tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post1505552540258931843..comments2024-03-19T03:27:24.068-04:00Comments on I SAW YOUR NANNY: Undernourished Nanny Needs to Nosh!Leigh Raymerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210572527823459842noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-39022728646784921252011-05-12T09:26:34.666-04:002011-05-12T09:26:34.666-04:00Thanks, Eric's Mom! Psychiatrists actually do ...Thanks, Eric's Mom! Psychiatrists actually do make more *anywhere* outside of NYC. <br /><br />It is also true that when in private practice I was officially charging $300-400/hr, but in reality you can't bill 40 hrs a week. Plus, if you want to do a good job for your patients it means A LOT of afterhour phone calls, phone "therpay," paperwork, prescriptions, etc. Oh, and 24/7 availability. Plus, you always get calls from people who cannot afford full fee and if you have a heart you end up taking a sliding scale or taking Medicare so you can work with the Geriatric population. <br /><br />Not to mention I don't really enjoy doing therapy or working with the "worried well." I really like acute care and community based psychiatry (ER, homeless outreach, more severe mental illness). However, I do appreciate the thoughts!nycmomnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-31056920238594740532011-05-11T19:37:12.020-04:002011-05-11T19:37:12.020-04:00I work as a nurse in a plastic surgeons office and...I work as a nurse in a plastic surgeons office and my salary is 75,000! I rarely work over 9hrs a day. I don't miss being a nanny!MONKEYSHINESnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-74674725196382770022011-05-11T13:51:50.817-04:002011-05-11T13:51:50.817-04:00NYC mom. You should work in the psych. unit at Ha...NYC mom. You should work in the psych. unit at Hackensack Hospital in NJ. They pay better. The head of that division psychiatrist told me he he charges $350 an hour. That was ten years ago.erics momnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-79637464531701251232011-05-10T20:54:25.672-04:002011-05-10T20:54:25.672-04:00Would it be acceptable for you to ask for a schedu...Would it be acceptable for you to ask for a schedule of chores at the beginning of the day? That way you could decide when you wanted to get everything done and you could do it on your own without the boss breathing down your neck at naptime.MissMannahnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-77893729674710962402011-05-10T13:54:28.965-04:002011-05-10T13:54:28.965-04:00I do take the kids on errands quite often but that...I do take the kids on errands quite often but that is when I know before or after the nap that there are errands that need to be run. I can't help it when my bosses tell me when I put the kids down for a nap that the dad drank the last of the baby's milk or ate the last of the cheese the 2 year old likes to eat for a snack and that I need to go get those things before the kids wake up since they will want those items when they wake up.OP Herenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-66273267319078791652011-05-10T03:00:32.198-04:002011-05-10T03:00:32.198-04:00I used to work in a gas station and was the only c...I used to work in a gas station and was the only cashier on duty from 6-2 five days a week. I never had a lunch break which sucked, but I did get downtime during my shift when the station was empty. I could eat my lunch even though I was "on call."<br /><br />Yes, that was a blue collar job, however it is unfair to expect a nanny to do chores during the child's nap time. As a mother, I want my nanny to be happy with her job and to not get burned out. It is more important for me to have my children cared for in a loving and responsible manner and if I required my nanny to do chores during nap times, she would be strung out by the seventh hour. My nanny uses her 2hr nap break to prepare and eat lunch, use the bathroom in privacy (!) w/the door closed and to check her e-mails, return phone calls and just relax with her feet up. Being a nanny for two children under two is very hard work, nannies are held more accountable than parents are and thus need to be alert at all times since so much responsibility lies on their shoulders. If I tried to stretch my dollar and have her do "light housekeeping tasks" on the side, sure I could have a cleaner and organized house when I come home, but I would have a burned out nanny walking out the door and two neglected kids to care for.Robinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-5543706206571322152011-05-09T18:33:51.321-04:002011-05-09T18:33:51.321-04:00I think you guys are giving nyc mom a hard time fo...I think you guys are giving nyc mom a hard time for no reason. She clearly thinks a nanny should be able to eat and sit down during the work day. Be nicer! <br /><br />OP... take the advice of the other posters and simply tell these parents you are sitting down for a quick bite to eat and then do it. If they make an issue out of it start looking for a new job. It is unreasonable to expect an employee to go non-stop just becasue they are technically "on the clock". There are down times at every job, whether you are a doctor in an ER or a cashier in a grocery