Nanny wants zero TV

[Anonymous]

We have a pretty great and experienced nanny who is against any toddler watching TV at all. She was hoping we would wait until DD was 4 or 5. We have waited until DD turned two but now want to introduce a few programs to her. Nanny has asked us NOT to let her watch on actual big TV (we only have the one in the living room) but rather let her watch on our laptops which we then take to work with us. Nanny said she doesn't want DD asking her to watch TV all day or throw a tantrum because she can't watch TV.

Does this seem the best way to handle it?

[Anonymous]

Nanny is overstepping her boundaries her BIG time OP.

She has absolutely no right to tell you what you can or cannot do with your own child when she is not there.

She's an idiot.

If she cannot handle re-direction with your child regarding the T.V., then I hate to tell you this, but she is not as great and experienced as you think she is.

[Anonymous]

You have a real nanny. Fire her and get a babysitter.

[Anonymous]

Nanny is weird. I don't watch tv with my charges. I don't really approve of tv before age 3 or so and even at that age, it would be a very limited (like 1-2 hours per week) amount of carefully curated shows. BUT, I also know that my opinion is not the one that matters and I can and have maintained "no tv on my watch" even in households where the kids regularly watch tv with other caregivers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nanny is overstepping her boundaries her BIG time OP.

She has absolutely no right to tell you what you can or cannot do with your own child when she is not there.

She's an idiot.

If she cannot handle re-direction with your child regarding the T.V., then I hate to tell you this, but she is not as great and experienced as you think she is.

OP here and I couldn't disagree with you more. We hired an educated and experienced nanny for these types of decisions. I most certainly respect a nanny who does NOT want to take the easy way out and plunk my child in front of the TV!!!

This was her request - so calm down, PP. She is not telling us anything. Neither she nor I want our child to have any more tantrums then necessary. We are all of the school that we avoid tantrum-triggers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a pretty great and experienced nanny who is against any toddler watching TV at all. She was hoping we would wait until DD was 4 or 5. We have waited until DD turned two but now want to introduce a few programs to her. Nanny has asked us NOT to let her watch on actual big TV (we only have the one in the living room) but rather let her watch on our laptops which we then take to work with us. Nanny said she doesn't want DD asking her to watch TV all day or throw a tantrum because she can't watch TV.

Does this seem the best way to handle it?

I think it is a genius idea for the first year or so, OP. I never thought of it but it does make sense. My DS has no idea what our TV is or does but is absolutely glued to any screen he sees when we are in a restaurant or at in-laws.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nanny is overstepping her boundaries her BIG time OP.

She has absolutely no right to tell you what you can or cannot do with your own child when she is not there.

She's an idiot.

If she cannot handle re-direction with your child regarding the T.V., then I hate to tell you this, but she is not as great and experienced as you think she is.

OP here and I couldn't disagree with you more. We hired an educated and experienced nanny for these types of decisions. I most certainly respect a nanny who does NOT want to take the easy way out and plunk my child in front of the TV!!!

This was her request - so calm down, PP. She is not telling us anything. Neither she nor I want our child to have any more tantrums then necessary. We are all of the school that we avoid tantrum-triggers.

You are sensible. You will work it out. Your nanny sounds excellent!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nanny is overstepping her boundaries her BIG time OP.

She has absolutely no right to tell you what you can or cannot do with your own child when she is not there.

She's an idiot.

If she cannot handle re-direction with your child regarding the T.V., then I hate to tell you this, but she is not as great and experienced as you think she is.

Seriously, calm down, PP. The nanny asked - not demanded and OP is making her own decisions on TV.

I have a great deal of respect for anyone who asks for what they want and/or need. I, too, hired an experienced nanny for her experience.

I would try the nanny's way and see how it works for you and your kid. My kids would and have watched movies on my phone so it is clear they don't need a huge screen or surround sound to enjoy the experience!!

[Anonymous]

It is an excellent suggestion, OP. I would definitely try it if I were you. I know that our nanny weathered a number of tantrums from both our kids when they wanted to watch TV and she said no. What your nanny is suggesting is basically taking what the kid knows as TV out of the house. It's smart.

Sounds like you have a good nanny to me.

[Anonymous]

The laptop solution is a great workaround. In my house our kids are convinced that certain shows or videos only play on certain devices. And when the device happens to run out of power, or was left at work, or whatever... then we don't have tantrum the way we do if they're just told no.

I can't say I'm always proud of the tactics but they work and have allowed us to introduce a few games or shows in ways that we want, and can be helpful, without losing control.

(Ours are 3 yr old twins.)

I would go w/ the nanny's approach on this.

[Anonymous]

I would definitely try it. And you may find your kid does not care for or have the attention span for tv at this age. My daughter would watch tv all day if we let her, but my son is 3 and just doesn't care.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The laptop solution is a great workaround. In my house our kids are convinced that certain shows or videos only play on certain devices. And when the device happens to run out of power, or was left at work, or whatever... then we don't have tantrum the way we do if they're just told no.

I can't say I'm always proud of the tactics but they work and have allowed us to introduce a few games or shows in ways that we want, and can be helpful, without losing control.

(Ours are 3 yr old twins.)

I would go w/ the nanny's approach on this.

+1 I think your approach is great, PP and I wish I had thought of this nanny's suggestion before letting the kids watch TV on our big TV which is always there - enticing them!!

PS - I have been known to lie about things being "closed" to avoid tantrums caused by saying no, we can't go. The beach has been closed a few times as well as the playground!

[Anonymous]

Do you want your dd to watch tv with her? If so say nanny I understand your perspective on this but we have decided de will watch X at 8:30am everyday. We expect you to follow our wishes on this and yes it will be on the tv. If she refuses fire her on the spot

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you want your dd to watch tv with her? If so say nanny I understand your perspective on this but we have decided de will watch X at 8:30am everyday. We expect you to follow our wishes on this and yes it will be on the tv. If she refuses fire her on the spot

OP here and no - I do NOT want our nanny to watch TV with our child at all during the day!!! Who does?!!

[Anonymous]

Our lazy nanny asks us nearly every day if the kids can watch TV. It would give her more free time to text on the phone and ignore my kids.


You have the nanny I wish we had, OP. We are looking for a new nanny now...