Nanny constantly using her phone

[Anonymous]

Our new nanny started three weeks ago. At first, she seemed enthusiastic about the job and good to my kid. But whenever I check a nanny cam this week, she is constantly using a cellphone or sitting on a couch most of the time. My kid plays alone around her. Last night DC said to me crying, "No one plays with me".
I pay the nanny above average because she is highly educated, and I expect her to take better care of my kid. So it bothers me more. I don't pay her that money to sit on a couch skimming through her phone. She knows that we have a nanny cam. What is she thinking??
How should I address this issue? I don't want to hurt her feeling because she is the one who spends the day with my kid. Should I look into hiring someone else and let her go? Please share your experiences with me.

[Anonymous]

I think the most likely answer is going to have to be that you let her go.

But, I'd give it one try first.

"Larla, I checked our nanny cam a couple times yesterday and it seemed like you were on your phone fairly often. I would like you to put your phone away when Larlo is awake and engage and play with him. You can certainly use your phone during nap time."

Then keep checking. She'll likely be better for a day or two, but keep an eye out - she'll likely backslide in the weeks to follow, and then you fire her.

It wouldn't be unreasonable to start looking for someone else in the meantime.

[Anonymous]

I would just ask her if she could not be on her phone unless the child is sleeping.

[Anonymous]

We put in our contract that we wanted no scrolling or "relaxing" by using their phone except when the child(ren) are napping.

[Anonymous]

It's very nice if you still have any hope she could change. It's her first week; she must be the typical nanny who in front of parents pretend to engage and play with kids. But most of the day they are always on the phone, if not calling, texting and most of the times checking her social media. If you talk to her probably this will change just for a couple of days but then she will go back again; the way she really is. Addictive to her phone. Can you imagine how she is, when you are not around or no any cameras around? Playgrounds and outside. I would start looking for a new nanny soon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's very nice if you still have any hope she could change. It's her first week; she must be the typical nanny who in front of parents pretend to engage and play with kids. But most of the day they are always on the phone, if not calling, texting and most of the times checking her social media. If you talk to her probably this will change just for a couple of days but then she will go back again; the way she really is. Addictive to her phone. Can you imagine how she is, when you are not around or no any cameras around? Playgrounds and outside. I would start looking for a new nanny soon.

No, dear, most nannies are not to like that. Our nanny and our friends nannies are all very involved with the kids (four years and longer) and never on their phones.

To OP: fire her and hire an older nanny.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We put in our contract that we wanted no scrolling or "relaxing" by using their phone except when the child(ren) are napping.

+1. So did we. It’s worked out great because nanny was never a phone addict.

It’s not too late to set parameters on when your employee can use her phone. Emergencies or when kids are napping ONLY. You set the rules, OP.

[Anonymous]

OP, this may sound unfair but how old is your Nanny??

I only ask because typically younger Nannies usually need to stay “connected” 24/7.

Color me dumb - but I thought that the sole purpose of Nanny cams was to make sure the family Nanny is not abusing or neglecting the child….??
Your Nanny may feel a bit micromanaged.

Anyway with that being said > I would definitely look for a brand~new Nanny.
Preferably someone older.
35 + years old.
And state during interview or upon hire that you request only phone use during your son’s nap time.

That way hopefully you can rule out those Nannies that spend too much time on their Smartphones.
Wishing you the best!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, this may sound unfair but how old is your Nanny??

I only ask because typically younger Nannies usually need to stay “connected” 24/7.

Color me dumb - but I thought that the sole purpose of Nanny cams was to make sure the family Nanny is not abusing or neglecting the child….??
Your Nanny may feel a bit micromanaged.

Anyway with that being said > I would definitely look for a brand~new Nanny.
Preferably someone older.
35 + years old.
And state during interview or upon hire that you request only phone use during your son’s nap time.

That way hopefully you can rule out those Nannies that spend too much time on their Smartphones.
Wishing you the best!

You don't think it's neglect to ignore a child for your phone all day?

[Anonymous]

I agree with the above: you need to set strict parameters for her phone use. Just tell her that she cannot use or even take her phone out anytime except nap time or a true emergency. Be direct and firm. Don’t even give her the out of taking photos just yet. Tell her directly that you need her to engage your child more and just observe when he/she is playing independently.

I know young nannies freak out but it’s certainly doable and better for all concerned.

[Anonymous]

One more thing, OP. Everyone is setting these rules now. You are not alone and your nanny isn’t unusual. Phone use has gotten out of control.

[Anonymous]

1. Younger nannies generally are more addicted to their phones.
2. I doubt OP is paying that well at all. Most parents I know believe they’re paying great wages, but aren’t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:1. Younger nannies generally are more addicted to their phones.
2. I doubt OP is paying that well at all. Most parents I know believe they’re paying great wages, but aren’t.

I don't think it's about how much a family is paying to a nanny. High or low rates it's up of the nanny. Maybe OP had such a bad luck to chose her when she hired.

[Anonymous]

An underpaid person is probably interviewing for a better job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:An underpaid person is probably interviewing for a better job.

Scrolling on her phone?! Ha ha!