store... most employers don't crack the whip at these slower times and make sure the employee is busy with some task or another. <br /><br />I will say that nyc mom may be wrong about one thing... workers in factories do not work 10 hour days with no break. My father worked in an automobile factory most of his life and he had scheduled breaks (of corse, he was protected by a very powerful union). My mother worked in a non unionized factory and they actually rang a bell for a morning and afternoon break along with a half hour lunch break. So, I would say unless it's a sweat shop, most factory workers do enjoy regular breaks. <br /><br />As an aside, nyc mom, my daughter works as a technician in an emergency room and because we live in a horse racing town, all the sections of the department are called race track names. The mental health units name? The Paddock... lol!christinenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-6807858742988062822011-05-09T10:19:35.722-04:002011-05-09T10:19:35.722-04:00I am a nanny and I agree with what Nycmom said abo...I am a nanny and I agree with what Nycmom said about taking kids on errands or doing chores in front of them (job related chores like child dishes and laundry). I nanny for 2 kids under 2yrs, and yes it is difficult to run errands with a baby and toddler with me, but I think it is part of teaching them how to behave in public and be patient. My first nanny position was with three school age children (twin 7 yrs & 9yr) and those kids were an absolute nightmare in public. You could not take them to the grocery store without a huge scene. They would run around, touch all the produce, grab things off shelves, fight with one another and beg,whine and cry for things. I tried to correct the behavior in several ways, including making them "helpers" & giving them items to find, etc. And don't even get me started on how they would act if I had to turn my back for 30 seconds to do a simple task like loading the dishwasher!<br />In the 9months I worked for them, it never got better. After that in my nanny career Ihave always picked positions with younger kids so that I could be a part of helping a child learn those little life skills like how to behave in public settings that don't revolve around them!SeattleNannynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-83724813126522430812011-05-09T09:18:26.012-04:002011-05-09T09:18:26.012-04:00Actually, I am an ER psychiatrist. I make $135K/ye...Actually, I am an ER psychiatrist. I make $135K/year and that's after 8 years undergrad and med school, 4 years of residency, and over $250K in student loan debt! <br /><br />If that debt/income ration is overpaid, I'd love to hear what you consider underpaid!<br /><br />Regardless, as you seem to be repeatedly missing the point, I am not asking for sympathy. Just pointing out that this issue is not unique to nannying and standing up for your basic right to eat a meal is a skill that would serve everyone well.nycmomnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-3025735890590388422011-05-08T23:10:02.279-04:002011-05-08T23:10:02.279-04:00@ Tales from the Nanny Hood, your fainting suggest...@ Tales from the Nanny Hood, your fainting suggestion made me laugh for about ten straight minutes!! I really need to try this at my job, if just for the entertainment value!!<br /><br />At OP, I'm sorry that you are dealing with people who are treating you that way, it is completely uncalled for.Nanny Enoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-26220421331959365362011-05-08T22:56:39.804-04:002011-05-08T22:56:39.804-04:00NYCMom:
You are an ER doctor. Your position is di...NYCMom:<br /><br />You are an ER doctor. Your position is different. You are highly overpaid. I have about as much sympathy for you as I have for football stars. <br /><br />Put a sock in it. You don't get it.shut. up.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-28131562625970053082011-05-08T22:54:44.670-04:002011-05-08T22:54:44.670-04:00I'm not going to bother reading the rest of th...I'm not going to bother reading the rest of the responses.<br /><br />Are you a doormat? No? Then stop acting like one.<br /><br />Get a fucking clue. What should you do? You should grow up and learn how to communicate. <br /><br />jesus christ.unrealnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-58274840186916051652011-05-08T21:56:39.566-04:002011-05-08T21:56:39.566-04:00These people sound incredibly rude and judgmental....These people sound incredibly rude and judgmental. However, they may also be working based off past experience and have had situations where nannies stretched a 30 minute lunch break into 2 hours. Who knows? It might be as simple as just giving them your "schedule" for naptime. Like, "Okay, I'm going to run to the post office, then have lunch, then get started on those thank you cards." Also that way you are telling them you are taking a break rather than asking. Once you show them that you can take a reasonable break and still get some things done, maybe they will not give you a hard time.another nannynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-39553237410660266002011-05-08T19:06:42.515-04:002011-05-08T19:06:42.515-04:00nycmom
you sound like a real snott!
