Is it ridiculous to bring our nanny to my work picnic?

[Anonymous]

With kids that young, that makes sense. It could also be another parent at the event, or relatives, but if the nanny is available, why not?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
With kids that young, that makes sense. It could also be another parent at the event, or relatives, but if the nanny is available, why not?

My DH had a series of important work engagements that day. He offered to skip one, to attend part of my event, but I did not think that made sense.

--OP

[Anonymous]

This post is why people make fun of DC.

I feel so sorry for your nanny. And your kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This post is why people make fun of DC.

I feel so sorry for your nanny. And your kids.

PP, you sound like you know the secret to working while simultaneously taking care of your kids. Care to enlighten the rest of us?

[Anonymous]

Posters are being so hard on this mom!

Definitely take help if you are expected to help with set up for the work picnic. I couldn't imagine trying to multitask and handle two toddlers at the zoo while networking. Doesnt work very well at all.

Can you get a mothers helper/ sitter to assist rather than the nanny?

[Anonymous]

I am an executive and have two SN kids, each a year older than OP’s. In a public space like the Zoo, I would have no hesitation bringing our nanny to have “man on man” coverage for my kids. Is spouse was available, different story.

OP don’t feel guilty either way - you made the best choice for your family! We’re all trying to make it work and balancing kids, spouse, career, fun, is tough no matter what. As the saying goes, “the ones who matter don’t mind, and the ones who mind don’t matter”.

[Anonymous]

No, it's not ridiculous and the other parents who say it is doesn't understand moms who work events.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nanny here. I was AT my boss’ work picnic at national zoo last year, but he was a single dad, running the event and had 2yo twins, so a different situation in those respects.

I would arrive at 9:45 (because arriving at 10 means parking is a crapshoot) and park by the kids farm. Have nanny watch the kids there in the play area while you set up the event then bring the kids to meet you at 11. Do your work thing, then take the kids over to the carousel and head home.

Agree with this. Head home by 12:30: have the nanny take them home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here-- the event was yesterday. After I thought through the logistics of getting the nanny home right as the event was starting -- that seemed to be more effort than it was worth, so I decided to just take the kids. Plus, I didn't want her to have to stress about it when she was leaving to go on a trip that night.

The kids behaved spectacularly during the set-up (including helping me push a cart full of boxes from the car to the event).

The PP who said I worded my subject incorrectly was right. I wanted help with the kids for 1-2 hours while I WORKED prior to the start of the event. I'm not sure how that makes me "out of touch" with my kids -- that's laughable.

But at any rate, we had a blast! Things like this are so much easier now that my oldest is almost 5.

Op you are super mom. Just reading your post makes me tired.

[Anonymous]

Na my is your employee and is not a member of your family. Office picnics are for office employees and THEIR IMMEDIATE FAMILY.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post is why people make fun of DC.

I feel so sorry for your nanny. And your kids.

PP, you sound like you know the secret to working while simultaneously taking care of your kids. Care to enlighten the rest of us?

It's no secret. He or she will simply pawn them off on a lower level staff member who feels they have no power to say no. Disgusting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nanny here. I was AT my boss’ work picnic at national zoo last year, but he was a single dad, running the event and had 2yo twins, so a different situation in those respects.

I would arrive at 9:45 (because arriving at 10 means parking is a crapshoot) and park by the kids farm. Have nanny watch the kids there in the play area while you set up the event then bring the kids to meet you at 11. Do your work thing, then take the kids over to the carousel and head home.

+1 from another nanny!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m not going to read through all the ridiculousness of the responses, so I’m not sure if OP has decided. I am a career nanny and absolutely attend events like this with my bosses, no question! One gone to larger events, such as the one described, as well as house parties where they would like to bring the kids, but not be overwhelmed by logistics. That’s one of the positive aspects of having a nanny!

Additionally, I am appalled by the number of nannies on this site that hold so much contempt for parents. These women should seriously find another profession!

+1 Another career nanny here. My job at events is to be inconspicuous, but it turns into getting all the kids’ drinks refills and then keeping them all engaged in a game. The adults talk, I play with kids, kids are having fun and there aren’t any meltdowns.