Received Friday, March 30, 2007
I have a sighting from yesterday, Thursday, at about 4:30pm. This was at the Barnes and Noble at 66Th Street and Broadway (UWS). I was at the bookstore with the two children I take care of part-time, and I couldn't help but notice a curious exchange between a boy and his nanny. He looked to be about 3-4, skinny, with curly hair. He was wearing an orange shirt and jeans . His nanny was African-American, heavy set but not excessively so, and had very short hair. She was wearing a green shirt with a brown sweater and khakis. The entire time of this conversation she was sitting on the floor on her cell phone. He told her he needed to go to the bathroom and she mumbled something to him in response that I didn't hear. He asked again and she said "You can go there yourself." He looked a little unsure and walked about halfway there and then came back and asked her to help him. She said no, and again sent him away. He went to the bathroom and she waited at least 5-7 minutes before getting up to see if he was back.
I wish that I had said something to the nanny, but I am very confrontation shy. I gave her a look which seemed to get no response from her. I also almost asked the boy if he wanted me to help him, but I had a 6 month old and a 2.5 year old to take care of, and it didn't seem feasible. Also, considering that I didn't know this kid, I don't know how appropriate it would have been for me to accompany him to the bathroom. All I know is that I was very disturbed by this incident and I really hope that this boy's mom or dad sees this. Your nanny is placing your child in a potentially dangerous situation, and disregarding his nervousness and requests for help. As someone who takes care of two children that I love with all my heart, it is painful to see another child be treated so poorly.
Thursday
Pierrepont Playground in Brooklyn Heights, NY 3/29
Received Thursday, March 29, 2007
5:45 pm Thursday, 3/29: Pierrepont Playground, Brooklyn Heights: Nanny (babysitter??) was young, heavy-set, AA girl, reading a book ... charges were twin boys, Henry & Charlie, maybe 4yo?? white kids with black hair, wearing identical navy sweaters - one in jeans, 1 in camouflage cargo pants -- the kids were up on the high playstructure at Pierrepont Playground and began fighting with one another REALLY aggressively. Smashing one another against bars, grabbing, smacking, really really rough - lots of aggressive fighting - babysitter just screamed at both boys (which is how I learned their names) - and cursed about them to any adult within earshot "Those boys just gonna f'ing kill each other. They're always fighting." I'm shocked & thrilled that neither boy fell from the open areas on the play structure - they both came close a few times. She never got up, never stopped them, just tried to keep reading.
5:45 pm Thursday, 3/29: Pierrepont Playground, Brooklyn Heights: Nanny (babysitter??) was young, heavy-set, AA girl, reading a book ... charges were twin boys, Henry & Charlie, maybe 4yo?? white kids with black hair, wearing identical navy sweaters - one in jeans, 1 in camouflage cargo pants -- the kids were up on the high playstructure at Pierrepont Playground and began fighting with one another REALLY aggressively. Smashing one another against bars, grabbing, smacking, really really rough - lots of aggressive fighting - babysitter just screamed at both boys (which is how I learned their names) - and cursed about them to any adult within earshot "Those boys just gonna f'ing kill each other. They're always fighting." I'm shocked & thrilled that neither boy fell from the open areas on the play structure - they both came close a few times. She never got up, never stopped them, just tried to keep reading.
Playground at Madison Square Park in NYC
Received Thursday, March 29, 2007
Madison Square Park is such a cheery playground. Why must all of your nannies present with long faces, looking crabby? People look happier picking up after their dogs on the dog run. I really think the standard for child care is much higher in the UK. Is anyone interviewing these nannies or do they simply just materialize from the gutters and began caring for your children. How can you care so little about the company your child is keeping. You must realize; although I am guessing it should be the very least of your concerns - that the nanny's dowdy personality is rubbing off on your child. This park gets my vote for worst nannies in the city. I don't have specific details to add because the scene was so grim yesterday, I took my daughter and left. Perhaps some of the good nannies who comment on this blog should get together and plan a day trip/intervention at this park? -ERS
Madison Square Park is such a cheery playground. Why must all of your nannies present with long faces, looking crabby? People look happier picking up after their dogs on the dog run. I really think the standard for child care is much higher in the UK. Is anyone interviewing these nannies or do they simply just materialize from the gutters and began caring for your children. How can you care so little about the company your child is keeping. You must realize; although I am guessing it should be the very least of your concerns - that the nanny's dowdy personality is rubbing off on your child. This park gets my vote for worst nannies in the city. I don't have specific details to add because the scene was so grim yesterday, I took my daughter and left. Perhaps some of the good nannies who comment on this blog should get together and plan a day trip/intervention at this park? -ERS
Wednesday
Why is it so hard for a nanny to ask directly for a raise?
