August 31, 2006; approximately 10:00 a.m.
I drove to Harbor Island Park with my daughter, yesterday (Thursday) morning at around 10. It wasn't the best day to be at the park, but we wanted some fresh air. I noticed a woman semi reclined and sleeping in the driver's seat of a red Jeep Cherokee. We did not stay long at the park. When I drove away from the parking lot, I realized the woman had a child in a car seat. The child might also have been asleep. The person who I think was a nanny woke up as I slowed and was peering in. I don't know that this is necessary negligent but I would hate to think that I thought my child was going to the park to get some fresh air but that the nanny was just parking in the lot to take a nap. (She wasn't even parked in the spots nearest to the park which would have indicated a clearer indication of attempting or having attempted using the park). I only got a quick look at the woman, she had a dark complexion, dark hair (African American) and was wearing a greyish shirt or sweatshirt. She appeared to be on the thin side, maybe 30-40 years old. The child looked to be a boy with blondish hair. He was wearing what I think was a yellow shirt. I am guessing he was 3.
Just to play the devils advocate, I'm a nanny that used to drive the kids around to get them to sleep in the afternoon...though they were much younger than 2, eventually I would park and we'd just hang out in a public spot with the windows open. They would nap and get fresh air, and I could at least people watch or doze! The parents came up with the idea, and I was just following instruction.
ReplyDeleteI don't think any parent would authorize this! Is the child being kicked out of the house to give the mother space? What gives?
ReplyDeleteMy youngest charge would also fall asleep about 1pm on the way back from our weekly lunch date with his Grandma.... I would sit in the car while he slept in his seat for over 45 mins until it was time to take him from the car to retrieve his brother from school. For a 5yo who still needed his naps to get through karate or hockey lessons... this was the only way for the parents to later get through the night with the child! :) He was safe, cool, out of direct sunlight (I'd more to the passengers side to enjoy the share too!) This was a weekly occurance and grandma and dad knew about it!
ReplyDeleteWho are these children that are being driven in circles by their caregivers? Mamaroneck is a nice area. Sorry, but it seems odd to me that they aren't a) outside playing or b) at home napping -with the window open if it's so nice outside!
ReplyDeleteIf it's such a nice day, why is the nanny sitting in a parked car? Couldn't she get out of the car and push the child around in a stroller? I don't know that area- is that a safe park?
ReplyDeleteHas anyone thought that usually a nanny who lets a child sleep in a car is trying to get a nap in for the child where ever they can fit it because the parents over schedule things?
ReplyDeletehow do we know this is a nanny?
ReplyDeleteready wait for it...
ReplyDeleteSLEEP... happens.
It happens all the time, especially for little kids. If a kid who doesn't normally take a nap is tired and goes to sleep at an odd or inconvenient time, sometimes that's the only option. Could also be a mom too.
It was very apparent to me that the person asleep in the front of the car was a nanny. If a child needs to fall asleep and a parent is fine with the child sleeping in the car in a parking lot, fine. But how is it okay that a nanny should also fall asleep? It just doesn't seem prudent.
ReplyDeleteHow do you know what that nannies circumstances are? how do you know if that nanny had a rough night, the night before or some family tragedy. in what ever career at some time in peoples' lives-people NEED A NAP. And just incase you didn't know this. We are NOT FRICKEN ROBOTS!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh my God.... Do we not live in America where families come in all colors,race and backgrounds. Come on. If you are a mother like you proclaim to be than you your self should be ashaimed in making these comments. How do you know they had not already played and after putting the child into the carseat he fell asleep and she herself mommy and or Nanny was taking andvatage of the nice day by resting for a bit. How do you know she was asleep did it ever accor to you she was relaxing for a few moments. How do you know this was a nanny did you knock and the window and ask? You or self said you were not at the park for very long. Come on get a life!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI had a nanny that thank God I no longer have that used to nap every time the baby took a nap and would leave my 4 year old running around the house. She would also leave them in the car alone while she went into a store to buy snacks for herself.
ReplyDeleteI wish that someone did report this to me but unfortunately I had to learn it from my 4 year old.
I have to be honest. Whenever the 4 year old and I go to pick up his brother from school we have about a 30 min wait, he usually falls asleep so I usually doze off as well. I have also dozed off when he is napping at home. I dont think it is a problem as long as your not neglecting your charges or sleeping when they are playing. And I think that you need to be an aware sleeper. I know that when I have dozed off while he is napping as soon as he moves my eyes pop open.
ReplyDelete