Would you hire a mentally "slow" nanny?

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   peeplesposted 12 years ago

   Would you hire a mentally "slow" nanny?
   
   We interviewed a nanny today who personality wise was a perfect fit for our family and children. However she was/is mentally slow. Only so much as she only reads at a 9th grade level and admits that she has always been a little "slow". She will only be part time 3 days a week and she will not be doing any homework with my school age children. So would you hire someone like this to care for your children?

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   jpcmcposted 12 years ago

   What is important for me is the nanny's judgement.  I want to leave my child with someone who can make the right decisions.  After all, I need to trust her with my child's life and safety.

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   fpherj48posted 12 years ago

   peeples....This is actually a tough one to answer.  First plus, is that you are pleased with her personality and that she seems perfect for your family.  In terms of her "reading level,"  9th. grade is a fairly decent level, wouldn't you say?  Many Nannies from other countries, don't read OR speak our language, but make superb child-care givers, nevertheless.  A little "slow," is sort of vague.  Only someone who has actually met her and spoken with her (such as you and your husband) could really make a judgement call on this.......which brings me to my most heartfelt suggestion, peebles.....What is your "mother's intuition," telling you?  I believe, if you take the time to feel out what your gut is telling you, you'll realize which direction you lean toward, the strongest...as in yes or no.
   If she is loving, will follow your instructions and be alert to child-safety issues, it seems she'll be a good choice.  Good luck!

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      jpcmcposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      My wife has this tingling spiderman-like sense when talking to nannies.  I often go with her gut.

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      fpherj48posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      "tingling, spiderman-like sense," is the perfect way to describe "Mother's Intuition!"......and you are a wise man/husband/Dad!  Bless you

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      jpcmcposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      It hasn't failed us yet fpherj48.

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      peeplesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I had a great feeling about her. I guess I worry simply because it wouldn't matter who it is I will worry. Mostly because our youngest has never been in anyones care but ours.

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   TerryK81posted 12 years ago

   Um, depends (?) . if the nanny is slow as in the type of serial killer slow, then absolutely not. Seriously though, if the nanny's just weird in an honest and friendly way and they are capable of meeting your expectations then it's your call boss. And reading from the schedule description in your post up above, is the statement that she won't be doing any homework with your kids to say that SHE won't, or because YOU don't need/want her to? She may have slow learning disability (SLD) but if she can at the most successfully and safely watch them until whenever, then it's your call.

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   ReneeDC1979posted 12 years ago

   I say if you had to ask the question on here, then you have doubt.  And when it comes to your kids, you never want to doubt who is with them when you are not.  And you said she was mentally slow?  What does that mean to you? The term "slow" can be subjective. What does not graduating high school have to do with her ability to be a great nanny?  What will her responsibilities be?  What are your expectations of her?  Once you figure those out. Then you can interview her based on those two questions.  Does she have experience as a nanny?  Remember you're paying her, but no amount of money can even compare to the worth of your kids.  Just be careful, whoever you choose for the job.

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