Giving feedback to nanny

[Anonymous]

DS is 18 months and we have a great nanny with him about 30 hrs a week,he loves her and vice versa. I have noticed that she can be kind of quick to help him when he's playing and getting frustrated with something. Or if he's playing with something "incorrectly" e.g. Not doing something dangerous but not using a toy for its intended purpose she will be directive and explain how to do it. Overall I would prefer that she give him more space to figure things out on his own. But also, I only see them together for about half an hour before I leave for work, so it's possible she doesn't do this when I'm not around, and I don't want to micromanage their interactions. I'm not sure if it's even worth bringing up in the grand scheme of things- it's different than what I do but it's not like, off the charts different. Any thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Have a talk with her about baby finding things out through his own way... maybe set an example for her. Any professional nanny will be understanding that this aids in the child's development. She also may be "showing off" when you are there.

[Anonymous]

You have a nanny who loves your child and in whom you have absolute trust. Stop nitpicking.

[Anonymous]

Nanny here and I disagree that this is nitpicking. Loving the kid and being trustworthy are the basics of the job, not the high-water mark beyond which one is asking for the moon.

My concern would be that as your baby more and more becomes a toddler, too much stepping in and helping are going to be a big problem. As someone said, though, it could be that she is stepping in more when you are present because she wants you to see that she is actively engaging your child. I think it would be reasonable to take a wait and see approach, but if you did want to talk about it, you should be able to do so without it being a big deal. Have you never corrected her on any small matter? Perhaps now is the time to have an overall conversation about the fact that your baby is a toddler and will need more discipline versus just love and affection. You can start a general conversation about discipline style, House rules, etc. and build from there.