Wednesday

Madison Square Park in NYC

Received Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Great Nanny sighting!
Photobucket Today at Madison Square Park, in the southeast corner of the playground, I saw two fantastic nannies.

The first was caring for two little blonde boys, one about 8 months, very chubby, whispy blonde hair, in light blue shirt and blue swim trunks. He ADORED your nanny and could not get enough of her and she was so sweet with him. His brother, Michael (or Micah maybe) was there too. He also has wispy blonde hair, was probably around two, and was wearing red and blue swim trunks. Nanny was AA, close to six feet, average build, small afro.

The second nanny was caring for a girl about 3 and a boy 4.5. Didn't catch either of their names, but the boy was tall for his age, short dark hair, long-ish green and white swim trunks, and very talkative. The girl was wearing a pink and white bathing suit with ruffles around the edges. Nanny was AA, medium height, average build, short hair, wearing light-wash jeans and purple shirt. She was playing with the kids in/around the water, chatting it up with them and it was clear that they totally dig her.

Tuesday

Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Il.

nanny sighting logo Received Tuesday, April 28, 2009
nanny,isawyournanny,i saw your nanny,sitter,zoo,chicago,post,tattle,blogPhotobucket
Physical description of caregiver: 2 girls, 18-21 age range. Asian I believe. First girl was wearing a pink striped dress with a pink sweater and white tennis shoes; her hair is long with bangs off to the side. Second girl was wearing jeans under a short brown pleated suede mini skirt, brown boots with white fir and a white shirt and jean jacket; her hair was also long.
PhotobucketPhotobucket
Physical description of involved child/children: Boy and girl, boy was older, age range 4-6. Girl was wearing a pink & white floral dress and pink sweater, pink tights and white shoes; her hair was dark blonde and curly. Boy was wearing a long sleeved white t-shirt with the #18 on it and jeans, his hair was light brown/dark blonde.

Address or venue of observed incident: Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago,grassy knoll near pond.

Date and time of incident: 4/23/09 1:00 P.M.

Detailed description of what you witnessed: I'm not sure which girl was the nanny, but they brought 2 children to this grassy area and let the brother and sister out of the stroller. They started playing with bubbles and at first I didn't really notice, but then my friend who had joined me and my charge for the day pointed out that the kids were running all over the place while the two girls were taking photos of each other playing with the bubbles. As I watched more your children were several feet away playing on some rocks (near a pond) and your nanny was completely oblivious to this. I could not see your children very clearly, and as the nanny never bothered to look around, it was obvious she didn't know how far away they had gotten. Her and her friend were taking photos of each other for probably 5-10 minutes!They never once glanced at the brother and sister as they were tumbling around in the grass and playing. At one point your son said to your daughter: "I won't be your big brother anymore!" As he pushed his sister down. Your nanny never observed this. They were so oblivious I was able to get about 7 photos of the nanny and friend and your children. As I got up to leave I noticed the girls had stopped their "photo shoot" and were playing and interacting more with the children. Before walking away I approached them and "recommended"very kindly from one nanny to another that they should watch more closely. I pointed out to them how far the children had gotten away
and how easily a child can be snatched in a city. They said thank you and I walked on.

Description of vehicle, bag, stroller that may aid in identifying involved caregiver: stroller was brown, it was the kind where an older child can stand on the back of it, don't know the brand.

Password Protected...

Received Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Perspective and Opinion on ISYN Hi, so I've been a nanny for about a year for this family I love. Going into this position, we all knew it was going to be part time. I wanted some time to figure out what career I wanted after graduation and the parents needed some time to find a nanny agency that they wanted to use to find a live in nanny from another country. (The mom had just gone back to work so they were new to this whole thing). I am live out which works great for everyone. The children go to school and are involved in many different activities, so a lot of my responsibility is just driving them around, supervising play dates and cooking them meals. Now that my time with this family is winding down, the mother has encouraged me to bring my laptop to their house so I can look up jobs or do other job related activities while I am in charge of the older children. They are 11 and 13 so I mainly sit on the deck while they play outside but don't constantly supervise what they are doing with their friends. As long as I can see them, the mother has no problem with me using my laptop. The only thing that is bothering me about this job is how the mother went about allowing me to use the laptop. I fully understood when she asked if she could put a parent lock on it to ensure that if her younger children got their hands on it they wouldn't go to a website they shouldn't be looking at. Since I was unsure how to do it, I handed my laptop over to her so she could put on the necessary restrictions. I did not think to ask for my password at the time because I don't look at any sites that are not appropriate. Later that day, I got home to find out that she had blocked many websites, including Craigslist which I frequently use for jobs! Since it was later in the night, I decided to wait until I got to work the next day to ask her for my password. Before she left for work, I kindly asked if her if I could have the password so that I could look at some other job websites other than just monster.com and several of the local hospitals. I figured that even if she didn't give me the password, she would at least be willing to change some of the restrictions. Instead, she looked at me and said that if I couldn't deal with not looking up porn or other s**t for 9 hours a day then I should just quit now. She isn't paying me for that. Obviously I was a little taken aback and hurt. Now I'm unsure of how to approach the situation. I have another computer at home so this lock isn't restricting me from looking at jobs at all. That isn't my concern. I'm worried that I have accidentally done something or one of the kids might have said something that could be misconstrued and now the mother thinks she cannot trust me or that I don't pay attention to her children. Does anyone have any suggestions of how I could approach this with her? I've been laboring over this but honestly can't come up with any reason of why the mother is now thinking that I wouldn't watch her children if I had access to my computer.

Infant Dies at Unlicensed Daycare

Business Owner Tests Positive for Marijuana - Manchester, Tenn.
The state has closed an unlicensed Coffee County daycare center after an 8-week-old boy died at the business. Investigators with the Manchester Police Department confirm the woman who ran the business, Edna Murray, tested positive for marijuana when they arrived at the center.The child, Denton Brown, died while in Murray's care at her home on Oak Street in Manchester.

According to a police report, the woman put the baby down for a nap. When she checked on him an hour later, he wasn't breathing. Murray called 911 and performed CPR but was not successful in reviving the child.
~ Special thanks to nc for contributing this Article.

Monday

Rye Rec Park (?) in Rye, NY

Received Monday, April 27, 2009
nanny sighting logo Rye Park. Don't know the name but in Rye near the high school. Went there on Saturday because the Greenwich CT Bryant Park I usually go to was closed for renovation. Said park was very crowded. There was a festival going on across the street. There were many families playing WITH their kids. Then there were three black nannies, two sitting together and one apart, there with who knows what charges. The two together were sitting on a shady bench gabbing on and on with no apparent kids in sight. Every so often a child would come bobbing over to them. Other said nanny - heavyset - was on the ONLY OTHER shady bench with a bunch of accompaniments and was gabbing on her cell phone. They all had Jamaican accents. Why is it that the Jamaican nanny population seems to be so dead set on doing as little as possible with their charges. Why were the only people actually playing with and engaging the kids their parents. Note to all Rye parents who have Jamaican nannies....please make sure your children are being watched properly. There is so much playground equipment at this park there is no way to actually watch a child while being rooted to a single bench the whole time. I followed my child the whole time, hot, sweaty and pregnant. But safe. ugghh. Give me a break!!

Sunday

Nanny needs help addressing her right to privacy...

Received Sunday, April 26, 2009
Perspective and Opinion on ISYN I've been a live in nanny for this particular family for nearly 2 years. The parents have had nothing but praise for my work with their children, and I've never been told I need to really improve on anything. Basically, I've been wonderful to their kids and I've been a "great fit" for them. However, things on my end are drastically different. A while ago I asked to move out because I felt my privacy was being invaded and the issue of spearating personal life and work was becoming too difficult. The mother gave me some piece of s*** reason as to why I couldn't leave (I have VERY set hours and the kids are older so they basically care for themselves- there really is no reason for me to live in aside from the fact that it makes her "more comfortable"- i.e. she has no idea how to be a mother and can't function as a parent so she has to have me here to calm things down when the kids get out of control after I'm off.) The mother is a control freak beyond all imagination and I know that the only reason she doesn't want me to leave is because she wouldn't be able to control my life anymore. I'm currently looking for another position, but as most of you know, things are rough as far as job options.

