I haven't gotten all the details (but will), but I believe she just stopped driving when she lived in Chicago and continued the bike riding when she got here (it's been 6 years total). She can get anywhere on non-highways. I've been back to work FT for 3 weeks.
Is she even licensed in your state? It sounds like the testing issue might be out of your hands entirely.
Honestly, I had my license since I was 16 but never drove on a daily basis until I was 27. I definitely wasn't that comfortable during rush hour in freaking Tampa. lol. It took me at least 6 months of frequent driving before I was fine again. Knowing that about myself, I would hesitate to risk that with a nanny driving around my kid.
I completely agree with songforyou and would let her know immediately. The fact that she thinks she can bring her newborn would make me even more determined to get rid of her ASAP.
Hold up, hold up, hold up. Now she may not even remember how to drive?! I thought she just didn't have a car. Why, ijack, why are you tormenting me by not firing this woman already lol?
Count me in this camp. I don't know how many more red flags you need. There are 7 billion people looking to nanny in our neighborhood, so you should have no problem replacing her.
Also, to me, nanny bringing her own child equals a nanny share. I wouldn't be willing to pay more than 2/3 of her current salary if she wanted to add her own child to the mix. If you want to be passive, let her know that she needs to figure out how to get the kids around this summer and that she can't bring her baby when it's born and hope she quits.
I'll say this again: do not let this woman drive your car and put her on your insurance. Liability, liability, liability. I wouldn't want her driving my kids around anyway.
Consult with an attorney. Find someone new. I was a nanny and really, she sounds like she isn't a good choice anymore. She chose to have this baby now and alone. She chose to tell you how it happened. She is making employment assumptions that makes things uncomfortable for you. Really, you need someone who drives regularly, won't be going on maternity leave, and makes better decisions. She sounds weird.
I think you need to address what happens post baby with her. Hopefully she will then quit. There is no way she should be able to bring yher baby to work and get paid the same amount.
Wait, I might have missed something, but is there a reason that you think she isn't a good driver other than the fact that she hasn't really driven in several years? I mean, I mostly walk and ride my bike places and I hate driving, but I have a license and I'm not getting into accidents or anything when I do drive. I just don't like to do it. Is that her case or has she said that she is a nervous driver/not a good driver?
I have been following this since the beginning and I just don't know what to think.
As a married woman, I planned for years to be prepared for this baby and made all the arrangements I needed WAY in advance of getting knocked up. This included work and home preparations.
I feel like your nanny didn't do that and is now just hoping it all falls into place. To me, that's a red flag that her critical thinking is not where it needs to be when dealing with children. Then to assume she can bring her baby to work.
I dunno... I am not sure I'd feel comfortable with all that going on. My child is my priority and I have to stand by that regardless of my feelings for someone.
I am currently driving my third rental car in three weeks. Even though I drive daily, each time I get a new rental it feels off and it takes me the first drive/day to adjust. I would definitely give her the car without the children to practice first.
I guess I'm reading between the lines as the driving thing came up as the same time as the pregnancy. I apologize if I shouldn't be making that inference.
You're not the only one. She told us she was pg my first week back to work FT and its me being back FT that has made us realize we need someone who can drive. It's crappy timing. As for assumptions - she's basically said her plan is to bring the baby with her to work. Which I'm not necessarily against, but I'm annoyed she just assumed that.
That's a pretty big assumption. I considered that for a short time, but the pay would have been less - close to 1/2 a nanny share. Is she willing/planning to take a 50% pay cut?
I think the best thing for all involved would be to let her go. That way she can find a new job before she's largely pg and will have a harder time finding work, and she can look for a family who truly doesn't need a nanny that drives or has a car available etc.