What's normal?
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Anonymous
| New nanny started recently and takes DD out every day for 3-4 hours. When she comes home she says they went to the library and park or something like that. Is it normal to have child out for so long every day? She's only 16 months. Old nanny only took daughter to gym class and or library/playground and would be out for 1.5 hours max and usually just a few days a week. DD's lunch is packed and eaten while they are out every day. I'm just not sure what's typical for a nanny day to day. |
Anonymous
| Calling troll. |
Anonymous
| Not a troll....I'm a FTM and serious. |
Anonymous
| That many hours gone if it's raining? |
Anonymous
| Do you work at home, OP? |
Anonymous
| Rain or sun they are out 3-4 hours. Yes I work from home so I know when they come and go. I'm asking because for a year I was used to very short outings and I don't know if this new nanny is taking advantage or now that DD is older it makes sense for her to be out this long. -OP |
Anonymous
| You need a new nanny. Was this one from care.com? |
Anonymous
I'll add this... most nannies prefer not to have parents in the house all day. But do you really believe they're at the library for three hours on a rainy day? I don't. |
Anonymous
She is probably going to her house if it is close enough. Trying to go somewhere she can talk on her phone, text, surf net, see friends, etc If you say you are gone for the day I bet she doesn't leave for 3 hours ? |
Anonymous
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Does your child have a good nap schedule? Are the outings interfering with that schedule? I don't think you need to jump to something nefarious. It can be tough to be in the house with a WAH parent and a kid that age. They are aware enough to know mom is close but not old enough to understand why mom won't come play. The kids are also often loud at that age and it's hard to work if they are yelling even with excitement or happiness.
If your local library is a small one with now real interesting features then I might be more concerned, but for example: Walk to the library, allowing 16 mo to walk as far as she wants before she gets tired: 30 minutes read books at the library: 30 minutes Story time starts: 45 minutes Go outside for a snack: 15 minutes Play with toys/puzzles/other kids after story time: 45 minutes Return home with 16 mo walking slow as molasses before you scoop her into the stroller: 30 minutes. That's over 3 hours and doesn't imply your nanny is doing anything wrong. I think the bigger issue is why you don't feel comfortable bringing this up with her directly. Ask her why she takes longer outings. If it's a problem for you, explain why (you miss seeing DD during coffee break, you worry DD will be overstimulated, etc.). Ask what nanny's goals are and brainstorm together a better solution. |
Anonymous
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If I worked for a parent who worked from home, no doubt I would find any excuse to leave the house.
It really is a tough dynamic to work in an environment where the parent is home while the Nanny + child are as well. I think it's wonderful that she takes your child out daily. Plus 3-4 hrs is not too long. My charge is 14mos. and I usually take her out for 3-4hrs a day too. Her Mom wants her to take a good afternoon nap so by keeping her active & busy, she will tire out good. With your Nanny and child gone, it also makes it easier for you to get your work done, right?? |
Anonymous
| I did this when I was a SAHM. Library/park, zoo, museum, playgroup, etc. I usually had lunch packed by 10am and would go out from 10am-1:00pm or so. Then I would put kids down for a nap. |
Anonymous
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I don't take my charge out for that long but I am not trying to avoid a SAHM.
You can talk to your child's nanny about this openly, OP. Tell her your concerns and ask her if she is avoiding coming back to the house. Of course, you have the right to know where your child is at any moment and can ask her exactly where she is. |
Anonymous
| When you're home with the nanny, OP, are you bumping into her throughout the day? How big is your house? |
Anonymous
| That's a long time to be gone . 2-3 is more appropriate. More on the 2 hour side. |