Kidnetics in Montvale, NJ

Received Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Dark haired Au Pair with slight accent (Russian) was with two young blonde girls (3 and 5). She sat at a large table eating Tortilla chips out of a Ziploc and working on her cell phone with some printed out (from web?) sheets of paper. (At 11:00 a.m. yesterday Tues 11/25). She showed no attention to the girls. When the girls came by for chips she yelled at them to stop because the chips were going on the floor as the three year old bit them. The girls wanted to eat but she said no. Rather than sit them at one of the four empty picnic type benches so they could eat properly she wouldn't let them eat. (She ate them instead and sent them away).

Then a bit later the three year old had an accident (pee). The nanny had never taken her to the bathroom for a break because she never even looked at the kids. She used harsh tones with this child again and roughly plopped her in a chair and this time yelled at her again "You peed your pants. You can't play now. Stay here." Then she left (to her car or the lobby -- I'm not sure) and got a bag. They packed up to leave. (I was leaving then anyhow).

My four year old said on the way home, "that was a mean lady."

I have four kids of my own and give plenty of freedom to them all. I even do let the older ones mind the little ones. But I had a very bad feeling about this gal. The kids really seemed to irritate her. She worries me. The little girls were so sweet (I've been in MANY pre-school environments). These girls were being so age appropriate and behaving so well! I could only imagine how she would treat a child being "difficult."

These two girls would be much happier at a day care with multiple caregivers per room (checks and balances system).