Received Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Perspective & Opinion
I have a question for nannies. In my experience of having for the most part really wonderful nannies for the last 8 years there is one aspect of the relationship that mystifies me. None of these women has been direct about the fact that they want a raise. I've given annual raises and bonuses but I always feel like they're hinting that they would like more (saying things like "my friend gets $___ a week but money's not the most important thing . . . I really love this baby" but I still feel like they would like more money which I have no problem with. It's a free market and people should be able to ask for what they think they deserve and if I can afford it I'll do it, if not then not and they can then decide what to do. But I'm just puzzled by the hinting. Why not just directly ask?
Union Square Toddler Playground in NYC
Received Wednesday, March 27, 2008
If you read this post and know someone who will address this issue, please get them involved. I see this all of the time. Nannies who fall asleep while their children are playing in the park. In NYC. This latest incident happened yesterday (Tue), the nanny was literally sleeping on the job. Especially bad since this was in the middle of Union Square. It was about 12:- 12:30pm in the toddler playground yesterday. The nanny was 50ish, wearing a yellow polo shirt and denim capris. African-American, very short hair. Her charge was a boy just around 2 y/o, white, medium length brownish hair, wearing a striped blue shirt and jeans. Maclaren stroller. Where is the Dateline Special on THIS? If my husband fell asleep at his job, he would be fired on the spot and the only thing dependant on him are numbers and reports!
If you read this post and know someone who will address this issue, please get them involved. I see this all of the time. Nannies who fall asleep while their children are playing in the park. In NYC. This latest incident happened yesterday (Tue), the nanny was literally sleeping on the job. Especially bad since this was in the middle of Union Square. It was about 12:- 12:30pm in the toddler playground yesterday. The nanny was 50ish, wearing a yellow polo shirt and denim capris. African-American, very short hair. Her charge was a boy just around 2 y/o, white, medium length brownish hair, wearing a striped blue shirt and jeans. Maclaren stroller. Where is the Dateline Special on THIS? If my husband fell asleep at his job, he would be fired on the spot and the only thing dependant on him are numbers and reports!
The Greenpoint Y in Brooklyn, NY
Received Wednesday, March 28, 2007
I hope the parents of Grace who goes to the Greenpoint Y for the grown up and me classes on Tuesdays and I am not sure about Thursdays reads this. You need a new nanny who can control your daughter. Not sure if you know this but your child has bitten a few of the younger children in class, she screams like someone is killing her and she refuses to listen to anyone. During story time she runs around and screams and the other kids cant hear the story. You need to find a new nanny who can control her. This has been a ongoing thing w/ Grace since she has been going to the Y, but has gotten worse the last few months.
Tuesday
Borders Book Store in the Time Warner Center on UWS in NYC
Received Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Today - at the Borders in Time Warner Center on UWS (kids section) at about 3:00 . 2 nannies and their kids (2 little girls..around 18 months - 2years)...one of the nannies was definitely Filipino....probably high 30's. attractive. Her husband/boyfriend came in to talk to her..she was arguing with him about whether she was going to get off for Good Friday..and that she would quit if she didn't get off (this is what I overheard).
She was then playing with the little girl..very affectionately..while saying things like "I love you..but your mother is a pain in the neck"....repeating this over and over...and repeating similar statements. She seemed good with the little girl..but wrong that she was complaining about the mom to the little girl over and over.
Today - at the Borders in Time Warner Center on UWS (kids section) at about 3:00 . 2 nannies and their kids (2 little girls..around 18 months - 2years)...one of the nannies was definitely Filipino....probably high 30's. attractive. Her husband/boyfriend came in to talk to her..she was arguing with him about whether she was going to get off for Good Friday..and that she would quit if she didn't get off (this is what I overheard).
She was then playing with the little girl..very affectionately..while saying things like "I love you..but your mother is a pain in the neck"....repeating this over and over...and repeating similar statements. She seemed good with the little girl..but wrong that she was complaining about the mom to the little girl over and over.
Michael's Hot Dogs in Highland Park, Illinios
Received Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Great Nanny Sighting! Your nanny was covering your little girl's face in kisses. It was such a nice site to see...the nanny wasn't on her phone or preoccupied with other things she was strictly focused on the child. I know that this was not the mother because the little girl kept calling out to the nanny and I could tell that it wasn't mommy that she was saying. I hope the parents see this and know that their baby is being well cared for.
Oh and the nanny had dark brown hair in a pony tail, 7 pocket jeans and a green north face fleece. She was carrying a bag that was navy blue with some green, white and turqoise on it. And for those of you that know how crazy Michael's can be at noon you'll understand even more how nice this was to see!
