The Hungry Chef

Jan Brewerton

     My nanny often complains that there is nothing to eat in the house. I don't understand what "nothing" means. She knows we don't keep soda and chips and ice cream in the house. I feel like we are not in balance nutritionally. I come home and everyday she has made something. Peanut butter fudge, chocolate cake, cinnamon babka, pudding, smores, etc.  I get that she tends to cycle more towards always hungry, but I think all of this baking to feed her appetite is churning an appetite in my own children. We always have plenty of fruits and vegetables in the house. I even left out a recipe book with fun children's treats like insects on a log (celery with peanut butter and raisins). She's even made ice cream (chocolate berry) out of our fresh berries and chocolate. The problem is not that her creations are not good, they are. I would just prefer that my children eat fresh peaches plain, and cut up bell peppers, and strawberries with no sugar.  How can I get her to understand that I don't want my kids to go down this path? Does anyone keep junk hidden in the house for the nanny so they don't bake themselves silly? How does that work out? She is a live-out but works long, 11 hour days, M-F.

Nannies, what's the food situation like at your job? Email isynblog@gmail.com. 

Out of pocket board...

Hi nannies and employers. I took a live in job for one reason and that was to get my financials tightened up. I interviewed with several families. I was offered one of the jobs I was interested in. I have only been here 12 days as of Tuesday and there are problems.  I have taken pictures of the notes she has left me regarding food. I don't know what I am supposed to eat once these options are out, Captain Crunch and pasteurized processed cheese food? My first weekend I was getting settled and in and out. Last weekend, I had no specific plans but every time I ran into my "Mrs" she said, "oh you scared me, I thought you'd be out" and "are you on your way out" and things along that line. So I don't feel welcome on the weekends. I feel very welcome during the week when I am working twelve hour days. When a live-in nanny is hired and told she gets room and board, is there a ball park dollar figure involved? I would like to say something like, "I don't want to eat your special food, maybe I could have a shelf and you could just delegate an amount for me to spend to keep food on hand for my use?" I really think she would be angry if I said that. What do you think? Is this a situation that can be saved?