Another Form Of Job Creep??

[Anonymous]

I started a new nanny job about three weeks ago.
Prior to hiring, I was given some details about things that I would be doing with the two girls I would be caring for.
They are 3 and 5.
Both of their parents are working out of the house full time and they just needed someone to care for and play with the girls so that they can work in peace.
I was told that I could supervise them playing in the backyard and riding their bikes/scooters on the front sidewalks.
I agreed and accepted the position.

Well the 3yr old has been running in and out of the parent’s home offices and she is really fast.
I have had to run and get her numerous times during my shift.
However the parents will not lock their office doors for some odd reason.
Yesterday they told me that they wanted me to take them to the park daily.
The problem? The park is about a 1.25 mi away and walking back i would have to walk up a big hill.
Very steep.

And both girls, including the 5 yr old would be in a stroller!
I know the parents are likely doing this to keep the 3 yr old from running in and out of their workspace which I do understand.
But to add this on after I accepted this job feels like job creep.
To walk that far, up a very steep hill coming home while pushing a 3 and 5 yr old in a stroller seems a bit much.
And wasn’t discussed prior to hire.

WWYD?

[Anonymous]

Post in the nanny forum

[Anonymous]

That’s not job creep. That’s literally the job. Playing and caring for the girls is what you agreed to and what they are asking. 5 yo don’t need to be in a stroller though. Maybe she can bike or scooter.

[Anonymous]

Good grief. Really? You sound kind of...Inhate to be rude, but lazy. 1.25 miles is not that far. Get the five-year-old to walk a bit, or else figure out a way to drive there and back if you can use your boss’s car. But this is not really major job creep. If you don’t want to, say no and look for a different job.

[Anonymous]

That's not job creep. Suck it up. Build muscles. Make the 5 yr old walk.

[Anonymous]

I'd make both the kids walk, to hell with a stroller. Make them race...or be even less lazy and race them! What do you think a nanny job is? Sitting on your butt scrolling on your phone while you "supervise" a 5-year-old and 3-year-old around the yard? Do you have experience with kids??

[Anonymous]

Tell them you can’t do the hill with the kids in the stroller and ask to drive the car instead.

[Anonymous]

If your charge is running into your boss's offices multiple times a day, then you are actually not even doing the job you are being paid to do. Instead of calling you out on this, they are offering a solution that will make it easier for you to do your job. The locking of doors is immaterial. I have little kids. Even if my door is locked, it's distracting if they are turning the knob or banging on it trying to get in. Our kids' nanny knows that, and she makes efforts to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Personally, I would have told you the office thing was a problem and suggested we brainstorm together on a solution, as it might feel less dictatorial to you. But that's my perspective.

[Anonymous]

You don't sound like a competent nanny.

[Anonymous]

I thought this was going to be about “ light housekeeping” 🙄

[Anonymous]

1.25 miles is not far at all. You should be walking the kids that far daily. I also doubt the parents care where you go, take them to a closer park or a field to run in.

[Anonymous]

No, that’s actually your job. 1.5 miles each way isn’t that far. Our nanny does it with toddler every morning since covid (no other place to go but one park) and she’s 65.

[Anonymous]

IF the parents told u that you have to push a five yr. old in a stroller, then unfortunately you have no choice but to follow instructions since they are ur bosses.
Most parents would be angry if you did not follow their instructions to a T.
For this parent to ask you to push a five yr. old child in a stroller is ridiculous.
Sure u can choose not to but if the five yr. old tells the parents, you likely will be let go.

If the kids are not listening to your commands and are opening the parents door and running in, then it is the parent’s responsibility to a.) Keep the door locked duh??! and b.) Speak to their kids about not coming inside.
I once worked for a mom who worked in an upstairs office/den.
Once I had to pee and told her four year old son that I would be using the bathroom for a sec and to wait downstairs for me.
To not go upstairs.

When I got out her son had gone into the office while his mom was in a teleconference.
She screamed at me (!?) and told me I wasn’t doing my job.
It is the parents fault when the kids do not listen.
Not the nanny’s.

[Anonymous]

If children do not listen to their caregivers then the parents should do something.

(Cont.^^)

A nanny should not be expected to use force to prevent a child from running somewhere they are not allowed to go.
If the kids cannot obey their nanny, then the parent needs to effectively discipline them or stay home and care for the kid.
Find a better boss.

[Anonymous]

My guess is the reason they are telling you to push the kids in the stroller is because they don’t trust you to keep the kids safe on a sidewalk since you can’t even keep them with you in the backyard.