How to ask nanny to make activities more enriching?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know what you mean, and I recently had a similar discussion with my 3yo’s nanny. I asked her to organize some art projects with items at home or on Amazon. Also asked her to come up with new pretend play scenarios to broaden DS’s vocabulary and knowledge. DS is like a vacuum cleaner, so thirsty for information and picks up new things so quickly. Previously I felt his morning preschool satisfied that thirst enough and he could have complete downtime with comforting and familiar activities in the afternoon with nanny. But now that there’s no preschool, I want to make sure he’s still learning.

What helped was sending her websites with the types of activities I wanted her to do with him. Also, since she would need to put in a little extra effort to plan things, I told her to come in an hour later everyday. It’s worked well so far (been 2 weeks).

What websites do you suggest? Thank you.

Mine are all toddler or preschooler related so wouldn’t help you with your 5yo. Just google, there are a ton.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A raise and change of job description.

Stop. I bet the nanny would be happy to engage in art projects and other learning activities without a raise! It’s so much more enjoyable for us former teacher than the nine-millionth game of, “I’ll be Elsa and you be Ana”.

Just talk to your nanny honestly about how things have changed for the near future and you want your daughter to have more enrichment in lieu of school. Mention art projects, science experiments, sensory experiences, gardening, reading and writing, counting by multiples, etc. Ask your nanny how to better structure your child’s day to resemble school a bit more. Eight hours is a lot of time to fill. Projects for half and still lots of playtime.

Would you be ok with your boss assigning you tasks that go above and beyond your job description for no additional pay?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know what you mean, and I recently had a similar discussion with my 3yo’s nanny. I asked her to organize some art projects with items at home or on Amazon. Also asked her to come up with new pretend play scenarios to broaden DS’s vocabulary and knowledge. DS is like a vacuum cleaner, so thirsty for information and picks up new things so quickly. Previously I felt his morning preschool satisfied that thirst enough and he could have complete downtime with comforting and familiar activities in the afternoon with nanny. But now that there’s no preschool, I want to make sure he’s still learning.

What helped was sending her websites with the types of activities I wanted her to do with him. Also, since she would need to put in a little extra effort to plan things, I told her to come in an hour later everyday. It’s worked well so far (been 2 weeks).

Why am I not surprised by your complete lack of awareness. S

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know what you mean, and I recently had a similar discussion with my 3yo’s nanny. I asked her to organize some art projects with items at home or on Amazon. Also asked her to come up with new pretend play scenarios to broaden DS’s vocabulary and knowledge. DS is like a vacuum cleaner, so thirsty for information and picks up new things so quickly. Previously I felt his morning preschool satisfied that thirst enough and he could have complete downtime with comforting and familiar activities in the afternoon with nanny. But now that there’s no preschool, I want to make sure he’s still learning.

What helped was sending her websites with the types of activities I wanted her to do with him. Also, since she would need to put in a little extra effort to plan things, I told her to come in an hour later everyday. It’s worked well so far (been 2 weeks).

You realize this is EVERY three year old, right?

[Anonymous]

If she is otherwise amazing, then she is in demand. A sit down talk with her now to say she is not measuring up or not enough, may result in her leaving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If she is otherwise amazing, then she is in demand. A sit down talk with her now to say she is not measuring up or not enough, may result in her leaving.

While I think this attitude goes a little too far, you do have to keep it in perspective. It’s easy for parents who aren’t actively caretaking to dream up Pinterest schedules and lesson plans that are ridiculous and annoying to implement. Be aware that your nanny is already doing great with you kid, now that you’re more exposed to their days, you need to resist the urge to micromanage. That doesn’t mean you can’t talk to the nanny about concerns, but be aware of your tone and how much you’re actually asking for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know what you mean, and I recently had a similar discussion with my 3yo’s nanny. I asked her to organize some art projects with items at home or on Amazon. Also asked her to come up with new pretend play scenarios to broaden DS’s vocabulary and knowledge. DS is like a vacuum cleaner, so thirsty for information and picks up new things so quickly. Previously I felt his morning preschool satisfied that thirst enough and he could have complete downtime with comforting and familiar activities in the afternoon with nanny. But now that there’s no preschool, I want to make sure he’s still learning.

What helped was sending her websites with the types of activities I wanted her to do with him. Also, since she would need to put in a little extra effort to plan things, I told her to come in an hour later everyday. It’s worked well so far (been 2 weeks).

You realize this is EVERY three year old, right?

