Wednesday
Dobbs Ferry River Park in Dobbs Ferry, NY
I am visiting the area and noticed what I think was an act of negligence by a nanny in Dobbs Ferry, NY. The nanny was a vastly overweight, black or bi racial individual wearing a red pant suit. The red pant suit was seventies style and the top had a very abstract pattern on it and she had a scarf with another pattern, so you will know this nanny if you know her because she is obviously very into fashion. She has cinnamon brown hair in ringlets curls about shoulder length and she wore full makeup and kitten heels. She was taking care of a white boy who was very fair, so fair his hair blends in to his skin and big brown eyes. He was wearing little levis jeans and nike tennis shoes white with a red swoosh. He had on a blue sweater. The nanny was on her phone sitting and the boy was walking around with a sparkly blue rubber ball. I thought he was too far from her. He would bring the ball to her and she would throw it to him, as far as he could. She never even said a word to him. She was busy with her phone, looking off in to the distance and treating your child like a dog. This went on the whole time I was there. She never interacted with him but to snatch the ball from him and tell him, "go far, go far" and send him running off away from her. There is WATER here. The disregard and disinterest she showed in your boy was really upsetting. Oh, the boy was between two and three years old.
Special Bond.... or....
Okay, here's the 411. I live in Larchmont, NY. I was a nanny about ten years ago. I get it. In my current profession, I see a nanny/Au Pair and her twelve year old charge on a multi weekly basis. This nanny/au pair joined the family two months ago. The family has the twelve year old boy and an older sibling whom I don't think the au pair really deals with. This boy is nice enough and the au pair is nice enough. In the capacity I see the two, they are sometimes waiting. When waiting, the twelve year old boy will hug the au pair. This puts his head right so his cheek is on her chest. The parents aren't around during this, but other adults are, so it's not secretive or anything. I just think it's weird. The kid is normal, he's not like special needs or anything.
-Something doesn't feel right
Tuesday
The 96th street and 5th Ave Playground in NYC
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Friday
Bad Nanny Sighting at Dinosaur Park
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| I Saw Your Nanny at Dinosaur Park in NYC |
Send your nanny sightings to isynblog@gmail.com
Day In The Life
I'm a live out so at 5:45 I get myself up and showered and leave my house by
6:30 hopefully with enough time to stop for coffee.
6:55 I arrive and usually the baby is awake or waking up. I change the baby, get the baby dressed and then we peak in on big brother. By 7:15, he's usually up so I get him dressed next and than we have to get the oldest up at 7:30 for school which is a task.
7:35 go downstairs start breakfast for the kids and get the oldest boys lunch packed for school.
7:55 the oldest is downstairs and eating. This gets messy once I'm feeding all three at once. The baby (18 mo) is still a quick eater and has choked a few times and the middle one is the slowest eater. So I'm constantly trying to watch the baby and listen to/break up arguments.
By 8:15 breakfast is done for all and I quickly scarf down some sort of food.
8:20 get coats and shoes on and either Dad or I will take oldest to school. If I take him I need to get the little ones ready which is a little more time consuming.
8:30-8:40 depending if I take oldest to school, we come up comb our hair and brush our teeth.
8:50-9:30 we play inside with all kinda of toys. Mostly unstructured play so they can be independent which they love. We also clean the playroom briefly from night before and that day. On occasion, we do a craft but usually the kids lack the focus.
9:30 change baby's diaper and get coats and shoes on. As well as bathroom breaks.
9:45 we head outside (weather pending) and we either play on the mini playground or walk either to parks or local coffee shops. When it was colder we would bundle in the car and head to the local mall or library for story time.
11:00 I prepare lunch. Basic lunch foods, occasional leftovers. I usually unload dishwasher and load in breakfast dishes.
11:45 I change the baby while brother finishes lunch.
12:00 if brother eats a good lunch, I'll reward him with 15 minutes of tv time while I get baby down. We read a book or two, I turn on some instrumental sleep music and rock her till she gets tired.
12:15 baby is usually down. So it's the the 3 year olds turn for nap. Which he always fights me on and throws a tantrum which is fine by me since it wears him out more. So we go potty, read a few books and I turn on some music for him and within 45 minutes he's asleep. Occasionally I'll read him another book in the middle.
12:45 I eat lunch for myself, clean up dishes from lunch. Clean counters, on occasion I do some harder cleaning but not much is expected. I usually either read a book or watch Netflix. Sometimes I'll work on hw.
2-2:45 baby starts waking up. It's a pretty wide range. I change her diaper, we usually have girl time and read books or just walk and play with whatever she gets into.
On the rare occasion I pick up the oldest (2-3 times a month). I wake both little ones up around 2:50 and we head out by 3, pick up the oldest and are home by 3:25.
3:15 The middle one usually wakes up. So I put the baby in the baby jail and get him up. Most days he has an accident so we have to change his bedding.
3:25 Mom brings the oldest home. All three kids have a snack of fruit and/or treats.
3:40 we all usually head outside to play some more. The oldest usually plays with neighbors while I play with the little ones in the yard. If we don't go outside I give the oldest 20 minutes on the iPad dependent upon his morning behavior. The little ones have some more play time or all the kids play together. Usually a meltdown from the older one occurs so he tends to spend time by himself.
4:30 (hopefully) mom or dad come relieve me. We talk about the day (we have an ejournal for communicating too so it's pretty brief). I head out the door and back home before night school.
6:55 I arrive and usually the baby is awake or waking up. I change the baby, get the baby dressed and then we peak in on big brother. By 7:15, he's usually up so I get him dressed next and than we have to get the oldest up at 7:30 for school which is a task.
7:35 go downstairs start breakfast for the kids and get the oldest boys lunch packed for school.
7:55 the oldest is downstairs and eating. This gets messy once I'm feeding all three at once. The baby (18 mo) is still a quick eater and has choked a few times and the middle one is the slowest eater. So I'm constantly trying to watch the baby and listen to/break up arguments.
By 8:15 breakfast is done for all and I quickly scarf down some sort of food.
8:20 get coats and shoes on and either Dad or I will take oldest to school. If I take him I need to get the little ones ready which is a little more time consuming.
8:30-8:40 depending if I take oldest to school, we come up comb our hair and brush our teeth.
8:50-9:30 we play inside with all kinda of toys. Mostly unstructured play so they can be independent which they love. We also clean the playroom briefly from night before and that day. On occasion, we do a craft but usually the kids lack the focus.
9:30 change baby's diaper and get coats and shoes on. As well as bathroom breaks.
9:45 we head outside (weather pending) and we either play on the mini playground or walk either to parks or local coffee shops. When it was colder we would bundle in the car and head to the local mall or library for story time.
11:00 I prepare lunch. Basic lunch foods, occasional leftovers. I usually unload dishwasher and load in breakfast dishes.
11:45 I change the baby while brother finishes lunch.
12:00 if brother eats a good lunch, I'll reward him with 15 minutes of tv time while I get baby down. We read a book or two, I turn on some instrumental sleep music and rock her till she gets tired.
12:15 baby is usually down. So it's the the 3 year olds turn for nap. Which he always fights me on and throws a tantrum which is fine by me since it wears him out more. So we go potty, read a few books and I turn on some music for him and within 45 minutes he's asleep. Occasionally I'll read him another book in the middle.
12:45 I eat lunch for myself, clean up dishes from lunch. Clean counters, on occasion I do some harder cleaning but not much is expected. I usually either read a book or watch Netflix. Sometimes I'll work on hw.
2-2:45 baby starts waking up. It's a pretty wide range. I change her diaper, we usually have girl time and read books or just walk and play with whatever she gets into.
On the rare occasion I pick up the oldest (2-3 times a month). I wake both little ones up around 2:50 and we head out by 3, pick up the oldest and are home by 3:25.
3:15 The middle one usually wakes up. So I put the baby in the baby jail and get him up. Most days he has an accident so we have to change his bedding.
