Cell phone use - what is acceptable?

[Anonymous]

We requested that our nanny only make/accept personal calls and texts on her lunch hour. I think this is fair and standard in most businesses. She has never expressed an issue with it.

Yes, Virginia, it can be done! You really can just sit in the park and watch my kids play.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I'll say this again, because so many people don't get it: you don't know what they are doing, so please don't judge every nanny as the same. I'm a household manager as well as a nanny, just like a previous PP. My charges never nap, but I still have to find the time to do the sundry things that come with running a large household; would you prefer that I split attention while small children have fingerpaints and glue? Perhaps when I'm having children under 6 use knives to cut mushrooms for the salad? As I am perfectly capable of watching 5+ children in the park/playground while talking on the phone (I don't text as I can't do that and watch), I feel that is the most appropriate time for me to call for quotes on auto repair and getting rid of pests, follow up with the housekeeper that didn't show, schedule landscaping, etc. I also use that time to call the list I constantly update for new activities for the kids, schedule medical and dental appointments and (when I have a 24/7 job) I use 5 minutes daily to check in with my grandmother and great-grandmother (5 minutes for personal calls out of 24 hours doesn't seem unreasonable to me). I have never has a single one of my employers question my phone usage, whether they were paying for the phone or I was. Some employers feel the need to set a whole list of rules and micromanage the nanny, and they are entitled to do so; I am quite comfortable looking for a position in which I can do what needs to be done without someone constantly checking up on me or second-guessing decisions I've made.

No, you are not capable of that anymore than someone is capable of texting and driving regardless of what they tell you. You should have 100% attention on your charges (if not playing with them) while you are out of a child-proofed area (like in a home). If you cannot find indoor, safe activities for your charges to do indoors while you are making your home-manager calls, then you are not much of a nanny.

And I seriously doubt the nannies I see texting furiously while their charges run around the park unsupervised are scheduling medical appointments anyway.

I believe I clearly stated that I do not text, I call. Additionally, my charges range from 2-teen, and the youngest ones are always near me. All of my employers and I have agreed that children NEED to learn to play by themselves at times, in all environments, and the kids all know that I'm watching. I don't see what your issue is, I know my capabilities, so do my employers. Maybe you can't watch that many children and make a phone call, but others can.

So posting on DCUM is one of your "important jobs" that you have to do while your charges are playing in the park? Check the time of this post. This nanny is full of it.



No, I don't post while working. I'm currently between positions, and I've declined 7 positions so far due to employers wanting to micromanage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I'll say this again, because so many people don't get it: you don't know what they are doing, so please don't judge every nanny as the same. I'm a household manager as well as a nanny, just like a previous PP. My charges never nap, but I still have to find the time to do the sundry things that come with running a large household; would you prefer that I split attention while small children have fingerpaints and glue? Perhaps when I'm having children under 6 use knives to cut mushrooms for the salad? As I am perfectly capable of watching 5+ children in the park/playground while talking on the phone (I don't text as I can't do that and watch), I feel that is the most appropriate time for me to call for quotes on auto repair and getting rid of pests, follow up with the housekeeper that didn't show, schedule landscaping, etc. I also use that time to call the list I constantly update for new activities for the kids, schedule medical and dental appointments and (when I have a 24/7 job) I use 5 minutes daily to check in with my grandmother and great-grandmother (5 minutes for personal calls out of 24 hours doesn't seem unreasonable to me). I have never has a single one of my employers question my phone usage, whether they were paying for the phone or I was. Some employers feel the need to set a whole list of rules and micromanage the nanny, and they are entitled to do so; I am quite comfortable looking for a position in which I can do what needs to be done without someone constantly checking up on me or second-guessing decisions I've made.

No, you are not capable of that anymore than someone is capable of texting and driving regardless of what they tell you. You should have 100% attention on your charges (if not playing with them) while you are out of a child-proofed area (like in a home). If you cannot find indoor, safe activities for your charges to do indoors while you are making your home-manager calls, then you are not much of a nanny.

And I seriously doubt the nannies I see texting furiously while their charges run around the park unsupervised are scheduling medical appointments anyway.

I believe I clearly stated that I do not text, I call. Additionally, my charges range from 2-teen, and the youngest ones are always near me. All of my employers and I have agreed that children NEED to learn to play by themselves at times, in all environments, and the kids all know that I'm watching. I don't see what your issue is, I know my capabilities, so do my employers. Maybe you can't watch that many children and make a phone call, but others can.

So posting on DCUM is one of your "important jobs" that you have to do while your charges are playing in the park? Check the time of this post. This nanny is full of it.