Great Nanny Sighting! Your nanny was covering your little girl's face in kisses. It was such a nice site to see...the nanny wasn't on her phone or preoccupied with other things she was strictly focused on the child. I know that this was not the mother because the little girl kept calling out to the nanny and I could tell that it wasn't mommy that she was saying. I hope the parents see this and know that their baby is being well cared for.Oh and the nanny had dark brown hair in a pony tail, 7 pocket jeans and a green north face fleece. She was carrying a bag that was navy blue with some green, white and turqoise on it. And for those of you that know how crazy Michael's can be at noon you'll understand even more how nice this was to see!
Central Park Mall in NYC
Received Tuesday, March 27, 2007
I was sitting on a bench in the Walk and reading a magazine. An attractive brunette wearing tight black pants, wedge style shoes with a high heel, short sleeve sweater with low cut keyhole. Color was lavender.
We made brief eye contact and quick smile of acknowledgement and then I return to reading. Woman is carrying large black bag and pulls out a book and an instant messaging device. It is just before 9 AM on Tues. Time passes. People walk back and fourth. A woman and her husband sit down on the bench next to mine. Then I hear a little boy making excitable noises. I look up and a little boy in a long sleeved navy shirt with a red and grey (?) jacket tied around his waist is pushing a green, plaid baby stroller. The child can't be more than 4. I look behind him to see where his mother or nanny is. The child is shrieking excitedly. I then hear the happy sounds of the child in the stroller. Looks to be a girl 9months-1 year. Fair hair, blue jacket. No mom in site. The woman across looks up from her text messaging and responds to a question the boy asks her. She reaches in her bag and pulls out a juice box and hands it to him. He struggles with the straw, drags the stroller next to him and climbs up on the bench next to the woman. He mistakenly sits on her magazine and she quickly snatches it out from underneath him and rolls her eyes at him. Then back to the text messaging. Where did these kids come from?
They were not in ear sight previously! How far away did she leave these children? And what if someone had stopped them before they found her?
The woman didn't seem to have any connection with these children. I really don't think it was a mother, maybe just a smartly dressed nanny? If your nanny was at the park today with your two children, the youngest child has a white framed walking stroller with a green plaid print, the boy has a short, buzz style haircut. Both children were super cute and well behaved. I think they deserve better! I didn't say anything to this woman. I couldn't figure out what her deal was.
I was sitting on a bench in the Walk and reading a magazine. An attractive brunette wearing tight black pants, wedge style shoes with a high heel, short sleeve sweater with low cut keyhole. Color was lavender.
We made brief eye contact and quick smile of acknowledgement and then I return to reading. Woman is carrying large black bag and pulls out a book and an instant messaging device. It is just before 9 AM on Tues. Time passes. People walk back and fourth. A woman and her husband sit down on the bench next to mine. Then I hear a little boy making excitable noises. I look up and a little boy in a long sleeved navy shirt with a red and grey (?) jacket tied around his waist is pushing a green, plaid baby stroller. The child can't be more than 4. I look behind him to see where his mother or nanny is. The child is shrieking excitedly. I then hear the happy sounds of the child in the stroller. Looks to be a girl 9months-1 year. Fair hair, blue jacket. No mom in site. The woman across looks up from her text messaging and responds to a question the boy asks her. She reaches in her bag and pulls out a juice box and hands it to him. He struggles with the straw, drags the stroller next to him and climbs up on the bench next to the woman. He mistakenly sits on her magazine and she quickly snatches it out from underneath him and rolls her eyes at him. Then back to the text messaging. Where did these kids come from?
They were not in ear sight previously! How far away did she leave these children? And what if someone had stopped them before they found her?
The woman didn't seem to have any connection with these children. I really don't think it was a mother, maybe just a smartly dressed nanny? If your nanny was at the park today with your two children, the youngest child has a white framed walking stroller with a green plaid print, the boy has a short, buzz style haircut. Both children were super cute and well behaved. I think they deserve better! I didn't say anything to this woman. I couldn't figure out what her deal was.
Monday
Things My Insane Employer Has accused me of stealing....
Received Monday, March 26, 2007
Perspective & Opinion
Things My Insane Employer Has accused me of stealing over the course of 9 months in her employ.
I say accused as in,
She: "Nanny, have you seen my X?"
Me: "No"
She: "Nanny isn't it strange how things just up & disappear?"
$100 Gift Certificate to Baby Gap
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (more than once)
Cigarettes
Lighters (both inexpensive and expensive)
wireless headphones
one pair of Abercrombie Corduroy Jeans
tin of "expensive" pistachios
Emerald and pearl Bracelet
Michael Stars T-Shirts
White floral silk clothes hangers (many)
Brown Leather jacket
Little boys Velcro Sketchers sneakers
a multi pack of thank you cards
Down Comforter (white)
Dido CD
Bean and Bacon Soup, in a can. More than once!
Pink & Black cashmere sweater
Giuseppe Zanotti Gold Strappy Sandals, size 7 1/2 *
She: Nanny, have you seen my gold strappy sandals?