3:25 Mom brings the oldest home. All three kids have a snack of fruit and/or treats.
3:40 we all usually head outside to play some more. The oldest usually plays with neighbors while I play with the little ones in the yard. If we don't go outside I give the oldest 20 minutes on the iPad dependent upon his morning behavior. The little ones have some more play time or all the kids play together. Usually a meltdown from the older one occurs so he tends to spend time by himself.
4:30 (hopefully) mom or dad come relieve me. We talk about the day (we have an ejournal for communicating too so it's pretty brief). I head out the door and back home before night school.
Thursday
Nanny Playgroup in the Milwaukee Area
I'm a nanny in the Milwaukee area (New Berlin/Franklin/Oak Creek) and I've tried to find play groups in the past only to be shocked at the politics of a larger one in the area. I try and socialize my charge but being the nanny often subjects me to parents who aren't open to letting their kids play with my charge or just decide to stand there and tell me what I'm doing wrong.
I would love to form a playgroup for just nannies and their charges.
If this thread gets enough interest, I will post my private email and we can see what happens :)
I would love to form a playgroup for just nannies and their charges.
If this thread gets enough interest, I will post my private email and we can see what happens :)
Day In the Life of a Very Happy Nanny
7:56AM: I arrive and hear the voices of MB, DB and A in the bedroom. As I begin to put my purse away and greet the kitty (Kitty Kitty), I can hear A saying my name. "Who's that, A?" "Nee Nee!" :) I go into her room and talk to MB and DB as they get her diaper changed and get her dressed for the day.
8:00AM: We all come out to the living room and DB prepares A's sippy (or, "Elmo milk.") She sits on the couch with MB and drinks some of her milk and we discuss A's weekend.
8:25AM: MB and DB give A kisses and leave for the day. A waves (finally! After lots of coaxing sometimes...after all, she is very busy.)
8:30AM: I make A some breakfast while she plays. (Sometimes oatmeal with banana, sometimes eggs and toast, sometimes a waffle ad yogurt.)
8:40AM: Breakfast time! I sit A in her highchair and read her books, sing her songs and finally give her blocks. (She is such a good eater but gets bored and only has 6 teeth so meal time takes longer than her attention span will allow...I try my best to keep her entertained!!!) 9:15AM: "Out, out!" I clean A's face and hands and take her out of her highchair. She plays some more while I clean up from breakfast and wash her pacis from the night before. Oops...A climbed on the couch and took a little spill off of it. Guess she thought she could fly...she's a drama queen but only cries for about 5 seconds. I snuggle her and sit her on my lap and put on Play With Me Sesame...and attempt to put her hair in pig tails (she finally has enough hair to do it!!!) while she is distracted!
9:25AM: I pack the diaper bag for our outing!!!
9:30AM: "A, we need to put on our shoes!" "Shoosh!" A runs to get her shoes and is actually able to get one on herself. "Help!" I help with the other and we are out the door. "Bye Kitty Kitty! See you later!"
10:00AM: We arrive at the mall for Gymboree class!!! A loves her gym class. :)
10:45AM: We may have some snack in the mall food court. Then we either play in the childrens' area which A adores, or go on a ride or two.
11:15AM: Diaper Change!
11:25AM: On our way home.
11:45AM: Home from the mall, A plays while I get her lunch warmed up. (Mac and cheese with spinach and a fruit squeezer. This toddler does NOT like fruit other than bananas, applesauce and fruit yogurt.)
11:55AM: I put A in her highchair and begin the lunch time routine. More singing, books, puzzles, entertainment. This toddler gets dinner theater at every meal with me!
12:30PM: "Out! Out!" She has wanted out for a while, finally I decide she really has had enough. Clean her up, take her out. Let her play while I wash her dishes and unload the dishwasher.
12:40PM: I join her for some castle building. We give some love to the kitty.
12:50PM: Night night kitty. Off to the bedroom for diaper change and cool down time. We read 2 books, I sing her a lullaby and put her in her cribby with Hop Hop the bunny, her blanky and 2 pacis ("papis".)
1:00PM: A is out cold.
1:45PM: I put the wash MB had in the washer this morning in the dryer.
3:45PM: Kitty has been sleeping next to me but I know she will be complaining for dinner soon. I deicde to feed her before A wakes up. 4:00PM: A is stirring. I go to get her up. Snuggle in the chair for a moment before A spots something she wants. "Da, Da!" (That, that.) "What? This book? (no) This one? (no)..." Finally, I grab something for her and give up on what the poor toddler is actually referring to. Diaper change! (Sometimes a fit, but I brush it off and usually that works.)
4:10PM: Put her in her highchair for snack and sippy cup ("Elmo milk") Snack is usually yogurt, a fruit pouch or a banana, depending on what she had earlier in the day. Try to get her to finish her milk.
4:35PM: We grab our diaper bag, put on our shoes and head over to the park! Swings first, then some time in the sand followed by the other equipment. A is getting pretty good on it but still likes Nee Nee to go in too...:).
5:15PM: We walk home. Get in and unload the diaper bag while A plays. I sit on the couch to catch my breath.
5:30PM: Either DB or MB is home!!! I tell him/her all about our day (even though I have been sending texts and pics anyway.) 5:40/45: I give kisses and hugs to my little A and tell her to have a great night and that I will see her in the morning! Sometimes she waves...sometimes she is too busy. :) A is 19 months old and I have been with her a year next week. I love my job. :)
8:00AM: We all come out to the living room and DB prepares A's sippy (or, "Elmo milk.") She sits on the couch with MB and drinks some of her milk and we discuss A's weekend.
8:25AM: MB and DB give A kisses and leave for the day. A waves (finally! After lots of coaxing sometimes...after all, she is very busy.)
8:30AM: I make A some breakfast while she plays. (Sometimes oatmeal with banana, sometimes eggs and toast, sometimes a waffle ad yogurt.)
8:40AM: Breakfast time! I sit A in her highchair and read her books, sing her songs and finally give her blocks. (She is such a good eater but gets bored and only has 6 teeth so meal time takes longer than her attention span will allow...I try my best to keep her entertained!!!) 9:15AM: "Out, out!" I clean A's face and hands and take her out of her highchair. She plays some more while I clean up from breakfast and wash her pacis from the night before. Oops...A climbed on the couch and took a little spill off of it. Guess she thought she could fly...she's a drama queen but only cries for about 5 seconds. I snuggle her and sit her on my lap and put on Play With Me Sesame...and attempt to put her hair in pig tails (she finally has enough hair to do it!!!) while she is distracted!
9:25AM: I pack the diaper bag for our outing!!!
9:30AM: "A, we need to put on our shoes!" "Shoosh!" A runs to get her shoes and is actually able to get one on herself. "Help!" I help with the other and we are out the door. "Bye Kitty Kitty! See you later!"
10:00AM: We arrive at the mall for Gymboree class!!! A loves her gym class. :)
10:45AM: We may have some snack in the mall food court. Then we either play in the childrens' area which A adores, or go on a ride or two.
11:15AM: Diaper Change!
11:25AM: On our way home.
11:45AM: Home from the mall, A plays while I get her lunch warmed up. (Mac and cheese with spinach and a fruit squeezer. This toddler does NOT like fruit other than bananas, applesauce and fruit yogurt.)
11:55AM: I put A in her highchair and begin the lunch time routine. More singing, books, puzzles, entertainment. This toddler gets dinner theater at every meal with me!
12:30PM: "Out! Out!" She has wanted out for a while, finally I decide she really has had enough. Clean her up, take her out. Let her play while I wash her dishes and unload the dishwasher.
12:40PM: I join her for some castle building. We give some love to the kitty.
12:50PM: Night night kitty. Off to the bedroom for diaper change and cool down time. We read 2 books, I sing her a lullaby and put her in her cribby with Hop Hop the bunny, her blanky and 2 pacis ("papis".)
1:00PM: A is out cold.