No, I don't post while working. I'm currently between positions, and I've declined 7 positions so far due to employers wanting to micromanage.

LOL

[Anonymous]

I keep my phone on all the time for emergency's and if their parents need to call me.

My thought it what if it's an emergency and you have to use it. What if you fall and can't get to your phone if you have older kids like I do then they can get to the phone and call for help. Think of it as of it that way too.

I do text (mostly) and have calls come in once in awhile but I have older kids elementary age to teens. It doesn't bother them. I also don't do any texting while I'm engaged with them such as homework, playing outside, doing art etc. You have to know your own limits and what is right and wrong with a phone.

And PS I don't think that your husband should have cell phone policy. He is a grown man and should be responsible with his own phone. And if you're nanny is experienced enough then they should know when and when not to use it.

[Anonymous]

Both employer and former nanny here: cell phone use only during nap/official break times. I pay you/get paid per hour. You/I can be on the phone when not working. Yes total attention and devotion to your job because that's what I hire you for in the first place. I hold myself to the same standards. Emergencies OF COURSE are the exception.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Both employer and former nanny here: cell phone use only during nap/official break times. I pay you/get paid per hour. You/I can be on the phone when not working. Yes total attention and devotion to your job because that's what I hire you for in the first place. I hold myself to the same standards. Emergencies OF COURSE are the exception.

Funny.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Both employer and former nanny here: cell phone use only during nap/official break times. I pay you/get paid per hour. You/I can be on the phone when not working. Yes total attention and devotion to your job because that's what I hire you for in the first place. I hold myself to the same standards. Emergencies OF COURSE are the exception.

total attention and devotion to your job +1111

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I'll say this again, because so many people don't get it: you don't know what they are doing, so please don't judge every nanny as the same. I'm a household manager as well as a nanny, just like a previous PP. My charges never nap, but I still have to find the time to do the sundry things that come with running a large household; would you prefer that I split attention while small children have fingerpaints and glue? Perhaps when I'm having children under 6 use knives to cut mushrooms for the salad? As I am perfectly capable of watching 5+ children in the park/playground while talking on the phone (I don't text as I can't do that and watch), I feel that is the most appropriate time for me to call for quotes on auto repair and getting rid of pests, follow up with the housekeeper that didn't show, schedule landscaping, etc. I also use that time to call the list I constantly update for new activities for the kids, schedule medical and dental appointments and (when I have a 24/7 job) I use 5 minutes daily to check in with my grandmother and great-grandmother (5 minutes for personal calls out of 24 hours doesn't seem unreasonable to me). I have never has a single one of my employers question my phone usage, whether they were paying for the phone or I was. Some employers feel the need to set a whole list of rules and micromanage the nanny, and they are entitled to do so; I am quite comfortable looking for a position in which I can do what needs to be done without someone constantly checking up on me or second-guessing decisions I've made.

No, you are not capable of that anymore than someone is capable of texting and driving regardless of what they tell you. You should have 100% attention on your charges (if not playing with them) while you are out of a child-proofed area (like in a home). If you cannot find indoor, safe activities for your charges to do indoors while you are making your home-manager calls, then you are not much of a nanny.

And I seriously doubt the nannies I see texting furiously while their charges run around the park unsupervised are scheduling medical appointments anyway.

I believe I clearly stated that I do not text, I call. Additionally, my charges range from 2-teen, and the youngest ones are always near me. All of my employers and I have agreed that children NEED to learn to play by themselves at times, in all environments, and the kids all know that I'm watching. I don't see what your issue is, I know my capabilities, so do my employers. Maybe you can't watch that many children and make a phone call, but others can.

So posting on DCUM is one of your "important jobs" that you have to do while your charges are playing in the park? Check the time of this post. This nanny is full of it.

No, I don't post while working. I'm currently between positions, and I've declined 7 positions so far due to employers wanting to micromanage.

"between positions" aka UNEMPLOYED

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't allow the nanny to use cell phones at all, emergency or not (because to a nanny anything can be an emergency to call her friends, even "omg I forgot to tell Charlotte to pick up a burrito for me this evening!"). If there was a true emergency she is allowed to use the home phone to call 911. I check the statement monthly to see if she has made any calls (since we don't use the home phone almost ever.)

If she was out and about she could ask a bystander to use their phone to dial 911.

