How to go about this situation if confirmed.

[Anonymous]

I am in a nanny share and today one of the children seemed off (not eating, a bit quiet and fell asleep quicker than normal). When I mentioned via text about the child's day, the mom says "oh, yeah she didn't seem to feel well." This is NOT the first time the parents choose not to mention their child may be under the weather- not that it's a big deal but I like to pump myself with vitamins, wash my hands more (even though I do a lot already) and because if I get sick (because of their child), I still have to use my PTO. I like to take every precaution I can to prevent getting sick and use my PTO for something nice . Anyway, when she woke up, I notice she had "gooo' in her eyes and I was like okay, I know what this could be. Fast forward to pick up time, the dad goes, "yeah, we think she has conjunctivitis and some other stuff"- WHAT?! And you didn't think to share or keep her home considering there are other children present (a 7 month old and 2.5 year old)? She has a doctors appointment tomorrow, which, I'm sure they could have got one today but mom doesn't work on Tuesday's but still, keep her home or try to adjust your schedule to get her seen sooner and start antibiotics.

I plan to send a group text tomorrow asking about the CONJUNCTIVITIS and doctors appointment. If it's confirmed, I want to ask her if it's not too much to ask, if the child isn't feeling well in the future or has a case of a contagious illness, can she please give me a heads up. Is that too much to ask? Not so I can take off because I have cared for them and others while sick, I just want to be prepared. I also haven't shared I am pregnant yet, and although, pink eye isn't dangerous to pregnant woman, I want to try my hardest to prevent myself from getting sick and having to be on antibiotics during my pregnancy. Does this sound like a conversation needed to be had? I'm not overreacting am I? Also, if confirmed, pink eye is still contagious up to 24 hours after the eye drops, so I should be asking their plans for Wednesday?

[Anonymous]

Are the other parents aware of this? I would be livid. I don’t think you’re overreacting and I think it’s protocol to give everyone involved a heads up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are the other parents aware of this? I would be livid. I don’t think you’re overreacting and I think it’s protocol to give everyone involved a heads up.

The other mom was present when the dad said it. She said "oooh" and made a face like "you guys should get that checked out" but she never is the first to say anything. I am usually the one who addresses things and then they will all speak up and thank me for getting the conversation started. I can't remember if I mentioned it, but the other family always gives a heads up when their child was sick (cold, fever, vomiting etc,).

[Anonymous]

Both families are awful, imo.

[Anonymous]

I think its totally reasonable for you to say " if there is a possibility one of the kids has a contagious illness could you please keep that child at home".
Although when I was a Nanny the Mom said that one of the perks of a having a Nanny is not having to take off work for every little illness. I do think being in a share is a different situation though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think its totally reasonable for you to say " if there is a possibility one of the kids has a contagious illness could you please keep that child at home".
Although when I was a Nanny the Mom said that one of the perks of a having a Nanny is not having to take off work for every little illness. I do think being in a share is a different situation though.

Op here. I said that to myself but you are in share and the other family has a right to know #1. #2 if it was a singleton, I, as the caretaker, should still be given the heads up. If it was the flu, you would just have me come in and not say anything? The pink eye.. eh... but what if it was the flu? I should have the option on whether or not I’d like to be exposed. A few months back 1 child started off with croup (parents took forever to see the doctor) and then, the other 2 got it. Next thing I know, I’m out with laryngitis for almost a week. I just want everyone to be considerate. Thanks for your response!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Both families are awful, imo.

At least one in this case.

[Anonymous]

Obviously, one family doesn't give a damn about you or the other children and the other family is obli ious. You should set up a new rule about sick children staying home.

[Anonymous]

Their kid seemed a little extra tired and off in the morning? That’s it? I think it would be easy to forget to mention that to the nanny.

The only way to know or suspect the kid has pink eye would be if the kid has a red eye, eye discharge and / or is rubbing their eye a lot, all of which would have been immediately obvious to you.

[Anonymous]

You need to talk with both families at the same time and tell them going forward you need to be given a heads up if someone isn’t feeling well as does the other family. I would be LIVID if I found out my child had been around pink eye and the parents just brushed it off.

[Anonymous]

I do not think that just because one employs a Nanny, that it is okay to leave a sick child in her care.

Because subjecting ANYone to a contagious illness is never okay whether you have a Nanny or are in a Nannyshare.

Yes -
Definitely let the family here know that you would appreciate a heads-up when their child is under the weather.
It should already be a given, but some people need to be TOLD.

Hope everything works out well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Their kid seemed a little extra tired and off in the morning? That’s it? I think it would be easy to forget to mention that to the nanny.

The only way to know or suspect the kid has pink eye would be if the kid has a red eye, eye discharge and / or is rubbing their eye a lot, all of which would have been immediately obvious to you.

The kid not being herself indicated she did not feel well and according to her parents, they noticed that as well but did not mention it to me. Her eyes were glossy throughout the day and honestly, I can’t remeber if she had red eyes prior to nap because I take care of 3 of them but had they mentioned I would have monitored her closely *hence why I find not communicating these things an issue. Nothing major (from what I remember) until after nap (which I stated). When she awoke, her eyes were leaking and crusty which could be an indication of pink eye along with some redness. I wiped her eye and it crusted again, which, is another indication of pink eye. When her dad arrived, he shared the exact same observation I did but according to him it was a day or two ago but enough for him or mom to make an appointment. The other mom notice her looking off as well when she got home. My issue is failing to mention your child is under the weather, regardless if it’s communicable or not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I do not think that just because one employs a Nanny, that it is okay to leave a sick child in her care.

Because subjecting ANYone to a contagious illness is never okay whether you have a Nanny or are in a Nannyshare.

Yes -
Definitely let the family here know that you would appreciate a heads-up when their child is under the weather.
It should already be a given, but some people need to be TOLD.

Hope everything works out well.

Agreed. I’ll have a chat with them. Thank you!