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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Of course a nanny can watch two children!  That's their job!

We did not send our kids to preschool until they were four - the year before kindergarten, but our nanny took them out every day to play and socialize, and they took classes around the city too.  Of course people here whose kids started preschool at 2 or are preschool teachers will say to start your older one in school immediately.  Just do not start your older one in school right when the baby comes - he will feel like you're getting rid of him to spend more time with the new, better baby.

Most babies can learn to sleep on the go - in a wrap or a stroller.  Some can't, but a nanny can handle that too. [/quote]

Agree but “watch” and “teach” are two very different things.  [/quote]

And it's possible to have the toddler play while the baby is awake, then teach the toddler when the baby sleeps...[/quote]

True (and I do) but it’s not enough time to engage either (especially the baby).

Yes, of course, it’s doable and I’ve been doing it but it’s not the level of engagement I’m happy with.  I feel like a babysitter when I have both kids and not a nanny.  Sometimes I feel like I’m just keeping them both safe and alive.  [/quote]

Wait, if you don't feel that you have enough time to engage the baby, why is the baby watching you engage the toddler?!  The toddler is awake for longer, more predictable periods.  Therefore, the toddler can play while you engage the baby, then you are 1-1 with the toddler once the baby sleeps again.

I'm sorry, but if you feel like you can't adequately handle both, then maybe you should look for families who are one and done.  We each have our niche, and it sounds like you've found yours.[/quote]

Maybe.  Maybe I’m just not cut out to being a nanny to a toddler and an infant.  This is my first time with two kids in ten years after teaching preschool for nearly 15 years.  I love these kids so much and just want to do my best with them.  Maybe I should leave.  [/quote]

If you have experience with up to 15 preschoolers, look for a family with twins!  You’re used to the same age cohort, not managing different ages and maximizing the opportunities for both.

Otoh, if you really like the family, stick around and try to work out a flexible routine for the toddler.  Ime, the best way to manage those ages is to teach the toddler (quickly!) that when the baby sleeps, your undivided attention is on them, but that when the baby is awake you need to pay attention to the baby; some older siblings prefer solo play while others prefer to “help” with the baby.[/quote]

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