Anyone know anything about nannies?

[epoh]

Our son, who's just about to turn 3 is a bit of a handful. Well, that's a rather large understatement, but whatever. We are thinking we need to maybe get a nanny, since he's having so many problems at daycare. We've already switched daycares once, and this daycare is really working with us, but he can still get totally out of control. We are going to see his pediatrician in 2 weeks and get a referral to whoever can help us with him, but I think that's all going to end up taking months. In the meantime, we need a stable situation for him that doesn't require my hubby leaving work all the time to go get him.

SO... does anyone in the DFW area use a nanny? How did you find them? Did you use an agency? How much did the agency charge? How much does the nanny cost (if you don't mind.) Any help would be appreciated. Feel free to email or PM me if you don't want to post here!

Thanks guys!

[lscottpht]

I use to have a nanny. One was referred to me by the previous owners of one of our houses, and the other came from a service. I don't recall having to pay the service at all. The prices varied. The second one was my housekeeper and ended up being a nanny, as well, for 3 days a week. Then her relative became my nanny when she had to leave. I was at home with all of my nannies, working out of the house, so I always knew what they were doing. I am not very trusting of people with my kids, but they were all great. I lucked out with the price. One was $6/hr, the other was around $10, and the other was $80/day, for about a 6hr day. Most of the time you will pay more. The reason my second one quit was because someone paid her a lot more and gave her a car, for free, not just to use, but actually gave it to her.

[epoh]

Gave her a car? Good grief! If I could afford to give away cars I don't think I'd need to hire a nanny, lol.

Thanks though. I'm going to start calling around once I get off of work today.

[photobykim]

Amy do you have any stay at home friend moms that maybe you could pay, that would give you security in someone you already know and maybe be able to pay less?

[epoh]

Kim - I wish I did. My sister and sister-in-law are both SAHMs but also both already have 2 kids and another on the way. My other SAHM friend has two kids that keep her running non-stop, so I'm pretty sure she's not up for keeping my crazy son, lol.

[photobykim]

I know that feeling. I have 2 of my own, plus a step-son, and I keep my niece and nephew -- so total of 5. Wish I knew something that would help you out.

I can send you the best of luck. let us know if it all works out for you.

[babybluetx23]

Amy have you thought about looking into a in home daycare provider? there are severalof those kind of people left and If you need a referal to a few I can get that to you. my husbands aunt lives in Desoto and she used to be an in home daycare provider until her husband passed away. It is a more one on one basis since they are only allowed by the state to keep a SMALL amount of kids to retain their license. I think it is something like 5 - 6 kids at a time. So it is VERY MUCH one on one.

[srwatters]

Your best bet is a personal referral from a friend. Second to that is to advertise and interview. My wife and I have used nannies for both our kids since they were very young. We had the same woman while we were in California for nearly 4 years. We interviewed about 8 women then got down to two and checked multiple references. We required them to have a clean driving record and at least two prior nanny jobs that we could talk to the parents. She was really excellent with our girls and we passed her on to some friends when we moved to Dallas. Last I heard she is still working for them and we left three years ago.

Once here in Dallas we placed an ad in the Morning News. We again interviewed 10 over the phone and the last four in person. We hired a young lady who was with us for almost a year until my wife was laid off and changed jobs. Since then my mother has been our nanny which is really great for the kids.

I guess the point of my stories is that you can find a good nanny by interviewing. Just make sure to check multiple references. I've never had luck with nanny services. They seem to be revolving doors for the employees. We paid about $400 per week for 8 hours a day here in Dallas. It was much more in California, but what isn't. Check out Nanny Pay software to help with the taxes etc.

Good luck!

[epoh]

Thanks guys. I am going to look into at-home care as well, but a nanny is my first choice.

[David Whatley]

I would prefer to find out what the problem is. Take him off all sweets and milk. No chocolate at all. After that remove all yeast products. Kids are full of energy and one other thing. Tell him no, and if he continues, bust his butt. And I do mean "bust". My 2 yr old grandson lives with me, and minds me better than his parents. I only tell him no, and sometimes, "if you dont stop, i'm going to spank you" and he minds. If he is in a diaper. you cant hit him hard enough to hurt him thru the diaper. Its the noise and the fact that you mean business that gets their attention. And BTW, I have 4 boys, 22,21,18,16 so I have had younf ones at home all at the same time.
David

[metagore]

Check here: http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Ca...as_Child_Care/

Not only can you search for care providers in your area, but you can see if they have had reports filed against them and the details of the reports. This also includes at home day care. To 'legally' do daycare in TX, the provider must register with the state and have their home inspected prior to accepting any children.

I should also mention that not all reports listed on a daycare provider are a result of a complaint. There are many times where the provider will have the State perform a review.

[Steelsun]

Whatever you do, make sure you check out the Nannies background before you leave her/him alone with the child. A criminal background check is relatively simple to do, and you can do much of it yourself for real cheap if they have lived in the same area for a long time.

[epoh]

We started cutting stuff out of his diet about a month ago. The only time he gets stuff off the diet is at parties at daycare. He basically only gets fresh foods - veggies & fruit and baked chicken and stuff. Snacks are pretty much only cheerios or dried fruit. We haven't cut our dairy or yeast. The dairy part might be kind of tough.

[Wendyp]

How's your son doing, Amy? Did you find some help with childcare?

[boxofrocks]

Have you considered Montessori school? You may want to read up on it. Our son is 3, and he starts next month.