1:45PM: I put the wash MB had in the washer this morning in the dryer.
3:45PM: Kitty has been sleeping next to me but I know she will be complaining for dinner soon. I deicde to feed her before A wakes up. 4:00PM: A is stirring. I go to get her up. Snuggle in the chair for a moment before A spots something she wants. "Da, Da!" (That, that.) "What? This book? (no) This one? (no)..." Finally, I grab something for her and give up on what the poor toddler is actually referring to. Diaper change! (Sometimes a fit, but I brush it off and usually that works.)
4:10PM: Put her in her highchair for snack and sippy cup ("Elmo milk") Snack is usually yogurt, a fruit pouch or a banana, depending on what she had earlier in the day. Try to get her to finish her milk.
4:35PM: We grab our diaper bag, put on our shoes and head over to the park! Swings first, then some time in the sand followed by the other equipment. A is getting pretty good on it but still likes Nee Nee to go in too...:).
5:15PM: We walk home. Get in and unload the diaper bag while A plays. I sit on the couch to catch my breath.
5:30PM: Either DB or MB is home!!! I tell him/her all about our day (even though I have been sending texts and pics anyway.) 5:40/45: I give kisses and hugs to my little A and tell her to have a great night and that I will see her in the morning! Sometimes she waves...sometimes she is too busy. :) A is 19 months old and I have been with her a year next week. I love my job. :)
Wednesday
10 Ways to Respond if Your Mom Boss Cuts Your Hours
During these difficult economic times, a cut in pay or hours can be devastating. If you’ve dedicated years of your life to a post with your employing family only to discover that your hours are going to be cut, it’s normal and natural to be concerned, especially if you’re already living from paycheck to paycheck. When you’re confronted with such a precarious and difficult situation, here are 10 of the ways you might want to respond.
1. Ask If It’s Permanent or Temporary – Sometimes a reduction in hours is a temporary one, resulting from unforeseen events that affect your employers’ ability to maintain your current schedule. Asking directly if a cut in hours is supposed to be a permanent change or if it will be limited to a shorter span of time is the best course of action. Once you have the answer, you’ll be able to better assess the situation and decide how to proceed.2. Ask If Your Performance Level Has Dropped – There’s a possibility that you’re not doing your job as thoroughly as you think. It could be that you used to put in that extra effort to make sure all the clothes were cleaned and put away, but lately you’ve just been folding them and keeping them in the basket. Little things like this could be indicating to the family that you aren’t as invested in being their nanny as you used to be. If this is the issue, ask your employer if you could have a probationary period to show her that you are still dedicated to doing your job well.
3. Offer to Take On Additional Duties – Your employer may be tracking the tasks you handle, as well as how long it takes to get it all done. She could be realizing that you have more down time than she realized you would when you were first hired. It could be that you have simply become more efficient with your time as the nanny for your family. In that case, it should be easy enough to pick up a few extra duties to justify working the same number of hours. Your employer may appreciate having a few things taken off her plate and be willing to keep your hours where they’re at with a few adjustments to your list of responsibilities.
4. Insist on Same Pay with Fewer Hours – Your boss has to realize that you need the same amount of money you’ve been receiving all along to maintain your own financial wellbeing. Even with a cut in hours, you might not have the time to squeeze in a part-time job to fill in that gap in pay. If she decides that your hours need to be cut, there’s no harm in requesting that you get paid the same as you are now with your full hours.
5. Take Time to Think the Situation Over – Hopefully, your employer is giving you more than a day’s notice before this change is supposed to take place. Simply tell her, “I’ll think about it.” This may give her the time to rethink her proposal and decide if it’s worth losing you over. It’s a lot of hassle to find the right nanny. If she’s grateful for the job you do and happy with your performance, she might change her mind.
6. Remind Her of Your Contract – This only works if you have a written contract in place that states the number of hours you are to work each week. If you do have such a contract, bring this up with your boss. The work agreement governing your professional relationship is not open to negotiation unless you’re both willing to amend it. If she wants to change anything, she would need your signature to override the previous contract’s conditions.
7. Present a Counter Offer – Chances are, her decision is not set in stone. Get in there and negotiate. You could tell her you’re willing to work fewer hours, but not as few as she has proposed. Or, you might want to see if she’s willing to give you a slight raise. Don’t expect her to give you as much money as you’re making now with fewer hours if the decision is based upon a sudden change in her own household income, but see if she’s willing to meet you halfway before you give up completely.
8. Resign – As with leaving any position, you’ll want to give notice of your resignation. If this is a change you decide you cannot live with, tell your employer you’ve enjoyed working for them and you wish to terminate your services. Remind her that you have your own finances to look after, and that you can’t continue to do that under the new arrangement.
9. Ask for a Letter of Reference – If you’re sure your performance has nothing to do with the cut in hours, ask for a letter of reference to make it easier to find a new job. You don’t necessarily have to quit on the spot, but it’s wise to start covering your bases as soon as possible. Instead, get a good recommendation and start looking for something new. In the meantime, keep working for the hours she’s proposed so you’re at least still making something.
10. Bite the Bullet – If confrontation is not your style or you really don’t have the ability to leave your current post at the moment, then bite the bullet and accept the new arrangement until it either changes or you become capable of moving on to greener pastures. It’s never easy to hear that your hours are being cut. Before you lash out though, take a deep breath and think about what the change will truly mean for you. Only after serious reflection should you react to this proposal.
If you would like to read the full article, please visit here: http://www.parttimenanny.org/blog/10-ways-to-respond-if-your-mom-boss-cuts-your-hours/.
Juggling Many
I am curious to know how you guys handle activities when you are juggling 2 toddlers. I am a fairly new nanny to a 14 month old and 4 year old. I have been a nanny for many years, but am new to working with new kids at this age group. The 4 year old loves doing crafts or different activities like playdough, jewelry making, baking, etc. I would love it if you guys could give me some ideas on how to balance these activities so that 14 month old can feel included too. I don't want to just sit her in front of the TV or say no you can't play with this as I think that would make her feel left out. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Tuesday
Day In The Life of a Grumpy Live In
6:25 Hear baby (5months) crying next door and grunt quietly into my pillow. Roll over and try to go back to sleep as I don't technically start my day until 7:45. MB and DB are both home.
6:45 After 20 minutes of crying, and still nothing from MB or DB, I roll my eyes and grumpily get out of bed and go get the baby. Change the baby's diaper make him a bottle and bring him back into my bed. Feed the baby his bottle while I half sleep and pray to the mean sleep Gods that he'll fall back asleep.
7:00 Baby falls back asleep and I can finally shut my eyes and get another 30 minutes of sleep.
7:30 MB comes and knocks on my door and asks if I can start a little earlier today. I say yes of course even though in my head I am throwing the worst toddler temper tantrum. Get up and get dressed while the baby sleeps in my bed. Throw my hair into the messiest ponytail. Barricade the baby with pillows so he can't roll or fall of the bed and go and wake up Toddler and School Age.
7:40 Wake up School Age first and get him dressed. Wash his face and brush his teeth after telling him about a hundred times that he needs to focus and concentrate so that we can finish getting ready. Sneakily roll my eyes as he tells me that he knows all about concentration and that he is really good at it. After getting him dressed I tell him to go play in the playroom so I can get his siblings ready to go.
7:50 Wake up Toddler and plug my ears and she screams and throws the biggest tantrum over me changing her diaper. Wrestle her into the day's clothes and shoes. Wipe her face and put her hair in a ponytail so that she can "thee" (see). Tell her to go play with School Age in the playroom so that I can get Baby dressed and ready to go.
8:00 Change Baby's diaper and get him dressed. Bring him out to the dining room and place him in his high chair so that I can start preparing breakfast. Throw the toast in the toaster and burn my fingers and I rush to get it out before I burn it. Spread some butter on the toast. Cut up lots of berries because just a couple berries are never enough for Toddler or School Age. Call T and SA to the table and tell them to eat their breakfast.
