Nanny duties at different child ages

[Anonymous]

Nannies, what are your main duties specific to the age of your charges? I am an infant nanny and running out of things to keep myself busy during nap times...
What are your duties and how old are your charges?

[Anonymous]

My duties are childcare. Why not invest in an interesting book to further your child development knowledge?

[Anonymous]

This really is a question for your employers. They may be fine with you reading a book or relaxing, they may want to discuss scope of duties if there is that much downtime. Either way, you can't lose by talking to your employer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This really is a question for your employers. They may be fine with you reading a book or relaxing, they may want to discuss scope of duties if there is that much downtime. Either way, you can't lose by talking to your employer.

Fine example of a control freak.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This really is a question for your employers. They may be fine with you reading a book or relaxing, they may want to discuss scope of duties if there is that much downtime. Either way, you can't lose by talking to your employer.

Fine example of a control freak.

OP here, kind of my thoughts. My employer doesn't want to manage what I am doing through the day. I am a career nanny with quite a bit of experience. It's not that I don't know what to do. I have all of the household duties done. Just not so used to just having 1 infant. Most of my families have had multiple children over the years. A good book is always in my bag for down time. I was ust wondering what other employers have their nannies doing. Pure curiosity.

[Anonymous]

Keep an updated list of potential clothes to buy for the next size based on what's already in storage and the seasons, same for toys based on developmental age. I am teaching the toddler a second language that I'm fluent in but still spend time researching songs and books for her age. I make sure there's enough food in the house for the toddler for the next few days, set up playdates with other kids, search out fun free or inexpensive stuff to do in the city, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Keep an updated list of potential clothes to buy for the next size based on what's already in storage and the seasons, same for toys based on developmental age. I am teaching the toddler a second language that I'm fluent in but still spend time researching songs and books for her age. I make sure there's enough food in the house for the toddler for the next few days, set up playdates with other kids, search out fun free or inexpensive stuff to do in the city, etc.

I am actually going through clothing as we speak! She is just growing out of her infant clothes at 7 weeks old, our days revolve around eat, sleep, and play! Still adjusting to a new family after being with my past family for 7 years! I am loving being with an infant again though

[Anonymous]

At that age, with just one, there ISN'T a whole lot to do unfortunately. I know the MB's here think we are all lazy but man, I get bored on long nap days!

[Anonymous]

Why not bring a book to read? Or offer to do some baby laundry?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why not bring a book to read? Or offer to do some baby laundry?

I do all the baby laundry including cloth diapers. Doesn't take long...

[Anonymous]

I love reading about infant development. There's always more to learn.

[Anonymous]

My charges are 8 mos, and 2 yrs. In addition to childcare I do all of the basic housework (dishes, floors, dusting, kitchen, etc.) and the children's laundry including packing away clothes that they have outgrown and organizing their drawers and closets. I always have something to do to keep myself busy during naps.

[Anonymous]

During my child's naps at that age my nanny would do whatever clean-up was necessary, then relax. Nannying is a long, hands-on day. As long as your employers don't mind why not refuel so you can be that much more "on" and interactive when your charge wakes up?

And I don't think the above PP who said to ask your employers is off-base. If you want to make yourself extra-valuable and do more the person to ask is your boss - in any job.