Received Thursday, November 6, 2008. - Rant
I am not your Dog-$%&!-Picker-Upper! I am a nanny for a very nice family whom I adore. I have been working for them for about 2 months but I have been a nanny for quite a while. Recently (as in the past week) their dog has been sick. He has learned how to escape his cage (he is caged up from about 8-12:30 while no one is home; the back yard is not fenced in) and is eating trash, Halloween candy, and doing his business (including throwing up all the stuff he shouldn't be eating) all over the hardwood floor, carpets, rug, etc.
The parents have tried to remedy this by making extra sure he gets walked in the morning, fixing the cage, etc. But they don't reprimand the dog for doing his business inside, so now when I let him out at 12:30, he proceeds to pee/poop wherever he chooses. Since I have begun working for them, he has whined at the door when he needs to go out but he has completely stopped doing that. He just "goes" and I discover it when I vacuum the house. Now, he is a loveable dog, but I don't get paid enough to clean up dog $%@#! As appreciative as they are when I do clean up after the dog, how do I approach my employers about this? I would like to come to them with a suggestion as to remedy the situation, but I can't think of one... Help!
P.S. I have a contract, and obviously this is not in it. I just don't want to come to them with the "That's not my job and I'm not doing it!" attitude.
Thursday
Turtle Pond in Central Park / Wankel's Hardware on Third Ave. - Manhattan
Received Thursday, November 6, 2008.
I saw a nanny that was behaving very poorly. I attempted to follow her home. She was pushing a blue lined brown stroller with a child under one in the seat. The nanny had been rough and abusive with the child, grabbing things away from the child, stuffing him back in his stroller with a thud, etc. I didn't like what I saw so I attempted to follow her home to find out who she worked for so I could leave a detailed (more detailed) description of what I had witnessed for them.
I could not be discreet about following her because I am a nanny too, and I was pushing my charge in a stroller. My charge is only 4 months. We were out for some air. So after a couple of blocks the nanny starts to look back and sees me. I don't know if she knew why I was following her, but I have a strange feeling she did. I ignore her as she looks back and talk to my charge about the sites of the street, the sounds, etc. I let a little more distance get between us. The nanny turns and heads down one street, so I do too. I am now about thirty feet behind her when she turns around and starts screaming at me for following her. The clincher? She is swinging the stroller with the child. She is absolutely furious. She isn't scared. Or fearful. But furious. She is screaming at me at the top of her lungs and the little kid doesn't know what to make of it. I give her a look like I don't know what she is talking about or who she is talking to and I duck into a hardware store there on third, Wankel's hardware.
I'll be honest, I spent a few minutes milling because I did not want to run back into that nutbag. I had originally seen the nanny at Turtle Pond in Central Park. It is a nice and mild day in the city today, one reason I was out with my charge. I would however caution readers about attempting to follow nannies home. This nanny was African American with a short, wavy hair style, wide face, wide set eyes, no jewelery and wearing track pants that were black with a white stripe on one side only. The track pants were boot cut and went wide at the bottom and over her tennis shoes. The boy she was taking care of was under a year old and looked to be northern european with dark hair and eyes and fair skin. When she turned around to accost me on the street she swung the stroller around so fast and with one hand that the wheels left the pavement.
I saw a nanny that was behaving very poorly. I attempted to follow her home. She was pushing a blue lined brown stroller with a child under one in the seat. The nanny had been rough and abusive with the child, grabbing things away from the child, stuffing him back in his stroller with a thud, etc. I didn't like what I saw so I attempted to follow her home to find out who she worked for so I could leave a detailed (more detailed) description of what I had witnessed for them.I could not be discreet about following her because I am a nanny too, and I was pushing my charge in a stroller. My charge is only 4 months. We were out for some air. So after a couple of blocks the nanny starts to look back and sees me. I don't know if she knew why I was following her, but I have a strange feeling she did. I ignore her as she looks back and talk to my charge about the sites of the street, the sounds, etc. I let a little more distance get between us. The nanny turns and heads down one street, so I do too. I am now about thirty feet behind her when she turns around and starts screaming at me for following her. The clincher? She is swinging the stroller with the child. She is absolutely furious. She isn't scared. Or fearful. But furious. She is screaming at me at the top of her lungs and the little kid doesn't know what to make of it. I give her a look like I don't know what she is talking about or who she is talking to and I duck into a hardware store there on third, Wankel's hardware.
I'll be honest, I spent a few minutes milling because I did not want to run back into that nutbag. I had originally seen the nanny at Turtle Pond in Central Park. It is a nice and mild day in the city today, one reason I was out with my charge. I would however caution readers about attempting to follow nannies home. This nanny was African American with a short, wavy hair style, wide face, wide set eyes, no jewelery and wearing track pants that were black with a white stripe on one side only. The track pants were boot cut and went wide at the bottom and over her tennis shoes. The boy she was taking care of was under a year old and looked to be northern european with dark hair and eyes and fair skin. When she turned around to accost me on the street she swung the stroller around so fast and with one hand that the wheels left the pavement.
Best Dressed Nanny
Received Thursday, November 6, 2008. - Perspective & Opinion
Just wanted to get some advice on what to wear for an interview for a nanny job. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Just wanted to get some advice on what to wear for an interview for a nanny job. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Pseudo-Accusation Leaves Nanny With Hurt Feelings
Received Thursday, November 6, 2008. - Perspective & Opinion
I am so pissed off, I don't even know where to begin. I thought everything was going well, except for the Parents hardly ever being around. They are so absent from their kids lives, it's a wonder that they even remember their names. Anyway, I go into work this morning, and instead of rushing out the door in her usual blur, the mom says she needs to talk to me. She says she's missing a ring, and did I happen to know anything about it. I couldn't believe what I was hearing, did she think I took it? I don't know how, with a full staff, I am the one singled out. I told her I didn't do it, and if she didn't believe me, why not look at the tapes from the camera? She looked stunned for a minute, probably wondering how I knew about them, then said that they haven't used them in a long time. I'm guessing maybe the fact that I offered myself up like that for proof gave her pause, because then she stood up quickly, said she was sorry, and needed to get to work. Just like that! What the hell? I am stuck here with the kids, not knowing what to do. Part of me wants to walk out, but I can't.