Today I walked in and found my window shut when I'd left it open. I asked her if she'd shut it, and she said that she had because she wanted to turn the air on. It really, really bothers me that she goes into my room. I understand completely that it's her home, but I think that if you're going to hire a live-in nanny, there has to be a level of privacy you need to respect. She wasn't even going to mention having been in my room- I had to bring it up. I know this has happened before, but this was the first time I confronted her about it. I'm wondering if I would be out of line to talk to her about this. I wanted to say something along the lines of, "You hired me as a live in, and I've respected our agreement by staying here against my own wishes. I would appreciate you giving me more privacy and not entering my room without having talked to me first." Is it okay to address this? OR am I totally out of line?

Saturday

CL - WTF?

CL-WTF on ISYN Saturday, April 25, 2009
.... What?!

* Not CL... but worthy of being our Feature Ad:

1) Opinionated Child & Butt Sniffing Dog Need Nanny ASAP (Houston TX)
Busy! Very giving and the chosen Nanny will become family to us. We're very humorous and like to occasionally have a drink and BBQ. Love the beach we live by. We need someone to be the backbone of our family. You can't get grossed out by misdirected pee pee streams or dog farts. You've got to be able to wipe tears and boogies. It's fairly easy to figure our what a 6 year old needs. It's finding out what he doesn't need that's the task. Just help take care of us. A non-smoker. My son, Casey, would like me to add: he wants someone who... isn't taller than me (wtf?), who has a baby he can play with or will take him to the park, likes Xbox and bacon, is nice, likes coloring and movies, and will give him quarters for the vending machines. "And that's completely it, mom." We're opening a Bait Camp & Seafood Market in Freeport, TX (lookit up). It use to be called Beach Bait & Tackle. My Boyfriend, Donnie, is a commercial fisherman...he catches shrimp. Yes, like Bubba Gump; sort-of. My son, Casey Blaise, is highly opinionated and bored. He's really good in school, gifted & talented crap and all but he gets very bored very quick. Yeah, most kids do. Toys get blown up with firecrackers around here and the BBQ pit is always going. You'll need to take care of Charlie. He's a 2 y/o American Bulldog & Boxer mix. He's a big luggof 100#. Don't like big dogs? Don't apply.We are searching for someone ReaL. We swear. *gasp* I drink a single drink in the evenings sometimes. Our dog is slightly unmannered and may sniff your butt. My son has developed this little thing called an opinion and he will express it liberally. He's in gifted & talented for kindergarteners; which, I think means he can cut in a straight line and doesn't eat glue. If you choose to include housekeeping and cooking in your duties you would become gold to me. I need an assistant MoM. Don't let the dog pee on the carpet, don't let my son pee on the toilet seat. Oh, he will. I love my son to death. I don't think you'll meet a kiddo quite like mine but then again, everyone thinks their child is the best ever right? We prefer a live-IN. You will have a car to drive, you will have shopping money and you will have your hands full. We do prefer a younger girl who does not smoke and has no social life. (Hah!) I don't want someone who has a lot of theories on the right way to raise kids because I'm just trying to do what's best for him. I'm willing to learn from you, but not about parenting. Teach me Frisbee .. Do not tell me to put star stickers on a good boy chart. I hate stickers. adrianballew@**** Weekly cash salary negotiable. No fancy experience required. You must pass a drug test and a background check to take care of my boys.
Original URL: http://houston.kijiji.com/c-Jobs-Childcare-Opinionated-Child-Butt-Sniffing-dog-Need-Nanny-asap-W0QQAdIdZ119829182
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Special Thanks this week to: mbargielski - for our Feature Ad, Katerbugz15, NervousNanny, teenagenitwit, nc, MissDee, StellarLikeWoah, northjerseynanny, cdhere25 and cinder38... all of you did a great job! Remember: CL-WTF will be Posted every Saturday... please send next weeks Ads HERE.

TO READ THE REST OF THIS WEEKS SUBMISSIONS: PLEASE CLICK HERE!

Thursday

I saw your husband...Quack's Bakery in Austin, TX

Received Thursday, April 23, 2009
nanny sighting logo Physical description of caregiver: Male, mid/late 40's, glasses, average/stocky build with a prominent belly, thickish short dark hair
I know this is a husband watching his own children because I have heard him make a comment about how the mother "brings home the bacon" and he watches the kids. He is a bit loud.

Physical description of involved child/children: two white boys. They look very close in age. Perhaps they are fraternal twins with one twin appearing older than the other, or maybe they are 8 months and a very small 16 months. The youngest has light hair, and not that much of it. The oldest boy has dark hair.

Address or venue of observed incident: Quack's Bakery 411 E 43rd street in Austin, Tx

Date and time of incident: Numerous times always in the afternoon around 3:00-5:00

Detailed description of what you witnessed: Your husband parks the boys outside of the bakery in their stroller while he goes inside to get a coffee. Sometimes this is five minutes, sometimes it is much longer. I have seen the boys sit for quite awhile. Last time I saw them your husband was sitting down inside the coffee shop and it took him a long time to respond to the cries of the younger son...probably because they were parked OUTSIDE.

It appears as though you live in the area, because I have heard people at the coffee shop ask him about the kids and call him by name. The first time I saw him he had only ONE boy in the stroller. Someone sitting next to me asked about the other boy. Your husband informed the man that the younger son was taking a nap. So, unless you have a nanny at home your youngest son was left all alone in the house while your husband and oldest son walked down to the bakery.

Description of vehicle, bag, stroller that may aid in identifying involved caregiver: Red and black double jogging-type stroller.

Louise Park in Van Nuys, CA

Received Thursday, April 23, 2009
nanny sighting logo Dear Parent of White Toddler wearing a pink gingham checked dress with a white sweater over it and white sandal shoes. Your nanny brought your child to Louise Park today, (Wednesday). Your child clearly did not belong in this park. This was evident by your child's dress, the fact that your child had a nanny and your child's stroller. Your child arrived in a "pergo" stroller that was all chrome with a salmon colored fabric. The child was not allowed out of the stroller. Normally, I would see this as a crime, but your nanny was not there to watch the child but to meet up with her friend. Her friend was a Lowrider of sorts, with a teardrop tattoo near one eye, long dark hair, bangs, lots of eye make-up, wearing baggie black jeans and two tank tops and gold jewelery. If you live in this area, you recognize this look, in fact it may be gang affiliated. The nanny was Hispanic with lighter brown hair, curly and in wispier style. Her make up was less dramatic. She was wearing a three quarter sleeve red shirt with dark blue jeans with black tennis shoes. The nanny sat there the whole time talking to her friend. The child squirmed and wanted some attention, the nanny was feeding her from a giant sack of robin's eggs. The sack was huge, probably two pounds. Just my guess from my knowledge of this park and the surrounding areas is that this is your nanny's stomping grounds, but you probably don't even know this park exists. I am guessing it would be hard for you to stomache seeing your sweet little girl stuffed in the stroller desperate for some sort of attention for close to two hours. During this time, there were some scary characters hanging around near the ball fields.

Wednesday

Mom's Sabbatical ....

Received Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Perspective and Opinion on ISYN I need some advice from nannies and moms who work TOGETHER.

My boss informed me this morning that she was taking a (recommended) year sabbatical from her company. During this year she will be paid a portion of her salary to work part time pro-bono. As such they do not want to let me go. They've been very communicative about this transition with me and very honest about their personal financial situation. She is going to continue looking for and interviewing for other jobs, and is hoping to be back working at the most within a year. Since I'm such a great nanny (pat on back) and we have a good relationship among all of us they will keep me on full-time while she is home.

