How to get kids comfortable with temporary nanny

[Anonymous]

My nanny’s mom passed away and she needs 3 weeks off. This happened very last minute on Friday, so I scrambled to find someone to fill in since DH and I are crazy at work and can’t take off. Luckily a friend’s nanny was available since she is looking for a new job and hasn’t found anything yet. I met her a few times in the past and my friend absolutely loves her.

Today was day 1 and it was rough. My 5yo was fine (although he was in school most of the day) but my 2yo was a mess. The nanny did everything right and tried so hard, but my younger one is not the most easy going and takes a long time to warm to new people. She still cries when she sees our housekeeper who we’ve had for over a year. I think she was genuinely scared and confused even though I tried to explain what was going on.

I feel so bad for both my daughter and the nanny and really don’t want this to go on for the full 3 weeks.

Does anyone have any tips for how to ease this transition? Trying to have the nanny follow DD’s exact schedule but not sure that is helping.

Has anyone been through this with a sudden nanny switch? Any tips or recommendations?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My nanny’s mom passed away and she needs 3 weeks off. This happened very last minute on Friday, so I scrambled to find someone to fill in since DH and I are crazy at work and can’t take off. Luckily a friend’s nanny was available since she is looking for a new job and hasn’t found anything yet. I met her a few times in the past and my friend absolutely loves her.

Today was day 1 and it was rough. My 5yo was fine (although he was in school most of the day) but my 2yo was a mess. The nanny did everything right and tried so hard, but my younger one is not the most easy going and takes a long time to warm to new people. She still cries when she sees our housekeeper who we’ve had for over a year. I think she was genuinely scared and confused even though I tried to explain what was going on.

I feel so bad for both my daughter and the nanny and really don’t want this to go on for the full 3 weeks.

Does anyone have any tips for how to ease this transition? Trying to have the nanny follow DD’s exact schedule but not sure that is helping.

Has anyone been through this with a sudden nanny switch? Any tips or recommendations?

You're in a tough position, OP.

Give the temp some wiggle room for the schedule. Have them get out of the house and moving at familiar places, hopefully places where she's seen this nanny before.

[Anonymous]

Are you working from home OP? This is just part of the transition of adapting to someone new - and healthy for your toddler to get some practice. But it’s very hard to overhear and not feel like you want to swoop in and save your child from discomfort. I’ve been through this a couple of times with our toddler during covid. My dd always ended up adjusting. It just took a few days. Can you leave the house some if you are home. I’ve found it helps if they have some space to connect. The new nanny is probably feeling a bit self-conscious about how it’s going (and toddlers can pick up on that) and toddler can sense you are there. It was also easier on me to not hear the adjustment.

[Anonymous]

Have them make homemade play dough together. The Imagination Tree has a great recipe for a no-cook batch.

[Anonymous]

This is "nanny's friend". She needs to help nanny out while nanny takes care of her own family for awhile. Nanny will be back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My nanny’s mom passed away and she needs 3 weeks off. This happened very last minute on Friday, so I scrambled to find someone to fill in since DH and I are crazy at work and can’t take off. Luckily a friend’s nanny was available since she is looking for a new job and hasn’t found anything yet. I met her a few times in the past and my friend absolutely loves her.

Today was day 1 and it was rough. My 5yo was fine (although he was in school most of the day) but my 2yo was a mess. The nanny did everything right and tried so hard, but my younger one is not the most easy going and takes a long time to warm to new people. She still cries when she sees our housekeeper who we’ve had for over a year. I think she was genuinely scared and confused even though I tried to explain what was going on.

I feel so bad for both m outy daughter and the nanny and really don’t want this to go on for the full 3 weeks.

Does anyone have any tips for how to ease this transition? Trying to have the nanny follow DD’s exact schedule but not sure that is helping.

Has anyone been through this with a sudden nanny switch? Any tips or recommendations?

Your friend's nanny was available but looking work makes no sense. All parents should have secondary plans for childcare. Your child is being a brat and I hope that nanny leaves.