Am I supposed to just accept her apology, like all is forgiven? Am I being overly dramatic? After a pseudo-accusation like that, there's no way I could continue to work for her, right? She's actually a decent person to work for, and I've never had any problems like this before, but I am really hurt because I thought she trusted me more than that. And what about these kids? I love them like they are my own. I have been in their life since they were born. They would be devastated to wake up one day, and me not be here. Please help!
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I am so pissed off, I don't even know where to begin. I thought everything was going well, except for the Parents hardly ever being around. They are so absent from their kids lives, it's a wonder that they even remember their names. Anyway, I go into work this morning, and instead of rushing out the door in her usual blur, the mom says she needs to talk to me. She says she's missing a ring, and did I happen to know anything about it. I couldn't believe what I was hearing, did she think I took it? I don't know how, with a full staff, I am the one singled out. I told her I didn't do it, and if she didn't believe me, why not look at the tapes from the camera? She looked stunned for a minute, probably wondering how I knew about them, then said that they haven't used them in a long time. I'm guessing maybe the fact that I offered myself up like that for proof gave her pause, because then she stood up quickly, said she was sorry, and needed to get to work. Just like that! What the hell? I am stuck here with the kids, not knowing what to do. Part of me wants to walk out, but I can't.
Am I supposed to just accept her apology, like all is forgiven? Am I being overly dramatic? After a pseudo-accusation like that, there's no way I could continue to work for her, right? She's actually a decent person to work for, and I've never had any problems like this before, but I am really hurt because I thought she trusted me more than that. And what about these kids? I love them like they are my own. I have been in their life since they were born. They would be devastated to wake up one day, and me not be here. Please help!
**Get the I Saw Your Nanny widget for your blog HERE.
How Much Is Employer Allowed To Know?
Received Thursday, November 6, 2008. - Perspective & Opinion
My question involves the nanny/employer dynamic. How much is appropriate, the amount of information to expect from your nanny? For example, last weekend, we all went away and the nanny had the house to herself, would it have been acceptable for me to ask her what she did or if she had friends over? I ask of a curious perspective. Monday, I searched the computer looking for tracks leading to a myspace or friendster page, but found nothing. I did find some strange photos that may indicate some sort of foot deformity or fetish. These photos were on my computer, can I ask about the photos?
For those inclined to suggest I mind my business, do note that the nanny has only been with us four weeks and the subject matter of the photos was somewhat troubling. Using the directions herein, I was able to upload them from MY computer.
(OP sent in these pictures: A, B, C and D - Please view with caution, they are not for the weak.)
**Get the I Saw Your Nanny widget for your blog HERE.
My question involves the nanny/employer dynamic. How much is appropriate, the amount of information to expect from your nanny? For example, last weekend, we all went away and the nanny had the house to herself, would it have been acceptable for me to ask her what she did or if she had friends over? I ask of a curious perspective. Monday, I searched the computer looking for tracks leading to a myspace or friendster page, but found nothing. I did find some strange photos that may indicate some sort of foot deformity or fetish. These photos were on my computer, can I ask about the photos?
For those inclined to suggest I mind my business, do note that the nanny has only been with us four weeks and the subject matter of the photos was somewhat troubling. Using the directions herein, I was able to upload them from MY computer.
(OP sent in these pictures: A, B, C and D - Please view with caution, they are not for the weak.)
**Get the I Saw Your Nanny widget for your blog HERE.
What should I do?
Received Thursday, November 6, 2008 - Perspective & Opinion
So I started this job in May as a live-in nanny, not my first live-in gig. I lived-in with a family while I was in college and it was great, I only left because I moved and am still incredibly close to all of them.
Anyway this new job is for two kids, when I started they were 6 months and 3 years. I live in a tiny room (the closet doesn't open all the way because it hits the twin bed) with a bathroom that is so small you have to stand in the molded dorm room shower just to have enough room to close the door. I took this job because the job I had lined up fell through at the last minute. I was told I would be working from 6:30am-6:30pm, M-F. At first it was great, I instantly fell in love with the kids and they did me as well. I have also formed a "friendship" with the mother.
The initial problem, both kids are very sweet and obedient for me but when the parents come around the older one is 100% the opposite. He screams, cries, hits, he is relentless. I have worked with many different kids for many years in many situations and this is the worst I have ever seen. People don't believe it unless they see it. He turns from the most incredibly smart, sensitive, heart-filled obedient little boy to a horrible monster. I physically cannot stand to be around him when his parents are there.
I have asked them over and over again to work on taking authority with him but mom feels too guilty for being away all day and dad would rather not listen to the tantrum and gives kid whatever he wants. When we are all there they take away all of my authority, give him privileges and toys I have previously taken away, and destroy everything I have done with him in the day. They see each kid one hour a day and throw the tv on and leave the room.
As if this isn't bad enough, I am now the personal assistant, personal shopper, laundress, housekeeper, and the only disciplinarian amongst many other things. Dad called me this morning asking me to take the car (that he backed into a house) to the dealership and seduce them into a deal. He told me to wear a tight shirt and lie to them saying that I crashed it and don't want my boss to find out. I'm in my 20s and a DD so yeah... To make things worse, a low-life 50 yr old relative without a job is moving in tomorrow and already emailing me a list of his errands.
I started off making $550 a week but since they consistently make me work until 8,9, sometimes 10:00 EVERY NIGHT they got me fired from my other job and gave me a raise to $600. They are suppose to subsidize my phone $25 a month since they require I have texting but only did that the first 2 months.
