Troublemaking Nanny at the Public Library in Watertown, MA

Received Monday, December 31, 2007
At approx 11:45 on Dec. 10,2007, I observed the following troubling exchange between three nannies who were watching their charges in the Watertown Public Library Children's Room. There were three nannies with young boys. The three were gossiping about Hollywood celebs while the boys ran around and played. One nanny was holding court with the others, dominating the conversation and giving advice. She was a black woman with an accent, possibly Haitian. On one side of her was a dark haired nanny with a straight ponytail, who seemed from her conversation to be Middle Eastern. Her charge was a little dark curly haired boy of about 2,1/2, who seemed very bright, but was getting no attention. He seemed to be wandering about unhappily, interested in the books, but getting no attention or help with them. The other nanny was a quiet, tall blonde woman with a ponytail. They listened intently as the Haitian woman told the dark haired nanny that her boy was not behaving and was being manipulative and should be dealt with. I watched as these nannies talked among themselves and did not pay attention to their charges. Puzzle pieces were strewn about, and no one helped any of the little boys with a puzzle. They were on their own. Later I noticed as the "Haitian" woman took hold of the charge of the dark haired nanny, the curly haired big, bright but sad little boy. She held his head and pulled his hair back against his will and said " Let's see what you'd look like as a girl." This was not her child and she would never have done this in front of any parent. The little boy was angry and fell on the floor with a tantrum. I later heard the Haitian woman ask the dark haired nanny what the street number of the house she worked at was.
This was subtle but to me, real assault on the other nanny's charge. I fear this woman might insert herself into the other nanny's space, and even visit during the day at this child's house. I would hope that this posting might alert the parents or others to identify this troublesome nanny and those nannies under her control, and make sure she is watched. I felt so sorry for the little boy she targeted.