8:10 Scarf down some breakfast as fast as I can without choking since I know it'll be hours before I even see food again. Pour my strong coffee into my travel mug with a spoonful of sugar and two spoons of cream. Feed the baby another bottle before cleaning him up.
8:15 Tell the kids breakfast is over and throw their dishes into the sink. Tell them to wash their hands 20 times as they continue to argue with me that they don't want to.
8:20 Realize I forgot to pack the kid's lunches and throw some crap into their lunchboxes. I know I'll probably get an earful from their teacher about not following the food pyramid and "including one food from each food group".
8:30 Take B, T and SA out to the car. Get everybody strapped into carseats and boosters. Throw all the kid's crap into the trunk. Realize I forgot my cell phone and tell the kids I'll be right back. Run in and get my phone and come back to find that T and SA are arguing about something. Tell them both that we need to get along and it's not nice to yell out our friends and siblings.
8:40 FINALLY ON THE ROAD!
8:45 Enter the preschool drop of circle and wait until it's our turn to drop off T. Finally our turn and help T out of the car. Give her a big hug and kiss and say we'll be back to pick her up in a few hours. Get back in the car and rush to get SA to school on time.
8:50 Back on the road. Talk to SA about what he can expect after school. I will be picking him up and taking him to Soccer practice. He reminds me to bring his favorite snack and I agree.
9:00 Get to SA's school, get him out of the car with his backpack and lunch bag. Unbuckle the baby and walk SA to his classroom. Say Hi to his teacher and give him a hug goodbye and remind him to listen to his teacher and play nicely with his friends.
9:10 Finally back to the car and on the road back to the house. Baby fusses in the backseat and I turn on the radio to my favorite country station and sing along on the ride home.
9:30 Pull into the driveway and open the garage door. Pull into the garage crossing my fingers that I don't hit anything like last time ;). Go straight inside and put B in his high chair for breakfast. Puree some peaches and make some rice cereal. B eats all of his breakfast and starts getting fussy which means it's nap time not just for him but for me as well.
9:45 Bring B into his bedroom and change his diaper. Sit in the rocking chair and sing him a couple lullabies while I fight to keep my eyes open.
10:00 B is fast asleep and I run out to the kitchen as fast as I can so I can rush through the dishes and fall into my bed.
11:30 Hear the baby crying and thank my lucky stars that I was able to nap for a whole hour! Go get the baby, change his diaper, and then feed him a bottle. As soon as he is done eating, we load back up into the car and go to pick up T.
12:00 Pick up T from preschool. We ask her all about her day and she tells that they learned about bumble bees and lady bugs. I ask if she can tell me the difference between the two bugs as we drive to the park. She tells me that bees are black and yellow and that ladybugs are red and black. She tells me that bees are mean and sting people when they are bothered and that ladybugs are nice and like to be held.
12:15. Pull into the park and remind T that she can't go and play until she finishes all of her lunch. Quickly mash up a banana for B to eat.
12:45 Lunch is finished and T is playing in the sand with her toys. She gets tired of the sand and runs to play on the slide. After that she decides to lay in the grass and look at the clouds. After that she wants to swing. I am tired just watching her. I take a large gulp of coffee and sing to B while his big sister plays.
1:45 Load back up int the car and head over to SA's school.
2:00 Pull into the school's parking lot and quickly "throw" T into the stroller while simultaneously strapping B to my chest in the Moby. Run into the school and straight to SA's classroom.
2:10 Doors open and kid's come running out to hug their caregivers. SA runs straight to my arms and gives me the biggest hug and excitedly starts telling me all about his day. I ask him to hold on so I can grab his lunch box and backpack and tell him he can continue telling me about his day as we walk back to the car.
2:20 Get the kids all in the car and start the drive home. On the way home we talk about what kind of snack we are going to have when we get home. SA tells me he would like applesauce and carrots, T tells me she wants strawberries and a granola bar, and B just squeals.
2:45 We are home and sitting at the dining room table eating our snacks. SA has a little meltdown telling me that he doesn't want to nap before soccer and T agrees. B slurps down another bottle and I scarf down a banana.
3:00 Kids are fed, hands are washed, diapers are changed, and potty trips have been made. SA and T are playing in the playroom while I put B down for his nap.
3:10 B is napping and now it's time to put T down for her nap.
3:15 T is napping and now it's time to put SA down for "quiet time" since he "doesn't want to nap and he doesn't have to!"
3:30 I drink another cup of coffee and lay down on the couch to check email, watch tv, and nap.
4:15 I get up and finally clean all the dishes from the day, wipe down the table, sweep the floor and pick up the playroom.
4:30 MB comes home from work and asks if I will take SA to soccer while she stays home with T and B and make dinner. I agree secretly thanking her for not saying I have to take all three kids to SA's soccer practice.
4:45 Go into SA's room since he "quiet time" is over. Help him into his soccer clothes and tell him to go get a bottle of water before we go out to the car.
5:00 Here B and T stirring in their rooms and go tell MB they are awake before bringing SA out to the car.
5:30 Pull into the parking lot and run over to the soccer field so that SA can start practice. During his practice I play games on my phone or call my mom and complain about the busy day I've had and how tired I am.
6:30 Soccer is over and we drive home for dinner.
6:45 Sit down at the table for dinner with B, T, SA, MB and DB. MB made homemade pizzas for all of us and I eat mine while thanking her for the delicious meal.
7:00 Finish my dinner and retreat to my room after a long and exhausting day.
For Reference:
SA = 5 and is in Kindergarden
T = 3.5 and is in Preschool
and B = 5months old
6:45 After 20 minutes of crying, and still nothing from MB or DB, I roll my eyes and grumpily get out of bed and go get the baby. Change the baby's diaper make him a bottle and bring him back into my bed. Feed the baby his bottle while I half sleep and pray to the mean sleep Gods that he'll fall back asleep.
7:30 MB comes and knocks on my door and asks if I can start a little earlier today. I say yes of course even though in my head I am throwing the worst toddler temper tantrum. Get up and get dressed while the baby sleeps in my bed. Throw my hair into the messiest ponytail. Barricade the baby with pillows so he can't roll or fall of the bed and go and wake up Toddler and School Age.
7:40 Wake up School Age first and get him dressed. Wash his face and brush his teeth after telling him about a hundred times that he needs to focus and concentrate so that we can finish getting ready. Sneakily roll my eyes as he tells me that he knows all about concentration and that he is really good at it. After getting him dressed I tell him to go play in the playroom so I can get his siblings ready to go.
7:50 Wake up Toddler and plug my ears and she screams and throws the biggest tantrum over me changing her diaper. Wrestle her into the day's clothes and shoes. Wipe her face and put her hair in a ponytail so that she can "thee" (see). Tell her to go play with School Age in the playroom so that I can get Baby dressed and ready to go.
8:00 Change Baby's diaper and get him dressed. Bring him out to the dining room and place him in his high chair so that I can start preparing breakfast. Throw the toast in the toaster and burn my fingers and I rush to get it out before I burn it. Spread some butter on the toast. Cut up lots of berries because just a couple berries are never enough for Toddler or School Age. Call T and SA to the table and tell them to eat their breakfast.
8:10 Scarf down some breakfast as fast as I can without choking since I know it'll be hours before I even see food again. Pour my strong coffee into my travel mug with a spoonful of sugar and two spoons of cream. Feed the baby another bottle before cleaning him up.
8:15 Tell the kids breakfast is over and throw their dishes into the sink. Tell them to wash their hands 20 times as they continue to argue with me that they don't want to.
8:20 Realize I forgot to pack the kid's lunches and throw some crap into their lunchboxes. I know I'll probably get an earful from their teacher about not following the food pyramid and "including one food from each food group".
8:30 Take B, T and SA out to the car. Get everybody strapped into carseats and boosters. Throw all the kid's crap into the trunk. Realize I forgot my cell phone and tell the kids I'll be right back. Run in and get my phone and come back to find that T and SA are arguing about something. Tell them both that we need to get along and it's not nice to yell out our friends and siblings.