So the reason I am writing this, they are pregnant again, and I think I deserve $750 a week considering the baby is due the same week as my one year, I generally work 80 hours a week, I will have two babies under the age of two and so forth. They are way way way too cheap, he already complains that he pays me too much. (nyc/nj area) I would generally just quit but the kids really need me, they have never had anyone give them the love and attention that I do and I think it would destroy them, especially with the new baby coming. It breaks my heart to even think of leaving the kids and the parents think that I am really happy here because I am pretty fake. To be honest I am miserable, I hate the job, the area, my living situation, everything.
Advice please!
Update From OP 11/6:
What Should I Do? Part 2.
Okay, okay you all think I should quit and I know that too.
I just don't know how to do it. I want to stay until at least Jan. so I get my Christmas bonus and I would love to have a new job somewhere on the west coast, I'm on the east coast.
I don't know how to tell them I'm quitting. They will guilt me into staying, promising to change and never will. I can't figure out what to say without the last month here being awkward.
I do have a verbal agreement to stay here 6 months and I want to be able to stay in touch with these kids.
This will come to a complete shock for them, they think I am really happy.
I just want some advice on how to bring it up, how to say I'm leaving without feeling guilty, basically what to say and how to grow some confidence.
Thanks!
So I started this job in May as a live-in nanny, not my first live-in gig. I lived-in with a family while I was in college and it was great, I only left because I moved and am still incredibly close to all of them.
Anyway this new job is for two kids, when I started they were 6 months and 3 years. I live in a tiny room (the closet doesn't open all the way because it hits the twin bed) with a bathroom that is so small you have to stand in the molded dorm room shower just to have enough room to close the door. I took this job because the job I had lined up fell through at the last minute. I was told I would be working from 6:30am-6:30pm, M-F. At first it was great, I instantly fell in love with the kids and they did me as well. I have also formed a "friendship" with the mother.
The initial problem, both kids are very sweet and obedient for me but when the parents come around the older one is 100% the opposite. He screams, cries, hits, he is relentless. I have worked with many different kids for many years in many situations and this is the worst I have ever seen. People don't believe it unless they see it. He turns from the most incredibly smart, sensitive, heart-filled obedient little boy to a horrible monster. I physically cannot stand to be around him when his parents are there.
I have asked them over and over again to work on taking authority with him but mom feels too guilty for being away all day and dad would rather not listen to the tantrum and gives kid whatever he wants. When we are all there they take away all of my authority, give him privileges and toys I have previously taken away, and destroy everything I have done with him in the day. They see each kid one hour a day and throw the tv on and leave the room.
As if this isn't bad enough, I am now the personal assistant, personal shopper, laundress, housekeeper, and the only disciplinarian amongst many other things. Dad called me this morning asking me to take the car (that he backed into a house) to the dealership and seduce them into a deal. He told me to wear a tight shirt and lie to them saying that I crashed it and don't want my boss to find out. I'm in my 20s and a DD so yeah... To make things worse, a low-life 50 yr old relative without a job is moving in tomorrow and already emailing me a list of his errands.
I started off making $550 a week but since they consistently make me work until 8,9, sometimes 10:00 EVERY NIGHT they got me fired from my other job and gave me a raise to $600. They are suppose to subsidize my phone $25 a month since they require I have texting but only did that the first 2 months.
So the reason I am writing this, they are pregnant again, and I think I deserve $750 a week considering the baby is due the same week as my one year, I generally work 80 hours a week, I will have two babies under the age of two and so forth. They are way way way too cheap, he already complains that he pays me too much. (nyc/nj area) I would generally just quit but the kids really need me, they have never had anyone give them the love and attention that I do and I think it would destroy them, especially with the new baby coming. It breaks my heart to even think of leaving the kids and the parents think that I am really happy here because I am pretty fake. To be honest I am miserable, I hate the job, the area, my living situation, everything.
Advice please!
Update From OP 11/6:
What Should I Do? Part 2.
Okay, okay you all think I should quit and I know that too.
I just don't know how to do it. I want to stay until at least Jan. so I get my Christmas bonus and I would love to have a new job somewhere on the west coast, I'm on the east coast.
I don't know how to tell them I'm quitting. They will guilt me into staying, promising to change and never will. I can't figure out what to say without the last month here being awkward.
I do have a verbal agreement to stay here 6 months and I want to be able to stay in touch with these kids.
This will come to a complete shock for them, they think I am really happy.
I just want some advice on how to bring it up, how to say I'm leaving without feeling guilty, basically what to say and how to grow some confidence.
Thanks!
Wednesday
??
Received Wednesday, November 5, 2008 - Rant
Guess what, I have a dream job. Or so you would think. I have loads of perks and take home just under one thousand dollars per week. My job involves a lot of travel and my employer frequently gives me gifts of fine lotions, designer clothing and new make up lines. So why am I about to complain? My employer may arrange for me to have dinner delivered from some of the finest restaurants in the area and pay me generously when I work late, but I am invisible. And it's getting old to be invisible. You see I work for a celebrity and said celebrity doesn't use a nanny. So what am I? I am the one who gets the child(ren) up every morning, dresses and feeds the child. Our mornings are filled with pretend play, addition, coloring books and stories. I spend half of my day on the floor with the child(ren). How I would like to escape to the park and spend some time outdoors, but you see I can't because all park play is reserved for my employer(s). Remember they don't have or use a nanny. When the photographers get close enough to take pictures, they photograph hair that I have washed and combed and clothes that I have selected from over stuffed drawers. But who am I? Who am I?
Update From OP 11/6/2008:
I travel in coach, they fly first class or we all travel in a private jet. If in a private jet, I am "working" non stop keeping the child(ren) out of the parent(s) hair. If I fly coach, I am free to read and relax.When the child(ren) were to go to the park with the parent(s), I would get them ready, pack the diaper bag, backpack, etc, even get directions to a specific park or museum, load the child(ren) up in the stroller, car, etc. and slither away back inside. There I would wait for no longer than 50 minutes until I would unpack the child(ren), undress, redress and assume care for the children.