This makes me slightly nervous. We occasionally do this on Fridays as she is always home that day, but I'm a little concerned how this will play out day to day. I would love advice on how moms and nannies have made this work well. My boss said she will make some sort of schedule for herself so that I will know if she's working or cooking or cleaning... and I know me and my little guy's activities will continue as normal. Is there anything else that can help us in this transition?

Conflicting Stories....

Received Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Childcare Warnings on I SAW YOUR NANNY Your husband is a doctor, a plastic surgeon to be exact, you work in his office.

You send your child to one of the high end pre-schools in Northern NJ because you want the best in early education.

Your child recently was diagnosed with a hairline fracture in his foot which he got at the school. The director of the Goddard school told you he fell. I heard from one of the staff what really happened was one of the part time staff, a high school student, did not realize your child's foot was caught under the wheel of a multiple stroller and she repeatedly ran over it thinking it was stuck. I can't say for certain if it's true as it is just heresay but I thought I would post it here in case someone from the child's family sees it so they can investigate further.

I have no other way of getting in touch with you so I hope you or someone you knows sees this here. Again I can't say 100 percent if this is true or not but this is what I heard from my friend who is a teacher there and I can't see why she would bother to lie to me.

Why Do Nannies Quit?

Families often wonder, “What can we do to get more stability in our childcare situation?” Why do some families seem to have one nanny after another, and another family might have the same nanny for five or more years? HomeWork Solutions’ Kathleen Webb recently spent time with a nationwide group of professional nannies and they worked up a David Letterman-style list – the top 10 reasons nannies quit.

10. ISOLATION: Occasionally a family outright forbids the nanny to leave the home with the child. Nannies look forward to taking a walk with the baby on a nice day, perhaps walking with another neighborhood nanny or at-home mom, chatting, enjoying the interaction. Toddlers look forward to spending an hour exploring the local playground. Webb observes, “Criminals get sentenced to house arrest - please don't do this to your child's caregiver!”

A live in nanny, especially one who has relocated for the job, must have the opportunity and means (transportation) to establish a social life outside the home. Generally a live in nanny who does not have reliable access to a vehicle in the evenings and weekends will not stay long.

9. LACK OF RECOGNITION: Nanny spends long hours with your children, with little interaction with other adults. Parents who are so preoccupied with the demands of their own careers and lives that they forget to express appreciation for the nanny often find themselves without a nanny unexpectedly. Words really do matter.

8. FAMILY DYSFUNCTION: Substance abuse, physical abuse, marital wars, emotional instability... any and all of these in a household can cause a nanny to quit.

7. MICRO MANAGEMENT: (SAHM and WAHM) When one or both parents spend a considerable amount of time at home while nanny is on duty problems often develop unless steps are taken up front to establish boundaries.

6. EXPENSES: Nannies who are asked to run family errands – whether groceries, dry cleaning, or party gifts – should be left adequate funds in advance. When nanny is required to provide transportation in her personal vehicle, adequate mileage reimbursement should occur.

5. TAXES: Employers, take the time to discuss wage and tax issues SPECIFICALLY at the very beginning and memorialize this in your Work Agreement. Consider giving the nanny a breakdown of the tax deductions from her paycheck with her first payment, and any time there is a change to her compensation. Consult a nanny tax specialist for assistance when needed.

4. POOR COMMUNICATION: The employer must make the time to establish regular communication with the nanny. Find 15 minutes once a week to just sit down and talk over the relationship and how things are going. Consider requiring a Nanny Log and actually look at it every 24 hours, jotting a note to nanny every few days with recognition, suggestions, or just the information that you might be a few minutes late on Thursday.

3. NON-COMPETITIVE COMPENSATION: New nannies especially are often eager to accept the nanny job and do not investigate local wages or costs. When they find out, they will leave for a better paying job, often without notice.

2. DUTIES ADDED ONE BY ONE: Sometimes referred to as job creep, the family adds duties (housekeeping, cooking, shopping, watching your neighbor’s son after school) with out appropriate compensation.

1. SCHEDULES THAT GROW, GROW, GROW: Careful! Abusing the nanny's schedule with unplanned overtime can cost you your nanny! Just as an employer will fire a chronically late employee, a nanny will quit on a chronically late parent. And remember, always compensate for overtime. You don't want a disgruntled employee filing a wage and hour grievance against you!

Tuesday

Clark St. 2/3 Station in Brooklyn, NY

Received Tuesday, April 21, 2009
nanny sighting logo
Clark St. 2/3 Station- 5:25PM on Monday, April 20, 2009.

A nanny literally dragging an approx. 11-13yo girl. Girls name possibly Liza or Leah. She was wearing a hat and had long hair. Nanny was medium build.
The situation: The girl was screaming she didn’t want to go home. The nanny was attempting to drag her despite her screams. (Yes, I am noting the girl was behaving poorly) The nanny kept trying to grab her and pull her toward the elevators and the girl kept yelling “no”. At one point the girl yelled “You’re hurting me” Many many people witnessed this.
All right, we know that pre teens and teens can be difficult however the nanny was an adult, much older than the child and could have seriously injured her with the overly physical way she was treating her. There are better ways to solve problems such as this without physically being rough with someone who’s smaller than you.
Again I will say that the girl was being very difficult but if I saw an adult attempting to drag my child I would be very upset. If this is your nanny, please be aware of how she chooses to handle the care of your daughter.

Monday

Another Watergate?

Received Sunday, April 19, 2009
Perspective and Opinion on ISYN I have a very disturbing problem. I assure you that this is not submitted for any reason but to get advice from other parents. I am worried about the legal and moral implications. We have had a nanny for three months. We use a nanny camera. My husband reviews random nanny camera footage, since she is new. I am guessing that many people have found off things on their nanny cameras, anything from cheating spouses to robberies, but I think our situation takes the cake. We have two nanny cameras, one in the playroom and one in the kitchen which is the hub of the house. Our nanny is currently attending a wedding that she told us she needed to attend when she accepted our position back in January. My husband was making sure the nanny cameras are working because we are using a fairly new sitter. Upon reviewing the tapes, he came across something disturbing. I don't know how essential the exact details are, you may edit them as you choose. Here is what we saw.

The nanny comes into the kitchen with a water pick machine. She plugs it into a kitchen outlet and now the water pick machine is setting on the counter. She goes to the coffee machine and removes the caraffe. She pours the coffee in the water pick machine. She disappears from the room. She comes back two minutes or so later. She pulls down her pants, bends over the counter and inserts the water pick into what appears to be her "bottom". She makes some strange faces. She turns the machine off. Now she is standing, somewhat cupping her bottom, dancing back and fourth on her feet like she has to go to the bathroom. I am not sure what she is exactly doing. She disappears from the room, returns five minutes later. She breaks apart the water pick. I can't see how through she washes it because her back blocks out the camera. Then she turns, puts the plastic part of the water pick machine on the counter, the tip on the counter and then dries them off with a paper towel. Then she disappears from the room again. She returns about 15 minutes later and is cutting up fruits and vegetables. Our nanny camera is digital and can be monitored via computer. The images are very clear. What do we do with this? My husband thinks we should make a copy to keep for ourselves and then a copy for an acquaintance of ours who the nanny babysits for on Saturday nights. I think that would possibly cause us legal problems.

My husband and I are shocked, revolted and disgusted, but most of all we are very disturbed. The nanny is a very sweet, shy, Mormon girl, originally from Utah. She doesn't go out drinking, she doesn't seem to have a boyfriend and she has a few like-minded friends that she pals around with on her off time. As disgusted as I am, I don't see a reason to ruin her life or embarrass her, but we are both certain that we wish to terminate her. I think we should give her two weeks severance upon her return and let her go immediately. My husband thinks that we shouldn't give her anything. She has only been with us for three months, but she has in that time gone above and beyond her duties, been incredibly responsible and hardworking and kind to all of us.