8:40 FINALLY ON THE ROAD!
8:45 Enter the preschool drop of circle and wait until it's our turn to drop off T. Finally our turn and help T out of the car. Give her a big hug and kiss and say we'll be back to pick her up in a few hours. Get back in the car and rush to get SA to school on time.
8:50 Back on the road. Talk to SA about what he can expect after school. I will be picking him up and taking him to Soccer practice. He reminds me to bring his favorite snack and I agree.
9:00 Get to SA's school, get him out of the car with his backpack and lunch bag. Unbuckle the baby and walk SA to his classroom. Say Hi to his teacher and give him a hug goodbye and remind him to listen to his teacher and play nicely with his friends.
9:10 Finally back to the car and on the road back to the house. Baby fusses in the backseat and I turn on the radio to my favorite country station and sing along on the ride home.
9:30 Pull into the driveway and open the garage door. Pull into the garage crossing my fingers that I don't hit anything like last time ;). Go straight inside and put B in his high chair for breakfast. Puree some peaches and make some rice cereal. B eats all of his breakfast and starts getting fussy which means it's nap time not just for him but for me as well.
9:45 Bring B into his bedroom and change his diaper. Sit in the rocking chair and sing him a couple lullabies while I fight to keep my eyes open.
10:00 B is fast asleep and I run out to the kitchen as fast as I can so I can rush through the dishes and fall into my bed.
11:30 Hear the baby crying and thank my lucky stars that I was able to nap for a whole hour! Go get the baby, change his diaper, and then feed him a bottle. As soon as he is done eating, we load back up into the car and go to pick up T.
12:00 Pick up T from preschool. We ask her all about her day and she tells that they learned about bumble bees and lady bugs. I ask if she can tell me the difference between the two bugs as we drive to the park. She tells me that bees are black and yellow and that ladybugs are red and black. She tells me that bees are mean and sting people when they are bothered and that ladybugs are nice and like to be held.
12:15. Pull into the park and remind T that she can't go and play until she finishes all of her lunch. Quickly mash up a banana for B to eat.
12:45 Lunch is finished and T is playing in the sand with her toys. She gets tired of the sand and runs to play on the slide. After that she decides to lay in the grass and look at the clouds. After that she wants to swing. I am tired just watching her. I take a large gulp of coffee and sing to B while his big sister plays.
1:45 Load back up int the car and head over to SA's school.
2:00 Pull into the school's parking lot and quickly "throw" T into the stroller while simultaneously strapping B to my chest in the Moby. Run into the school and straight to SA's classroom.
2:10 Doors open and kid's come running out to hug their caregivers. SA runs straight to my arms and gives me the biggest hug and excitedly starts telling me all about his day. I ask him to hold on so I can grab his lunch box and backpack and tell him he can continue telling me about his day as we walk back to the car.
2:20 Get the kids all in the car and start the drive home. On the way home we talk about what kind of snack we are going to have when we get home. SA tells me he would like applesauce and carrots, T tells me she wants strawberries and a granola bar, and B just squeals.
2:45 We are home and sitting at the dining room table eating our snacks. SA has a little meltdown telling me that he doesn't want to nap before soccer and T agrees. B slurps down another bottle and I scarf down a banana.
3:00 Kids are fed, hands are washed, diapers are changed, and potty trips have been made. SA and T are playing in the playroom while I put B down for his nap.
3:10 B is napping and now it's time to put T down for her nap.
3:15 T is napping and now it's time to put SA down for "quiet time" since he "doesn't want to nap and he doesn't have to!"
3:30 I drink another cup of coffee and lay down on the couch to check email, watch tv, and nap.
4:15 I get up and finally clean all the dishes from the day, wipe down the table, sweep the floor and pick up the playroom.
4:30 MB comes home from work and asks if I will take SA to soccer while she stays home with T and B and make dinner. I agree secretly thanking her for not saying I have to take all three kids to SA's soccer practice.
4:45 Go into SA's room since he "quiet time" is over. Help him into his soccer clothes and tell him to go get a bottle of water before we go out to the car.
5:00 Here B and T stirring in their rooms and go tell MB they are awake before bringing SA out to the car.
5:30 Pull into the parking lot and run over to the soccer field so that SA can start practice. During his practice I play games on my phone or call my mom and complain about the busy day I've had and how tired I am.
6:30 Soccer is over and we drive home for dinner.
6:45 Sit down at the table for dinner with B, T, SA, MB and DB. MB made homemade pizzas for all of us and I eat mine while thanking her for the delicious meal.
7:00 Finish my dinner and retreat to my room after a long and exhausting day.
For Reference:
SA = 5 and is in Kindergarden
T = 3.5 and is in Preschool
and B = 5months old
And you, what's your day like?
Email isynblog@gmail.com.
Day In The Life
3 kids...18 (L) months, 10 (A), 12 (J)
7am: Arrive at work to find L and A sitting in the living room watching Sesame Street. L has a sippy cup in her hand and she is in love with Elmo and "Cookie" MB is in her bedroom getting ready and J is in the shower. A gets up and retreats to the basement now that I'm here to keep an eye on L. I greet L and she usually says something like "No" thinking I'm going to remove her from her activity. I sit and cuddle with her for a bit.
7:20: I ask L if she is hungry and ask her to go to her chair. She runs over and waits until I put her in. I give her cereal and blackberries which she gobbles up like candy. She is a great eater and eats a lot and often but still is a tall, slimmer baby (maybe its all the running and dancing she does).
7:30 J makes his way downstairs and goes to the living room after greeting L. He checks his email, sports scores and the news. I take L out of her chair and she scurries into the living room to play. J talks to her in between news headlines while I clean up her chair.
7:40 I empty the dishwasher and load dishes in. L wanders in and helps. She's all about putting things in the trash and when she does it (wanted or unwanted) she says "thank you". Her mom's kindle has fallen victim to this resulting in the need to purchase a new one.
8:00 I call A up from downstairs and tell him its time for breakfast and tell J to do the same. They eat and make their lunches for the day (I stopped doing this about 6 months ago). L continues to play while I chat up the boys. After they are done making their lunches they go to the living room to hang out with L or watch youtube videos. They are easily distracted by L's singing and hugs.
8:30 time to head out to the bus. They brush their teeth and all of us go to the bus stop. L waits for her favorite neighbors who are just as happy to see her. 8:45 back in the house, L and I play and read "bookas". I usually eat breakfast during this time. Usually L heads to the window to look out her backyard for "puppies"(deer).
10:00 depending on her mood I usually put L down for a nap at this time. She goes down easy (I think she was 5 months when it was decided she should self soothe, prior to that she had to be rocked for a LONG time with fans and such on) and I tell her I love her (I point to my eyes, heart, and her) and she does the same hand gestures. I go downstairs and clean up a bit then watch hulu for about an hour before I take my own little power nap.
12:15 L wakes up and I let her talk in her crib for about 5 minutes while I get her lunch ready. I change her, and we eat lunch.
12:35 L wants to go "outside" for a "walka" and looks for her shoes. Every day I try and take her on a walk. I've done this since she was a baby. We go to the park on nice days (they have a really nice bike seat for her and in the summer we ride the trails near by). If I'm not careful I can be gone for 2 hours or more.
2:30 we come back for a snack and diaper change. We have downtime and play.
3:15 L is super crabby so I put her down for some quiet time
4:10 the boys come home and I ask A to go get L from her room (she gets SOOOO excited when she wakes up and the boys love seeing that) A does his homework and J is on the phone ready to go to a friends house.
4:30 I give L a heavy snack and we play some more. A usually has headed to the basement by now.
5:00 MB comes home. I give a report on the day; naps, feedings, activities, etc.
5:20 I get home, let my puppy out.