Me: No
She: There size 7 1/2.
Me: No
She: They're Giuseppe Zanotti.
Me: Um, no.
Alexander McQueen Sandals in black, size 8 (similar conv. as above)
computer backpack
computer mouse
Cell phone charger (for her phone, even though she was by then aware I carried a different)
I made this list because on Friday afternoon, Mrs. X accosted me in the kitchen and asked, "Have you seen my fondue set?"
Me: No
She: "It's ceramic"
Me: No, haven't seen it.
She: I guess it's gone and walked away on it's own.
Me: (silence)
I left work Friday in a foul mood. By Saturday afternoon, I was livid and realized I just could not take this woman anymore! I wish I could warn the next nanny what she was in for! There should be a public service database for those such warnings! She never had a single complaint with regard to how I treated her children or how I did my job, but she didn't hesitate to accost me on a regular basis regarding "missing items". Good riddance!
PS This list is INCOMPLETE!
Perspective & Opinion
Things My Insane Employer Has accused me of stealing over the course of 9 months in her employ.
I say accused as in,
She: "Nanny, have you seen my X?"
Me: "No"
She: "Nanny isn't it strange how things just up & disappear?"
$100 Gift Certificate to Baby Gap
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (more than once)
Cigarettes
Lighters (both inexpensive and expensive)
wireless headphones
one pair of Abercrombie Corduroy Jeans
tin of "expensive" pistachios
Emerald and pearl Bracelet
Michael Stars T-Shirts
White floral silk clothes hangers (many)
Brown Leather jacket
Little boys Velcro Sketchers sneakers
a multi pack of thank you cards
Down Comforter (white)
Dido CD
Bean and Bacon Soup, in a can. More than once!
Pink & Black cashmere sweater
Giuseppe Zanotti Gold Strappy Sandals, size 7 1/2 *
She: Nanny, have you seen my gold strappy sandals?
Me: No
She: There size 7 1/2.
Me: No
She: They're Giuseppe Zanotti.
Me: Um, no.
Alexander McQueen Sandals in black, size 8 (similar conv. as above)
computer backpack
computer mouse
Cell phone charger (for her phone, even though she was by then aware I carried a different)
I made this list because on Friday afternoon, Mrs. X accosted me in the kitchen and asked, "Have you seen my fondue set?"
Me: No
She: "It's ceramic"
Me: No, haven't seen it.
She: I guess it's gone and walked away on it's own.
Me: (silence)
I left work Friday in a foul mood. By Saturday afternoon, I was livid and realized I just could not take this woman anymore! I wish I could warn the next nanny what she was in for! There should be a public service database for those such warnings! She never had a single complaint with regard to how I treated her children or how I did my job, but she didn't hesitate to accost me on a regular basis regarding "missing items". Good riddance!
PS This list is INCOMPLETE!
Walking Near Union Square in NYC
Received Monday, March 26, 2007
This morning I was near Union Square in NYC walking up University towards 14th and I watched a nanny "walking" a young little blonde girl maybe four or five to school. She never interacted with the child once and allowed the child to trail a full block behind her never once even looking around to see where see was. Several students and myself were alarmed and at first thought the child was lost and by herself--esp. when the child was on the street corner near a busy intersection and the nanny was several feet away. The little girl was wearing an orange coat, light pink gloves and had a striped school bag that had both those colors. Nanny was middle aged maybe South Asian. I felt I had to post this in hopes that someone will see it. This child is in danger on a daily basis if this is what happens every day!
This morning I was near Union Square in NYC walking up University towards 14th and I watched a nanny "walking" a young little blonde girl maybe four or five to school. She never interacted with the child once and allowed the child to trail a full block behind her never once even looking around to see where see was. Several students and myself were alarmed and at first thought the child was lost and by herself--esp. when the child was on the street corner near a busy intersection and the nanny was several feet away. The little girl was wearing an orange coat, light pink gloves and had a striped school bag that had both those colors. Nanny was middle aged maybe South Asian. I felt I had to post this in hopes that someone will see it. This child is in danger on a daily basis if this is what happens every day!
Sunday
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Do you hate me because I have a nanny?
By Jan Tuckwood, Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Hush Up Sanctimommies, Pour Me a Momtini
By Anne Hart, Savannah Now
A Tale of Two Workplaces
By Linda Hirshman, TPM Cafe
Mom of Year Nominations Open
By Dale Huffman, Dayton Daily News
By Jan Tuckwood, Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Hush Up Sanctimommies, Pour Me a Momtini
By Anne Hart, Savannah Now
A Tale of Two Workplaces
By Linda Hirshman, TPM Cafe
Mom of Year Nominations Open
By Dale Huffman, Dayton Daily News
Saturday
George Rogers Park in Lake Oswego, Oregon
Received Saturday, March 24, 2007
3/23/07 - I've been a nanny for 12 years. When I first moved to Portland, OR I did temp jobs for a couple months until I found a permanent job. After eight months I decided that the family wasn't a good fit, at which point I left and went back to doing temp nanny work. I've been doing temp nanny work for five months now.