No, no! OP’s 3 years is SUPER special! He NEEDS enrichment!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know what you mean, and I recently had a similar discussion with my 3yo’s nanny. I asked her to organize some art projects with items at home or on Amazon. Also asked her to come up with new pretend play scenarios to broaden DS’s vocabulary and knowledge. DS is like a vacuum cleaner, so thirsty for information and picks up new things so quickly. Previously I felt his morning preschool satisfied that thirst enough and he could have complete downtime with comforting and familiar activities in the afternoon with nanny. But now that there’s no preschool, I want to make sure he’s still learning.

What helped was sending her websites with the types of activities I wanted her to do with him. Also, since she would need to put in a little extra effort to plan things, I told her to come in an hour later everyday. It’s worked well so far (been 2 weeks).

You realize this is EVERY three year old, right?

No, no! OP’s 3 years is SUPER special! He NEEDS enrichment!

I don’t spend hours a day with other 3yo’s so I only know mine well enough to realize he benefits from learning new things. If the same applies to your 3yo then go ahead and enrich him. No one’s stopping you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A raise and change of job description.

Stop. I bet the nanny would be happy to engage in art projects and other learning activities without a raise! It’s so much more enjoyable for us former teacher than the nine-millionth game of, “I’ll be Elsa and you be Ana”.

Just talk to your nanny honestly about how things have changed for the near future and you want your daughter to have more enrichment in lieu of school. Mention art projects, science experiments, sensory experiences, gardening, reading and writing, counting by multiples, etc. Ask your nanny how to better structure your child’s day to resemble school a bit more. Eight hours is a lot of time to fill. Projects for half and still lots of playtime.

Would you be ok with your boss assigning you tasks that go above and beyond your job description for no additional pay?

Yes! Of course! Your job evolves in every field to do more of one thing and less of another. No job should ever be totally stagnant especially working with children who are constantly changing and growing.

[Anonymous]

Nanny here to 4.5 yo twins. Here is our daily routine right now:

Wakeup, get dressed, sunscreen, brush teeth.

They free-play with legos for about an hour while I prep for the day (unload DW, make breakfast, pack snack, prep lunch, fill water bottles, prep family dinner)

Eat breakfast

Around 9:30/10 we do “Morning School”:
One kid uses a learning app on my phone while the other does a one-on-one reading lesson with me. First we do one lesson from a boxed curriculum called “Learning Dynamics,” then they read me two Bob books (one that they have read before and one new one). Then switch kids.
Finally they each do the same page in a Handwriting Without Tears workbook.

By this time it is about 10:30/11 and we head out for an outing (hike or scooter/bike ride or just go to a big field near the house and bring some toys to use).

We get back around 12:30/1 and have lunch then they lay down for a rest around 2. At 3 they watch one episode of tv in their second language.

After that we do “Afternoon School” which consists of them observing the caterpillars we are raising and the garden we are growing. Then they do a journal page for each topic, which consists of them drawing something they noticed and writing a one-word label for their drawing using inventive spelling.

After that we do a guided activity such as a science project, board game, art project, etc. for about half an hour.

Then they free-play with cars or magnatiles for an hour while I do laundry and make dinner and tidy up from our day.

After that it’s dinner/bath/reading/bed.

As you can see we have a planned curriculum and they are making good progress in math, science, reading and history but most of our day would look like coloring or goofing off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nanny here to 4.5 yo twins. Here is our daily routine right now:

Wakeup, get dressed, sunscreen, brush teeth.

They free-play with legos for about an hour while I prep for the day (unload DW, make breakfast, pack snack, prep lunch, fill water bottles, prep family dinner)

Eat breakfast

Around 9:30/10 we do “Morning School”:
One kid uses a learning app on my phone while the other does a one-on-one reading lesson with me. First we do one lesson from a boxed curriculum called “Learning Dynamics,” then they read me two Bob books (one that they have read before and one new one). Then switch kids.
Finally they each do the same page in a Handwriting Without Tears workbook.

By this time it is about 10:30/11 and we head out for an outing (hike or scooter/bike ride or just go to a big field near the house and bring some toys to use).

We get back around 12:30/1 and have lunch then they lay down for a rest around 2. At 3 they watch one episode of tv in their second language.

After that we do “Afternoon School” which consists of them observing the caterpillars we are raising and the garden we are growing. Then they do a journal page for each topic, which consists of them drawing something they noticed and writing a one-word label for their drawing using inventive spelling.

After that we do a guided activity such as a science project, board game, art project, etc. for about half an hour.

Then they free-play with cars or magnatiles for an hour while I do laundry and make dinner and tidy up from our day.

After that it’s dinner/bath/reading/bed.