with having su...nycmom<br />you sound like a real snott!<br />with having such a demanding job how do you find the time to visit isyn? mabie instead of coming to this blog you should spend more quality time with your kids!MONKEYSHINESnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-47130728908408555272011-05-08T15:32:54.708-04:002011-05-08T15:32:54.708-04:00Mrs. Billy Lamar,
As I clearly stated and wrote i...Mrs. Billy Lamar,<br /><br />As I clearly stated and wrote in my first post, I very much think all nannies are entitled to reasonable meal times during a work day. I would never expect my nanny to skip lunch or even dictate how/when she does laundry or errands. She manages her own time, does it well, and doesn't need me nitpicking. <br /><br />However, I still know that many other blue collar jobs exist with similar pay (and often less), fewer benefits, and less desirable working conditions than nannying that also struggle with the issue of unthoughtful employers not recognizing the need for employees to eat. I personally have several friends making less than my nanny, with worse working conditions, who are purposely kept as contractors" or just under ft hours to avoid benefits - and given the job market there isn't much they can do about it. <br /><br />Residency while training to become an attending doctor is also a situation, lasting 3-5 years, in which residents often make LESS than nannies, work double the hours (80+ hr work weeks are not uncommon), and often skip meals out of simple lack of time. Yes, those residents are training to become attendings who will usually make 2-3x their resident salaries. But the same could be said for an educated, ambitious nanny who was willing to work the same hours as an attending in many primary care fields. I have seen nannies on here making in the low $100Ks with full benefits, which while rare, is pretty much what many PMD/peds/psychiatrists make in NYC. <br /><br />Anyway, my point was not that that this is common in any field (nor should it be in nannying for an experienced nanny), but simply that it is not unique to nannying. Learning to stand up for your basic needs and communicate effectively with your employer are skills everyone needs.nycmomnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-77145879926300235742011-05-08T13:54:07.823-04:002011-05-08T13:54:07.823-04:00Awww, Mrs. Billy Lamar, thanks for caring! I'm...Awww, Mrs. Billy Lamar, thanks for caring! I'm just peachy. I was using a thing called hyperbole (aka obvious exaggeration) to make a point.<br /><br />And obviously, even if OP was eventually driven to do what I suggested, she would not do it in front of the children - they are NAPPING when she is being loaded with tasks that seemingly keep her from eating lunch.Tales from the (Nanny)Hoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14266117417206315356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-80005135879193226912011-05-08T03:37:15.182-04:002011-05-08T03:37:15.182-04:00Tales from the (Nanny)Hood: Are you okay? Your ide...Tales from the (Nanny)Hood: Are you okay? Your idea is very childish and immature and would be a foolish example for the children involved here. <br /><br />New York City Mom: I have to agree with Wow and PNW Nanny, your job and the others listed are waay more different than being a nanny is. The pay and benefits are better. I find it unbelievable that people go 10 hrs straight without a meal. They probably drink smoothies or eat a protein bar or something. Considering their job responsibilities, this happens sometimes. However in this situation, it is very inconsiderate to expect the nanny to not get any type of lunch break considering both parents work from home. I think they are just trying to squeeze everything they can out of this poor nanny since she is still clocked in and therefore must be doing something. I think she should be able to eat a peaceful and uninterrupted meal and relax while the children are asleep.Mrs. Billy Lamarnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-78053048752519276662011-05-08T01:28:30.594-04:002011-05-08T01:28:30.594-04:00@OP
Hurrah that you love the job! As a fellow nan...@OP<br /><br />Hurrah that you love the job! As a fellow nanny that is a massive plus and a good reason to put up with a few negatives. <br /><br />I have to say that from the outside it does sound like they may be taking advantage of your time but I bet that they don't have any idea that you are so frustrated and hungry! If they are reasonable people then you should ask for a chance to sit down, away from the kids or even email and just explain that you would like to discuss your hours and the chance to schedule in a break. I agree with whoever posted above that if there is a parent in the house that can cover when you are running errands then they can surely cover whilst you take a well deserved break. I also agree that other jobs such as doctors/nurses/lawyers work extremely long hours they are also paid much much higher by the hour and given shifts with appropriate time of in liew of overtime and extended shifts.