The original poster (OP) and her husband hired a nanny named Marie to care for their kids while they worked. Her children where on hybrid school schedules, so they hired Marie to work full-time. They of course set out some guidelines and expectations, but Marie seemed to have some problems with following them.
Marie is Well Educated
Marie is 26 years-old and has a degree in Early Childhood Education and has some other certifications and licenses related to the field.
She Had Experience and Good References
Marie had a previous long-term Nanny position, classroom experience, and she has several younger siblings and relatives that she was responsible for babysitting. OP verified all this and received a good review from a reference at her previous job.
Marie Was Showing Poor Performance
OP says Marie didn’t follow the guidelines and had a long list of things she would do poorly.
They Reviewed Their Video
OP and her husband reviewed their security camera footage and saw evidence of all the things she was doing wrong.
The Kids Had Too Much Screen Time
Some of the things OP and her husband didn’t like were that she let the kids have way too much screen time, she spent more time on her phone than with the kids, she would make messes and let the kids make messes and not clean up at all, she had friends over without their permission, and she let the kids eat too much junk food.
They Gave Her Warnings
OP says they sat down with Marie about three different times and gave her official warnings each time. They said she would improve for a while each time but then go back to the way she was before.
Marie Called in Sick
OP says Marie called in sick for three days. She told Marie to get better and rest and OP stayed home from work and took care of the kids.
OP Stayed Home But Has a Big Project at Work
OP says she’s been working on a big project at work and not going into the office hurts everyone. But she is a mother first and she didn’t expect Marie to come in when she is sick.
OP Took the Kids to the Water Park
OP says the next day was really hot out and the local water park was having a sale so she took the kids there.
Marie Was With Her Friends
After a while at the water park, OP and the kids ran into Marie who was with a group of friends.
Marie Started to Apologize
OP just looked at Marie and said she hoped she was feeling better. But Marie started to apologize and told OP that her best friend had gotten tickets to the park and she wanted to go and she didn’t think OP would give her the day off.
OP Didn’t Appreciate Marie Lying
OP told Marie that if she had told her the truth, she would have given her the day off. But she was very upset that Marie lied to her.
She Was Tired of Marie’s Antics
OP added the lie to her other warnings and decided she wasn’t worth it. OP says she and her husband pay Marie well above market rate and provide everything. All Marie has to do is look after the kids according to their guidelines.
OP Decided to Fire Her
OP says she took Marie aside and quietly and kindly as possible told her she would pay her for the whole week and she was fired.
Marie Started Crying
Marie started crying and her friends realized what had happened. They called OP horrible names such as a “Karen” and a “monster.” OP’s children became upset so they left the park.
Marie Started Texting Her
OP says Marie has been messaging her like crazy with apologies and begging for another chance.
Did She Overreact?
OP says some of her friends think she should have given her another chance and that firing her was an overreaction.
The Readers Respond
Almost all the comments supported OP for firing Marie, however some felt that doing it in a public place wasn’t the best choice. This is the comment that received the most votes:
“NTA. But extremely inappropriate to fire her whilst out at the park. Should of waited till the next day to talk with her or called her later that evening.”
Many Approved Firing Her Immediately
Still, many readers said OP did the right thing by firing Marie immediately and not dragging it on.
“At the same time, it also seems a very appropriate time – you caught her in her lies, and immediately responded to them. No faffing about or leaving her waiting for your answer (and leaving her hanging not knowing what your response would be would probably ruin her day anyway), straight to the point.”
The Nanny Pushed Her Luck
Many said OP and her husband gave her many chances and the nanny took advantage of them. She should have learned that they were watching her but she kept up with her poor performance.
“And she was nice to give her the rest of the week pay. A good lesson for the kids too. There are consequences to lying. She was respectful and gave her the lines. The nanny pushed her luck, got caught and is paying with consequences.”
She Has Been Patient Enough
OP and her husband have been more than patient with Marie and gave her several warnings already. This would have been the last straw for anybody.
“I would have fired her for not following the rules for the kids we had set down. imo OP was far more patient with Marie than is reasonable even before her faked illness and giving her another chance at this stage would be fairly irresponsible.”
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