The timing on the tape was during the children's mid winter break, and it does not appear that there were any children present in the home while she was "occupying herself". I would appreciate real suggestions and advice. Our nanny will return from the wedding on Tuesday afternoon. We placed an ad in the local paper that ran today advertising the nanny job and I have been flooded with responses. There seem to be a lot of well qualified nannies out there looking for work. This works to our advantage, obviously. I am planning to take tomorrow off and I have several interviews scheduled throughout the day. One question I have is, what do I tell the nannies when they ask about our current nanny? What is a satisfactory response that isn't too revealing? Given the quality of nannies that seem to be out there, I do want to make sure that our job looks appealing to a prospective nanny.

Sunday

$5.00 an hour....

Received Sunday, April 19, 2009
Perspective and Opinion on ISYN I have a bit of a predicament that I wanted to run by some objective listeners. I have been babysitting for a family for around 5 years, since the kids were 1 and 3. The kids are now 8 and 6. When I started babysitting for them, I was 16, and had minimal experience babysitting outside of my family. At the time, I agreed to a wage of $5 an hour. To me, this was fair since at my minimum wage job I was only getting $5.15 an hour, factor in taxes and it was about equal.
My issue is that my pay has never been raised. I am a college student now and I only babysit when I am home on breaks. I love the mom (P) and the kids, and I can bring my little sister (who is 7)with me all the time. I've broached the topic before, and usually P has laughed it off and said we'll talk later. But now, I am nannying this summer for another family who is paying me $15 an hour and I am also sitting occasionally now for a family who pays me $12 an hour. As you can see $5/hr doesn't really cut it.

I've made it clear to P that these other jobs are paying more, but she still hasn't increased what she pays me.

Now, I want to throw a few things in here: my sister comes with me almost every time I go over there and any time we go somewhere, P includes money for me and my sister, which I am aware she doesn't need to do. She always remembers my birthday and Christmas and gives me small gifts. And I really do love her and her kids.

Okay, my point to this rambling is that P wants me to come by on regularly set days this summer and I can only assume she wants me to accept the low hourly wage that I am aware has gone on for too long. How do I broach this subject with her so that I don't scare her off or offend her? She is a single mother and works from home and I have no clue what her income is like, but it's not great. I am aware that times are tough, but if I am getting twice as much (or three times as much) elsewhere, I feel less inclined to fit her in and I want to be able to without sacrificing wages. How do I handle this?

CL - WTF?

CL-WTF on ISYN Saturday, April 18, 2009
.... What?!

1) LIVE IN OR LIVE OUT Babysitter/Housekeeper Needed (Grennwich/Stamford/Norwalk/Fairfeld CT)
LIVE IN OR OUT LIVE Babysitter/Housekeeper Needed. Grennwich,Stamford,Norwalk…fairfeld co CT hello as you are I am a young person, and I am a professional person with a business administration degree with 6 years of experience worning in this profession. Currently I am studying English as a second language. I have experience in child care. I can communicate with children easily and can manage their needs accordingly. I am very organized responsible. I have experience in housekeeping as well with great detail. I am a person with a high level of education. My best quality is my responsibility an interview would demonstrate my qualification in greater detail. Please contact me by phone 203 803**** or 203 223**** at anytime.or email ninigutierrez@**** if you need my resumey and references gladly send you a thank you send me a mail ninigutierrez@**** and I send my resumey .. Compensation: $ 700 or 600 the price of my weekly pay is $ 700 or $ 600 dollars if sauave work that depends on the activities. if you have no budget for this pay please do not call me or send me mail thank you ..... if you can pay some of these values ... call me or write me a mail .. thank you. Qualifications: • 7 years experience • driver • Strong organizational skills
Original URL: http://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/kid/1120507470.html
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Special thanks this week to: northjerseynanny - for our Feature Ad, MissDee, ThatGreatNanny, several Anonymous Contributors and nc... you did an awesome job! Remember: CL-WTF will be Posted every Saturday... please send next weeks Ads HERE.

TO READ THE REST OF THIS WEEKS SUBMISSIONS: PLEASE CLICK HERE!

Thursday

Cupcake Cafe in Brooklyn - NY

Received Thursday, April 16, 2009
nanny sighting logo Crude, crude, crude biracial nanny!
I was at the cupcake cafe in brooklyn and observed a biracial, black & white nanny with a faded yellow sweatshirt (designer style) and black jeans, black boots in charge of a girl of about five, with blond hair in two braids and pink corduroy pants with uggz style sweater boots. The nanny was talking about the Tea bag parties and Obama. She was using inappropriate language in her heated discussion. One of the things she said that can best illustrate the conversation was the only tea bag party I'm attending is the one you're having in my mouth tonight. This was said to a black male of about 30 who she recognized when she went in. He was buying coffee and wearing a Met's baseball hat. Your nanny was also carrying a brown tote bag with little blue circles on it. The entire conversation was inappropriate and even if the child didn't understand all of the elements, she may repeat some of them to someone else. When the guy told her she looked good, she spun around and said "but you've never seen what's underneath". I mean, come on. The conversation was making adults uncomfortable.

Broadway - between 72nd and 73rd street - NY

Received Thursday, April 16, 2009
nanny sighting logo I saw a nanny yesterday on Broadway - between 72nd and 73rd street, pushing a green carriage with an infant girl inside who was wailing with hunger. It was about 1:30 or so. The nanny (Latino and not tall) was strolling slowly while the infant screamed. She stopped, got out the rain cover (it wasn't raining) and covered up the carriage so as to muffle the sounds of the baby crying. She was walking very slowly, and in no hurry, to get the infant home for what was obviously a solution to her hungry crying.

7th Avenue Barnes & Noble - Park Slope - NY

Received Thursday, April 16, 2009
nanny sighting logo What: Nanny losing track of child while talking on cell phone.
Where: 7th Avenue Barnes & Noble (Park Slope)
When: Today, 4/15 at approximately 3:45
Child: White Boy with curly brown hair, 3 feet tall, a few freckles, blue jeans, dk. brown hiking style boots, dk. blue jacket.
Nanny: Hispanic Woman with straight jet black hair, past shoulders, heavy make-up, missing a tooth in the front, attractive face, on the thin side, wearing track suit with blue velour pants bottoms, tan and brown tennis shoes with criss cross straps, blue velour sweatshirt with large "P" with rhinestones on it.
*The nanny was sitting down, reading books at one point and the child came to her and tried to drag her back to where he was. She shooed him away and told him "five more minutes". Later, she was with the child, by with I mean about 5 feet away as opposed to letting him have the run of the store and her phone rang, blasting a rap style song and she picked it up and started chatting loudly. Another customer told her, "Ma'am, do you mind"? The last time I saw her, the child was in the children's books area playing with the books that have toy elements to it. I am sorry to say, he was being kind of destructive, even removing some of the kits that come with the books. What was the nanny doing? Sneaking up behind him, with a box of "Crows" and throwing crows at his head. She thought this was hysterical. I know it didn't hurt, but what kind of nanny is this?

Wednesday

17 and Park Avenue South - NY

Received Wednesday, April 15, 2009
nanny sighting logo Nanny ignoring traffic light April 15, 4 pm, 17 and Park Avenue South.

Today, 4 pm crossing Park Avenue South. The nanny was Hispanic, late fifties early sixties. The stroller was blue. (Did not get the make). The child was about 2, blond hair, blue eyes. The nanny crossed against the light, totally oblivious to traffic. Cars screeched to a halt, one driver was yelling at her. However she paid no attention.

Sunday School Teacher Charged with Rape and Murder Of Sandra Cantu

Police ask for additional tips, information in 8 year-old's killing - CNN
Police are searching for any other alleged victims of a Sunday school teacher accused of raping and killing an 8-year-old girl from Tracy, California.

"We are asking the public if they have any indication that any of their children may have had inappropriate contact with [the suspect] to contact us," Tracy Police Sgt. Tony Sheneman said Tuesday evening. "There has been no indication that this has happened. But she is a Sunday school teacher and did have contact with children, so that is why we are asking."

Melissa Huckaby, 28, was arrested and charged with murder, kidnapping, the performance of a lewd and lascivious act on a child under 14 and rape by instrument.