10:30 my head hits the pillow and my pager goes off (I'm a volunteer EMT on a mid-size fire dept) and I'm off to the station. If I transport to the hospital I'm gone a minimum of 2 hours. Most of our nighttime calls are between 10 and 2 am. Due the the adrenaline rush its often hard to get back to sleep (which is why I nap at work). I love my job, love my bosses, and those kids make my life. I also love that I can do what I love as far as an EMT and still function at my job (some days I'm a zombie).
Unemployment
I am a nanny to 3 kids(will be one year in Oct.that i have worked for them). I am paid on the books. I recently found out that they are switching to daycare come this fall and will no longer need me. Will I be able to collect unemployment?
Thanks,
soon to be unemployed :(
Thanks,
soon to be unemployed :(
Monday
Tummy Time Techniques
Hi Nannies!
I'm looking for ideas on how to make tummy time more appealing to a baby that doesn't like being on her tummy. He doesn't have any medical issues causing discomfort, just doesn't like it and won't do it for a toy or even if I put him on my belly for it. Any ideas be appreciated.
Nanny Day In The Life Made by a Mom
The twins wake up at 7:30am, and I will breastfeed them both in the morning before the nanny comes at 8:00am. Since I will need to leave right around 8:00am, our nanny needs to help the babies get dressed and ready for the day. I leave out their outfits in the morning, to make this easy for her. They usually play from 8:00-9:00 before breakfast. Their favorite morning activities are tummy time, reading books, listening to music, or relaxing in their swings.
They will eat breakfast at 9:00. Breakfast is usually oatmeal and a pureed fruit. Their favorites are bananas, pears, and peaches. After breakfast, they will go down for a nap at 9:30, sleep for 1.5 hours, waking up at 11:00. As soon as they wake up, they each will take a bottle of 4 oz of pumped breast milk that I will leave in the fridge; it will need to be heated up in the bottle warmer. We have two to make warming them faster and easier.
They will have play time again from 11:30-1. During this time, we set up a blanket in the backyard for them to hang out on while they play with toys and watch their older brother explore, or we hang out in the living room and play with toys, or we will take a trip to the local park (which is about 2 blocks from our house).
They will eat a later lunch of pureed veggies at 1:00-1:15. Their favorite veggies are green beans, carrots, and peas. They are definitely not picky eaters, and love trying new foods. After lunch, they will take another nap at 2:00. They will sleep for 1 hour, waking up at 3pm, and will have play time until I come home at 3:30-3:45.
3 Year Old Schedule:
Cameron will wake up for the day at 8:30am and will need help getting dressed for the day. He likes to pick out his own clothes, so I normally leave out 2-3 choices for him to pick from.
He will eat breakfast with the twins at 9:00am. Breakfast usually consists of 1-2 of the following: eggs, toast, cut up fruit, yoghurt, oatmeal, or cereal. I will prepare his breakfast and leave it in the fridge so that it will be easier.
He will have play time from 9:30-12:30. He will eat lunch at 1:00 with the twins. Lunch usually consists of 1-3 of the following: a protein dish (baked fish, baked chicken, lunch meat, or something of the like), some sort of pasta dish, cut up fruits and vegetables, sandwiches, or soup. Again, I will prepare this and leave in the fridge (labeled Cameron Lunch). It may need to be heated up, and cut up. We want to make sure, though, that all meals are eaten at the table, either in the dining room or at the picnic table in the backyard. We have portable high chairs for the twins if you decide to eat outside.
After lunch, he will take a nap at 1:30, sleep for two hours, and wake up at 3:30, when I will be home for the day.
Crushing on DB
I need advice for a situation. Please be kind. I’m already upset with myself.
2 years ago a took a job as a nanny for a guy I went to college with Nothing happened between us in college. I had a crush on him. I found the job through my agency. I did not realize he was the guy until I went on the interview. I realize now I should have never taken the job once I discovered who I would be working for, but I truly believed I no longer had any feelings for him, and felt I could work for the situation.
He needed a fulltime nanny because his wife had left and they were divorcing, and he was left with the kids. My job would be caring for the kids Monday through Friday from sun up till sun down.
At the time I started the kids were 4, 3, and 1 years old. As always, I have fallen completely in love with my charges. The problem is my boss and I have also formed a relationship beyond that of employee and employer. We haven’t slept together or anything like that, but we have dated/dating. I know I crossed boundaries I never should have crossed.
Thing is the kids’ mother and his ex-wife has returned. I know there are things they need to resolve with each other so long story short I’ve decided to take myself out of the picture. I have given my notice from the job as well. I need advice on is the 6 and 5 year old girls have begged me to come to their birthdays and send me notes and pictures. I don’t want to suddenly and completely disappear on them, but at the same time I don’t want to make the situation worse than it is. I also, know that their mother is not fond of me, and I feel as though I need to be respectful of that.
2 years ago a took a job as a nanny for a guy I went to college with Nothing happened between us in college. I had a crush on him. I found the job through my agency. I did not realize he was the guy until I went on the interview. I realize now I should have never taken the job once I discovered who I would be working for, but I truly believed I no longer had any feelings for him, and felt I could work for the situation.
He needed a fulltime nanny because his wife had left and they were divorcing, and he was left with the kids. My job would be caring for the kids Monday through Friday from sun up till sun down.
At the time I started the kids were 4, 3, and 1 years old. As always, I have fallen completely in love with my charges. The problem is my boss and I have also formed a relationship beyond that of employee and employer. We haven’t slept together or anything like that, but we have dated/dating. I know I crossed boundaries I never should have crossed.
Thing is the kids’ mother and his ex-wife has returned. I know there are things they need to resolve with each other so long story short I’ve decided to take myself out of the picture. I have given my notice from the job as well. I need advice on is the 6 and 5 year old girls have begged me to come to their birthdays and send me notes and pictures. I don’t want to suddenly and completely disappear on them, but at the same time I don’t want to make the situation worse than it is. I also, know that their mother is not fond of me, and I feel as though I need to be respectful of that.
Sunday
Day In the Life of Newborn Nanny
845 Change Bubba's diaper and then put him down in his crib for a nap.
1000 Bubba wakes up from his nap, change his diaper then give him a bottle.
1015 Put Bubba in the stroller, round up the 2 dogs and take them all for a walk
1100 Return home from a walk then play until Bubba goes down for a nap. He loves tummy time or laying on his back and having books read to him. I like to lay next to him on my back and hold the books up above both of us so we can both look at the pictures while I read. His favorite books are Brown Bear Brown Bear and Polar Bear Polar Bear
1200 Change Bubba's diaper and then give him a bottle. Lay him down in the crib for a nap.
115 Bubba wakes up from a nap, I change his diaper and then we cuddle on the couch together for about half an hour while I read or sing to him.
145 Diaper and Bottle
200 Go to grocery store and get things on grocery list for that nights dinner
300 Return home and give Bubba a bottle, lay him down in crib for another nap. When he is napping I start the prep for MB and DB's dinner.
430 Bubba wakes up from nap, change diaper, and give bottle. Play with Bubba until it's time to start dinner.
500 Put Bubba in bouncy chair or swing in the kitchen with me so I can cook dinner for MB and DB
545 Dinner is ready so I set the table for MB and DB.
555 MB and DB both get home from work
600 Lay Bubba down in the crib and then sit down for dinner with MB and DB ( I don't always have dinner with them, depends on what I make or if I have plans that night. But 3 out of 5 nights I usually stay for dinner.
6:30 Bubba wakes up and I go grab him while MB and DB clean up dinner table and dishes.
645 Give Bubba a hug and kiss and tell him I can't wait until tomorrow then I leave for the day.
Baby Advice Needed
I'm hoping your readers can give me advice for soothing an 8 month old baby that is fighting naptime even when tired.
Baby until recently save things like illness or teething would go to sleep independently starting from 4 months old. I've tried music. Belly rubs, hand holding, etc. Baby only gets more upset with these methods. I've tried leaving baby to cry. Baby will eventually fall asleep this way , but it takes about a half hour and I can't stand the crying I feel horrible. I've tried putting to bed earlier or later with no success. My employers are firs timers and leaving it up to me. I've cared for babies, before, but none like this situation where nothing works. At wits end.
