Just to let you know how right you are, my wife witnessed a nanny throwing a small child around in the back of the car. She took the plate number and called the Chappaqua police. She had to give her name and number, the police immediately notified the parents who were both working in Manhatten. They were extremely upset and no idea that anything like this was possible.Upon returning home and getting things under control they called to give thanks. My only wish is that if my child was ever in danger, someone would take the time and care to call.
Thank you for writing and more importantly for getting involved and taking the steps to end a situation that is every mother's worst nightmare.
Thank you for writing and more importantly for getting involved and taking the steps to end a situation that is every mother's worst nightmare.
How cool that these people did something. I think this site is a good idea but so many people cannot be bothered to even post an anonymous tip! Sad, I too would hope more for anyone witnessing anything "unkosher" with regard to children!
ReplyDeleteNow this is the way to report something that you've seen that you have an issue with! Kudos for not just blabbing about it on here but actually doing something! --L
ReplyDeleteThe first link on our page is a direct link to Child Protective Services which has contact numbers for every state and information for reporting child abuse. It goes without saying that the best course of action is to take immediate action.
ReplyDeleteThis situation in Chappaqua was on the extreme side. The nanny was being physically abusive towards the child. The only course of action in such a case is to immediately phone the police.
Although most nannies are conscientious and loving childcare providers, there are exceptions. It is not such a reach to suggest that before the couple witnessed the baby being abused in Chappaqua, there may have been witnesses that saw "signs" that something was off or not right. The parents both worked in the city all day, so they may have been caught completely off guard.
If you observe something that doesn't feel or seem right, get involved. Advocate for children whenever and wherever you can. In a perfect world, we would confidently share our thoughts with strangers regarding the care of their children- but that is somewhat unrealistic.
This blog was created in hopes that more people would share their observations if they were allowed to do so anonymously and without fear of reprisal. My guess is the best observers are the are that enormous percentage of excellent nannies who are out there everyday providing top notch care to their charges. Everyone of us has the potential to positively affect the life of a child and in the end; what else matters but how we treat or allow our children to be treated?
We encourage everyone to err on the side of caution and follow your instincts with regard to your children. Take time to get to know your nanny and if you find a nanny who is good to your children, be good to her!
I read about this website in today's NY Times. Two of my nieces have nannies. As a human and as a grandfather, this disturbs me. As far as I am concerned having a nanny IS child abuse. It certainly is fine for women to have a career, but this seldom mixes well with parenting. Besides this blog, look at the English royal family for some blatant examples of what happens when you let others raise YOUR children. My step-daughter has a high paying job and has worked it out so she sees her children four days of the week. The other days her husband stays home and cares for the children. It's amazing that people of our generation managed to raise children, take out Tojo and Hitler, all without cell phones and nannies. I'm not sure where things went wrong but having a nanny seems merely a status symbol for most of these so-called parents. To me it is just another example how people who demand their "rights" ignore their responsibilities. Thank heavens for this blog on nannies. Maybe if enough parents take the time to read it, they will get a clue. Here we see far too numerous documented examples of ignorant, lazy, abusive and adultery seeking nanny's behavior under the microscope by people who care more about these poor children then the parents do. Shame. Don't have a child if you don't want to take the time to raise it. As they say here in California, "Gag me with a spoon!"
ReplyDeleteGrandpa Doe
Indeed when you see something, do something. Grandpa Doe I understand your concern but there is moderation in everything. There is excellent child care out there.
ReplyDeleteGrandpa Doe
ReplyDeleteThey did have nannies back in the day old man, just cause you kept your wife in the kitchen raising your brats doesn't mean nannies were invented in 1997, silly man.