Friday morning I went to my Friday temp job with a 3 year old boy and 5 year old girl. After taking the 5 year old to preschool, the 3 year old and I went to George Rogers Park in Lake Oswego, OR. Although there was a large play structure, my 3 yr old charge only wanted to play in the sand box. For a little while we were the only people in the play area. Eventually a mom and her little boy arrived and played together on the play structure together. Shortly after their arrival, a large white truck pulled up and parked. I was in the middle of making a sand castle with my temp charge so didn't witness the first child emerge from the vehicle. When I looked up at them, the Hispanic caregiver had deposited a 3 year old boy on the side of the road that the playground was located. He stood there very close to the road while she went back to the vehicle to get a little blonde girl who looked to be just under 2 years old. While the caregiver was retrieving the other child, I heard the mother who was on the play structure say she would watch the little boy to make sure he was safe. I don't recall having heard the caregiver respond at all, but I suppose she might have and I just didn't hear.
The little girl went onto the play structure with her brother and the caregiver stayed near the park bench she had parked their picnic cooler/bag. I heard the mom say to her son he should ask the little girl's name. I heard the name "X" and mom said she thought that maybe that was a nick name and short for something else. Meanwhile, I was covered head to toe in sand and our sand castle with moat and bridge was coming along nicely. I looked up over at the Hispanic caregiver and she was speaking in Spanish on her pink cell phone and hadn't made any effort to leave the spot she had been in the whole time. Tick, tick, tick...she is STILL on her cell phone. The little girl is wandering around the play structure unaided and unsupervised as is her brother. There are a million ways she could get seriously injured and this caregiver just didn't seem to care. Every once in a while she would glance around to see where the children were and continued on with her conversation on her cell phone. I sat there and thought, "Omg, I'm having an 'I saw your nanny' moment."
The little boy eventually came over to the sand box and joined myself and my charge in play. When he got close I recognized him and asked him what his name was just to be sure he was the same little boy I thought he was. He said his name was "X*" and my heart sunk and I became even more enraged at the behavior of his caregiver. Nearly a year ago I had cared for X*, his sister XY* and their other two siblings at their house a few times. I was sad when I wasn't able to care for them anymore when I got my permanent job. They are really great children and I couldn't believe the parents would have hired a woman that would be so negligent to look after their children.
I watched X*'s caregiver a little while longer to see what she would do if anything. She was still wrapped up in her cell phone conversation. I looked over to see where X* was. She was being looked after by the mom on the play structure and was sitting on the mom's lap....a complete stranger. It was at this point I just lost it. I went over to the caregiver and asked her if she was X*'s and XY*'s nanny. She said, "yes."
Me: "I've cared for these children before and I know their parents. You need to be to be watching them."
Her: (whilst still on her cell phone) "I am watching them"
Me: "No, you're not. You are too busy talking on your cell phone. You need to get off your phone and take care of them. You need to be INTERACTING with them. XY* is much too young to be up on the play structure by herself. She could get seriously injured."
Her: (tells the person on the phone she has to go) "I got a phone call and have only been talking a few minutes."
Me: "That's not true. I have been watching you and you have been on your phone the whole time. You haven't been on the play structure once and someone else shouldn't be watching the children you were hired to watch. I'm going to let their parents know what I have witnessed here today and I am sure they won't be very happy at all."
Her: (she said something about speaking to the mom herself but can't remember her exact words. She starts to go toward the play structure...FINALLY!) "Thanks for being so nice" (obvious sarcasm because I was livid during the confrontation.)
I collected my charge, said good bye to X* and called my agency to get the family's phone number. I scribbled the number on the back of my hand and was told by my charge that I shouldn't write on my hands. lol I called the mom's cell phone number and let her know exactly what I witnessed and that I confronted her caregiver. The mom was surprised to hear this and said she had specifically told the caregiver she had to help XY* play on the play structure. She said this woman had been recommended by a friend and was only taking care of the children on Fridays. She thanked me for telling her about the incident and asked me if I was available Fridays. I'm not at the moment, but I would rearrange my schedule to accommodate her if it turns out she is serious.
I have no idea what the mom will do with the information I gave her. I sincerely hope she doesn't use that woman's services again. The well being of her children is at serious risk if she does.
Signed: a nanny who cares
3/23/07 - I've been a nanny for 12 years. When I first moved to Portland, OR I did temp jobs for a couple months until I found a permanent job. After eight months I decided that the family wasn't a good fit, at which point I left and went back to doing temp nanny work. I've been doing temp nanny work for five months now.