I don't know why it bothers me so much. Perhaps my employer(s) pay and gifts are token of her appreciation, but really I see it as a given. Do you know my employer(s) have/has never thanked me for anything I have done nor have they ever acknowledged that I actually do great work for and with their children. Am I bitter? Hell yes, I'm bitter. But don't lose sleep over my predicament, it was only a rant. My employer(s) can rest easily knowing I have signed my life away in an iron clad confidentiality agreement.
Guess what, I have a dream job. Or so you would think. I have loads of perks and take home just under one thousand dollars per week. My job involves a lot of travel and my employer frequently gives me gifts of fine lotions, designer clothing and new make up lines. So why am I about to complain? My employer may arrange for me to have dinner delivered from some of the finest restaurants in the area and pay me generously when I work late, but I am invisible. And it's getting old to be invisible. You see I work for a celebrity and said celebrity doesn't use a nanny. So what am I? I am the one who gets the child(ren) up every morning, dresses and feeds the child. Our mornings are filled with pretend play, addition, coloring books and stories. I spend half of my day on the floor with the child(ren). How I would like to escape to the park and spend some time outdoors, but you see I can't because all park play is reserved for my employer(s). Remember they don't have or use a nanny. When the photographers get close enough to take pictures, they photograph hair that I have washed and combed and clothes that I have selected from over stuffed drawers. But who am I? Who am I?Update From OP 11/6/2008:
I travel in coach, they fly first class or we all travel in a private jet. If in a private jet, I am "working" non stop keeping the child(ren) out of the parent(s) hair. If I fly coach, I am free to read and relax.When the child(ren) were to go to the park with the parent(s), I would get them ready, pack the diaper bag, backpack, etc, even get directions to a specific park or museum, load the child(ren) up in the stroller, car, etc. and slither away back inside. There I would wait for no longer than 50 minutes until I would unpack the child(ren), undress, redress and assume care for the children.
I don't know why it bothers me so much. Perhaps my employer(s) pay and gifts are token of her appreciation, but really I see it as a given. Do you know my employer(s) have/has never thanked me for anything I have done nor have they ever acknowledged that I actually do great work for and with their children. Am I bitter? Hell yes, I'm bitter. But don't lose sleep over my predicament, it was only a rant. My employer(s) can rest easily knowing I have signed my life away in an iron clad confidentiality agreement.
Willow Playground in Scarsdale, NY
Received Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Description of Nanny: Portly Peruvian, medium length straight hair, wearing jeans and a light blue t-shirt emblazoned with "Princess", approximate age 30.
Description of Child: Petite Caucasian child with blond, wavy hair, blue eyes, white & salmon colored jacket and tan UGG boots, approximate age 2.
Location: Willow Playground in Scarsdale, NY.
Incident: Nanny sat at bottom of green slide with large bag of sea salt and vinegar chips and was eating her way through them. Each and every time the little girl passed by, the nanny offered out the bag of chips to her. This leaves a little girl running around the playground with a mouth full of food, a choking hazard. I was additionally concerned that the time of day was 10:30 AM.
Description of Nanny: Portly Peruvian, medium length straight hair, wearing jeans and a light blue t-shirt emblazoned with "Princess", approximate age 30.Description of Child: Petite Caucasian child with blond, wavy hair, blue eyes, white & salmon colored jacket and tan UGG boots, approximate age 2.
Location: Willow Playground in Scarsdale, NY.
Incident: Nanny sat at bottom of green slide with large bag of sea salt and vinegar chips and was eating her way through them. Each and every time the little girl passed by, the nanny offered out the bag of chips to her. This leaves a little girl running around the playground with a mouth full of food, a choking hazard. I was additionally concerned that the time of day was 10:30 AM.
'Driver Down' Ready To Go Off The Deep End - Part 3
Received Wednesday, November 5, 2008. - Rant
I don't even know where to begin. This is the author of Driver Down & Driver Down needs a raise. I was very happy when I had found a new position. It sounded like a very good situation for me, working just a few more hours than I had previously for the same pay. When this woman and I had originally talked, the gist of her situation was that her husband worked from home, and they needed someone to come and watch their 17 month old son during the day, and I quote that she said to me, "my husband would be so happy to get 7 hours of work done a day." SO I figured 'ok, I'll be working 35-40 hours a week with some flexibilty to take classes during the day'.
Well now I'm working 50 hours a week, at least. Taking 2 night classes a week plus a saturday class, struggling to have enough time for myself to study, to have a social life or to just plain relax. Sometimes I find myself doing homework at my boyfriends just so I can double task by spending time with him and doing homework. We first agreed that I'd make myself 'available 7-5 m-f in case I was needed (figuring I'd work those 35-40 hours within that time frame) but more often than not she'll ask me to do something that will leave me not getting done until well after 5 (like picking up her older son from high school at 5:15) and never getting anything extra.
I have room + board, a car and they pay virtually all my gas +$160/wk, but I'm ready to go off the deep end here. When I said I wanted to be a part of the family in the beginning, I didn't think they'd take it this far. I feel like she can't be reasoned with at all, and she's always yelling about something I've done wrong (ie: someone let the kids take her CD's out and put them put them away out of order and not alphabetical -- I didn't have anything to do with it -- or how I get yelled at because there were 3 toys left on the floor in the basement).
I feel like my life is no longer my own. I love the kids more than anything and they were very attached to me right away, but the hours and this woman are killing me.
**Get the I Saw Your Nanny widget for your blog HERE.
I don't even know where to begin. This is the author of Driver Down & Driver Down needs a raise. I was very happy when I had found a new position. It sounded like a very good situation for me, working just a few more hours than I had previously for the same pay. When this woman and I had originally talked, the gist of her situation was that her husband worked from home, and they needed someone to come and watch their 17 month old son during the day, and I quote that she said to me, "my husband would be so happy to get 7 hours of work done a day." SO I figured 'ok, I'll be working 35-40 hours a week with some flexibilty to take classes during the day'.
