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Message |
    
Madhu Pai
Citizen
Username: Mpai
Post Number: 3
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 7, 2006 - 3:19 pm: | 
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Hi all. Just getting acquainted with this message board so sorry if this is posted twice!
We're moving to Maplewood at the end of March and I'm in the process of interviewing nannies for my 18mo old. Coming from Brooklyn, we've never needed a nanny who drives but how important [or not] is driving ability for a nanny in Maplewood? We're definitely interested in signing our daughter up for classes and want to make sure she has playdates but it seems like things are within walking distance around town and it's a bit nerve-wracking to think about someone who I don't know that well [yet] driving my child around! Thoughts/suggestions?
Best,
Madhu |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 1399
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 7, 2006 - 3:54 pm: |
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We've had a nanny who doesn't drive for 6 years now (in South Orange). We sign up for classes in Maplewood and South Orange, but not beyond, and keep a jar stocked with taxi money.
I think that a one-way taxi within the two towns is about $7 or 8 now (I can check if you need). Although this adds up, it may still be less than the premium that a driving nanny commmands over a non-driving nanny when you first hire one.
The situation might be different with multiple kids, but one and a car seat is quite manageable in a taxi. My daughter seems to know most of the taxi drivers in town (they recognize our house when picking me up for business travel airport runs)!
Welcome to town, and best of luck! |
Hamandeggs
Citizen
Username: Hamandeggs
Post Number: 197
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 7, 2006 - 4:23 pm: |
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I also think that it matters less with a younger child, when you (or another adult) does the scheduling. I think it's harder when you have kids requesting and planning their own get-togethers, or when they're at the age when carpooling is a big help.
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Madhu
Citizen
Username: Mpai
Post Number: 4
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 8, 2006 - 10:12 am: |
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There definitely seem to be a lot of great nanny candidates who don't drive, in fact most of the women I've talked to don't drive. Your feedback is making me feel much more confident about hiring a non-driving nanny! Many thanks! |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 3165
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 8, 2006 - 11:25 am: |
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There are lots of things within walking distance for child and nanny to do in Maplewood. However, walking distance is a bit relative, depending on where in town you are going to be living, some places could be kind of far, particularly in less than perfect weather conditions.
Seems like I mostly see nannies out walking with kids in strollers around here though.
We live in the "Tuscan" area and can walk to Stories in Motion (music and movement classes) and The Art Garden (art classes and "drop-in" hours), both on Springfield Avenue, the main branch of the library (story time), and downtown Maplewood. When the weather's good, I see groups of nannies and their charges feeding the ducks in Memorial Park, or bringing the kids to the playground there. I think they also get together for breakfast or lunch in town. I'm sure it doesn't take them long to find each other and strike up a friendship, thus offering companionship for your nanny and your child. Seems to me that alone would go a long way in keeping a nanny (and your child) happy and occupied. |
SouthOrangeNanny
Citizen
Username: Sonanny
Post Number: 151
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, March 9, 2006 - 7:59 pm: |
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keep in mind bad weather.......i rather drive my charges in the rain rather than walk...and if u go w/ the taxi idea...keep in mind u need to have the car seat put in and out ..and ur nanny would have to lug a car seat and ur kid where ever they plan to go.......personally..being a nanny for 10 years..my car is my best friend...if the kids are sick i can drive them to the dr. if i need to make a quick run to store its faster and er to drive and easier to lug everything home.....good luck |
Madhu
Citizen
Username: Mpai
Post Number: 6
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Friday, March 10, 2006 - 12:05 pm: |
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Thanks everyone for all your advice. As luck would have it, I found a driving nanny who I really liked and have hired! I had no idea [until I drove around town w/her earlier this week] that there are SO MANY parks in Maplewood/SO - and so much to do in town and out! I'm really excited for our impending move.
Best,
Madhu |
Nancy S. Chu
Citizen
Username: Nancy_chu_remax
Post Number: 3
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 11:51 pm: |
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Speaking of nannies - may I ask what nanny services/agencies are being used around here? I am pregnant but will have to keep working, so am curious about agencies that provide full-time nannies? |
Madhu
Citizen
Username: Mpai
Post Number: 7
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 12:06 pm: |
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Hi Nancy. I was mostly referred to the Job Market section of maplewoodonline where tons of nannies [and employers] post for positions. Someone also mentioned NannyLocator.com to me, but I haven't been on it yet. I think I saw a company called NannyUSA.com posting jobs in the job market section here as well.
Good luck in your search!
Madhu |
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