Received Sunday, July 1, 2007
Bad nanny sighting: Little girl is 3-4 is and named Allie or Ellie. She has shoulder length wavy brown hair and pink Crocs. She was pushing a pink toy stroller which had lilac and yellow flowers on it. The nanny was black with what sounded like a Caribbean accent. The nanny had chin length wavy hair with orange highlights. This was at the E. 96th/5th ave playground today, (Sat, 6/30) The nanny spent at least 45 minutes ranting into her hands free cell phone about you (the employer.) She wasn't even looking in the little girl's direction for most of this time.When she did interact with the girl it was to scold to got go on the slide. She kept telling her if you go on the slide and if you get hurt and cry, I'm going to be really mad at you and won't feel sorry for you. The girl seemed sad. There are much betters nannies out there, you should consider finding one of them.
7 comments:
I believe it is safe to assume that both nannies and their employers discuss each other- one does not have more right to do so than the other.
I believe that happens in every profession.
Incidentally, if a blog were started for other professions and we started reporting to your (non-nannies) employers what you did when they weren't looking; how much time you spent on the internet; how much time you spent complaining about your salaries and bonuses, and all other unfair practices- I wonder how many of you would have a job?
The standards for nannies seem to be very low- pretty much an 'anything goes'- well that standard needs to be raised- in both ways:
1.Weed out all unscrupulous nannies- who inevitably bring a bad name to the profession.
2.Demand a little more respect with 'corporate' professional standards.
We are treated as we allow others to treat us, and the fear of losing one's job seems to make nannies cower, and left to feel without hope and accept substandard treatment- this no doubt contributes to 'some' of the unscrupulous behaviour- as nannies don't seem to have an outlet to vent their frustrations.
It's unfortunate that some employers in the nanny profession won't raise their level of professionalism, and understand that the more comfortable and validated a nanny feels, the more he/she will be willing to (allow the vernacular) 'go to bat' for them.
So...the viscious cycle continues: mean parents and angry nannies- and invariably and unfortunately children suffer.
What is left are the few consummately professional nannies- who despite the personalitiy differences, and the lack of professionalism on the part of the employer- continue to grace this profession.
I would like to add too, that not all nannies who are seen as very bubbly and engaging on the playground, and other areas are happy in their jobs- on the contrary, and I speak for myself now when I say for the first time in my nannying experience, I have a job that- how shall I put it- leaves much to be desired in terms of employer relations- this has challenged me like never before, but I keep one goal in mind- as long as I choose to continue to work there- only the children matter, and thankfully, whilst working;I am still bubbly and engaging, creative, and loving to the precious little ones who are entrusted to me.
I really want to encourage all nannies- it is really is ok to vent your frustrations (not around the children & not while on the job), but vent and talk all you want- it's a natural human response.
If you happen to be in a situation where the children lack discipline, and you are not allowed to instill that; that will be frustrating- that is a deal breaker for me- so I am suggesting that is the time to part ways with that particular household- not take it out on them on the playground when parents might not be present- remember, you are only hurting the child.
Lastly, I have to add, that if you are angry about having to take the children outside- then perhaps this is not the profession for you- if you are not happy- the kids can never be happy.
I hope I didnt steer from my original point too much.
a round of applause for you em! this was a very well written post and i too believe it is a vicious cycle and the children do suffer. it is normal for people to vent about their bosses but there is a time and a place for everything. i think that not many people would have jobs if we did have a blog for other proffesions where people complained and were caught doing bad things at work.
It seems you do understand, em, that people need to vent, which is true, and you mention they should not do so on the job. But you also seem to imply this post isn't a big deal because it is normal, however she was venting while on the job, with a child in her care, even if she wasn't actually caring for her. Also, please keep in mind where the post states that she was talking meanly to the child and instead of helping her on the equpiment was threatening her.
I do agree with much of what you have said, but keep in mind this is a valid point as this situation is something I would like to know about if it were my child.
Thank you NYNanny- didn't notice your post when I was replying.
Re venting; In some fields it pays to stick it out in an unhappy job situation because you will work your way up the ladder, and the time you put in will pay off in the future. This is not the case for nannies. All jobs are temporary and when the family no longer needs you, you have to start all over. For this reason I think it makes no sense to stay in a job if you are not happy. Move on and find a nice family.
That said, the nanny in this post sounds horrid, and should not be a nanny at all.
DO tell. What was this nanny saying about her employer? I think I am going to write a book called, "What I learned from your nanny"
11:11 AM
I'm sorry, I did reply to your comment, but somehow it hasn't posted- yet the short note I wrote immediately following that did post.
Go figure!
Sorry psmiller...this nanny is not giving any details about her employer
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