Received Thursday, March 22, 2007
Pack of nannies 4 deep earlier this afternoon. Nannies paying little or no attention to their charges, three of which were in their strollers. In all fairness, one was a young baby. One (boy of about 4) was out of the stroller and running around (playing roughly with my son). Nanny #1, I had the most trouble with. She had a little girl in a Perego red, black and grey stroller. The little girl was between 2 and three, had brown, straight hair that was messy and she wore a white ski style jacket. Little girl was holding a translucent, blue sippy cup while nannies talked. The little girl was at times restless and at other times crying to go play. Be very clear about this, the little girl said more than once "I wanna go play". The nanny responded each and every time by reaching in to her over sized blue handbag with rope-like details and grabbed a snack. In the time I was there, I watched her hand the child a packet of Chips Ahoy cookies (the single serving packs), gum, some sort of candy that was chewy-like Swedish fish, and 2 fruit roll ups. This was given to this little girl, not because she was hungry or asked for food but because she asked to get down and play! The nanny barely interacted with her as she handed her food or ripped upon the packaging for her and then she returned to her conversation. The nanny had an auburn shade of straight hair with bangs pulled dramatically to one side. Nanny had regular hair pins in her hair and may have been between 30-40. Nanny wore black running pants with a pink & white stripe down the side and a black jacket.
40 comments:
OP-Nanny was African American (for purposes of identification.
You're killing me! Ugh. I wish something could be done about these scumbags.
How about a feauture story by New York Magazine? I have been to this park. I used to live in this area with my two children. The truth is if a good nanny showed up and set about playing and running with her charge and laughing, they would probably pounce on her. There are some fierce looking nannies there. I look at these nannies who don't smile and wonder what in the hell kind of act they put on during their interview.
I am getting fed up with these worthless slugs and their pretension of childcare. We need a nanny patrol, someone dedicated to patrolling places where they congregate with their charges, someone with a camera and recorder and who takes good notes. Instead of a couple of sightings I believe we'd have a myriad of reports per day of shabby, neglectful, and possibly abusive treatment of children.
I have been a nanny for over 12 years and have taken many a child to the park, where I always interact with them no matter what age they are and it has always burned me up to watch other nannies just sit and talk to each other and ignore the children they are supposed to be watching. Lots of times I end up playing with the kids whose nannies are just sitting there and it just breaks my heart that they are getting the attention they deserve.
OP - great job describing the details of the stroller, nanny and child!
I can only imagine that if a nanny will obviously ignore a child and notinteract with a child in public, where there are witnesses, than the negligence at home must be worse.
I think an undercover expose would be awesome, except that then they'd probably have enough brains (possibly) to go undercover where the abuse wouldn't be seen.
Did she have a British accent, by chance?
I do understand your concern as a parent and also the nanny of 12 years. Quality childcare is better than cheap childcare.As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. If every parent would hire legal& educated nannies, Brooklyn heights,carroll Gardens, fort green etc would be a better than the way it is now.
Lately all I see is about nannies not paying attention to kids and it's really a shame that some nannies are so heartless,STUPID and put gossip before the kids they are being paid to care for.
There are also parents who just also for no reason lie about nannies on this sight. What I need to know is who is there to defend nannies? I think the way nannies are being treated are so unfair sometimes.
well these gals aren't the sharpest knives in the drawer so I doubt they'd change their MO much. Don't forget that they're nannies pretending to do their jobs.
the nanny patrol has to be undercover
It's a shame that some Nannies are so stupid and let gossip prevent them from taking good care of the kids, they are being paid to care for.To the nanny of 12 years , I am happy for you that you are able to play with other people's kids at the park , since their nannies don't.
Is that really your job? considering all the talk about kids with strangers. Shouldn't you be focussing ONLY on the kids you care for?
I think if parents should stop being cheap and start hiring legal nannies and have written contracts ....their kids would have been cared for by loving,responsible and honest nannies. Like the saying goes you get what you pay for. Stop hiring illigal nannies start looking for qualtiy childcare for your kids. Illegal nannies are the ones who screw up the most and they are getting paid to do a job and that's to care for the kids just like the parents would.
There are too many illegal nannies in the brooklyn heights area...they need to go.
My mother (68) has taken my son to this park. She is in awe of what "these nannies get away with".
She specifically spoke about nannies who didn't let children out of their stroller and plied them with food!
If anyone goes undercover to get the scoop on bad nannies, I suggest she go in as a disinterested nanny with a rent a kid. That is the only way to pull back the thick curtain from the charade that is the nanny! And I happen to know that some of these nannies are making $15 an hour. So the argument that parents are to blame for not paying enough holds no water! I think certain sort of nannies are better suited for a life in Hollywood. They are fabulous actors when mama and papa bear are around!
When I worked in various offices with far different job duties than being a nanny, there were always those certain employees who worked harder at getting out of work than actually doing anything.