Baby until recently save things like illness or teething would go to sleep independently starting from 4 months old. I've tried music. Belly rubs, hand holding, etc. Baby only gets more upset with these methods. I've tried leaving baby to cry. Baby will eventually fall asleep this way , but it takes about a half hour and I can't stand the crying I feel horrible. I've tried putting to bed earlier or later with no success. My employers are firs timers and leaving it up to me. I've cared for babies, before, but none like this situation where nothing works. At wits end.
Taking My Weekends Back Part 2
I posted a few days ago about my once a month position and the lack of communication from the parents, along with inconsistent hours and the fact that they didn't appreciate me. I posted on the original submission that I was going to wait until 9p Friday evening for MB to confirm I was working this weekend. I heard NOTHING. I was blown off for no reason, and I feel completely distanced from the nanny community even more now that I was terminated without a reason.
My midwest college town is full of great nannies, however, the agencies here are very catty, rude and unprofessional. I feel unwelcomed here because I am older, mature, experienced, educated professional with a college degree and a fifteen year career in the field of early childhood ed, having worked with all ages of children.
For most nanny positions (part, full and occasional) the desired background is the same: experience with children, degree, enjoys working with children, reliable, responsible, creative, own transportation and references. I exceed the first one, meet all the other "requirements", and I would think that because I have been in the field this long, I really enjoy working with children, and if I didn't, I would be in another field. In no way am I taking things away from younger nannies, however, I feel that I bring more experience, a stronger work ethic, more of a commitment to the nanny profession, plus a higher level of dedication to children and families.
It's funny. My weekend family was my priority: I literally cleared their weekends, letting friends and family know I was unable to get together considering I had to work that weekend, and I also turned families away for childcare. I am beginning to think I was fired because M and DB didn't want someone with my background and experience, quality care, and didn't appreciate the fact that I took good care of DD. The childcare DD attends is of terrible quality; they are my center's competitors, and from what former employees and parents have said of DD's center, I wonder if the teachers in her infant classroom take care of her the way I did. I feel insulted, because I took this job seriously and got screwed.
Now that I lost this job, I now believe that not one family is interested in hiring me as a nanny, either part, full or even occasional, given my solid career, background, dedication and stellar references. I have had terrible experiences with agencies here, and the last agency I went through blew me off, "losing" me in the pool of applicants. (How does an agency "lose" an applicant who meets all the requirements, exceeds the experience level with a fifteen year career and more experience than most of the college students and young professionals in town?) The second thing I think that because of my look (short, copper red hair, blue eyes and plus size but carries it well) and my background, parents are intimidated by me.
You know how someone enters a room and you instantly get a vibe? I believe I "scare" parents. I could be wrong. Today I started my search for a weekend job to replace the one I lost. How do I explain to families why I was terminated (also for future jobs) and what I am looking for in a family? (I am seeking families who are fun, laid back, down to Earth, sarcastic (I have a sarcastic sense of humor) and those who desire a mature, educated, 40+ nanny with solid career in the field, strong work ethic, a commitment to the profession, their child/family, plus someone who can work as a team with M and DB.) I hope I don't sound too harsh when I say that I will only talk to those families looking for those qualities in a nanny, yet it gets tiresome to read a job description, know you meet the requirements, send your resume only to be blown off or passed over for a younger nanny half your age and 1/8 of your experience.
I am beginning to think that families here want younger nannies, and that I am not welcomed in the nanny community due to my age and background. Sorry for the vent. I am upset and who in the hell knows if anyone will hire me? PS: Anyone got any ideas why I was fired? I don't even know.
My midwest college town is full of great nannies, however, the agencies here are very catty, rude and unprofessional. I feel unwelcomed here because I am older, mature, experienced, educated professional with a college degree and a fifteen year career in the field of early childhood ed, having worked with all ages of children.
For most nanny positions (part, full and occasional) the desired background is the same: experience with children, degree, enjoys working with children, reliable, responsible, creative, own transportation and references. I exceed the first one, meet all the other "requirements", and I would think that because I have been in the field this long, I really enjoy working with children, and if I didn't, I would be in another field. In no way am I taking things away from younger nannies, however, I feel that I bring more experience, a stronger work ethic, more of a commitment to the nanny profession, plus a higher level of dedication to children and families.
It's funny. My weekend family was my priority: I literally cleared their weekends, letting friends and family know I was unable to get together considering I had to work that weekend, and I also turned families away for childcare. I am beginning to think I was fired because M and DB didn't want someone with my background and experience, quality care, and didn't appreciate the fact that I took good care of DD. The childcare DD attends is of terrible quality; they are my center's competitors, and from what former employees and parents have said of DD's center, I wonder if the teachers in her infant classroom take care of her the way I did. I feel insulted, because I took this job seriously and got screwed.
Now that I lost this job, I now believe that not one family is interested in hiring me as a nanny, either part, full or even occasional, given my solid career, background, dedication and stellar references. I have had terrible experiences with agencies here, and the last agency I went through blew me off, "losing" me in the pool of applicants. (How does an agency "lose" an applicant who meets all the requirements, exceeds the experience level with a fifteen year career and more experience than most of the college students and young professionals in town?) The second thing I think that because of my look (short, copper red hair, blue eyes and plus size but carries it well) and my background, parents are intimidated by me.
You know how someone enters a room and you instantly get a vibe? I believe I "scare" parents. I could be wrong. Today I started my search for a weekend job to replace the one I lost. How do I explain to families why I was terminated (also for future jobs) and what I am looking for in a family? (I am seeking families who are fun, laid back, down to Earth, sarcastic (I have a sarcastic sense of humor) and those who desire a mature, educated, 40+ nanny with solid career in the field, strong work ethic, a commitment to the profession, their child/family, plus someone who can work as a team with M and DB.) I hope I don't sound too harsh when I say that I will only talk to those families looking for those qualities in a nanny, yet it gets tiresome to read a job description, know you meet the requirements, send your resume only to be blown off or passed over for a younger nanny half your age and 1/8 of your experience.
I am beginning to think that families here want younger nannies, and that I am not welcomed in the nanny community due to my age and background. Sorry for the vent. I am upset and who in the hell knows if anyone will hire me? PS: Anyone got any ideas why I was fired? I don't even know.
Saturday
Leaving a Terrifying Family - Help!
I want OUT - Quitting Advice?
I've been working for only 6 mo with a Los Angeles family. I was hired off the books as a nanny / personal assistant. When I took the job it seemed pretty straight forward, personal assistant tasks for MB during the morning while kiddos are at school and then picking kids up from school and doing after school activities with them until DB comes home from work. The more I work there the more I realize it's not a good fit.
Over time, the job has turned into less nanny work and more personal assistant work. She often encourages me to put the kiddos in front of the TV so I can continue making phone calls and sending emails (I feel so guilty every time.) I recently got another part time job (10 - 20 hr/week) as a sitter for toddler twins and an occasional position as a weekend babysitter for a family with a four year old boy. The more I work with the other families, the more I realize how unhappy I am in this position (Not that I really needed the wake up call. Sometimes, before I do school pick ups, I stop in the bathroom to clean up so the kids don't know I've been crying.)
Despite having multiple conversations with MB about how I need to have the amount of hours I signed up for she frequently gives me unpaid "time off" with less than 24 hours notice. Not to mention the job creep is incredible (I once had to carry a couch up and down the stairs of their two story home three times.) MB frequently doesn't pay me for the time I work by rounding down to the hour, yells at me when she's in a foul mood, doesn't let me eat in the house or take a lunch break, makes me work from home without paying me, frequently schedules playdates with other children and just expects me to watch everyone while she chats with her friends, keeps me as long as she needs to in the evening (meaning I usually drive like a crazy person to my next job), and "lets" me go early without paying me for scheduled time. Not to mention one of her male family members is constantly hitting on me.
