We are the types who bathe daily, wash clothes frequently, sheets/towels at least once/week, etc. Caregiver is a mismatch. Seems to bathe infrequently, and seems to wash clothes infrequently, which look fine but smell bad. Not saying caregiver is the issue -- maybe we are. But whatever the reason for the mismatch, it feels unsustainable. Caregiver is otherwise wonderful and kind. Has anyone ever had to address this? How did you resolve it?
Â
Given Covid, you could ask them to change immediately upon coming to your house in a different set of clothes, maybe a uniform? And suggest they leave them on the way out and you can rewash. I am not at all one to ask a caregiver to wear a uniform, but when I interviewed nannies, one of them just came and said she always wears a uniform and changes when she arrives. DD was a newborn them, so that may have to do with it. I know it's more work for you, but it's the only way I see. I can't imagine it will go well any other way.
This is a great idea in terms of clothes changing, and I wouldn't mind the laundry aspect at all. Would just buy a few and then do wash it all weekly. But (and this is a big but), dc isn't a baby, so might seem weird? And caregiver drives to avoid the subway, so might seem especially strange to ask for clothes changing. I think I could get away with it if the subway were involved but absent that, I think it's tough, and might seem weird? Any thoughts? I really need help with this. It's really bad. DF suggested putting diffusers around, so might give that a try.
I think it would be totally normal for Covid times. A lot of us wiped groceries with alcohol wipes just a few months ago, people are still having varying degrees of being careful (or a little crazy) and that's OK. I don't know if I could ask her to take a shower as someone suggests below but if you could go ahead. What's to lose? It seems you can't adjust to the smell so it's either trying something or losing the nanny.
@Anon Would LOVE to ask her to take a shower here, but that feels like a step too far -- haha! :) I think the most I could do would be change of clothes, which I'm not even sure would address the fundamental problem.
Gross. Would be a dealbreaker for me.
I hear you, but she really is wonderful otherwise. If we could just fix this one issue, everything would be great. But it's gotten bad, and I just can't think of a kind way to address it :(
@Anonymous Was this always there - during interview and initial working time or did it come up later? Maybe something going on at home? Either way directly addressing it in a nice way is the way to go. I cannot believe there are poster suggesting you fire this person without discussing first.