Well now I'm working 50 hours a week, at least. Taking 2 night classes a week plus a saturday class, struggling to have enough time for myself to study, to have a social life or to just plain relax. Sometimes I find myself doing homework at my boyfriends just so I can double task by spending time with him and doing homework. We first agreed that I'd make myself 'available 7-5 m-f in case I was needed (figuring I'd work those 35-40 hours within that time frame) but more often than not she'll ask me to do something that will leave me not getting done until well after 5 (like picking up her older son from high school at 5:15) and never getting anything extra.
I have room + board, a car and they pay virtually all my gas +$160/wk, but I'm ready to go off the deep end here. When I said I wanted to be a part of the family in the beginning, I didn't think they'd take it this far. I feel like she can't be reasoned with at all, and she's always yelling about something I've done wrong (ie: someone let the kids take her CD's out and put them put them away out of order and not alphabetical -- I didn't have anything to do with it -- or how I get yelled at because there were 3 toys left on the floor in the basement).
I feel like my life is no longer my own. I love the kids more than anything and they were very attached to me right away, but the hours and this woman are killing me.
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Tuesday
Monday
Winter Park Village Toy Store - Winter Park, FL.
Received Monday, November 3, 2008.
Had children in Toy Store around 3:30 Monday, November 3rd. One of the Child's names was Norah, she is probably 2. There was also a Boy aged 6-8, not sure.
As they walked in the door, Nanny told Boy she was going to 'punch him out if he didn't stop'. In the Store, Nanny was saying 'I don't care' repeatedly as the Boy tried to show her toys. She let Norah run around unattended as she looked at toys. Left the Boy at the store as her and Norah left for a good 5 minutes.
She was extremely rude to these Children. If you are the Parents... FIRE HER.
She was of Hispanic Decent, wearing olive green T-shirt and black sweat pants.. with white sunglasses on her head and her hair up in a ponytail.
Again, this was in the Winter Park Village Toy Store.
Had children in Toy Store around 3:30 Monday, November 3rd. One of the Child's names was Norah, she is probably 2. There was also a Boy aged 6-8, not sure.As they walked in the door, Nanny told Boy she was going to 'punch him out if he didn't stop'. In the Store, Nanny was saying 'I don't care' repeatedly as the Boy tried to show her toys. She let Norah run around unattended as she looked at toys. Left the Boy at the store as her and Norah left for a good 5 minutes.
She was extremely rude to these Children. If you are the Parents... FIRE HER.
She was of Hispanic Decent, wearing olive green T-shirt and black sweat pants.. with white sunglasses on her head and her hair up in a ponytail.
Again, this was in the Winter Park Village Toy Store.
Employers Change The Rules On Their Nanny
Received Monday, November 3, 2008. - Perspective & Opinion
I'm 20 yo and just took a job as a live-in nanny for two really great kids, 4 and 6. I have my own living space with private bath, and a really competitive wage. I like my job but here's my problem: About 2 weeks after taking this job, the parents sat me down and told me that they didn't like the late nights I was keeping. I'm off on weekends, and had been coming in around midnight or so. I thought this was my time? I had no idea that I would be given a curfew. When I expressed my discontent, the mom reminded me that I had a one year contract and that this was "her house, her rules, and that as a member of this family, I need to follow them". Let me just say I am a hard worker, go above and beyond my duties, and I don't drink nor smoke. I just like to go out with my friends on the weekends to socialise - it's completely harmless.
If I had known beforehand that I would be given a curfew, I'm not so sure I would've taken the job. I don't think it's fair that they are doing this after I've already been hired. But, here I am. So my question is: how would I go about negotiating with the parents about my curfew? I'm hoping if I approach them diplomatically, they'll change their minds. Otherwise, how do you go about quitting when you have a contract? Can they sue me? Thanks for your help!
I'm 20 yo and just took a job as a live-in nanny for two really great kids, 4 and 6. I have my own living space with private bath, and a really competitive wage. I like my job but here's my problem: About 2 weeks after taking this job, the parents sat me down and told me that they didn't like the late nights I was keeping. I'm off on weekends, and had been coming in around midnight or so. I thought this was my time? I had no idea that I would be given a curfew. When I expressed my discontent, the mom reminded me that I had a one year contract and that this was "her house, her rules, and that as a member of this family, I need to follow them". Let me just say I am a hard worker, go above and beyond my duties, and I don't drink nor smoke. I just like to go out with my friends on the weekends to socialise - it's completely harmless.
If I had known beforehand that I would be given a curfew, I'm not so sure I would've taken the job. I don't think it's fair that they are doing this after I've already been hired. But, here I am. So my question is: how would I go about negotiating with the parents about my curfew? I'm hoping if I approach them diplomatically, they'll change their minds. Otherwise, how do you go about quitting when you have a contract? Can they sue me? Thanks for your help!
Sunday
ISYN Readers
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Nanny Loathes The Inconsistency - By Heather
Received Sunday, November 2, 2008. - Rant
When my I joined my family for dinner out and was enjoying a french onion soup, my employer taught me that the proper way to eat soup is to dip your spoon away from your body. During the same meal, she blew her nose..on her napkin...and then unfolded the napkin briefly to examine the discharge before returning the napkin to her lap. I said nothing.
When I took this job, my employer stressed to me the importance of making healthy meals. I was in charge of grocering and purchased healthy meats and vegetables which I dutifully prepared. After the first week, my employer informed me with hands on her hips, "X is four years old, he's not going to eat broccoli without a cheese dip on top". She also balked at the grilled chicken I made and suggested that the next time I try rolling chicken breasts in flour and frying it, "you know", she said, "give him something he can eat".
My seven year old charge got in trouble at school for saying something unkind about another child. Her mother exasperatedly told her, "X, you know better than that. If you don't have something nice to say about someone, don't say anything". She then took away her PS3 for a week. A half hour later, I was helping the seven year old take pictures of her puppy while her mother was on the phone talking in detail about one of the seven year old's close friend's mothers who had some plastic surgery done and now had cat eyes. My employer suggested to her friend on the phone that the poor woman was just competing with all the 'waitresses on wall street he schtoops on his lunch hour".