Monday

My Career as a Manny

Received Monday, April 13, 2009 - Guest Column by Joshua Lapin-Bertone
My name is Joshua and I’m a male working in childcare. Some people prefer to call me a “Manny”, but that sometimes confuses things more for people who don’t know what I’m talking about. Even though we live in a world where things are changing and gender roles are constantly being questioned, I still have many odd looks when I tell people of my career. Just recently, I was having a fun day at a theme park with some people my own age (something which is rare when you work in childcare). I was talking to one of the girls, and she asked me what I did for a career. When I told her, she had the most confused look on her face. “Why do you do that?” “Why would parents want some man to watch their children”. I gave her the same answers that I’ve given a million times. The thought does occur to me sometimes, why should I have to defend what I do? I do my job well and I am proud of it.

One of the first things I constantly have to do is show people that I am not just some guy who decided to watch kids. I tell perspective employers of my CPR certifications, Red Cross training, and my official required state licensing. I couple these with my big resume and excellent references, but still find myself turned down from jobs in favor of people with a third of my experience. Some employers are polite and others are more honest saying “It just doesn’t feel right with a male”. I don’t want to make it sound like my experiences have mostly been negative. Male nannies do have our hardships, but I’ve also had experiences I wouldn’t trade for the world. I’ve worked with people who I’ve become close enough with to consider family. I’ve formed relationships that I’ll never forget. While my friends have been flipping burgers, bagging groceries and sitting at desks as jobs, I’ve been going swimming, playing laser tag and being “a big brother”. I try to be a good role model and a “big brother” figure to the children who I watch. As long as I stick by that mission statement, I haven’t failed yet. Will I do this work forever? I’m not sure, but I am enjoying it now, having the time of my life and will never forget my days as a “manny”.
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Thank you for your Essay Joshua. Have something on your mind? Let it out. Send submissions to isawyournanny@aol.com. We're always looking for Guest Columns!

Saturday

CL - WTF?

CL-WTF on ISYN Saturday, April 11, 2009
.... What?!

1) Blessed is my Baby sitter (Detroi)
The ideal person for this position will be loving, caring, kind, open minded and gentle. She will also be social, inspirational and know our lord and savior jesus christ as her personal savior, she will have hit rock bottom on the verge of being homeless, she will have been victimized, lied on, cheated on, and discouraged in many ways. she will be strong, understanding and compassionate about herself and others. she will have learned from her mistakes, but untouched by them at the same time.She will have a desire to rise above her despair and have the courage to make the neccessary sacrifices to achieve her dignity through her primary focus and willingness to find contentment in her personal rightousness. She will have common sence and will not be discouraged by the fears that others seem to magnify through what they think ' might be in her best Interest. God, must be present in her heart as she makes her decision while in transition. If you feel that this sounds, much like you' than you may very well be the person that we are looking for. we are a christian family deeply rooted in a non denominational faith, as christ as the head of our house hold we are currently seeking a ( live in baby sitter ) who will love and care for our only son, we will offer you room and board in exchange for these services, as well as a vehicle and cell phone for the purposes of transporting our son to all appointments, also if you are employed in the evenings and or weekends you will have use of one of the vehicles as well, the hours will be monday through friday 9 to 5, you will have saturdays and sundays off. Our reasons for choosing someone down and out is because we are compelled by the spirit of God to help others in despair, who are in need of true help, someone who will eagerly appreciate our concearn and interest for their personal welbeing, we are not perverts or psycho people looking to violate or extort youg women and we are not gay or intersted in the indulgence of a third party freak. We place our ads where ever we chose because we are adults obeying the word of god, and although the devil displays his disgust through the demon oriented mortal man, we will triumph as you have in over coming your past experiences. this position is not intended for people who do not follow the word of god, nor is it intended for those who seek money for their services. The housong and job markets are bad in many places, and we understand the strees, pain and hardship on normal, regular, average, every day poor people, we cannot save the world, nor can we help everyone in need, but our mission is to pass on the love and care to others, in hope that it will make a diffence in their confusions, a difference in their lives, their goals and the hope that live deep within. More often than i care to admit' it seems rather alarming to find the level of negativities amongst those" who seek their passions in life. It's almost' as if ' they are searching for something' special' and when they find whatever it is that they are looking for " they simply" discard it, with a vengence, a plague, often administered by the workings of demons all around them, remember the story' little boy who cried wolf" what an interesting concept. The average person' works a 9 to 5 job, and when their paycheck, is recieved' they go out and spend it on their bills, and whats left, is barely enough to get by on' owe' yes' they truley mean well' and will spend years in that circle, simply becoming use to their fundamental attempt to grasp a difference in their bank account and or rationalizations for fear, and their ever present loved ones. It seems that the only way out is an ice cold beer, vodka and gin, 520 friendly, a pack of newports and relentless desires and passions for sex, the hot guy or the hot girl. God takes a back seat until, the end is almost near. we send this message in peace and love, if you want a job. lets us know. we live in Boston, get a one way ticket, and we will be there" praise the lord.
Original URL: http://detroit.craigslist.org/kid/1086069350.html
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Special thanks this week to: Amy - for our Feature Ad, MissDee, Michelle, austinmama, philly and nc... all of you did a great job! Remember: CL-WTF will be Posted every Saturday... please send next weeks Ads HERE.

TO READ THE REST OF THIS WEEKS SUBMISSIONS: PLEASE CLICK HERE!

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Child Abuse at Daycare Caught on Tape - Olney, PA
A Philadelphia daycare worker is under arrest after police say she beat a one-year-old boy. Investigators say the special victims unit received a report of possible abuse at a daycare Wednesday morning at around 11:00 a.m. The one-year-old was complaining of pain in his side and could hardly walk. His mother, Biana Lugo, took him to the hospital and staffers there called police. Investigators went to the daycare in the 5600 block of North 5th Street, and reviewed video tape. They say the tape shows that 32-year-old Serine Budd of Lawrence Street kicked, beat, and dragged the child, named Anthony. Budd was taken into custody and is charged with abusing a child. (continued)
Special Thanks to nc for Contributing this Article.

Baby Left Alone in Day Care Van Dies
Marcus Perkins last saw his 4-month-old son alive about 8:30 Thursday morning when the baby, snug in his car seat, was placed in the day care van that picked him up every day.
"I make sure he gets on that van safe every morning," Perkins, 28, said Thursday afternoon, surrounded by family. "I watch them strap him in safe every morning. I don't let him out of my sight 'til he's safe." The boy, Jalen Knox-Perkins, died Thursday, after he was left unattended in the van for about four hours outside Bumble Bee Learning Center, 3942 N. 76th St., according to an e-mail from Milwaukee police spokeswoman Anne E. Schwartz. Jalen was found about 1:50 p.m., Schwartz said.
Special Thanks to Miss Dee for Contributing this article.

Florida Babysitter Accused of Sleeping in Bathroom as Child Wandered Street
Authorities say a Treasure Coast woman fell asleep in the bathroom while a toddler she was supposed to be watching wandered the street. Port St. Lucie police say the 2-year-old boy was found on a canal bank Friday with two alligators in the water. When police searched the babysitter's home, officers say they found 26-year-old Brandy Lynn Albright asleep on the toilet. Officers also found an Oxycodone prescription bottle with 11 pills.
Special thanks to HCS for contributing this story.

Friday

Oh, The Economy (VI)

Received Friday, April 10, 2009
Perspective and Opinion on ISYN I'm unsure what to do. I've not worked for three months owing to the recession. In that time I've been to numerous interviews, just as many second interviews, and this week I worked a paid trial shift, after which my references were checked and today over the phone I was offered the job. After I'd accepted, my new employer stated that the salary we'd agreed on (after speaking about it at the first interview and listing it as part of the outline for the contract at the second interview, an amount which hasn't increased in two years) was beyond their budget and that they'd be paying me 15% less. I was taken aback, stuttered a bit, but accepted the lesser amount. I was very excited at the prospect of starting with this family- we both intended it to be a longterm commitment, and I need to work after not having worked steadily since the beginning of January, however this shift in gears has left a very bad taste in my mouth. I'm to start on Monday, but I'm torn between doing what I need to do which is work steadily again, or standing up for myself and not accept the job because they've gone back on their word. Your opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Serial Killer in Training?