<br /><br />I really do wish you the best of luck and want to let you know that you deserve this break time, that other nannies get it and that you should push for it!PNW Nannynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-46608423123925643192011-05-08T00:37:09.262-04:002011-05-08T00:37:09.262-04:00I'm sorry. When I submitted this I was extreme...I'm sorry. When I submitted this I was extremely tired. What I guess I meant to say was I have a contract but I don't have this situation covered by it. I'm sorry for forgetting to write the rest of my thought.OP Herenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-7533694446228706592011-05-08T00:33:57.624-04:002011-05-08T00:33:57.624-04:00The first sentence of your post says, "I work...The first sentence of your post says, "I work 10 hour days without a contract." That's why some of us said you need a contract. <br /><br />But even if you did not include lunch breaks in your contract, you can still discuss it with them. Tell them it's never been an issue before because you've always been able to take a break. I pray you do not choose to wait until November to discuss this with them.Wownoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-61153208235052026022011-05-08T00:16:16.443-04:002011-05-08T00:16:16.443-04:00We have a contract. I didn't put in anything f...We have a contract. I didn't put in anything for a lunch break because I have never had this situation before. We won't revisit the contract until November at my one year anniversary with them.OP Herenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-41159887742336405742011-05-08T00:12:33.549-04:002011-05-08T00:12:33.549-04:00Why is this an issue? Aside from needing to eat, a...Why is this an issue? Aside from needing to eat, anyone working 10 hrs. a day needs a break. In my opinion, this is a matter of disrespect. Why NOT allow you to take a break? I see NYC Mom's point, but this is not the same type of job. What she does saves lives. No one will die if you don't walk the dog or run errands while the children nap. <br /><br />I personally do not walk dogs. Period. I will never pick up poop and carry it in a plastic baggie. Forget that! That's not a nanny's job. I will let the dog out into the back yard, if he is not runner. I actually like running errands because it gets me out of the house, but I usually take the children with me. Ask if you can take the children on errands with you and that will free up more time for you to take a break while they nap.<br /><br />Either way, you need a contract. You should discuss these things with the parents and let them know that you need a break each day while the children nap, and discuss what chores you're willing to do. You are not their servant and you do have a say because it is a working AGREEMENT. You have to assert yourself.Wownoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-74876044330500366352011-05-07T22:35:04.481-04:002011-05-07T22:35:04.481-04:00OP said: "When I first started working there ...OP said: "When I first started working there I tried to ask if I could grab a quick sandwich, the boss telling me to do something would look me up and down and say something along the lines of "Didn't I see you eat 30 mins ago with A or P?" (that is what makes me feel fat)."<br /><br />OK, so you work for snotty beeyotches, If they pull that crap, you definitely need to fake faint on them soon. (And don't ASK if you are allowed to eat, SAY you are GOING TO eat some damn lunch.)<br /><br />Or, you could just stare at them and say, "No, you sure didn't see me eating. I'm going to eat now though!" and walk away. Then ask them later if they could demo for you how to feed baby, answer toddler's questions, and eat, all at the same time, since you "don't want to take any time to eat when babies are sleeping."<br /><br />I would echo Miss Mannah in saying you need a contract, but I'm going to suggest getting one in your new job that you start hunting for ASAP.Tales from the (Nanny)Hoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14266117417206315356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-16093261336329023622011-05-07T21:51:25.866-04:002011-05-07T21:51:25.866-04:00To answer some of your questions. Yes at least one...To answer some of your questions. Yes at least one parent works from home. Sometimes both parents are home. They do have an open fridge policy. When I first started working there I tried to ask if I could grab a quick sandwich, the boss telling me to do something would look me up and down and say something along the lines of "Didn't I see you eat 30 mins ago with A or P?" (that is what makes me feel fat). I know that some jobs don't all the employees to take a break. I can multitask but just not while feeding the kids. Between feeding the baby his food and answering the twenty questions the other one is asking, I don't really have time to eat anything more than a hand full of goldfish. Other than this situation, I LOVE my job.OP Herenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-59538873379286219832011-05-07T20:25:52.479-04:002011-05-07T20:25:52.479-04:00I can't believe no one else has brought this u...I can't believe no one else has brought this up yet. GET A CONTRACT!! Why haven't you written one up yet? I know why the parents haven't--they have already seen they can work you to death and you won't protest. Unless you've only been working for this family for about a week, you have absolutely NO excuse for not having a contract or for not already talking to the parents about this issue. I also really hate to say this, because I'm a tad overweight myself, but I think you might have a problem with food. Why can't you even talk about it with other people? Do you think the parents think you ought to starve yourself into a smaller size?<br /><br />Look, I really, really don't want to come off as hateful here but this just seems like an absolutely ridiculous situation. If you're hungry, you need to eat. If you don't have time, you need to find a way to make time. It is as simple as that.MissMannahnoreply@blogger.com