Friday morning I went to my Friday temp job with a 3 year old boy and 5 year old girl. After taking the 5 year old to preschool, the 3 year old and I went to George Rogers Park in Lake Oswego, OR. Although there was a large play structure, my 3 yr old charge only wanted to play in the sand box. For a little while we were the only people in the play area. Eventually a mom and her little boy arrived and played together on the play structure together. Shortly after their arrival, a large white truck pulled up and parked. I was in the middle of making a sand castle with my temp charge so didn't witness the first child emerge from the vehicle. When I looked up at them, the Hispanic caregiver had deposited a 3 year old boy on the side of the road that the playground was located. He stood there very close to the road while she went back to the vehicle to get a little blonde girl who looked to be just under 2 years old. While the caregiver was retrieving the other child, I heard the mother who was on the play structure say she would watch the little boy to make sure he was safe. I don't recall having heard the caregiver respond at all, but I suppose she might have and I just didn't hear.
The little girl went onto the play structure with her brother and the caregiver stayed near the park bench she had parked their picnic cooler/bag. I heard the mom say to her son he should ask the little girl's name. I heard the name "X" and mom said she thought that maybe that was a nick name and short for something else. Meanwhile, I was covered head to toe in sand and our sand castle with moat and bridge was coming along nicely. I looked up over at the Hispanic caregiver and she was speaking in Spanish on her pink cell phone and hadn't made any effort to leave the spot she had been in the whole time. Tick, tick, tick...she is STILL on her cell phone. The little girl is wandering around the play structure unaided and unsupervised as is her brother. There are a million ways she could get seriously injured and this caregiver just didn't seem to care. Every once in a while she would glance around to see where the children were and continued on with her conversation on her cell phone. I sat there and thought, "Omg, I'm having an 'I saw your nanny' moment."
The little boy eventually came over to the sand box and joined myself and my charge in play. When he got close I recognized him and asked him what his name was just to be sure he was the same little boy I thought he was. He said his name was "X*" and my heart sunk and I became even more enraged at the behavior of his caregiver. Nearly a year ago I had cared for X*, his sister XY* and their other two siblings at their house a few times. I was sad when I wasn't able to care for them anymore when I got my permanent job. They are really great children and I couldn't believe the parents would have hired a woman that would be so negligent to look after their children.
I watched X*'s caregiver a little while longer to see what she would do if anything. She was still wrapped up in her cell phone conversation. I looked over to see where X* was. She was being looked after by the mom on the play structure and was sitting on the mom's lap....a complete stranger. It was at this point I just lost it. I went over to the caregiver and asked her if she was X*'s and XY*'s nanny. She said, "yes."
Me: "I've cared for these children before and I know their parents. You need to be to be watching them."
Her: (whilst still on her cell phone) "I am watching them"
Me: "No, you're not. You are too busy talking on your cell phone. You need to get off your phone and take care of them. You need to be INTERACTING with them. XY* is much too young to be up on the play structure by herself. She could get seriously injured."
Her: (tells the person on the phone she has to go) "I got a phone call and have only been talking a few minutes."
Me: "That's not true. I have been watching you and you have been on your phone the whole time. You haven't been on the play structure once and someone else shouldn't be watching the children you were hired to watch. I'm going to let their parents know what I have witnessed here today and I am sure they won't be very happy at all."
Her: (she said something about speaking to the mom herself but can't remember her exact words. She starts to go toward the play structure...FINALLY!) "Thanks for being so nice" (obvious sarcasm because I was livid during the confrontation.)
I collected my charge, said good bye to X* and called my agency to get the family's phone number. I scribbled the number on the back of my hand and was told by my charge that I shouldn't write on my hands. lol I called the mom's cell phone number and let her know exactly what I witnessed and that I confronted her caregiver. The mom was surprised to hear this and said she had specifically told the caregiver she had to help XY* play on the play structure. She said this woman had been recommended by a friend and was only taking care of the children on Fridays. She thanked me for telling her about the incident and asked me if I was available Fridays. I'm not at the moment, but I would rearrange my schedule to accommodate her if it turns out she is serious.
I have no idea what the mom will do with the information I gave her. I sincerely hope she doesn't use that woman's services again. The well being of her children is at serious risk if she does.
Signed: a nanny who cares
Friday
With Regard to CVS in Summit, New Jersey
Friday, March 23, 2007
For reasons unknown, an individual concocted damaging allegations regarding an incident that was asserted to have occurred at the CVS drugstore in Summit, New Jersey. No such event transpired. The factual details of this incident have been corroborated by the involved parties. The post which originally appeared on the ISYN blog on 3/17/07 was fictitious and has been deleted from the blog.