Boy, 11, Arrested For Shocking 'Razor Slide' Prank
A 6-year-old boy needed 30 stitches to close the wound on his rear end after he went down a playground slide in Pleasant Valley, N.Y., not knowing someone had rigged it with a box cutter blade.
It's supposed to be a safe haven for kids, but what happened on a Dutchess County playground is sick and shocking. A 6-year-old boy was injured going down a slide -- after it was rigged with a razor blade. Now an 11-year-old boy is under arrest. "I slid down the slide; I felt something stinging," 6-year-old Sean Yambo said. When Sean tells the painful story of his slide and slice, it makes people angry. This kid, who should not know any pain, suffered an excruciating gash on his behind after a blade from a box cutter was deliberately wedged into a crack in a slide at this apartment complex playground.
Sean's father said he watched as investigators removed the slide, taking it in as evidence, and he was relieved a suspect was quickly identified. Investigators said it was a boy, only 11 years old, who lives nearby and who had vandalized the same playground before.

Carl Schurz Park in NYC

Received Friday, April 10, 2009
nanny sighting logo Your nanny Rita lost both of your daughters - Victoria and Charlotte.

April 9th, 2009 around 11:30am at Carl Schurz Park on the Upper East Side I was with my students and fellow teachers (I am a teacher) and I saw a girl around 2 or 3 years old wandering around alone crying. She had curly hair. I asked her her name and she said her name was Victoria and that she was lost. I asked for her nanny's name and she told me it was Rita and that she had dark skin. I picked Victoria up and carried her around the park trying to find Rita. About fifteen minutes later she pointed to a woman with an empty stroller, she was dark skinned and had an accent. It was Rita. She said she had been watching the sister and that Victoria had wandered off. I asked where the sister was who was 6 years old and she said she was off looking for Victoria and that now she could not find the sister whose name she told me was Charlotte. I found Charlotte who was alone and looking for Victoria. Your girls are lovely girls and were very frightened - especially Victoria. What concerned me was that anyone could have easily taken the children out of the park and the Rita would not have noticed. She was not even looking for the children and was not upset at all when I returned Charlotte. I wish you the best.

Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown, NY

Received Friday, April 10, 2009
nanny sighting logo Nanny - abusive: Asian, 5'2-5'4", 110-140 lbs, dark hair, scarf around head, dark hair poking out underneath, about 40-60.
Child -being abused: curly hair, reddish-brown, 2-4 y.o., light blue jacket, blue jeans, black high top tennis shoes.
Locale: Wetchester Marriott/Tarrytown NY
Incident: Nanny smacked child on the back of the head three to four times while they were walking in a grassy area outside of the hotel. I was being picked up by a car and was literally driving away when I saw the incident. I admit I should have had the car stop and jumped out and done something but I had a flight to make.
Date: 4/9/09, (Thursday) 10:30 AM

Wednesday

"The Stillest Waters Can Run Deep Over the Saddest Secrets"

Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Perspective and Opinion on ISYN I don't know what to do- I haven't seen this sort of situation on ISYN as of yet, which is a good thing- But I need help.

I was the full-time nanny for a family for two years, and grew very close with the children, especially the little girl. I no longer nanny full time for the family, but I do come in on some weekends for babysitting, to stay in touch.

Well, this last Friday I was sitting at the coffee table doing a puzzle with the four year old little girl. CNN was on in the background with the volume turned down low, and I had my back to the TV. I noticed the little girl watching the screen with a really sad look on her face, so I turned to see what it was. CNN was covering the new PSA Kiera Knightley has done which addresses domestic violence. It is really graphic and heartbreaking, and it shows her being beaten by a man. The girl turned to me and said, "That's like my mom and dad." I asked her what she meant by that, and she said, "That's how my mom and dad are, but my mom isn't on the floor."

I didn't ask anything more, because the housecleaners were less than 10 feet away and I didn't want to start gossip. (We were speaking softly)

Now, what I SHOULD have done was take her outside to the swing and ask open-ended questions. It breaks my heart to think of what might be happening in this family- I could be the only person that knows anything, and I have done nothing!

I know children can misunderstand things, but if you watch the PSA, its pretty black and white.

The only thing I can think of is that she meant that they were an adult man and woman, like her parents. But that would be strange of her to say. I know this child well, and I believe I know the whole family well. But I also know that even the stillest waters can run deep over the saddest secrets.

What would you do?

Oh, The Economy (V)

Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Perspective and Opinion on ISYN I have been working at my current job for about a month. My bosses were suddenly laid off last week and no longer need or can afford a nanny, so I was given my thirty day notice. Since then I discussed my job search with one of them and she let me know that if I needed to leave early that would be fine, and better for them and joked that I was the only one getting paid. Today I got my first paycheck since then and I just feel so guilty taking money from them. They don't even really need me here and today I heard them saying they were applying for unemployment. On the other hand they did get a few things shopping and gave me a bracelet as a thank you, but they could be using credit? What should I do? Should I tell them I don't need their money and just ask for accomodations until I find a job?

Tuesday

UWS Riverwalk in NYC

Received Tuesday, April 7, 2009
nanny sighting logo I saw your nanny this afternoon. She was wearing black knee length boots, a long grey & white sweater, black leggings and a black baseball cap. She was white and wore sunglasses. She was pushing your child in an umbrella with a solid red canopy, red print material body, red wheels and chrome frame. The child was wearing a kango and had curly dark hair. I think the child was a girl, but cannot be sure. The child was wearing a blue wool jacket and had a white blanket over his/her legs. He/she looked to be 2ish as he/she was straining to look around at the nanny and was verbal. The nanny was smoking. How many of you are going to say this isn't a big deal? She was smoking marijuana. Grass. Ganja. An illegal substance while on the job. Some of you are going to ask how I am so sure she was the nanny. I turned around at one point to pass her by in the opposite direction and she was on the cell phone. She was telling her employer - listen up if this is you- you will recognize this call- exactly where she was and that she had made an appointment for Devon at 5:30 PM. She made further conversation about planning to meet her employer at the Dr's office with Devon and and head home from there.
The nanny was smoking the substance from a rolled joint, which she held between her thumb and pointer finger. She saw me look straight at it like "what the hell" and she looked back at me like, "and?" Is this an emergency? No. Maybe the parent even knows. But if not, hopefully she will know now.

Tragic Ending...

Photobucket
Body Of 8-Year-Old Sandra Cantu Found in Suitcase - Tracy, CA
The body of 8-year-old Sandra Cantu who had been missing for 10 days from her Northern California home was found Monday, stuffed inside a suitcase found in a irrigation pond. It brought a tragic end to a search that drew hundreds of volunteers to the small town of Tracy. How and why she died is still not clear, police say. An autopsy will be performed today to determine the cause of death.

The outgoing second-grader went to visit a friend Friday and never made it home. Chavez said her niece, who lived with her mother, grandparents and three older siblings, had played at a friend's house in the park after school Friday before coming home to check in around 4 p.m. She told her family she was heading over to another friend's house. That was the last time she was seen. "She usually checks in with her mom," Chavez said. "It was dinnertime … and she wasn't here."

Video from a surveillance camera outside the family's house showed Sandra walking away from her home, also away from the only exit to the mobile home park. Chavez said the family learned later that the friend Sandra set out to visit wasn't home at the time.

The body was found a few miles from her trailer park home, which is still roped off by police tape, the AP reported. (full story - continued...)

UPDATE: MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2009

Sunday School Teacher Booked in Sandra Cantu's Murder
The arrest of Sunday school teacher Melissa Huckaby, 28, of Tracy, Calif., on suspicion of kidnapping and killing 8-year-old Sandra Cantu, whose body was found stuffed into the teacher's suitcase in an irrigation pond, has brought little relief to a shocked community.

