Please be VERY careful when employing a nanny

Also shocking sometimes to see how people treat their nannies like sh%T and then expect that person to treat your child like Gold - uuuhmmm, not gonna happen - you treat them like sh%t, chances are your child gets the same treatment the next day.

I have seen people treat their nannies as if they are their "property" - shameful.

I thank God everyday that my mom is able to look after my LG. But, I think that if I had to choose between a creche and a nanny, I would probably opt for a reputable, thoroughly checked-out, creche.

Cape Town based company offering nanny cams ...

nannycam.co.za/

Ladybird you are so right - one just has to put in the time, vetting both creche or nanny. I got a nanny when I was still on maternity leave and Ethan was just over a month old and by the time he was 6 months and I went back to work, I really felt I that I cld trust her. I could truly see how much she came to love my child - in fact thinking of her makes me sad - we had to leave her behind when we left Joburg and to this day we email on a regular basis and she asks for pics of Ethan. So dont get freaked out there are really good women out there who will love and take care of your child as if it was her own.
Ladybird your Belina is also a keeper!

I'm with you on this RM - I want to know what my nanny gets up to during the day, but I also don't want to know. I do trust her, but how can you ever trust anyone 100% with your child?

Where can I buy a nanny cam - anyone?

well the Creche's arn't always what they seem!

I could share a few stories from my family members but everyone is so freaked out already... ill rather keep them to myself.

Kristin, hun, I would not discount the nanny option because of this incident.

The reality is that you are the best person to look after your own child. The reality is that something can happen to your LG regardless of where she is without you. You need to do your homework - regardless of which option you choose. A psychologist who specialises in family trauma told me that he often has to see children who have been abused in a creche environment.

Emotional abuse, or neglect or physical or sexual abuse can take place anywhere. I personally am terrified of not knowing where my LG is the whole day, or - more importantly to me - who she has been exposed to during the day. A scary thought that occurred to me recently is, yes people ask about the carers at schools. But what about other staff eg cleaners or gardeners? Who screens them? How do you know what could happen to your child alone for even 5 minutes with a trusted neighbour even? The reality is that these things can happen no matter what steps you take to prevent it.

However, it is up to you - as parent - to do your damndest to prevent it. You need to be vigilant, you need to do your research, you need to do your homework. You need to put in the time. It is your job. Finding an environment you feel is comfortable and safe for your child, is not the same as looking for a garage to service your car. You need to put in the time.

Finding someone to look after my LG while I'm not there was a very very painful experience. I went through 5 nannies before I found THE ONE. I interviewed at least about 20 before I decided to try the rest. Yes, I paid R2,500 upfront to find that nanny. But R2,500 paid to an agency vs what can happen without the screening process? No contest.

I also spent 2.5 months at home every day with the nanny before I trusted her alone with my precious LG for one day. She got to know me, I got to know her. We are like sisters and I wouldn't have it any other way. But make no mistake, I wasn't then nor am I now naive or complacent. I know it is my job to make sure my nanny is kept happy. If she is happy - genuinely happy - she will look after my LG in the best way.

I also check in unexpectedly so I know what is going on in my home. One has to be realistic about these things.

One word: Creche!!!!