Two weeks past, my seven year old charge went through her toys looking for some toys to give away having heard about an upcoming toy drive. Her mother stood at the door of the playroom and asked her "what all the racket was". After the seven year old explained what she was doing, her mother/my employer announced, "You're not giving any of this stuff away, X. This stuff costs money". The next Monday, my employer left me a note instructing me to photograph a pile of toys that she had compiled in the playroom. Following that, she left me two type written pages about how to put the stuff on ebay. On Ebay! Did I mention that I work in a home that was purchased two years ago for six million dollars?
A month ago, my employer asked me to take her daughter shopping for boots. We came home with three pair. One pair were a reddish brown suede and came to just below her knee. My employer looked at the boots and said, "Oh for the prostitute in training..." and wrinkled her nose up with disgust. Yet on Halloween, she helped her daughter dress up as a sexy devil. A sexy seven year old devil? Sexy?? Red tights, red long skirt with slit....
I am slated to start work at 830 every day. I work for a SAHM. I arrive at work most days between 825-830. On the rare occasion, I arrive between 830-835, Each time that has happened, my employer greets me by staring at the clock. Yet, although I am working for a stay at home mother of two, with a full time housekeeper, mind you- she is hard pressed to let me out the door by 5:30. She becomes instantly frazzled and starts running around like a chicken with her head cut off. If only she had done something during the previous eight hours to ready herself for that impossible 45 minutes between the time I, the nanny, leave and her husband returns exhausted from his day of work.
My employer has me give the youngest a bath. It still works in to our day that I have time to do this, usually in the morning. My employer is adamant that rain or snow or sickness never impede my ability to get the three year old bathed and dressed. Yet, I will return from the weekend to find that the child has not been bathed all weekend.
When I began this job, my youngest charge was sucking on a pacifier. It was one of the first child related questions I had for the employers, "do you have a desire to get X off the pacifier". I had asked and she, my employer had assured me, "yes, we've been working on it. Our last sitter wasn't so good with that sort of thing, but we're counting on you to be consistent. Okay, that I could do. And did. But every Monday morning it is a screaming piss fight to separate X from her "bubby".
Can I live with the inconsistency? I do. I make more than any of my nanny peers and have a decent schedule. Complaints? I have a few. I will leave you with one of my biggest complaints. As the nanny, I take either child anywhere they need to go, I am home when flowers are delivered or when the cable guy comes. My employer is very generous when it comes to tipping, but she doesn't believe in leaving money for me, the nanny, to tip service people. This includes when I take the seven year old to get her hair cut. Why? My employer answered my query with this, " when I tip someone, they appreciate it, they know it is coming from me, but what good is it for you to hand out my money?" Do you know how awkward I feel when delivery people come and go? They arrive at this luxury home on a lake and get nothing. Frustrating. Indeed.
When my I joined my family for dinner out and was enjoying a french onion soup, my employer taught me that the proper way to eat soup is to dip your spoon away from your body. During the same meal, she blew her nose..on her napkin...and then unfolded the napkin briefly to examine the discharge before returning the napkin to her lap. I said nothing.
When I took this job, my employer stressed to me the importance of making healthy meals. I was in charge of grocering and purchased healthy meats and vegetables which I dutifully prepared. After the first week, my employer informed me with hands on her hips, "X is four years old, he's not going to eat broccoli without a cheese dip on top". She also balked at the grilled chicken I made and suggested that the next time I try rolling chicken breasts in flour and frying it, "you know", she said, "give him something he can eat".
My seven year old charge got in trouble at school for saying something unkind about another child. Her mother exasperatedly told her, "X, you know better than that. If you don't have something nice to say about someone, don't say anything". She then took away her PS3 for a week. A half hour later, I was helping the seven year old take pictures of her puppy while her mother was on the phone talking in detail about one of the seven year old's close friend's mothers who had some plastic surgery done and now had cat eyes. My employer suggested to her friend on the phone that the poor woman was just competing with all the 'waitresses on wall street he schtoops on his lunch hour".
Two weeks past, my seven year old charge went through her toys looking for some toys to give away having heard about an upcoming toy drive. Her mother stood at the door of the playroom and asked her "what all the racket was". After the seven year old explained what she was doing, her mother/my employer announced, "You're not giving any of this stuff away, X. This stuff costs money". The next Monday, my employer left me a note instructing me to photograph a pile of toys that she had compiled in the playroom. Following that, she left me two type written pages about how to put the stuff on ebay. On Ebay! Did I mention that I work in a home that was purchased two years ago for six million dollars?
A month ago, my employer asked me to take her daughter shopping for boots. We came home with three pair. One pair were a reddish brown suede and came to just below her knee. My employer looked at the boots and said, "Oh for the prostitute in training..." and wrinkled her nose up with disgust. Yet on Halloween, she helped her daughter dress up as a sexy devil. A sexy seven year old devil? Sexy?? Red tights, red long skirt with slit....
I am slated to start work at 830 every day. I work for a SAHM. I arrive at work most days between 825-830. On the rare occasion, I arrive between 830-835, Each time that has happened, my employer greets me by staring at the clock. Yet, although I am working for a stay at home mother of two, with a full time housekeeper, mind you- she is hard pressed to let me out the door by 5:30. She becomes instantly frazzled and starts running around like a chicken with her head cut off. If only she had done something during the previous eight hours to ready herself for that impossible 45 minutes between the time I, the nanny, leave and her husband returns exhausted from his day of work.
My employer has me give the youngest a bath. It still works in to our day that I have time to do this, usually in the morning. My employer is adamant that rain or snow or sickness never impede my ability to get the three year old bathed and dressed. Yet, I will return from the weekend to find that the child has not been bathed all weekend.
When I began this job, my youngest charge was sucking on a pacifier. It was one of the first child related questions I had for the employers, "do you have a desire to get X off the pacifier". I had asked and she, my employer had assured me, "yes, we've been working on it. Our last sitter wasn't so good with that sort of thing, but we're counting on you to be consistent. Okay, that I could do. And did. But every Monday morning it is a screaming piss fight to separate X from her "bubby".