Huckaby's arrest, which came shortly before midnight Friday, dealt a double blow to close-knit Tracy, already shattered by young Sandra's death. The arrest brought little relief to the family, only disbelief that it was someone who lived just a few doors down from the Cantu home.

Police gave no motive for the killing, but believe Sandra was killed soon after the video showing the second-grader skipping in her neighborhood March 27 was recorded.
"I hope she rots for this," said Amber Austin, a Tracy resident. "You have no right to take an innocent child's life." (video)

Oh The Economy (IV)

Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Perspective and Opinion on ISYN Well the economy has done its job and i lost my nanny job of 2 years, it was only part time but it was hard news to hear financially and emotionally. I was lucky and found a 3 day a week (9 hours a day) position in a few days with decent pay for a 2 year old and a 8 month old. I work on Tues and Thurs, as well, and mainly have a 2 year old. Even tho i have been a nanny for about 5 years this will be my first as the "first nanny" to a family. With this being said I am having to coach alot on how and what expectations on both ends are. So I have a few questions about things that have always been provided but now I am the one to bring it up. So i need help on correct amounts and procedures to bring it up to the family.

I would love feedback form both nannies and families..

Gas/mileage:
What is the current gas reimbursement? I will be driving my car and have always just been given money. Do you generally go for it or just a set gas amount weekly?

Activity/crafts/etc: What would be an appropriate amount to suggest for a weekly budget? I'm all about free activities but there are things such as the pool, craft material, or other random things that may happen that I would like to do that do come with a fee. like I said 3 days a week 9 hours a day. I have always been given money or just made a list and was given what I wanted. I will of course save receipts as such.

Car Seats: If the family does not have an extra seat is it OK to ask for seats for my car. with a 8 month old I don't want to have to unload and reload every day. I do not want to leave them alone inside while I'm struggling to do car seats and I definitely wont sit them on the grass or anything like. On my T/TH job i just put in the seat on Tues and take it out Thurs..so its a once in once out. He is easier to load with because he will stand on the grass or sit on the porch. I was thinking that if I did have a 2 year old size seat from my MWF family I'd just use it for the T Th family too. So would I ask for them to pay for it fully or maybe just half?

Oh, The Economy (III)

Update
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
I had sympathy for her, trust that I did. I sat down and spoke with her on Thursday morning as intended, however, I had a work related emergency that prevented me from spending more time discussing things with her. I went to work on Thursday and came home and everything seemed fine. I felt I had made the best decision. Friday morning came, I left without incident and everything seemed fine. By the time Friday afternoon rolled around, I began to feel uncomfortable with the situation. I am not sure why. Perhaps because I could slow down and really absorb the situation. By the time I got home Friday night, I was a wreck. I finally got the nerve to call her up on Saturday and tell her that I had decided she should not return to work, but that I wanted to invite her to lunch on Sunday with the children so that she could say good bye. I offered her one week of severance pay. At this point, I was mostly concerned about my children getting to say good bye. I had no intention of telling them the nanny had stolen anything. The nanny agreed to meet us for lunch. I told the children. We were five minutes away from the destination on Sunday when she texted me, "I can't do it. Can't make it". I tried calling her back, but I have received only her voice mail. I ended up having to tell the children that "*" was going through a difficult time right now and unable to continue working with us. I assured the children that she loved them and made certain to mention several wonderful things that "*" had done with them. The children are pretty upset and miss her dearly. I still have not heard from her and I'm really angry about that. I was willing to try to give her a second chance and yet she decided to stomp on my children's feelings. I am actively interviewing for a new nanny and I was fortunate to find a person familiar to our family to fill in through the month of April.

Received Wednesday, April 1, 2009

ISYN- Perspective & Opinion
I have a bit of a problem with my nanny. I wanted to get an impartial sampling of information. I have had the same nanny for two years and by all accounts, she is wonderful with our children. We have never had a significant issue arise in the entirety of the two years. I came home this evening and the nanny was upstairs with the children. I went in the pantry and grabbed a snack and sat down to read the mail. The nanny came downstairs, gave me a run down of activities and started to get ready to leave. I went in to the family room with one of the children as the nanny was gathering her possessions. This happens every day. Today, my son saw me eating tortilla chips and asked for some. Rather than argue, I darted back in the kitchen to grab some and the nanny was coming out of the pantry. She was zipping up her back pack and coming from the pantry, which was odd. I didn't put two and two together until I grabbed for the tortilla chips and noticed that a container of Skippy Peanut butter I had seen, not two minutes before was now gone. I turned and looked at the nanny, processing this in my head. It was all coming together. I looked at her and said, "is everything okay", but she was frozen, now holding her back pack with two hands in front of her. I quickly tossed some chips in a bowl, called my son to come and get them and then asked the nanny, still standing, "what is going on". She burst in to tears, apologized, all the while crying with tears streaming down her face. She said her boyfriend was collecting unemployment and it wasn't much at all, so she was basically paying for everything by herself and they had no real food to eat. I asked her what she meant by "have no real food to eat" and she said that they had about 50 packs of Ramen and that was what they were down to. I have no reason to doubt this person and I feel bad for her. I am going to abbreviate our conversation but basically what I told her was that I didn't want to know what was in her bag, that we would be fine without it, and that I felt for her, but at the same time, I need to be able to trust her implicitly. She tried to open the bag and give me back what was in it, but I stopped her. I told her to go home and to come in tomorrow at 10. I plan to have the children elsewhere so I can sit down with her and talk to her. Please understand that I am sympathetic, but at the same time, if she is desperate and continues to be desperate- than what? One bag of food is not miraculously going to make things better for her and I am not in a position right now to offer her anything more than we are giving her. I am employed today because I have a contract, but my job is sales based and I, too am struggling, although granted, not to the degree she seems to be. Has anyone ever got passed a theft situation with a nanny? Does this count as a theft? What do I say tomorrow?

Difficult situation? We've been there. Email isynblog@gmail.com for support and answers.

Sunday

In the news

Sunday, April 5, 2009
De Niro's Nanny Sues Actor for $40G in Back Pay
A nanny who was fired by Robert De Niro has sued the actor for more than $40,000 in overtime pay. Alexis Barry says in court papers that she was never paid for more than 750 hours of overtime and never took 10 vacation days. She began working for De Niro and his wife, Grace Hightower, in August 2006, and says she was fired 10 months later — after she said she was going to quit. The couple have an 11-year-old son.

Barry says she is owed more than $40,000. She filed a lawsuit Friday in Manhattan's state Supreme Court.

Saturday

CL - WTF?

CL-WTF on ISYN Saturday, April 4, 2009
.... What?!

1) Open minded Nanny wanted (Baltimore MD)
My wife and I will be having our newborn girl in August 2009 and are looking for a live-in nanny that can take care of our baby as well as do some light chores. We are looking for someone preferably Brazilian, Dominican, Hispanic but are open to all others. We also want someone who is open to possible intimate interactions with my husband. He is a very attractive black male with a high sex drive. We are a pretty well off family and live in an exclusive neighborhood in Maryland and you would be well compensated. We are interested in very attractive women only. Please email here if interested. Compensation: 200 -600 weekly.
Original URL: http://baltimore.craigslist.org/dmg/1105808498.html
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*The following Ad is being Published only because it is a very sad story:

2) Moved out here for a nanny position now they changed their minds (Las Vegas)
Hello my name is Heather I am a 26 yr. old Single mom of a 9 mth old baby girl. I accepted a position as a nanny and moved from california w/ my daughter on a bus. So I have been here for 5 days and this family that I am working for just let me know that they are not going to need me after all. The woman's mother will be watching their son instead. The funny thing is, I just turned down a nanny position that payed more because I thought I would do the right thing and stay with this family because I made a commitment to them and now they are just giving me the boot. I am very upset because I have a baby with me and no where to go. I have excellent nanny references. Please Help. If anyone is in need of a live in nanny/caretaker please consider me. Thank you, ~Heather (530) 844- **** (Ad includes photos of her and her child)
Original URL: http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/kid/1104085327.html
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Special thanks this week to: Marie - for our Feature Ad, austinmom, austinmama, MissDee, live.moxie, Renee, MNanny, cdhere25, Kate in PA, Robin, atxmom and cinderellasdestiny83... all of you did a fantastic job! Remember: CL-WTF will be Posted every Saturday... please send next weeks Ads HERE.

