When MB is home during my working hours...

[Anonymous]

As the nanny, I am not sure what to do. Does MB want me in the room with her when she plays with the baby? If I have a set routine with the child, do I continue as if MB isn't there?

What do other nannies do in these instances?

TIA

[Anonymous]

Ask her. I've been in your position and just asked what she preferred. Then we worked out a routine for when she was home.

[Anonymous]

I think that you can do two things while your MB is playing with the baby:

1) sit and chat with MB about the baby, what he has been doing lately, how adorable he is, what you did that morning, etc.

2) do other child-related chores (laundry, dishes, prep lunch)

Things not to do (all of which my sitter has done):
stand in the middle of the room looking uncomfortable
pull out your phone and start texting
leave
fight with your MB for the baby

If your MB is there but not actively playing with the child, then go about your own routine just as you would if she wasn't there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think that you can do two things while your MB is playing with the baby:

1) sit and chat with MB about the baby, what he has been doing lately, how adorable he is, what you did that morning, etc.

2) do other child-related chores (laundry, dishes, prep lunch)

Things not to do (all of which my sitter has done):
stand in the middle of the room looking uncomfortable
pull out your phone and start texting
leave
fight with your MB for the baby

If your MB is there but not actively playing with the child, then go about your own routine just as you would if she wasn't there.

As for #2 - would you like to be asked if it is okay if the nanny goes and throws a load of laundry in or goes to make lunch for the child? I know sometimes the MB is waiting for a call or may want to eat her own lunch.

[Anonymous]

Ask her.

[Anonymous]

Why is she at home? If it's irregular, I'd prefer to be notified ahead of time. Common courtesy when there's a change of plans. Then you have time to plan accordingly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think that you can do two things while your MB is playing with the baby:

1) sit and chat with MB about the baby, what he has been doing lately, how adorable he is, what you did that morning, etc.

2) do other child-related chores (laundry, dishes, prep lunch)

Things not to do (all of which my sitter has done):
stand in the middle of the room looking uncomfortable
pull out your phone and start texting
leave
fight with your MB for the baby

If your MB is there but not actively playing with the child, then go about your own routine just as you would if she wasn't there.

As for #2 - would you like to be asked if it is okay if the nanny goes and throws a load of laundry in or goes to make lunch for the child? I know sometimes the MB is waiting for a call or may want to eat her own lunch.

Yes. Not because I need to make a call, but because it is normal social behavior to tell someone that you are leaving the room and offer a brief explanation of where you are going. I think that you are really anxious and overthinking this.

If your MB comes home at the same time every day, you should try to think of one or two stories to tell her about her child that day so you don't feel put on the spot and feel more comfortable.

[Anonymous]

If your boss is really engaged and playing with the baby, then I think just start fixing things up a bit - put away toys that are out, load up bottles in the dishwasher, fold some baby blankets, etc. Stay nearby, so that when she goes back to work, she doesn't have to come find you.

[Anonymous]

As with 90% of the issues/questions on this board, it can be solved with COMMUNICATION.
Ask her.

[Anonymous]

Sometimes I am able to come home early from work. If I do that and start playing with the babies, you can go do something else - clean up the kitchen, kiddie laundry, the playroom or their bedroom, whatever. Last time I did this, the manny asked if it was a good time to go through the outgrown clothes. So I sat on the floor reading books while he sat behind the kids holding up clothing items and I could nod or shake my head at getting rid of things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sometimes I am able to come home early from work. If I do that and start playing with the babies, you can go do something else - clean up the kitchen, kiddie laundry, the playroom or their bedroom, whatever. Last time I did this, the manny asked if it was a good time to go through the outgrown clothes. So I sat on the floor reading books while he sat behind the kids holding up clothing items and I could nod or shake my head at getting rid of things.

Sounds like a servant you got yourself. Does she know where to go when you shoo her away? Does she drop what she's doing when you're done with the kid?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why is she at home? If it's irregular, I'd prefer to be notified ahead of time. Common courtesy when there's a change of plans. Then you have time to plan accordingly.

Plan what? Hiding your phone, cleaning your food mess, or sleeping on the sofa?

[Anonymous]

"manny"
Pp, your constant use of this non-word is like nails on a chalkboard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"manny"
Pp, your constant use of this non-word is like nails on a chalkboard.

To me, too. It is so insulting to male nannies. But it is only one poster who posts constantly about him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"manny"
Pp, your constant use of this non-word is like nails on a chalkboard.

To me, too. It is so insulting to male nannies. But it is only one poster who posts constantly about him.

Agree, I'm a guy in this field and I find it annoying.