Nanny phone usage- what would you do?

[Anonymous]

We have a nanny cam, which our nanny obviously knows about. We occasionally check in throughout the day to see what our 18-month-old DS is up to. In the past few weeks, we've noticed periods of time where nanny is sitting on the floor looking at her phone while DS plays nearby. DS seems happy during those times (although sometimes lays down in front of nanny or otherwise tries to get her attention). I'm concerned that this is going on more often than we notice, as we have seen it a few times, and don't check the nanny cam very often. Any suggestions for how to handle? Nanny is otherwise very good, and I'm not sure what is reasonable vs unreasonable to request re: phone usage.

[Anonymous]

Nanny here. Personally, I'm very against using a phone during work hours when I would need to look at the phone, but others feel that texting takes less attention from kids than phone calls. My opinion is that calls should be as needed, and it's certainly possible to talk to doctor's office while engaging a child in pantomime games or something else quiet. If your child is actively trying to attract the nanny's attention and she's ignoring him in favor of texting or something else visual on the phone, that's deliberate and unacceptable.

I'm curious about why you said your nanny obviously knows about the nanny cam. Did you disclose that you had nanny cams, how many and/or where they are, or are they easily seen so that you assume she knows they are there?

Some nannies and employers keep everything very professional with employers, some don't. Either way, most contracts stipulate that something like this would merit a verbal warning, then written warning, and the third offense would be termination for cause. Whether you address it formally or informally, you need to follow your contract procedures, and if she's otherwise good, it would seem like a verbal warning for the first time would be sufficient.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, PP- OP here. Nanny knows about the nanny cams because we told her about them and they are easily seen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, PP- OP here. Nanny knows about the nanny cams because we told her about them and they are easily seen.

14.52. Then you're clear of any issues. If your contract addresses steps to be taken if there are issues, follow the contract. If not, I would suggest using the verbal, written, fire formula.

[Anonymous]

She must be a younger gal. Just saying.

Anyway, during her stay with your son it is healthy for her to take some time off from engagement play to let him play independently for awhile.

At his age, I would probably say 10-15% of the time, he should be allowed to play on his own. If she uses only a small amount of time looking at her phone, as long as she is near by I wouldn't have an issue with it.

You may have to watch more nanny cam footage to see just how much time she actually plays with him in relation to looking at her phone.

Also, I just wanted to state that the purpose for nanny cams is to make sure your child is safe and that his caregiver is not abusing him in any way, shape or form.

I do not think they are for things like checking to see how long they are texting.

Many people abuse this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, PP- OP here. Nanny knows about the nanny cams because we told her about them and they are easily seen.

14.52. Then you're clear of any issues. If your contract addresses steps to be taken if there are issues, follow the contract. If not, I would suggest using the verbal, written, fire formula.

This. Ask her she keep her phone at entry and use it only for urgent/ emergency calls only during work hours

[Anonymous]

OP- Thanks for posting this. I have a similarly aged child and am struggling with this now as well. Our contract clearly states no phone usage while child is awake other than emergencies. The first few weeks with the nanny we noticed cell phone usage, verbally reminded her of the no cell phone usage policy, but since the holidays we've noticed it again <sigh>. Other than this she seems to be pretty good. I'm fine with some independent play at my child's age. My issue with the texting is that it takes the nanny's eyes from my child who is still at an age where they can choke if they put something small in their mouth. I also wonder when I come home and find crayon on the walls.... Also, it is heart breaking to see any child trying to get the attention of their caregiver/parent who is too busy texting to notice.

[Anonymous]

The irony of an employee, at work, glued to their nanny cam, mad about their employee, looking at a screen unrelated to work while on duty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The irony of an employee, at work, glued to their nanny cam, mad about their employee, looking at a screen unrelated to work while on duty.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She must be a younger gal. Just saying.

Anyway, during her stay with your son it is healthy for her to take some time off from engagement play to let him play independently for awhile.

At his age, I would probably say 10-15% of the time, he should be allowed to play on his own. If she uses only a small amount of time looking at her phone, as long as she is near by I wouldn't have an issue with it.

You may have to watch more nanny cam footage to see just how much time she actually plays with him in relation to looking at her phone.

Also, I just wanted to state that the purpose for nanny cams is to make sure your child is safe and that his caregiver is not abusing him in any way, shape or form.

I do not think they are for things like checking to see how long they are texting.

Many people abuse this.

The purpose of a nanny cam can certainly include checking in and seeing if the nanny is texting. That is not abusing the nanny cam.