TO READ THE REST OF THIS WEEKS SUBMISSIONS: PLEASE CLICK HERE!

Bryant Park in NYC

Received Saturday, April 4, 2009
nanny sighting logo I witnessed something deeply disturbing this afternoon, (4/3) at approximately 3:40 PM in Bryant Park near the Juarez statue. A black woman dressed in a thick, long white wool sweater, blue slacks, wearing a head band and with curly hair hanging off the back was with two children. One of the children was a black child, very healthy looking, in a mint green coat with pink velvet pants. She had to have been close to 20 months. The other child in the double stroller was a white child, of about 9 months. She was also a girl and able to hold her own bottle, which she was doing, sitting in the front of the double stroller, with one foot kicked up over the bar. She was wearing a Paisley print jacket with browns and pinks and black dress shoes with blue jeans. The stroller was a navy blue Graco, with large blue canopies over both seats. The woman identified herself as Mommy when cooing to the black child. The black child was wrapped in a cream colored blanket with fringes, which was half over the mother to. It took me awhile to realize the mother had began to breastfeed the child. I was momentarily shocked because the child was so big/old. Both children were being cooed to by the woman who had a very pleasant manner and was very good with the children, as far as I saw. After the child stopped nursing on the mother, yes she stopped on her own, lifted her head out from the blanket and covered her mom back up, the mother lifted her and put her in the rear seat of the stroller. She strapped her in, covered her with a red blanket that was in the stroller and handed her a light up glow worm doll. The mother than picked up the white child who had been drinking her bottle and put her on her lap and started talking to her, with her fingers playing with that child's fingers. I would swear on my life, that the woman looked around to see who was watching her before putting the child underneath the blanket and helping the child affix to her nipple. I could see the woman manipulating the child's face and her breast, it was breezy outside. After about five minutes, the woman switched the child to the other breast. This required a lot of maneuvering of the blanket and her underlying garments. The child nursed for about ten minutes on that breast and then the woman put her on her shoulder and patted her back for about five minutes. When she placed her in the stroller, she inched the seat down a bit because the baby was asleep. She covered this baby with another red blanket. She fixed herself, folded the cream blanket up, tucked it in the stroller next to the white baby and stood up and walked off. I am alarmed by this because I think the woman acted strangely when she looked around to see who was watching her, it was also kind of cool to be out for the length of time she was with two little ones. (She could not see me). I also think it is unsanitary to feed two babies like that, one right after the next. I wonder if the mother knows the baby is breastfeeding with this nanny. The baby was drinking a bottle when they originally sat down! I am sorry to say, I could not look away. The whole thing was pretty fascinating, but equally disturbing. If this is your nanny, I hope she has your permission to be breastfeeding your child.

Rite Aid on 1st Ave & E. 5th in NYC

Received Saturday, April 4, 2009
nanny sighting logo Nanny: young 20-25, attractive African-American, wearing tight jeans with purplish decorated pockets, yellow tunic with hood and South Pole jacket in white and tan hiking boots.
Child: Blonde boy, Caucasian, age 3-3.5 in collapsible stroller with bright green and metallic bars and white print. Child was wearing a railroad inspired jacket, light up tennis shoes and a blue knit hat.
Where: Rite Aid Drug Store on 1st Ave & E. 5th
What: I witnessed nanny stealing two small containers which each contained two bottles of five hour energy drink. I don't know what else she stole, if anything. I debated whether or not to report her, but decided that A) I did not want to get involved and B) If I did report her, something could happen to the child, even if he was separated from her, he could be traumatized.
Let me be very clear that I 100% saw this. The woman had a black Kate Spade diaper bag hanging on the stroller and this is where she stuffed the two things I saw her take. She left the store before me, in part I think because she may have realized I saw her. There is no doubt that she left without paying for these items.

Thursday

Is it a Game... or is Nanny Hurting Child?

Thursday, April 2, 2009
Perspective and Opinion on ISYN Ok.. not sure where to start.We have a nanny for 3 kids, 2 preschool (A and T), one toddler (M). She's been with us for over 2 years. Previous to her, her sister nannied for us for over a year, then went back to school. Their mom has become a part of our family as well...she loves our kids, treats them like grandkids. All and all it's been the best situation anyone could ask for. Until today. My oldest casually mentioned "When M doesn't walk to his bedroom to get his diaper changed, Nanny bonks him." So my husband and I start casually asking her what she meant. Trying not to be alarmed (which was hard for me..trust). Finally after having her demonstrate a few times and getting her to discuss it a bit more, it comes out that our nanny swoops M up, and bonks his head or legs into the wall of the hallway while walking down the hall. How hard?? Not sure. Is it a game??? Maybe..maybe not. Has he had bruises or scratches lately???? Yes, but what crazy toddler boy who is a daredevil DOESN'T have a bruise every now and then from jumping off a coffee table or body slamming into his sisters or whatever......I'm numb. I'm absolutely numb. I need to talk to the nanny about it...get her side of the story, but I don't even know what to say, how to start. Do I believe what she says? Why would my daughter make it up? I also want to ask my other pre-schooler seperately what she has seen or noticed...she is quiet and such a "follower" of her big sister that I need to talk with her away from her sister so she isn't distracted, right???

Until today, I have NEVER doubted that my kids had the best care ever. NEVER...and now I do. I feel like my world has been turned upside down because I don't want to believe this. I can't believe this....but my oldest made it pretty clear that she "bonks" his head. This is unacceptable right? Does anyone know of an explanation that would make this ok??? What else can I do?? I know that the consensus on here is no nanny cam without informing the nanny, but I don't understand how that will help...if I tell her I'm going to start watching her. And then I start thinking about if I do fire her how devastating this will be for the kids....I mean this is someone who has been with our family for as long as my kids can remember practically. I mean if I fire her and she disappears forever, what will my kids think and how will that affect them. It would be the same as a divorce, practically......what do I do??? No flames please. Thanks

Wednesday

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Recession Shakes Up Childcare for Families - CNN
Amanda Mezyk had developed a close bond with her employers' children as their live-in nanny, which is why it was so painful when her bosses told her she was being laid off.

"I started crying and they kept repeating, 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry,'" Mezyk, 20, said about the day last November when her employers -- a Miami, Florida, plastic surgeon and a part-time dermatologist -- delivered the bad news.

As Mezyk began to realize that life as a virtual member of her employers' family was ending, she thought about the little girl and boy -- Delaney, 6, and Landon, 4 -- with whom she had grown so close during the past 2½ years.

Her job as a live-in nanny at a lavish home in an upper-class, upscale private community came with many perks that suddenly had disappeared. The insured car provided by her employers for personal and professional use was gone. Without a steady income, Mezyk wondered how she would pay her mounting $8,000 credit card debt. (continued)

How are you surviving in this bad Economy as a Nanny or an Employer?
~ Special thanks to nc for Submitting this Article.

Approaching the Grand Street Station in China Town, NY

Received Wednesday, April 1, 2009
nanny sighting logo Statuesque nanny, blonde, with pony tail, lots of blush and salmon colored Croc or Croc replica shoes seen walking with boy, also blonde, wearing yellow rain slicker, plaid pants and brown boots. Nanny was hurrying along, very agitated, on cell phone. Child was dragging behind and nanny reached around with her collapsed umbrella and swatted child on backside 2X. The nanny was carrying a bread bag with Chinese writing. I believe it was from Century Cafe. If your nanny was there today with your child, the way she treated him was appalling. She also dragged him down the stairs by her wrist. Why his wrist? Because she held her phone in her hand. She was distracted. How did I know it was a nanny and not the mother? She was young, wearing Crocs and spoke into the phone like a love sick teenager and the boy was dressed like he was from the UES.