Woman Thought She Had Found the Perfect Nanny Until One Stray Blueberry Led to the End of Their Working Relationship.

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In the high-pressure world of parenting, OP found herself wrestling with trust and management issues when hiring a nanny to assist with her two-year-old and newborn. Frustration mounted as the nanny’s limited duties clashed with OP’s growing need for help beyond childcare, ultimately leading to an explosive showdown over a forgotten blueberry. As resignation and regret hang in the air, who was in the right remains an unanswered question.

A New Chapter

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OP, a stay-at-home mom, hired a nanny to help manage her busy household with a 2-year-old and a newborn. Though initially reluctant to invite a stranger into her home, OP was reassured by the nanny’s willingness to assist with more than just childcare. However, her hopes soon became a source of tension as the nanny made clear she was not a housekeeper.

The Contract’s Fine Print

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Initially receptive to helping with housework, the nanny stated she would need to raise her hourly rate to match the increased workload. Eager for help, OP asked the nanny to try it for a week. The arrangement began smoothly, but cracks started to show.

The Kitchen Standoff

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Despite her hope that the nanny would take the initiative and clean the kitchen occasionally, OP found this was not the case. The nanny only cleaned up after the two-year-old daughter, creating an imbalance in the shared expectations. When OP asked for more help around the house, the nanny again mentioned her need for higher pay.

Tensions Rise

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Unwilling to discuss the household chores further, OP let the matter drop. Her frustration grew, however, as she wanted more time with her daughter without the extra burden of housework. The situation was becoming less than ideal.

A Point of Conflict

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Three weeks in, the nanny voiced her concerns about being micromanaged. OP agreed to step back but was dissatisfied with the nanny’s approach to her daughter’s education. They attempted to create a schedule to maintain structure, but it was not a perfect solution.

The Phone Incident

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There were moments when the nanny would be on her phone while in the company of the daughter, which OP found unacceptable. She expressed her concerns to the nanny, who took responsibility for her actions. However, this did little to ease OP’s growing frustrations.

A Lack of Flexibility

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As time passed, the nanny revealed that she couldn’t extend her hours when asked due to other nanny commitments. This rigidness added a layer of complexity to the already strained relationship. OP’s need for a flexible support system wasn’t being met.

The Blueberry Incident

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One day, OP observed the nanny cleaning up blueberries her daughter had tossed onto the floor. The nanny left behind a single squashed blueberry, causing a surge of anger in OP. She decided to confront the nanny about it, igniting an intense dispute.

Breaking Point

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Upon confronting the nanny about the missed blueberry, the nanny claimed she thought she had picked up all the berries. OP didn’t believe her, pointing out that she had watched her intentionally leave it. This resulted in an argument that brought existing tensions to the fore.

A Forced Resignation

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After the blueberry argument, the nanny admitted her discomfort with the situation and resigned. OP agreed with her decision, leading to a swift end to their working relationship. It was an abrupt closure, leaving OP to pay her for the remaining hours and consider her next steps.

A Rising Tide of Issues

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As OP reflected on the situation, she remembered how the nanny had increasingly become unreliable towards the end of her employment. Calling out sick or leaving before her daughter’s nap became a norm, further straining their relationship. The situation wasn’t just about cleaning but reliability and commitment.

Clarifications and Confusions

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OP had never intended for the nanny to clean the entire house. The main focus areas were the kitchen and informal living room, where her daughter spent the most time. Miscommunications and mismatched expectations had, unfortunately, fueled their disagreements.

Seeking a Solution

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Left without a nanny, OP started to seek a new solution. Balancing the needs of a newborn and a two-year-old alone was challenging, especially without the support she had hoped for. The search for a new nanny or alternative began in earnest.

A Mother’s Dilemma

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Now, OP was caught in a dilemma. She was torn between needing assistance to manage her household and her desire to spend quality time with her children, especially her 2-year-old daughter. The unresolved tension left her feeling unbalanced and unsure about her next steps.

An Uncertain Future

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As she searched for a new nanny to help take care of her children, OP was unsure of the future. The memories of her experience with the previous nanny were still fresh, casting a shadow over her hopes for a smooth journey.

Was The Mother’s Behavior Appropriate?

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OP posted her story online for feedback and advice. The readers in the community forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter. Here are some of their responses:

Forum Responds

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One reader said, “If you want a housekeeper, hire one. Or pay the nanny more. It’s that simple.”

Another Commenter Thinks

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Another responder wrote, “I wouldn’t work for you. If you’re not comfortable with a nanny, don’t hire one. If you want a housekeeper, hire one. Could you imagine how it would feel? To be micromanaged like that all the time?”

A Third View on The Story

A different person stated, “You intentionally left the kitchen messy to see if she’d clean it up after she said she’s not a housekeeper. You got unreasonably angry after a single, individual blueberry got missed.”

A Final Perspective on the Matter

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Another reader replied, “If you’ve got the time to track the lifespan of stray blueberries and set traps, you probably don’t need a nanny or housekeeper. She thought the same.”