Can I live with the inconsistency? I do. I make more than any of my nanny peers and have a decent schedule. Complaints? I have a few. I will leave you with one of my biggest complaints. As the nanny, I take either child anywhere they need to go, I am home when flowers are delivered or when the cable guy comes. My employer is very generous when it comes to tipping, but she doesn't believe in leaving money for me, the nanny, to tip service people. This includes when I take the seven year old to get her hair cut. Why? My employer answered my query with this, " when I tip someone, they appreciate it, they know it is coming from me, but what good is it for you to hand out my money?" Do you know how awkward I feel when delivery people come and go? They arrive at this luxury home on a lake and get nothing. Frustrating. Indeed.
Saturday
Mystified by Bad Nanny Epidemic...
Received Saturday, November 1, 2008 - Rant
I read this site every day and am appalled by the behavior of some of the nannies listed. I just don't understand why parents entrust their children to some of these women. The mothers that confuse me the most are the SAHM. Are you so busy with your daily lives that someone else has to raise your children? Additionally, if you are going to have help, why wouldn't you make sure that it is the best match for your child? I have a 19 y/o daughter who surprised me with a grandson two years ago. It was such a shock and I had no idea how she would handle it. However, she is full time college student, works full time and is a full time mom. With very little support provided by family, she makes it work. If a 19 y/o can do this why can't these older "more established" moms do it? My Daughter is a wonderful mother, and totally committed to becoming independent and making a financially stable life for Caleb. In the meantime, she is raising a happy, extremely healthy, bright child. Without a nanny. On her own.
I know this is a strange rant for this site, but I'm just mystified as to how the terrible nannies keep their jobs? I'm sure the children react to them in a way that, if the parents were paying attention, would tip them off to a problem. When I do read a positive story (and I LOVE those) they're all about how the children interact with the nanny - wouldn't that work the other way as well? Parents with nannies just need to keep their eyes open and pay attention.
For all of you that are committed to your charges - good for you and keep up the good work. To me, being a nanny is one of the professions that you are "called" to do. And most certainly you can see which nannies were "called" and which ones "just went."
I read this site every day and am appalled by the behavior of some of the nannies listed. I just don't understand why parents entrust their children to some of these women. The mothers that confuse me the most are the SAHM. Are you so busy with your daily lives that someone else has to raise your children? Additionally, if you are going to have help, why wouldn't you make sure that it is the best match for your child? I have a 19 y/o daughter who surprised me with a grandson two years ago. It was such a shock and I had no idea how she would handle it. However, she is full time college student, works full time and is a full time mom. With very little support provided by family, she makes it work. If a 19 y/o can do this why can't these older "more established" moms do it? My Daughter is a wonderful mother, and totally committed to becoming independent and making a financially stable life for Caleb. In the meantime, she is raising a happy, extremely healthy, bright child. Without a nanny. On her own.
I know this is a strange rant for this site, but I'm just mystified as to how the terrible nannies keep their jobs? I'm sure the children react to them in a way that, if the parents were paying attention, would tip them off to a problem. When I do read a positive story (and I LOVE those) they're all about how the children interact with the nanny - wouldn't that work the other way as well? Parents with nannies just need to keep their eyes open and pay attention.
For all of you that are committed to your charges - good for you and keep up the good work. To me, being a nanny is one of the professions that you are "called" to do. And most certainly you can see which nannies were "called" and which ones "just went."
CL - WTF?
Saturday, November 1, 2008.The following Ads did not come with URL's, but were worth Posting:
San Francisco, best city for a nanny, I'd think twice (San Francisco)
hello!! i am a nanny who has 10 years of experience, can speak 4 languages, excellent references and a degree in early childhood educationi have work for wonderful and not so wonderful parents but i really love kids and i am really good at what i doi have been working with an agency in san francisco to help me find a live in position in the city, they have been great and i cannot complainbut it seems like the families in the city are crazy!the last one i interview for, the mom had an emergency and had to leave the house , leaving me and her 2 year old with the grandmother.this lady treated me like a slave, i had to cook, clean the whole house and do laundry! all this while taking care of the baby, she even made me clean the toilets! i had never been so tired in my life! i wanted to help but this woman took advantage of me in a very cruel way, nannies, if you are thinking on getting a job in san francisco, be very careful, i had gone to interview with parents that are nuts! they think the nanny is a slave today i feel horrible and very guilty to know that i let that woman take advantage of me when all i wanted to do was help.my back hurts so bad!all this happen during the second interview! i cannot believe what they would make me do when they hire me!well, if they do i wont take the offer,i am not a slave!
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Looking for a stay at home Mom (Hachensack/Bayonne)
My name is Diana and I'm looking for a stay at home mom for my 14 month old son. Someone that can take them when they are sick as well. It has to be someone VERY PATIENT above all things since my son is very cranky in general and throws tantrums at times. Call Diana at 917-353-**** if interested. I can pay $130/ week for mond-frid from 8 am to 6pm. thanks
Location: HACHENSACK/BAYONNE
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
PostingID: 897467356
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Nanny needed (Hackensack NJ)
Hello, on 10/31/08 i Have to go into the hospital for knee replacement surgery, I will need to hire a nanny to watch my 2 children. Ages 2 female and age 4 male. Since I can't get around much and Handel the children while I recover, I need a nanny to watch and care for them. I can only pay $60.00 a week in cash every 2 weeks You will have access to my home and every mendacities I have to offer in clouding, food, HD TV, use of the computer etc. There will be not cleaning involved but there will be a diaper change here and there for the 2 year old. If you are interested, please forward your resume with references. Thank you. Juan B. Hackensack, NJ Hours are from 8 AM to 3 PM
Original URL: http://newjersey.craigslist.org/dmg/894889914.html
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Special Thanks this week to: cdhere25, northjerseynanny, MissDee, Alex Nelson, aehopler, Lesal01, and the one and only CraigsListCrusader. All of you did a great job! Ads will be posted every Saturday, so if you find a really good one, send it here.
