NYC Dad » 2006

Posted on 05.21.06 by joy @ 11.13am

After numerous nanny recommendations, referrals, interviews and a short evaluation of day care as a viable option, wifey and I decided to hire someone new to care for the Z-unit. The nanny business is filled with options and the decentralized nature of things makes the prospective hiring party distrust each one. Referral services are out for money and volume. They also specialize in live-in providers who are often unable to market themselves (language issues mostly). Also, it seems that most live out care-givers with access to phones and permanent addresses don’t want to create an unecessary middle man. However, the advertisements for care-giving services are way too sketchy, like massage ad in the back of Voice. What you really want is someone qualified to tell you that she knows/has worked with a babysitter who is perfect and available. But the likelihood of a friend or family member who is giving up an appropriate nanny at the time if your need is miniscule. So the hiring party has to troll the web and classifieds for unverified candidates and advice.

Enter nanny outplacement. In particular, the posts on messageboards and advertisements that start with “My nanny is becoming available…and we love her…call us at this number to validate…”. These listings are perfect as they supply a ready reference who is endorsing at will, the services of the candidate. This should be part of the contract for all hired caregivers: upon a mutual parting of ways, the family agrees to place an ad or post a message soliciting new employers to call them first.

Filed under: Parenting 101
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Quinny Buzz: 15 month update

Posted on 05.21.06 by joy @ 11.12am

The Buzz has been serving us now for 15 months. It has gone from the sleapy, rear-facing, reclined infant days to the upright-sitting, barely holding him in, front facing mode. A couple of quick notes:

The Good: We got the accessory storage basket (ebay) and it works great for quick shopping trips. During snowy winter days, the Buzz’s rather large wheels managed the huge puddles and snow easily. Now that we are more experienced parents, what originally seemed like a too small bag (the “Buzz box”) seems perfectly sized for regular outings. It’s still a head-turner.

The Not-so Good: The creakiness is unacceptable for such an expensive piece of equipment. It sounds like a 1985 Oldsmobile sometimes. The front-wheel swivel mechanism catches too much dirt and dust too quickly. I clean it out and it works well, but it needs to be sealed or something.

All in all, the Quinny Buzz is doing the job well. I hear the new model addresses some of the wheel issues, which is great news.

Filed under: Strollers and Gear
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Nanny Candidates

Posted on 05.19.06 by joy @ 11.13am

The selection process for Zubin’s new care-giver was quite an experience. The most interesting aspect of which was the broad array of candidates that we came across:

The No-Job: Self explanatory really. Needs a job for money. Not qualified in any organized way (”I took care of my sister’s children while she…bathed”). Usually presents at an extremely competitive (read: cheap) price point. Maybe appropriate for care when a trusted supervising party is available.
The Super-Nanny: We actually got quite a few of these. Last job with an upper-middle class family (usually UES or sub-96th UWS) with multiple children. Extremely experienced with children and will ask probing questions about the prospective care target and the child’s current care. One of them referred to Zubin’s 12 month “curriculum”. Extremely high income due to raises from old employer per added child and tenure increases. One woman I interviewed was making in excess of $800 per week. If you can pay, this is the Rolls-Royce of care-giving. For that much money though, get a bigger home and a live-in.
The Career Changer: This category is variable and difficult to evaluate. One candidate came in who used to work as a maid. Her love for children has led her to try and land a job in care-giving. We nixed her immediately. Another was a nurse (registered) who did not want to be around a hospital and disease anymore. This was a tougher choice as the RN gives you a nice safe feeling. I think these candidates are better suited to jobs in day-care centers where hiring criteria is broader and there is a learning environment. (more…)