My part-time babysitter has complained to me about how nasty some of these nannies are in Pierrepont playground and other playgrounds in the Heights and how neglectful they are of the children they are supposedly caring for. At first I was a skeptical, but then I saw it for myself. And a nanny stole my babysitter's cell phone while she had my child at the Court St. Barnes & Noble. I do at times see some excellent nannies at the playgrounds in the Heights. Unfortunately, I also see neglectful nannies.
I wish I knew this child and her parents so I could forward the e-mail to them. This is a child old enough to express her needs, and still the nanny pays no attention. What about the ones who are too young to even express what they need? Terrible.
I think parents should start taking care of their own kids. Wouldn't that solve the problem?
-a work from home mom
I know many wonderful parents who need to work and therefore, must rely on childcare for their child or children. It bothers me to think that any of these children would be treated shabbily by a caretaker, be it a nanny, babysitter or daycare worker. Bless the children.
Wow. These children are being treated the way orphans are in Russia, or in these other countries where they just stick the kids in cribs all day. We call it neglect and abuse when it occurs overseas, but these are presumably children of fairly well-to-do parents who have no clue that their children are being neglected. If this is how the kids are being treated for most of every workday (i.e. being denied playtime and plied with food to stay quiet), their mental, physical and emotional growth is being stunted as surely as those orphans' are in Russia or Kazakhstan. This post breaks my heart. I agree with the idea of a nanny patrol. This is just ridiculous. I hope someone gets up the courage to ask these nannies WTF they are doing, and to let them know that they are actively seeking the parents of these poor children. I would be absolutely SICK if I found out my "nanny" (these women aren't worth the name, thus the quotes) had been treating my child like this.
I can site countless stories of parents who neglect their children, I'm sure more than nannies. The last family I nannied for was so neglectful to their kids that I gave up nannying and am now in a different profession because I was so brokenhearted for the children of parents who pass the buck when it comes to caring for their children. Forget the nanny patrol, there should be a parent patrol. I am now a parent and I would never leave it to someone else to raise my child no matter how great they are. I would miss my baby too much! My job now allows me to work from home. I took a large pay cut, but it's worth it. My child is more important than money.
626 PM:
do tell!
Most nannies are bad. My friends have shared so many horror stories, I'm thankful for the great one I have.
If the nannies at this particular playground are so bad, maybe more of the parents should unexpectedly drop in and observe for themselves. I'm sure word of mouth from good nannies to their employer will get back to the employer's with the bad nannies. Karma, ya'll!
Congratulations, 3:44: you have won the prize for most ignorant comment of the month.
"Most nannies are bad."
I think you probably are lucky to have the one you have, but she is unlucky to have such an idiot for a boss. Poor thing, doesn't she know there are better moms out there to work for, ones who are not so ignorant and judgemental?
12:02
Well, evidently most of her friends' nannies are bad, and other than what she reads here, I doubt if she interacts with all the rest of the nannies! Broad paintbrush/ Narrow mind!
In defense of the nanny who was criticized for playing with kids who are being ignored by their care givers. I doubt she meant she plays with them instead of her own charges. I have older children, who love to make friends and play with new kids in the playground. If we are throwing a ball around, or building things in the sand, frequently other children will ask if they can play. I always welcome them to participate, it is good for my charges.
A nanny
Maybe I should clarify my post. (I did post after getting up with my sick toddler for the third time last night, as I just have again tonight. Oh, sweet sleep that evades me!!)
Most of the nannies I KNOW personally are bad. Sorry, but from what I've read here, I think there are not a lot of great nannies out there, either. And the horror stories I hear from my friends!! Theft, flirting with the husbands, leaving sleeping babies in their carseats, NOT FEEDING CHILDREN THEIR LUNCHES!! AHHHHHH!!!
I am grateful for my nanny. She is like a family member to us. Don't assume I am a bad employer to work for. My nanny is just that, not my personal errand runner or housekeeper. She has the authority to disipline my children, help herself to meals, join in any family activity (her family is 1200 miles away) plus many other perks.
Having such a great nanny, I do find it hard not to look at other nannies and think they do not hold par to mine. She really set the standards high. She adores my children, and they love her.
Seriously, there are a lot of great nannies that post here, but saddly, in my inner circle of friends, that is not true. I feel sorry for their children. My toddler is so alert and loves joining in group activities. Many of the other children have behavioral problems and hang back. Their nannies do not interact much with them, but sit back and chat. Most of their moms are out getting their nails done. My nanny and I take turns taking my toddler to class, and we both encourage her to interact and learn. Truly, in more than one way, my family is really blesses.
Sorry my post came off the wrong way, and in my opinion, some of you are just as judgemental (ahm, 1202). And lorenza, no, I do not interact with the nannies I am reffering to. They do a horrible job, and besides that, the language they use when the children are off playing is absolutly disgusting. Go widen your mind. Don't assume I am a snob. I have no room in my life for foul mouthed people, and I refuse to lower my standards for anyone. I will even let go of friendships if they refuse to reign in their language around children. Ugh!!
Goodnight. Uh, morning.