TO READ THE REST OF THIS WEEKS SUBMISSIONS: CLICK HERE
Cascade Playground on Pontius in Seattle
Your nanny ignoring your son, aged 2, as he pelted other children with rocks and then becoming angry, argumentative and abusive when confronted about her lack of supervision. The nanny was working betwixt two cell phones. By the looks of things, she was programming everything from one phone into the other. She was very heavily involved and ignoring the little boy who was only about two years old. The boy was wearing a yellow and blue striped shirt, height and weight appropriate, curly, curly hair and freckles on his face. The nanny was wearing brown pants, brown tie up nursing style shoes and a white long sweater.When I asked the first time who the child was with, she did not even hear me, she was so engaged in her phone operations. When the child began to aim rocks at the other children, I demanded to know in a more aggressive tone. This indeed got her attention. She bolted upright and began assailing me with insults, the nicest of which was "fat busybody, no good bitch". I attempted to slow her down, "whoa, whoa, whoa". She then defended the child's actions as being a boy and insisted he wasn't throwing rocks at anyone but at the bigger rocks. Her head was not even up to see. If this is your nanny, you should know that she is absolutely not involved with your child, she fails to supervise him at the most basic level, she encourages him to behave badly with her bogus defenses and she had one of the most horribly rank vocabularies I have ever heard. All of her insults were said in a voice that allowed the people around, namely children, to overhear them.
As for getting involved, I saw the other mothers or nannies shirk back; seeing what happened to me. It was almost as if they wanted to pretend they didn't know what was going on, never mind their children and charges were just getting hit with rocks! Does it pay to get involved? I don't think so. But I really wish her employer knew just what a sorry excuse for a nanny they had hired!
Are Good Nannies Hard To Find?
Received Saturday, November 1, 2008. - Rant
3 weeks ago I saw a nanny in battery park (between warren and murray st). She was sitting on a bench, the baby was in the stroller and she was pushing the stroller back and forth in a very forceful (hard) way and the front wheels of the stroller lifted off the ground and you could hear them hit the ground. The nanny saw me looking and after about a minute she got up and left.
I work in the city mostly outdoors as a dog walker and see many unfortunate situations with nannies. I have seen them ignore the babies/children, use force to pick them up or adjust them in their strollers. I honestly have never seen a nanny really engage with a child in a sweet playful and attentive manner. I always think in my mind if the parents could only see how these nannies treat their children. If they are exhibiting this behavior outside then they are definitely doing it inside. Parents need to have nanny cams. I think it would be irresponsible of a parent not to invest in cameras to keep an eye on their nannies.
3 weeks ago I saw a nanny in battery park (between warren and murray st). She was sitting on a bench, the baby was in the stroller and she was pushing the stroller back and forth in a very forceful (hard) way and the front wheels of the stroller lifted off the ground and you could hear them hit the ground. The nanny saw me looking and after about a minute she got up and left.
I work in the city mostly outdoors as a dog walker and see many unfortunate situations with nannies. I have seen them ignore the babies/children, use force to pick them up or adjust them in their strollers. I honestly have never seen a nanny really engage with a child in a sweet playful and attentive manner. I always think in my mind if the parents could only see how these nannies treat their children. If they are exhibiting this behavior outside then they are definitely doing it inside. Parents need to have nanny cams. I think it would be irresponsible of a parent not to invest in cameras to keep an eye on their nannies.
Under the Sea Indoor Playground in Santa Clarita, CA
Received Saturday, November 1, 2008.
Date: Thursday, 10/30. I saw a nanny at this playground and she was really mean to the older child. The older child was a boy with shaggy hair, a ringer tee (blue & light blue) and blue jeans on. There was a younger child present that was playing with children her age. The girl was blonde with pigtails, wearing a pink and orange dress and white socks. The nanny was multi ethnic, average height, overweight, with sharply styled dark hair (blunt, fierce) a dark complexion, three earrings in one ear and sharply drawn eyebrows. The boy, who was approximately five years old was growing bored and sulking. The nanny at one point, pushed him against the colored wall, almost like a police office would and held his back into the wall and said something really deep and sharp in his ear. Then she said, "do you understand", about three times and grabbed him by his right arm and spun him around. Then he answered meekly, "yes" and she told him to "go take a chair". The nanny was wearing a black shirt with a crest style pattern on it in white.
Date: Thursday, 10/30. I saw a nanny at this playground and she was really mean to the older child. The older child was a boy with shaggy hair, a ringer tee (blue & light blue) and blue jeans on. There was a younger child present that was playing with children her age. The girl was blonde with pigtails, wearing a pink and orange dress and white socks. The nanny was multi ethnic, average height, overweight, with sharply styled dark hair (blunt, fierce) a dark complexion, three earrings in one ear and sharply drawn eyebrows. The boy, who was approximately five years old was growing bored and sulking. The nanny at one point, pushed him against the colored wall, almost like a police office would and held his back into the wall and said something really deep and sharp in his ear. Then she said, "do you understand", about three times and grabbed him by his right arm and spun him around. Then he answered meekly, "yes" and she told him to "go take a chair". The nanny was wearing a black shirt with a crest style pattern on it in white.
Woodman's Food Market - West Madison, Wi
Received Saturday, November 1, 2008.
Today while at the store (Friday, October 31) I encountered your little boy and his nanny, 10a-11a. Your child has dark hair, brown eyes, and was dressed in a penguin costume. Your nanny, a short, plus sized white female wearing black pants and tee shirt with a clear handbag is very friendly. I told the nanny her son was cute, and she said she would tell his mom, since she was the nanny. I didn't observe the duo for long, however I could clearly see the bond.
Today while at the store (Friday, October 31) I encountered your little boy and his nanny, 10a-11a. Your child has dark hair, brown eyes, and was dressed in a penguin costume. Your nanny, a short, plus sized white female wearing black pants and tee shirt with a clear handbag is very friendly. I told the nanny her son was cute, and she said she would tell his mom, since she was the nanny. I didn't observe the duo for long, however I could clearly see the bond.
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