What is your opinion on having a nanny/ au pair to help you out with your children?

Question

Not to completely take the responsiblity off your hands but just to help with the baby with your supervision?

Answer 1

I think it's a godsend for women who can afford it. The nanny/au pair gets a job, the mother gets a break from childcare, and the child gets attention and affection that they wouldn't otherwise have.

Answer 2

I use someone three times a week but she mostly does the other stuff needed in the house so I can spend time with my two girls. She isn't really a nanny but if I have to leave for an appointment I can. I am sure she would rather be the nanny however, ....

I have her clean the house one day, laundry and irons one day and then helps with cleaning up outside, cleaning filters, plants, sharpening knives, cooks or watches the baby while I am out for a few hours. Really it is the best for me . . . . my girls still want me but if I had to leave they know her well enough (and so do I) to go for whatever without getting freaked out about it. Besides which is better: work and send your nanny to the park with your kids or go to the park yourself and have your "nanny" stay home and do all the boring stuff? ha! Everyone is different though and once you find something that makes you comfortable your kids will be as well. Good luck!

Answer 3

I personally can't wait to get an au-pair! My husband and I are only waiting for our youngest son to be older. He'll be 3 in November, but we'll wait until he's old enough to comprehend good from bad behaviors. Just so he can let us know if there's something going on, which we hope not! Also, I think an au-pair would be the best choice, since they come from another country and your child will be exposed to a different culture and hopefully a different language. All these will help your child to broaden his/her horizons and will grow up to love all kinds of people and not to be prejudice. About the cost, I believe is about the same if not cheaper than day care and after-school care, and extra help at home is priceless when it comes to your own mental sanity!!!

Answer 4

I have one and I am thinking about getting rid of her every minute of my day. She is uneducated, illiterate and speaks some kind of Chinese dialect that no one can understand or want to understand. There is also major intrusion of privacy. However, she takes great care of my baby and would wake up in the middle of the night/early morning to take care of her, which I find difficult to do. I can also eat out with my hubby anytime I want, which is also great.

I guess there are always trade offs in life!

Answer 5

I think everyone deserves a LITTLE help...if you are lucky enough to afford it go for it...just remember that you shouldnt get too comfortable with letting some one else do your work as a mom....just use the extra help and make sure that you are still the caregiver.

Answer 6

A nanny is great she will help with the kids alot but they cost alot of green.

Answer 7

I think it's a great idea...especially a foreign one who will speak to your child in another language. Children pick up languages much easier than adults.

Answer 8

Every parent needs a break. My husband and I use family to get our breaks. As long as it is someone who is knowledgable and trustworthy it does not matter if it is family. We are just blessed with a large and willing extended family.

Answer 9

i think it's a GREAT idea! you need to let your kids become used to social activity like that, and it's a good way to keep your kids safe during the day... provided that you check their backgrounds first!

Answer 10

great idea but have to be someone you can trust with your children. Just be safe and it will all be okay!!