As stated in our disclaimer, I Saw Your Nanny does not investigate, arbitrate or endorse any posting made in this forum. We are wholly reliant on people to be acting in good faith when submitting postings to this blog.
For reasons unknown, an individual concocted damaging allegations regarding an incident that was asserted to have occurred at the CVS drugstore in Summit, New Jersey. No such event transpired. The factual details of this incident have been corroborated by the involved parties. The post which originally appeared on the ISYN blog on 3/17/07 was fictitious and has been deleted from the blog.
As stated in our disclaimer, I Saw Your Nanny does not investigate, arbitrate or endorse any posting made in this forum. We are wholly reliant on people to be acting in good faith when submitting postings to this blog.
Cathedral Heights Subway Station at 110th Street in NYC
Received Friday, March 23, 2007
3/22 A nanny with a child in a stroller and an older child with a shirt from " The Cathedral School"..nanny was verbally abusive to the older child and once they got on the train, she was really rough with him physically. The boy was about 8 or 9 and had glasses..he looked sad and frightened of nanny. She coddled the child in the stroller ( the older kid's brother, I think) and treated the older child like garbage..very sad.
3/22 A nanny with a child in a stroller and an older child with a shirt from " The Cathedral School"..nanny was verbally abusive to the older child and once they got on the train, she was really rough with him physically. The boy was about 8 or 9 and had glasses..he looked sad and frightened of nanny. She coddled the child in the stroller ( the older kid's brother, I think) and treated the older child like garbage..very sad.
Example of Clueless BROOKLYN Employer- A mother vents
Received Friday, March 23, 2007
I read this post of my local parenting board, and couldn't believe my eyes. I deleted the nanny's name while I continue to consider whether or not to post it:
"We have/had a wonderful babysitter named XXXXXXXXX who we have not been able to contact/find. She was taking care of our twin boys for the past 5 -6 months on Tues and Thurs. A couple of weeks ago we received a phone call from her that her grandmother was ill and that she had to return to her country and would not be able to work for the week but would likely return this week. We have since heard nothing from her despite our calls to her cell phone.
She was very kind and competent with the care she provided our boys(1yo) genuinely like her. We thought she was reliable . . .although there were a number of times that she didn't show up for work, we were willing to give her the benefit of the doubt and continue working with her . . . this, however, is both discouraging/sad and concerning. If anyone has knows XXXXXXX or has contact with her could you please contact me."
To me, this is the classic case of the clueless employer. How could one honestly say that "we thought she was reliable" and then follow that with "although there were a number of times that she didn't show up for work."
Unfortunately, this employer is not alone. To that end, I have actually known acquaintances to speak horribly about the nannies they've fired, only to see them "helping" the same person a few days later by placing an ad for them saying "hire our wonderful former nanny."
I am sick and tired of these employers passing their bad nannies to other families. They need to be held accountable.
Any ideas on how?
I strongly urge employers to USE THEIR HEADS when it comes to the people who watch their children, and I strongly urge them to DO THE RIGHT THING and not give good references to bad nannies.
Thank you for allowing the vent.
Signed, mom with a good nanny who is sick & tired of all the bad nannys....and their employers
I read this post of my local parenting board, and couldn't believe my eyes. I deleted the nanny's name while I continue to consider whether or not to post it:
"We have/had a wonderful babysitter named XXXXXXXXX who we have not been able to contact/find. She was taking care of our twin boys for the past 5 -6 months on Tues and Thurs. A couple of weeks ago we received a phone call from her that her grandmother was ill and that she had to return to her country and would not be able to work for the week but would likely return this week. We have since heard nothing from her despite our calls to her cell phone.
She was very kind and competent with the care she provided our boys(1yo) genuinely like her. We thought she was reliable . . .although there were a number of times that she didn't show up for work, we were willing to give her the benefit of the doubt and continue working with her . . . this, however, is both discouraging/sad and concerning. If anyone has knows XXXXXXX or has contact with her could you please contact me."
To me, this is the classic case of the clueless employer. How could one honestly say that "we thought she was reliable" and then follow that with "although there were a number of times that she didn't show up for work."
Unfortunately, this employer is not alone. To that end, I have actually known acquaintances to speak horribly about the nannies they've fired, only to see them "helping" the same person a few days later by placing an ad for them saying "hire our wonderful former nanny."
I am sick and tired of these employers passing their bad nannies to other families. They need to be held accountable.
Any ideas on how?
I strongly urge employers to USE THEIR HEADS when it comes to the people who watch their children, and I strongly urge them to DO THE RIGHT THING and not give good references to bad nannies.
Thank you for allowing the vent.
