Ideas for connecting with this child

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why does a 13 yr need a nanny?

Because he's too young to be on his own overnight and all weekend and still needs someone to take him shopping for clothes and to the doctor things of that nature.

Take him out to eat. When you want conversations that is the time or when you are driving and when they think you are distracted, not paying attention. Let him have a friend over or take a friend with you. Sometimes not talking is best and letting them take the lead.

I'd love to do that, but I have pretty explicit instructions on where we can go during the day, and fast food is on the no-no list.

Who said fast food?

+1, I never said fast food. There are plenty of healthier places that are not McDonalds. You can go to a nicer pizza place, Noodles and Co, Chipotle, Chinese, other Asian or other cheaper place.

You both are correct that was my assumption. Sorry. I would love to be able to do that with him, but his mom has specific instructions on food he can eat ie Chipotle may not be fast food to us but to his mom it is..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would stop trying so hard, most teenagers don't like a whole lot of adult interaction. If I was you I'd just leave an open invitation by saying " Hey, if you decide you want to go out and do anything let me know" Unfortunately that's just an incredibly tough age group to connect with and something that needs to develop naturally over time.

I suppose I'm just feeling a lot of pressure to make this work. I'm still in my trial period and his mother made it clear she has no problem firing a nanny she doesn't think is a good fit. The reason she gave was if she doesn't feel there is a strong enough connection, but I also heard from one of the other staff that the last nanny was fired because she was too close to the kid.

I'm sure the kid knows this. He's probably scared if he does get close to you, she'll fire you, too. And he may be sad about losing his last nanny. This whole thing sounds awful for both of you. I'm sorry.

Would mom let you have him invite friends over? That might help.

I feel bad for him too If things don't work out I can find another job. It's not the same for him, I'd like to at least make it the year. He's got a pretty structured schedule even for free time, so I'm not sure how the friend thing works, but maybe I can try for that. Thanks.