DH wants to fire the nanny

And I am so sad. We've had her for a year. I think she's overall great. Kids LOVE her. She reads to them, plays with them ALL day, talks to them, bathes them daily, etc. She's done a few things here and there that really piss us off, but nothing major IMO, and I think any nanny (or anyone watching 2 under 2) is going to have slip ups here and there. Today my 2 year old was eating dinner in a regular chair while nanny was holding DS (9 months). DD was rocking apparently and fell backwards. Nanny panicked and put DS in booster unstrapped to grab DD and as she picked her up, DS fell hard, onto the tile floor in the kitchen on his face. She told me when I got home from work and it had only happened about 15 min before I returned. DS seems fine, (I called DR and they said if he's acting fine not to worry) and she didn;t need to tell me. I don't think it warrants being fired. (although I see dried blood in both nostrils )WDYT? DH is not upset that anyone fell he thinks she panics in tough situations and does stupid things - ie- putting my baby down in a chair unbuckled to pick up older DD. He's afraid of how she'd react in other situations where the outcome could be much worse

Thank you for the responses I think i'm going to convince DH to keep her. I really can't let her go I feel like she is family and she loves my children.

Message edited 1/30/2013 9:38:07 PM.

DH wants to fire the nanny

Thats a tough one. I see your point but I also see your DH's point. I think I'd honestly would have to be in your situation to decide. Ive done stupid things like putting my DS in his highchair unstrapped (and hes very mobile)..if this is her first offense and shes overall a good nanny I dont think she should be fired but def. talk to her about this and explain to her your concerns.

Re: DH wants to fire the nanny

My MIL watches my 14 month old twins while I'm at work, so obv I don't have a nanny. In general, I am pretty laid back about a lot of stuff, falling included. They fall all the time while running, colliding into each other, etc.

One of them fell pretty bad last week and had a huge gash over his eye. I cringed thinking if it was 1 cm over to the right, his eye would've been injured.

That being said even with me home at times they've still gotten banged up. My ped said its par for the course and there will be more bumps and bruises along the way.

I don't think I would fire the nanny. It sounds like you love her, she cares for the kids, and as you said it could happen to anyone watching 2 under 2. I'm sure she was upset and will think twice next time if that happens again. For me, it took one time to remember to double heck the buckles on the high chair (as one didn't click in and my son hurled himself out of the chair). Now I check them religiously.

GL and hope your DS is feeling better. Ouch

Re: DH wants to fire the nanny

That's a tough call. I would say that if it's something that happens a lot (Her not respoding correctly to emergencies) then maybe she should be let go. If this is the first time it was a real emergency and she panicked (understandably) then I would give her another chance. But if you do keep her definitely have a talk with her.

Re: DH wants to fire the nanny

I think she is so amazing but I do know that this was a big thing. She put DS in one of those space saver high chairs that buckle onto regular seats without the buckle or the tray- so it's basically an open seat and he slid right out and was apparently crying inconsolably for almost 45 minutes. I'm glad she told me but it makes me so sad. When she first started, she put a potatoe in the microwave for too long and it started to burn. This is almost a year ago. Apparently the fire detectors went off and I got a call from the fire department. Of course I was freaking out at work and they checked the house and everything was ok. I rationalized not getting the call from the nanny first b/c she was making sure the kids were ok and there was no fire etc and it happened quickly, but I got a call from the fire department and then my alarm company. The nanny played it down and when I got home the entire house smelled like smoke, and it stayed that way for several days. She was confused why the fire truck came and told them they didn't need to come in (of course they did b/c it's my house and the alarm went off so I needed to know!!) These are really the only 2 incidences I can think of but they are both big. Otherwise, my kids are connected to her, she is full of energy and doesn't stop for a second with them and their activities (plus she cleans and really helps out)

DH wants to fire the nanny

IMO I probably would have reacted the same way. I don't buckle my DS into seats. We really never have to I think I probably would have done the same as nanny. Accidents happen.

Re: DH wants to fire the nanny

Re: DH wants to fire the nanny

DH wants to fire the nanny

I would find a backup first... they are so hard to come by. I personally say, if they are safe & love the nanny, that is what matters.
Accidents happen & thank goodness they are ok. If you BELIEVE in your heart she would NEVER hurt the children...that is what matters.

Re: DH wants to fire the nanny

I wouldn't fire a nanny over that. DH did the EXACT SAME THING 2 years ago...went to help my older son and put the little one in a high chair with no tray, he fell forward and slammed his face on the floor.

Things happen. But if she is loving and good with them, I'd let it be. She is human and they are little kids..they are going to get bruises, bumps etc...as long as she isn't negligent I'd let it slide.

Re: DH wants to fire the nanny

She seems like she has never done anything deliberate to harm the children and that is an important thing to think of - there are plenty of people that play nannies out there that are neglectful and abusive to the children they care for. She really sounds like a wonderful person and she was only trying to help the 1st child that got hurt and wasn't thinking clearly 100% - i'm sure if you talk to her calmly she will be extra careful going forward. I would not fire her over such an accidental thing - my kids fall all the time and bang into things all the time - I always say I am 1 person I can not referee 3 children at all times...

Re: DH wants to fire the nanny

Re: DH wants to fire the nanny

Wonder how your DH would have reacted in the same situation ...
She is a human being, not a robot, she got scared, it could happen to anyone, even to parents Finding a good nanny is no easy thing, trust me. If she is as good as you describe her in your OP I would NOT fire her for this.
Plus I'm sure this wil be a good lesson to her in the future. Also she was honest with you and told you the truth, which means a lot.
Just read the potato incident and again, could have happened to anyone.

Message edited 1/31/2013 8:50:08 AM.

Re: DH wants to fire the nanny

That could have happened with you or DH home. Kids fall all the time. I don't think it's worth firing her over. We can all say how we would react in certain situations, but once you're actually faced with that situation, it's a different ballgame. I don't think any parent can say they haven't made mistakes like that.

DH wants to fire the nanny

That happened to me and I'm sure its happened to a million other parents. Kids fall all day everyday...it happens. This is hardly something to fire someone over. Based on your description of how she is with your children I'd say she is great with them and this was just an accident. And the whole potato thing... no offense but to be upset about that seems a little bit of an overreaction, but JMO.

Re: DH wants to fire the nanny

I think most parents would have CPS after them if the high chair incident and the potato incident really were negligent acts. I've done similar things.

Honestly, like everyone else said, those were just human mistakes. If she gives your kids lots of attention and they have a bond with her, I would definitely not fire her.

Re: DH wants to fire the nanny

DH wants to fire the nanny

I would not fire her for those things. She is human like the rest of us! Things happen.

DH wants to fire the nanny

I wouldn't fire her and I would convince DH to give her another chance.

Accidents happen, I would be furious but I would think she definitely learned her lesson. Anyone who manages 2 under 2 and reads, sings and geuninely loves them is pricesless. I would let it go but certainly talk about avoiding accidents like this in the future.

Re: DH wants to fire the nanny

DH wants to fire the nanny

If this is the first time something like this happened, I would not fire a nanny. There is no perfect nanny or person. We all make mistakes, I would discuss what concerned you about her actions. It's hard to find someone that fits into your family and to trust and there are always issues...they are human. Let a few days go by and let your husband cool off and then discuss it again and see how you both feel.