with sticky situations that may come up with your babysitter or childcare provider.
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Leave a Comment:
As a nanny and babysitter, I would find it difficult to work
for a parent who hoarded me from potentially picking up side babysitting positions
when they didn't need me if they aren't going to pay to retain me. That’s
selfish and not fair to deny me additional income. These comments do not help nannies and
babysitters at all, and you did a disservice to us.
Yes, I have had employers worried about me being poached,
but they have always said to me, if someone makes an offer on you, please let
us know if you would consider it so we can counter offer. I am fair and
realistic, and do look at big pictures. If my primary employers are good people
and try their best, I am loyal. These employers have in turn mentioned me to
friends and neighbors. The more families I get to know the better it is to have
that network in case something happens when bosses don't need me to work for
them anymore.
I also wish they had spoken to reputable nanny agents to get
our industry's spin on it all. Maybe perhaps instead of talking about us, you
talked to us you would better serve those parents and the caregivers of their
children.
Lisa
Modernizingmarypoppins.com