Very particular boss

[Anonymous]

Hey, I am a new nanny for this family. Its okay to get advice from parents about what to do with their child but sometimes I feel what they want me to do is how exactly they do things like do not go to the library today! or eat only in front of my kid! or rub the baby the way I do it! or read only books in the porch! It just feels wired sometimes never experience this in my old nanny jobs. Ive been doing this for 20 years now. I just feel sometimes my ways are not enough for my boss. Any suggestions!

[Anonymous]

They sound like they really want to take care of their own child, so you should let them do it, and leave.

[Anonymous]

You could say something like, "Thanks for showing me how you do it, and I hope it's okay with you if I do some things differently. I think the variety is important for kids but it also helps me not feel like I'm just a poor substitute for their mom when I'm trying to imitate you, but rather a great version of myself who does things a little differently sometimes." Of course for any big issues - particularly food, sleep, and discipline - you'll want to assure them you're interested in strictly following their guidelines, but maybe just letting them know that you're confident and capable and would like to try things out on your own will be enough to help? Sometimes parents don't even realize how many specific details they are unnecessarily sharing.

[Anonymous]

They're control freaks. I can understand doing things there way to an extent but the things you've mentioned are petty and they seem very anal. I'd find that annoying as well but I think it'll be hard to change their mind. Give it time and once their little snowflake grows up they'll be more laid back and relaxed.

[Anonymous]

You are new. You should do what they say for now and they will hopefully back off over time. It is too soon to label anyone a control freak.

[Anonymous]

That is annoying. I mean I get it especially if they're first time parents but they shouldn't be hiring someone else to take care of their baby if they can't handle things going a little differently. My MB and DB respect MY routine with my charge. We don't do everything exactly like my MB does it and that's okay!

[Anonymous]

Is your boss a stay or work at home parent? If so, then to have them dictating what you should be doing while they are standing right there ordering you is HELL!! Trust me, I have had many of these jobs where the parent is constantly listening and/or watching me all day. Then she barks out orders like, "Go to the playground now" or "Read him this story now," etc. I don't know about you, but these jobs usually drive me so crazy that I quit on the spot.

If the parents are telling you stuff, but then leave the house, I would just do what they want, but within reason. For instance, if they want me to read a certain book and I don't want to read it, then I won't.
But if they want their child to nap at two, then I abide and do it.

It depends on what they ask.