Signed, mom with a good nanny who is sick & tired of all the bad nannys....and their employers
Thursday
Pierrepont Playground in Brooklyn Heights, NY
Received Thursday, March 22, 2007
Pack of nannies 4 deep earlier this afternoon. Nannies paying little or no attention to their charges, three of which were in their strollers. In all fairness, one was a young baby. One (boy of about 4) was out of the stroller and running around (playing roughly with my son). Nanny #1, I had the most trouble with. She had a little girl in a Perego red, black and grey stroller. The little girl was between 2 and three, had brown, straight hair that was messy and she wore a white ski style jacket. Little girl was holding a translucent, blue sippy cup while nannies talked. The little girl was at times restless and at other times crying to go play. Be very clear about this, the little girl said more than once "I wanna go play". The nanny responded each and every time by reaching in to her over sized blue handbag with rope-like details and grabbed a snack. In the time I was there, I watched her hand the child a packet of Chips Ahoy cookies (the single serving packs), gum, some sort of candy that was chewy-like Swedish fish, and 2 fruit roll ups. This was given to this little girl, not because she was hungry or asked for food but because she asked to get down and play! The nanny barely interacted with her as she handed her food or ripped upon the packaging for her and then she returned to her conversation. The nanny had an auburn shade of straight hair with bangs pulled dramatically to one side. Nanny had regular hair pins in her hair and may have been between 30-40. Nanny wore black running pants with a pink & white stripe down the side and a black jacket.
Pack of nannies 4 deep earlier this afternoon. Nannies paying little or no attention to their charges, three of which were in their strollers. In all fairness, one was a young baby. One (boy of about 4) was out of the stroller and running around (playing roughly with my son). Nanny #1, I had the most trouble with. She had a little girl in a Perego red, black and grey stroller. The little girl was between 2 and three, had brown, straight hair that was messy and she wore a white ski style jacket. Little girl was holding a translucent, blue sippy cup while nannies talked. The little girl was at times restless and at other times crying to go play. Be very clear about this, the little girl said more than once "I wanna go play". The nanny responded each and every time by reaching in to her over sized blue handbag with rope-like details and grabbed a snack. In the time I was there, I watched her hand the child a packet of Chips Ahoy cookies (the single serving packs), gum, some sort of candy that was chewy-like Swedish fish, and 2 fruit roll ups. This was given to this little girl, not because she was hungry or asked for food but because she asked to get down and play! The nanny barely interacted with her as she handed her food or ripped upon the packaging for her and then she returned to her conversation. The nanny had an auburn shade of straight hair with bangs pulled dramatically to one side. Nanny had regular hair pins in her hair and may have been between 30-40. Nanny wore black running pants with a pink & white stripe down the side and a black jacket.
Running errands in Dobbs Ferry, New York
Received Thursday, March 22, 2007
Yesterday, I noticed a little girl of about 4 shivering in a sweater with a metal zipper and pink and blue horizontal stripes while she was out running errands with her nanny. I will give nanny the benefit of the doubt and assume she is working for a beast of employer who has her going at a frenetic pace. Little girl was stumbling to keep up with tall nannies stride. When nanny reached for her hand, it was more to drag her forward faster than to hold her hand. Nanny clearly had a lot to do and busy agenda, but nanny also wore a rather thick and black suede jacket as well as a black knit cap over her straight, dark hair. Nanny was Anglo, tall, thin and wore sunglasses with brown frames.
Yesterday, I noticed a little girl of about 4 shivering in a sweater with a metal zipper and pink and blue horizontal stripes while she was out running errands with her nanny. I will give nanny the benefit of the doubt and assume she is working for a beast of employer who has her going at a frenetic pace. Little girl was stumbling to keep up with tall nannies stride. When nanny reached for her hand, it was more to drag her forward faster than to hold her hand. Nanny clearly had a lot to do and busy agenda, but nanny also wore a rather thick and black suede jacket as well as a black knit cap over her straight, dark hair. Nanny was Anglo, tall, thin and wore sunglasses with brown frames.
Wednesday
Los Gatos Public Library in Los Gatos, CA
Received Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Several nannies were at the library last Friday and were all behaving badly. The nannies were all talking, not paying attention in story time and making so much noise that a toddler turned and hushed them. They continued talking and caused a real distraction for the children. They didn't participate in any of the songs and at the end of the session the story teller asked them all to keep their conversations to a minimum next week. Mind you this is the story time for the 2 and under crowd. If you nanny goes to story time on Fridays - you should tell her to behave herself.
Several nannies were at the library last Friday and were all behaving badly. The nannies were all talking, not paying attention in story time and making so much noise that a toddler turned and hushed them. They continued talking and caused a real distraction for the children. They didn't participate in any of the songs and at the end of the session the story teller asked them all to keep their conversations to a minimum next week. Mind you this is the story time for the 2 and under crowd. If you nanny goes to story time on Fridays - you should tell her to behave herself.
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