Nanny doesn't want to eat lunch with DC

[Anonymous]

I think it is very important that DC always have "family meals". Our nanny, who is wonderful, is always on a diet and prefers to eat her lunch (which she brings everyday) after DC goes down for her nap. While I understand her position, I think it is important that DC eat lunch with the nanny.

Anyone else face this and what did you do?

[Anonymous]

I'd let it go OP. Unless you have other concerns with the nanny this isn't really that big a deal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd let it go OP. Unless you have other concerns with the nanny this isn't really that big a deal.

OP here and no other concerns at all. She is a brilliant nanny. But DC is having eating issues and every expert is recommending that she eat with DC and the same thing that DC eats.

[Anonymous]

Well, have you told the nanny that? Maybe there are things she eats that the child can also eat as part of a regular meal. If the nanny is sitting with the child and eating some of the same things would that work?

I would never feel comfortable dictating what our nanny should eat. That's not my business. But I do feel comfortable asking her to sit with the children, and letting her know that it is helpful to actually eat with them, for all kinds of reasons.

[Anonymous]

Well, I'm a mom and following a specific diet while trying to get back into my pre-pregnancy clothes - I also have a child with a low appetite. So, I know your concerns really well and also sympathize with the nanny's position. If her diet food can be cooked from scratch and would be healthy & appropriate for a child (or could be reconfigured to be appropriate by topping the veggies with shredded full-fat cheese, for example), then invite her to cook her lunch in your home, stock what she needs in order to do that, and have her share it with the kiddo.

If that's not workable, then just accept that lunch won't be a family meal but you can ensure that breakfast and dinner are. You can try to schedule playdates to coincide with meal or snack times so that your child has a friend to eat with.

[Anonymous]

I know what you are saying OP. The toddler stage has ups and downs with eating and everyone eating together does help the habit! Maybe she can eat some carrot sticks while DC eats his food?

Sounds like she may also prefer a long lunch as well while the child is napping.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know what you are saying OP. The toddler stage has ups and downs with eating and everyone eating together does help the habit! Maybe she can eat some carrot sticks while DC eats his food?

Sounds like she may also prefer a long lunch as well while the child is napping.

OP here and no, she actually always drinks a protein shake for lunch so her lunch takes less than two minutes start to finish!

Thank you for the suggestions. She may go for the fresh vegetables while DC is eating fresh vegetables AND his meal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it is very important that DC always have "family meals". Our nanny, who is wonderful, is always on a diet and prefers to eat her lunch (which she brings everyday) after DC goes down for her nap. While I understand her position, I think it is important that DC eat lunch with the nanny.

Anyone else face this and what did you do?

You have a wonderful nanny, FORGET IT! Find a real problem. If this is so important to you that your child have a "family"meal then stay home and take care of your child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd let it go OP. Unless you have other concerns with the nanny this isn't really that big a deal.

OP here and no other concerns at all. She is a brilliant nanny. But DC is having eating issues and every expert is recommending that she eat with DC and the same thing that DC eats.

You want to dictate wwhat she eats?

[Anonymous]

Well, you can request she sits with your child but I don't think it is fair to suggest she needs to eat what your child eats. Explain to your child's therapist that that isn't possible at lunch and ask for more recommendations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know what you are saying OP. The toddler stage has ups and downs with eating and everyone eating together does help the habit! Maybe she can eat some carrot sticks while DC eats his food?

Sounds like she may also prefer a long lunch as well while the child is napping.

OP here and no, she actually always drinks a protein shake for lunch so her lunch takes less than two minutes start to finish!

Thank you for the suggestions. She may go for the fresh vegetables while DC is eating fresh vegetables AND his meal.

We try not to bring books and toys to the table, but our kid has some über ducks that love to take a fake spoonful of food to get DD back to the task of eating. You need to distract the kid a bit and then get back to eating. Nanny can come up with some ideas too. Ours did.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd let it go OP. Unless you have other concerns with the nanny this isn't really that big a deal.

OP here and no other concerns at all. She is a brilliant nanny. But DC is having eating issues and every expert is recommending that she eat with DC and the same thing that DC eats.

She should fake forkfuls of his food to herself. Everyone needs to be onboard with a feasible eating plan, especially if your. Hill has health problems and is low percentile height and weight. Eating healthily is so important at this age, you all need to be a team (doctor, parents, nanny) and get a game plan that works for the child. Child is the priority here.

[Anonymous]

My son has similar issues. I request that his caregivers sit with him while he eats. I ask if they can eat with him (their own lunch is fine) or at least take a few bites so he is not eating alone. I have been told over and over that no one likes to be "watched" while eating. Therapists have recommended eating meals together. I agree that she should be willing to find away to participate in the meal time. Can she eat a couple carrots, apple, or cucumbers just so she has a plate?

Also, we were told if we didn't want to child is eating to say "I've got my own" or "I already ate."

we have had wonderful caregivers that would make their own version what they planned to feed my kid that day. Grilled chicken - chicken nuggets. Pizza they like - pizza for my child. Also had wonderful caregivers that would let kid try what they had. It was great.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't have her fake it. Kid will see right through that.

[Anonymous]

If she's on a diet, she is probably not able to enjoy meals like she used to, and she wants to savor what she does eat. It's much more relaxing to eat on her own.

I would ask her to fake it with him; in addition, that way, she can have the same things on her plate and not have to figure out how to make her diet work for him.