Nanny doesn't want to take toddler outside on hot/humid days?

[Anonymous]

We have a nanny that comes twice a week for a few hours each day. Upon hiring for the position our requirements were engaging with our toddler, light house keeping and general childcare duties. I'd even expressed that we'd like for him to play outside, go on strolls/to the park frequently (meaning at least once a week) for about 20-30 mins which is the perfect amount of time to be outside, in my opinion. We'd even explained that we were letting our previous nanny go due to not being engaged with him during the day in the house and never getting him outside of the house. We do not allow or require our nanny to drive anywhere.

I need some advice, my nanny has already made it known (after being with us for a few months) that the heat/humid bothers her this was not mentioned when we hired her otherwise we wouldn't of! At the time I didn't say much because she still takes DS out when I suggest it such as "it would be nice for you to take him out for a bit today" and she does. Its been about 3 weeks since she'd taken him out and I just noticed even though I do work from home. So today before she shows up she sent me a text saying "if its not too hot would you like me to take him out"? I replied, "yes that would be wonderful and ideally I'd like for him to be taken outside at least once a week for 20-30 mins" and I would also buy a portable fan/spray bottle and if she has any suggestions in regards to staying cool. She responded by saying she is concerned about the heat but she will start dressing appropriately sunscreen/shorts/tank if I'm not concerned with DS being outside.

My DS loves to be outside and I don't think 20 mins is going to harm him he dresses appropriately, uses sun screen and has a juice cup to go. Honestly, it sounds like my nanny is making this about her comfortability (sp?) and that upsets me. She also asked if she is able to take him to a lake (which requires driving) in which I explained we weren't comfortable with him being driven anywhere and she seems taken back. If she doesn't even want to take him around the neighborhood why would she suggest taking him to the lake?

Anyways, I need advice. Aside from that she is great with DS!

[Anonymous]

OP here.. and do you think 20-30 min outside is too much heat for a 2 year old?

[Anonymous]

I'm an MB. Our nanny doesn't love the heat and humidity (neither do it) and neither does one of my twins (boy/girl, almost 3).

But we take them outside all the time, often for an hour or more. 20-30 minutes is not at all too much - it would be too short for mine.

You can go out in the morning before the worst of the heat. You can have them play in sprinklers or a kiddie pool. You can find a shaded playground. You can get an activity table or something w/ a standing umbrella so there is shade.

Lots of sunscreen and water (in all forms) and you'll be fine.

Fresh air is necessary, the stimulation is necessary, a change of pace is necessary.

Your requests are VERY minimal in my opinion.

[Anonymous]

Where do you want them to go?
What do you have available within walking distance?
What shade is available?

[Anonymous]

I take care of a 19 month old little boy. We go outside 1-2 times a day. I personally don't deal with heat/humidity well, but I would go crazy with an active little guy in the house the whole day.
His parent do allow me to drive him, so we spend most days at the pool now between naps.
I don't think 20 min is too long if you dress appropriate, have sunscreen and plenty of water. But I take kids out daily, no matter what.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where do you want them to go?
What do you have available within walking distance?
What shade is available?

No where specific. There is a playground down the street or they can walk (my toddler will run)/stroll around the neighborhood. He's 2 just being outside in general is enough fun for him! As far as shade, I'm not sure there is any unless she wanted to take him across the street (very small, not a main street) to starbucks and sit under the umbrellas and have a snack there, etc. I don't have specific request just that she takes him out for some fresh air once a week.

[Anonymous]

OP again, the mall would also be a 15 min walk/stroll and has a play area. We also have a community pool which I've not been comfortable with allowing her to take him there but it could possibly be an option. However, I don't think she would be interested in going to the pool.

I also don't like the heat, but I do get out the house for the sake of DS.

[Anonymous]

I would think 20min-1hour required every day outside! I am a nanny and I am outside most mornings before the real heat kicks in...I would never not go outside. (Yes sometimes I sweat profusely and put sunscreen on every morning before I get to work)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where do you want them to go?
What do you have available within walking distance?
What shade is available?

No where specific. There is a playground down the street or they can walk (my toddler will run)/stroll around the neighborhood. He's 2 just being outside in general is enough fun for him! As far as shade, I'm not sure there is any unless she wanted to take him across the street (very small, not a main street) to starbucks and sit under the umbrellas and have a snack there, etc. I don't have specific request just that she takes him out for some fresh air once a week.

Thank you, OP. In view of those details, I would suggest asking the nanny to maintain your "neighborhood walk" routine on her nanny days. Perhaps you establish a morning time, at least on a M-F basis, that your child is out walking for half an hour, say 10-10:30, before it gets too hot. So this gets done every day, M-F. Offer the nanny $5/day to get herself something at Starbucks. Your child can bring a healthy snack from home, and water. What do you think?

[Anonymous]

I am a nanny, and I think your request is very reasonable.
I think he should be outside for a little while every day. I don't like being in the sun and heat either. But it's part of the job.

It's a good sign that the nanny brought up the subject. I recommend setting up a concrete expectation, such as they should go outside Monday from 10- 10:30. Let her know of any exceptions, such as rain/or if it's above a certain temperature. But otherwise they need to go out.

Also, an umbrella can be helpful in this situation. Best wishes!

[Anonymous]

I'm 15:18. Similar advice to 15:10. Great minds think alike.

[Anonymous]

You say your nanny is only working a few hours at a time. What are those hours? This request becomes less reasonable if the hours are 12-3 instead of 8-11.

[Anonymous]

Do you have a yard, or porch? Can she set up a water table, kiddie pool or sand box? I take my charges to indoor activities during very humid/hot days and then set up a sensory table on the porch in the late afternoon. The heat doesn't bother me and I'm allowed to take the kids anywhere child appropriate. I'm also allowed to shower during naps if I get really really dirty or went swimming.

[Anonymous]

I try to get out in the morning with young children 9-10 am everyday at the park. Some days we cut it short if it's 96 degrees. I love the pool personally with young children.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You say your nanny is only working a few hours at a time. What are those hours? This request becomes less reasonable if the hours are 12-3 instead of 8-11.

She is here from 1-4pm. So the morning outing before it gets really hot isn't an option for us. Other than the fact it is hotter at this time what else makes it less reasonable?