I have gotten the impression from this site that there are MANY good or great nannies out there, but even more pseudo-nannies hired cheap who give the professionals a very bad name.
When I voiced doubt that you have interacted with "all the rest of the nannies", that would be referring to the "all nannies are bad" comment you made. Not only have you not interacted with those nannies you believe to be bad, but you have no personal knowledge of all the rest who were included in your original comment, which you have now clarified.
BTW I don't recall referring to you as a snob nor did I suggest that you lower your standards, but my original opinion that you are extremely narrow minded still stands.
(12:02 here:)
as does mine. I stand by what I originally said.
You ARE judgemental: I would never say "All moms who employ nannies are bad," based on your elitist comment. That would be judgemental.
And Lorenza was right: nobody called you a snob but you!
856, I clarified my post. Try reading again. I said "MOST" not "ALL". Big difference. AND, I stated that most of the nannies I PERSONALLY know are bad. You're not judgemental? Calling me an idiot? You're like the kettle calling the pot black.
And JMT is right. There are so many posts here about bad, cheaply paid pseudo-nannies, it gives me a bad taste in the mouth.
And lorenza, I do not associate with foul mouthed nannies, mommies, NO ONE! I do have standards. Read closer. In my second post I stated I do not associate with the nannies I mentioned in my first post. The BAD ONES. I never said I don't talk to the nannies. Several of them are better at raising the kids than their own parents. Even my nanny steers clear of several other nannies, as she too cannot stand foul language. If you still think I am narrow mineded, take a minute to think how you make yourself sound. You do not know me. Don't judge me.
I AM NOT judgemental. I am a mom raising her children to be productive members of society. There is no place in our lives for such ugliness. I hit the jackpot with my nanny, and she feels the same way towards us. It saddens me that so many people disreguard who is influencing their children. When I let the other moms know what transpires at playgroup they shrug it off. Too bad for their children.
Now back off. I explained once already I have been up late with a sick child for a few nights in a row, and I guess unlike you UN-JUDGEMENTAL others, I did not express myself the way I meant too. Please reread my origional post. I said the good nannies could rat out the bad. I am done with this post.
Oh, and you implied I was a snob. My own word, but implied. Don't deny it.
I live in Milwaukee. And I worked in childcare, and I'm not sure what it is about parents, but I can't get a job as nanny, and I have lots of education.
I'm not sure what parents look for when they hire nannies, but they sure don't look for good people. I go on interview after interview and hear the same thing: "we'll get back to you within a week". I never hear from the family again. I always, with my education and low pay requirements (negotiable and no benefits expect paid holidays and vacay) get passed over for the little girls who, like the last family I interviewed with, don't know what they are doing when it comes to taking care of kids.
And to think I get passed over for nannies like this.
I can tell you why you get passed over. You say you have education a ton of experience, will work for low pay and dont ask for vacation or benefits. As a parent, this scares the shit out of me. Why are you so desperate for a job? Red flag!
6:08-If you read carefully, my wages are negotiable. Nannies in this area earn $10-20/hour. I usually ask for $10. I also stated I ask for paid holidays and vacay. So in other words, I ask for what equals for $400/week without taxes taken out, paid holidays and paid vacay. Does that mean I'm desparate?!
I think that if you have that much experience and education and you ask for the low end of the spectrum, yes it is suspicious. If people are paying $20 an hour, I am curious why you with your experience can't make that much?
For the anonymous mother who now thinks that only "most" nannies are bad and who denies being a snob, I truly don't know whether or not you are a snob, but you are strange. That's obvious.
"Stay up late" mom. I understood you. I got the nuance of avoiding the foul-mouthed nannies. Get some good sleep.
Milwaukee nanny: it sounds like you are ready for a change in confidence. Next time pick your price (not at the bottom of the range) and your family. Don't settle if you feel you have a lot to offer.
And regarding the post, it really burns me that this nanny not only ignores the girl's requests for exercise, but then stuffs her full of junk food that she REALLY needs to work off. Adding insult to injury.
What a horrible post! I myself limit the amount of sugar my children eat, and I would be outraged if my nanny gave that much crap to them. And to torture children by bringing them to a park and keeping them caged in a stroller? That is mean spirited.
Whilst i cannot condone this behavior, what about those of you parents who do the same of even worse.. They sit with their friends, talking about the cost of their bags, belts etc. and talk about their friends. Please it goes both ways
A parent is not a nanny. A parent can sit and gab all she wants. A parent (especially one at the park with a child) may have the children 24 hours a day. A nanny is there to perform the functions of a nanny. And mind you not out of the goodness of her heat-DUH-
she is getting paid to do a job!
What if the nanny were a UPS guy?
FIRED!
I'm a nanny in Brooklyn Heights and we frequently go to this park and I agree that it is horrible how these groups of nannies sit around chatting and ignoring the children they are supposed to be taking care of. Many of them are also rather mean, bordering on cruel with how they speak to the children. The nannies are always the same ones. hehe I am actually thinking of a specific few while I type this.
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