You are draconian and stupid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I'll say this again, because so many people don't get it: you don't know what they are doing, so please don't judge every nanny as the same. I'm a household manager as well as a nanny, just like a previous PP. My charges never nap, but I still have to find the time to do the sundry things that come with running a large household; would you prefer that I split attention while small children have fingerpaints and glue? Perhaps when I'm having children under 6 use knives to cut mushrooms for the salad? As I am perfectly capable of watching 5+ children in the park/playground while talking on the phone (I don't text as I can't do that and watch), I feel that is the most appropriate time for me to call for quotes on auto repair and getting rid of pests, follow up with the housekeeper that didn't show, schedule landscaping, etc. I also use that time to call the list I constantly update for new activities for the kids, schedule medical and dental appointments and (when I have a 24/7 job) I use 5 minutes daily to check in with my grandmother and great-grandmother (5 minutes for personal calls out of 24 hours doesn't seem unreasonable to me). I have never has a single one of my employers question my phone usage, whether they were paying for the phone or I was. Some employers feel the need to set a whole list of rules and micromanage the nanny, and they are entitled to do so; I am quite comfortable looking for a position in which I can do what needs to be done without someone constantly checking up on me or second-guessing decisions I've made.

No, you are not capable of that anymore than someone is capable of texting and driving regardless of what they tell you. You should have 100% attention on your charges (if not playing with them) while you are out of a child-proofed area (like in a home). If you cannot find indoor, safe activities for your charges to do indoors while you are making your home-manager calls, then you are not much of a nanny.

And I seriously doubt the nannies I see texting furiously while their charges run around the park unsupervised are scheduling medical appointments anyway.

I believe I clearly stated that I do not text, I call. Additionally, my charges range from 2-teen, and the youngest ones are always near me. All of my employers and I have agreed that children NEED to learn to play by themselves at times, in all environments, and the kids all know that I'm watching. I don't see what your issue is, I know my capabilities, so do my employers. Maybe you can't watch that many children and make a phone call, but others can.

So posting on DCUM is one of your "important jobs" that you have to do while your charges are playing in the park? Check the time of this post. This nanny is full of it.

No, I don't post while working. I'm currently between positions, and I've declined 7 positions so far due to employers wanting to micromanage.

"between positions" aka UNEMPLOYED

Yep, but I don't see why that's so funny to you. I have the experience, references and knowledge to be able to negotiate for a position I want, I'm applying for the positions that I think might be a good fit, and I'm smart with my pay, so I'm not in a rush to get a new job that I might hate just because I'm running low on funds. Personally, I don't bother with unemployment, so I don't see what your issue is. If you must know, my last position ended due to the parent's work schedule changing, and while they were sad to let me go, they are one of my references.

[Anonymous]

I am an excellent nanny. I use my phone the same way most parents use theirs--to send and receive texts/emails that are necessary or important, to take pics, to look things up...I don't force myself to never look at it, because I am a human being. Amazing how many hyper controlling moms on here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am an excellent nanny. I use my phone the same way most parents use theirs--to send and receive texts/emails that are necessary or important, to take pics, to look things up...I don't force myself to never look at it, because I am a human being. Amazing how many hyper controlling moms on here.

I am a nanny and carry a flip-phone when I am working that only my employers have the number to. Obviously I receive no other texts or calls but from the parents when I am with their child. It is not difficult at all! You are working - so work! If I need to make appointments during working hours, I use my break time when the children are napping. When I nanny for children who are too old to nap, I take a few seconds when they are actively engaged in something IN THE HOUSE and take the few seconds necessary to make my call. If I need to look something up, I use the house computer (again - in the home and not outdoors or in public when I should have my eyes on the children at all times).

Am I hyper controlling of myself?! LOL No, Sweetie, I am simply a grown-up and a professional.

[Anonymous]

Cell phone use should be prohibited in all offices. Also, no personal calls on office phone unless DIRE emergency, meaning life or death situation. No personal computer use, e.g., email, personal searches.

Everyone of you who works in an ifgice would hsve a fit if these draconian rules were impemented yet you have no qualms imposing them on your nanny.

No child need to literally be watched every second of every dsy.

[Anonymous]

Office not ifgice

[Anonymous]

I don't think it's fair that the nanny can't pick up a call from her husband or children unless it's the charges nap time but her bosses think she should be able to answer their calls. I limit my calls to answer questions from my family and would usually keep it to a minute or so. If I'm busy then I would call back when things have quieted down. During nap time I would stay on my phone a little longer. My bosses answer my calls at their work place and stay on any length of time, so if they stipulated that I can only use my phone at certain times, you had better believe that they would have to give me a nanny phone because I would have no use to bring one in their house. Most of nannies know that they call our cell phone instead of their home phones during the day