Posted by
bluesky
20 yrs ago
We employed our helper at the beginning of this year. She is wonderful in many ways, keeps the house spotless, cooks deliciously and also takes care of my little boy (10 months) every now and again.
Although she is only 21 years old, she seems and acts very maturely most of the time. There was an issue recently however, I was very upset with - see the thread "Items Disappearing".
I have now learnt that our neighbours will be moving and are looking for a new employer for their even more wonderful helper. She speaks English fluently and is absolutely fantastic with their 2 boys. She is around 35 years old and has more experience with children.
I am considering going back to work part-time at the end of this year and of course want the best for my baby.
Would you terminate our current helper's contract in favour of THE SUPERNANNY?
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ness
20 yrs ago
Probably - you can always ease the guilty conscience by helping her to find a new employer... however I guess you have to also take into account if she has paid an agency etc and will be severely penalised by moving employers within the first year etc. I would also want to be really sure about the next helper including finding out if she wants to come to you before starting any action.
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The ironic thing about this whole story is THE SUPERNANNY introduced our current helper to us a while ago as they were friends, so she didn't come through an agency. Then our neighbours moved away with their helper and everyone more or less lost touch with each other.
My neighbours then contacted me last week and told me they were moving. As I had already met their helper (and know she is wonderful), they thought we may be interested. Their helper really wants to come and work with us, too...
Ahhh, what to do?
And how do I tell our current helper?
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To bluesky,
I don't quite get it - you are the one paying of course you have the right to chose whoever is more suitable for the job!!!
What I am concerned is: is the neighbour's helper really that good? She may adapt to her former employer's life style (i.e. your neighbour's) but not necessarily yours. If you still prefer her over your present helper, and given that your existing helper did not do anything bad (sorry but no time to see the other thread you mentioned), you can give her 1 month notice and a good reference letter so that she can find another job. You do not have to give her a reason as you've already given her 1 month notice as required by law.
Just remember all employers want to have the best and the most capable employees, nothing wrong with that.
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I suppose it also comes down to both of them having entirely different characters.
Our current helper is QUITE and gentle. She moves around the house without me really realizing she is there. As she is so quite though, she doesn't speak much with my son either (which can also be explained by her lack of English skills.)
Our neighbour's helper is BUBBLY and gentle. She talks A LOT (which may drive me crazy :)), but would be good for my son, i.e. for his stimulation, language development, etc.
Another thing is, the 'Supernanny' is asking for a much higher salary...
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A talkative helper =/= good stimulation for the kid. Besides, she speaks perfect English?
I don't think you should rely too much on the helper, particularly in terms for child minding. Once again, if you think she's WORTH that much of money you may give her a go, but I am afriad it will not be easy for her to adapt to your life style. The higher the expectation the greater the disappointment.
Plus, consider the pros and cons of a talkaltive / bossy helper. I think there's an interesting thread about it. Be prepared if you decide to hire her.
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You are right, gimme5 - will continue going through the pros and cons.
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Life
20 yrs ago
Bluesky, the fact that the supernanny already knows you may be a problem in her doing things the way YOU want them done. Vs, starting from fresh with a person who does not know you. Familiarity at times, does breed contempt.
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