As you can see we have a planned curriculum and they are making good progress in math, science, reading and history but most of our day would look like coloring or goofing off.

That sounds like a great routine! Perfect mix of learning and play

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know what you mean, and I recently had a similar discussion with my 3yo’s nanny. I asked her to organize some art projects with items at home or on Amazon. Also asked her to come up with new pretend play scenarios to broaden DS’s vocabulary and knowledge. DS is like a vacuum cleaner, so thirsty for information and picks up new things so quickly. Previously I felt his morning preschool satisfied that thirst enough and he could have complete downtime with comforting and familiar activities in the afternoon with nanny. But now that there’s no preschool, I want to make sure he’s still learning.

What helped was sending her websites with the types of activities I wanted her to do with him. Also, since she would need to put in a little extra effort to plan things, I told her to come in an hour later everyday. It’s worked well so far (been 2 weeks).

You realize this is EVERY three year old, right?

No, no! OP’s 3 years is SUPER special! He NEEDS enrichment!

I don’t spend hours a day with other 3yo’s so I only know mine well enough to realize he benefits from learning new things. If the same applies to your 3yo then go ahead and enrich him. No one’s stopping you.

lol You so clearly don’t get it.

Read the nanny’s routine for the 4 year old twins. It’s pretty perfect, and yet she admits from the outside looking in, it probably looks like goofing around and random play. If this is your first extended period of time spent with your son during the day, take a more humble approach. Be more willing to listen before you start clinging to buzzwords and demanding changes from your nanny.

Or not.

Maybe if this lasts a long time, you’ll start to understand how you sound in a few months. Who knows, right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know what you mean, and I recently had a similar discussion with my 3yo’s nanny. I asked her to organize some art projects with items at home or on Amazon. Also asked her to come up with new pretend play scenarios to broaden DS’s vocabulary and knowledge. DS is like a vacuum cleaner, so thirsty for information and picks up new things so quickly. Previously I felt his morning preschool satisfied that thirst enough and he could have complete downtime with comforting and familiar activities in the afternoon with nanny. But now that there’s no preschool, I want to make sure he’s still learning.

What helped was sending her websites with the types of activities I wanted her to do with him. Also, since she would need to put in a little extra effort to plan things, I told her to come in an hour later everyday. It’s worked well so far (been 2 weeks).

You realize this is EVERY three year old, right?

No, no! OP’s 3 years is SUPER special! He NEEDS enrichment!

I don’t spend hours a day with other 3yo’s so I only know mine well enough to realize he benefits from learning new things. If the same applies to your 3yo then go ahead and enrich him. No one’s stopping you.

Don’t worry, other 3 year olds are completely stupid and incurious. They wouldn’t benefit from learning new things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our nanny is a former preschool and art teacher, but when she does things with our 5 year old DD, there's never a learning/enriching component. She's been with our family for three years and I WFM so I've noticed this for a while now, but never mentioned it because DD learns plenty in school and nanny is otherwise amazing. With sheltering in place, nanny's role needs to change from just "playmate" to part-time homeschooler and playmate. I know she would be okay with this, but how do I discuss this with her? How can I support her in shifting gears? I do not want to micromanage, nor have the time for it, but given she hasn't been proactive in enriching activities so far, I feel like she needs some guidance and/or structure. I'm considering having a sit-down talk with her where I let her know our priorities and ask her to come up with a schedule of activities.

She's a professional in early childhood education. You, on the other hand, sound like you have very limited experience with children (given that your own child spends most of her time with nanny/preschool). So, why don't you just let the professional handle it? OR you could try spending the full day with your child and see how far you get with all your enrichment activities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our nanny is a former preschool and art teacher, but when she does things with our 5 year old DD, there's never a learning/enriching component. She's been with our family for three years and I WFM so I've noticed this for a while now, but never mentioned it because DD learns plenty in school and nanny is otherwise amazing. With sheltering in place, nanny's role needs to change from just "playmate" to part-time homeschooler and playmate. I know she would be okay with this, but how do I discuss this with her? How can I support her in shifting gears? I do not want to micromanage, nor have the time for it, but given she hasn't been proactive in enriching activities so far, I feel like she needs some guidance and/or structure. I'm considering having a sit-down talk with her where I let her know our priorities and ask her to come up with a schedule of activities.

She's a professional in early childhood education. You, on the other hand, sound like you have very limited experience with children (given that your own child spends most of her time with nanny/preschool). So, why don't you just let the professional handle it? OR you could try spending the full day with your child and see how far you get with all your enrichment activities.

God, you are the most predictable and boring poster on this forum.