I also worked Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year but was unceremoniously given federal holidays off without pay at the last minute because she didn't "need" me. I'm also not sure her kids and I click. While they can be really great, they think of me as just another indentured serf in their home (probably because I'm frequently putting them in front of the TV ugh) and are often rude and demeaning (they're 3 and 5). I leave her house feeling exhausted and unhappy, whereas I leave the other families feeling pretty pleased with myself. I don't want to talk to her (conversations have proved fruitless) - I want to QUIT.
The problem is that I'm absolutely terrified of giving her notice. I know there's no way she'll give me a reference of any sort, regardless of whether she thinks I'm leaving or not. Also I'm only 24 and I feel like nanny jobs (or even personal assistant jobs) in LA are incredibly competitive and few families want such a young nanny. It took me almost three months to find this position. I also get paid good money - $15/hr (although for the amount of work I do for her, I should probably get more). I'm also concerned I won't find another position, because while I have a car, it's not child safe (I drive a truck) and this position comes with the use of a kid safe car.
I feel like I have some weird stockholm syndrome. I'm so scared of quitting because I know she'll throw a fit (this woman is TERRIFYING). But most importantly, I don't want to have a 6 month gaping hole in my resume and it seems like a cop-out to just tell future families that this position "didn't work out," because that sounds like I got fired. It also feels weird to look for a new position while I have this one. What do I tell other families? "Yeah, so, I haven't told my boss I'm trying to leave, so please don't contact her - but I promise I'm trust worthy!" Does quitting now making me unhireable? Should I just suck it up and keep fantasizing about the day when the twins' 20-something nanny leaves for an office job? Any advice would be incredibly appreciated.
I've been working for only 6 mo with a Los Angeles family. I was hired off the books as a nanny / personal assistant. When I took the job it seemed pretty straight forward, personal assistant tasks for MB during the morning while kiddos are at school and then picking kids up from school and doing after school activities with them until DB comes home from work. The more I work there the more I realize it's not a good fit.
Over time, the job has turned into less nanny work and more personal assistant work. She often encourages me to put the kiddos in front of the TV so I can continue making phone calls and sending emails (I feel so guilty every time.) I recently got another part time job (10 - 20 hr/week) as a sitter for toddler twins and an occasional position as a weekend babysitter for a family with a four year old boy. The more I work with the other families, the more I realize how unhappy I am in this position (Not that I really needed the wake up call. Sometimes, before I do school pick ups, I stop in the bathroom to clean up so the kids don't know I've been crying.)
Despite having multiple conversations with MB about how I need to have the amount of hours I signed up for she frequently gives me unpaid "time off" with less than 24 hours notice. Not to mention the job creep is incredible (I once had to carry a couch up and down the stairs of their two story home three times.) MB frequently doesn't pay me for the time I work by rounding down to the hour, yells at me when she's in a foul mood, doesn't let me eat in the house or take a lunch break, makes me work from home without paying me, frequently schedules playdates with other children and just expects me to watch everyone while she chats with her friends, keeps me as long as she needs to in the evening (meaning I usually drive like a crazy person to my next job), and "lets" me go early without paying me for scheduled time. Not to mention one of her male family members is constantly hitting on me.
I also worked Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year but was unceremoniously given federal holidays off without pay at the last minute because she didn't "need" me. I'm also not sure her kids and I click. While they can be really great, they think of me as just another indentured serf in their home (probably because I'm frequently putting them in front of the TV ugh) and are often rude and demeaning (they're 3 and 5). I leave her house feeling exhausted and unhappy, whereas I leave the other families feeling pretty pleased with myself. I don't want to talk to her (conversations have proved fruitless) - I want to QUIT.
The problem is that I'm absolutely terrified of giving her notice. I know there's no way she'll give me a reference of any sort, regardless of whether she thinks I'm leaving or not. Also I'm only 24 and I feel like nanny jobs (or even personal assistant jobs) in LA are incredibly competitive and few families want such a young nanny. It took me almost three months to find this position. I also get paid good money - $15/hr (although for the amount of work I do for her, I should probably get more). I'm also concerned I won't find another position, because while I have a car, it's not child safe (I drive a truck) and this position comes with the use of a kid safe car.
I feel like I have some weird stockholm syndrome. I'm so scared of quitting because I know she'll throw a fit (this woman is TERRIFYING). But most importantly, I don't want to have a 6 month gaping hole in my resume and it seems like a cop-out to just tell future families that this position "didn't work out," because that sounds like I got fired. It also feels weird to look for a new position while I have this one. What do I tell other families? "Yeah, so, I haven't told my boss I'm trying to leave, so please don't contact her - but I promise I'm trust worthy!" Does quitting now making me unhireable? Should I just suck it up and keep fantasizing about the day when the twins' 20-something nanny leaves for an office job? Any advice would be incredibly appreciated.
Day In The Life
7:45- Get 15mo and 4yo set up at the table for breakfast. Rush them a little because as usual we are running late
8:00- Send 4yo to the bathroom to wash her face and brush teeth before school, run back there and quickly to her hair which is usually a pony tail or braid of some sort depending on how much of a rush we are in!
8:15- Load both girls into the car with diaper bag, and 4yo's backpack and snack bag.
8:30- Drop 4yo off at preschool and on the way home stop at the park so 15mo can play.
9:30- Return home and put 15mo down for a morning nap.
Clean up around the house while 15mo naps. Take care of breakfast dishes, make 4yo's bed, run any laundry that may need done, pick up playroom from the night before, start preparing lunches and put in the fridge so they are ready to go.
10:30- 15mo wakes up from nap, bring her out to the table for snack. Then we play around the house until it's time to go pick up 4yo old from preschool.
11:15- Load up in the car then leave to go pick up 4yo from preschool.
11:30- 4yo in the car and we are all headed home for lunch.
12:00- Lunch time. After lunch we usually stay at the table for a quiet activity: craft, coloring, reading, etc. After that, we'll play around the house until nap time
1:00- While 4yo plays in the playroom take 15mo back to her room and put her down for a nap. Turn on humidifier and sound machine. Close shutters and blackout curtains, turn on monitor, change diaper then lay her down for her nap. Give hugs and kisses then turn of the light and shut the door behind me.
1:15- Tell 4yo it's time to go take a nap. She argues and tells me she isn't tired but I say if she doesn't want to sleep she doesn't have to but I'd really like her to have some quiet and alone time in her room. Remind her to go potty, then help her get into bed. We read a couple books together and then I turn on her sound machine, close the shutters and blackout curtains. She asks me to sing her favorite song and she sings along. Tuck in all of her stuffed animals "just right" then turn off the lights and shut the door behind me.
While both girls are napping I clean around the house: lunch time dishes, finish up laundry, pick up playroom and wipe down kitchen table, counters, sinks. Sit down for my lunch and read or watch TV with my remaining down time.
3:30- 15mo wakes up from her nap, I go in and get her and change her diaper. I ask if she wants to try sitting on the potty to go peepee and she tells me no. We play in the playroom until 4yo wakes up from her nap.
4:00- 4yo wakes up from nap and 15mo and I go in and greet her. We tell her how much we missed her while she was sleeping and then we ask about her dreams. She gets up and goes potty then we all wash hands and go sit at the table for snack time.
4:15- Snack Time
4:30- Both girls want to go play outside so we decide to walk to the park again before dinner time.
5:30- Walk back home and watch the girls playing in the backyard while I prepare dinner.
6:00- Girls sit down at the table for dinner time.
6:45- Bath time, after bath we put pajamas on, brush teeth and hair, then have down time until bedtime. We like to read books together, or play with dolls. If it's been a really long day we'll sit down and watch a movie together. Sometimes we'll color or play with our blocks/legos.
7:15- MB or DB come home from work and the girls go to bed shortly after. Usually around 7:45-8.
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