My nanny got my 5 year old...

[Anonymous]

NP here. OP, I understand you on this. I researched the Alexa, Echo Dot , and the Echo kids’ version when I was considering a gift for my own 6-year-old this year. Ultimately decided that it wasn’t right for our family at this time. If it were received as a gift this year, I would thank the giver but let her or him know that we couldn’t accept the gift.

Regarding why (because someone asked)...I acknowledge that I am having data collected about me 24/7 by owning a smart phone. I am just not ready to bring that technology into my child’s bedroom. I don’t want to derail this topic, as it is a more nuanced discussion than this. Besides, the OP shouldn’t have to justify it and surely can decline the gift while being polite.

[Anonymous]

OP, I feel as you do, that I do not want an Alexa in use in my home.

That being said, I don't think the nanny was intentionally overstepping. I think she she thought, Larlo likes this at friends house, so I'll get him one.

Just say 'Thank you for thinking of Larlo, but honestly, I'm not using an Alexa in our home. I appreciate your kindness towards us and am glad you are our nanny.'

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: OP, I feel as you do, that I do not want an Alexa in use in my home.

That being said, I don't think the nanny was intentionally overstepping. I think she she thought, Larlo likes this at friends house, so I'll get him one.

Just say 'Thank you for thinking of Larlo, but honestly, I'm not using an Alexa in our home. I appreciate your kindness towards us and am glad you are our nanny.'

I agree with this approach but also explain a little more to the nanny WHY you don’t want an Alexa in your house. It’s fine if she disagrees with your reason but at least you’ve told her why graciously. Also, don’t get worked up in this “overstepping” and “parent decision vs. nanny decision” nonsense. She was trying to be nice by spoiling your DS - it’s something grandparents and aunts/uncles do all the time.

[Anonymous]

At least she didn’t gift your son a puppy or a kitten.

I would be relieved w/an Alexa over that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:An Alexa.

We don't want that in our house for a variety of reasons.

I feel like that is the type of gift you should clear with parents first right?

Just put it away and tell the nanny your son can use it when he’s older. It’s definitely is NOT appropriate now.

[Anonymous]

I actually don't think it's obvious that an Alexa is something that's a big deal parenting decision. She knows you know that your son loves the one at his friend's and I'm guessing that you've never said anything to give her the impression you're not a fan. So she bought something she knew your son would like and that you knew your son liked and had never expressed negativity about. My guess is she's not the kind of person who super concerned about privacy and/or not particular gadget-savvy?

FWIW, my nanny would never in a million years think an Alexa was something she had to clear w/ me before purchasing as a gift (though we have one, so this exact situation doesn't come up) and she clears every single Disney movie the kids watch at a monthly movie night they all go to with family friends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Of course you have the right to veto any gift given to your child that you don’t approve of but I don’t see the big deal with Alexa.

Anyway, just kindly tell her that it’s not something you want your child to have. She can return it. Don’t make a big deal out of it or get all high and mighty about it being something that should have been cleared with you. She was just giving a gift she knew your child would like.

And, for the record, she is “my child’s nanny” not “my nanny”.

It's her nanny if she s the one paying. It's her nanny that cares for her child.

Grammatically incorrect. The nanny is OP’s employee but the nannying is done for OP’s child. It’s “my child’s teacher” not “my teacher”; “my child’s babysitter”/ not “my babysitter”. When an adult says “my nanny” he/she is referring to the nanny he/she had as a child.

Please just stop with this. It really, really doesn't matter.