Anonymous
03/11/2015 07:17
Subject: Can't leave the house!
Anonymous wrote:I am a nanny with a 4 year old and a 20 month old. I have been working for this family for 6 months and when the weather started improving I asked if I could take my charges down to the small park just down the road. I was told no because the parents didn't want me to take the kids anywhere besides walking to preschool and back. They said that it wasn't that they didn't trust me, it was that even they can't watch both kids at the same time by themselves. I thought as the months went by and the little one got older I coils start giving them something to do besides be at home, especially before winter comes and they are stuck inside all day.
Also it is very restricting being a live in nanny working 11 hour days and not being able to leave the house! We do a lot of different things at home but that gets old by the end of the week!
This would have been a good post for the "it doesn't hurt to ask" thread. You were hired with very clear expectations it seems, you know the parents do not wish you to leave the house with their children yet you ask anyways. I find it appalling that posters below are suggesting you confront the parents and shame them, scare them, and accuse them of being negligent just so you can go to a park. What you really should do, OP, is follow your MBs instructions to a T, enjoy your time, and do a good job.
Anonymous
03/10/2015 23:33
Subject: Can't leave the house!
Anonymous wrote:I love the old "we can't do it so our nanny can't excuse."
Sorry OP , ut they were up front wish you about being chained to the house. I'd find another position where the parents truly want you to go out.
I've had that old yarn brought out a number of times. It is a fine line to stay respectful and try to explain that as new parents this is their first time at the proverbial rodeo but not mine. People hire experienced nannies for a reason.
You need to talk to your employers, OP, and explain how you can do it and how often you have done it before. I'm a California nanny and I cannot stand spending even one day in the house with my charge and neither can he (his second word after Mama was "asid" [outside]). You need to gently explain that they are instilling fear into their children and will make them crazy being housebound come spring and summer.
Anonymous
03/10/2015 23:26
Subject: Can't leave the house!
Anonymous wrote:She's talked to them and they have said no outside even after making it seem they wanted the nanny to bring the kids out.
Plus OP says there are other issues.
When people show you who they are.
Too often as nannies we spend our time hoping our employers will change or that if we just beg and plead enough they will.
I don't think the OP showing the parents the kids listen better to her will help OP in the situation at all.
Anonymous
09/19/2014 14:04
Subject: Re:Can't leave the house!
OP. I have spoken to them about the situation and they're not going to budge. I told them that because of this reason and some other issues - mainly personality clashes - I'm very laid back, they are most definitely not, because they stress over basically everything imaginable and can be quite rude. I am not saying they are horrible people but just not my kind of family. Hopefully they find someone to better fit them in the next two weeks! Someone asked if I had somewhere else to stay and yes I do, with my boyfriend, and I probably won't be doing the live-in situation again. But here I go again job hunting!
Thank you for all your advice
Thank you for all your advice
Anonymous
09/19/2014 00:02
Subject: Can't leave the house!
She's talked to them and they have said no outside even after making it seem they wanted the nanny to bring the kids out.
Plus OP says there are other issues.
When people show you who they are.
Too often as nannies we spend our time hoping our employers will change or that if we just beg and plead enough they will.
I don't think the OP showing the parents the kids listen better to her will help OP in the situation at all.
Plus OP says there are other issues.
When people show you who they are.
Too often as nannies we spend our time hoping our employers will change or that if we just beg and plead enough they will.
I don't think the OP showing the parents the kids listen better to her will help OP in the situation at all.
Anonymous
09/18/2014 23:00
Subject: Can't leave the house!
talk to your boss before quitting. they aren't mind readers and may not realize how frustrating it is for you to not take the kids out. also, invite them to come along with you so they can see you in action; they may not realize that the kids listen to you more than the parents.
Anonymous
09/18/2014 22:26
Subject: Can't leave the house!
Before quiting, maybe you can talk to the parents? The argument could be that you are a professional and have experience watching 2 kids out of the house (sheesh! I watch 3!). You can tell them about the benefits of being outside for the kids. I'm actually sorry for the kids too! Do they have a double stroller? That would address the safety of the walk. I actually can't believe that any mom wouldn't want kids out and about.
Maybe ask them is it ok yo have a play date in the park? Then there will be another adult watching just in case...
Funny, I fired a nanny who every day gave me an execuse of why she couldn't take kids outside this specific day (the main reason that was not mention was that the parks don't have wifi, and there typing on the phone all the time was not safe
Maybe ask them is it ok yo have a play date in the park? Then there will be another adult watching just in case...
Funny, I fired a nanny who every day gave me an execuse of why she couldn't take kids outside this specific day (the main reason that was not mention was that the parks don't have wifi, and there typing on the phone all the time was not safe
Anonymous
09/18/2014 19:45
Subject: Re:Can't leave the house!
OP here and thanks everyone I am going to start looking. I know I won't be a very good nanny if I am stuck in the house all day anyway so for both mine and the kids sake I will let them find someone who doesn't mind staying in
Anonymous
09/18/2014 18:50
Subject: Can't leave the house!
OP, start looking now. I had the exact same experience as you several years ago. Interviewed with a family, asked what I likde to do with the kids, told them outings were daily. They were enthusiastic. Long story short, once I started it was a totally different story. You got punked. Again, start looking now!
Anonymous
09/18/2014 13:33
Subject: Can't leave the house!
I think that is pretty shady that they waited until after you signed on for the job to tell you you couldn't take the kids out. Sounds like they conned you which shows a bit of their true character traits.
As a live-in, to be confined in the home w/two small children all day would be too much for anyone to endure. You seem like the type of person who likes to be out + about, doing things and seeing stuff. This job just doesn't suit you. Do you have another place to live? Make sure you do before you give your notice because as a live-in, this can get dicey.
Make sure w/your next position, the family you choose next is on board w/a nanny who likes to take the children out daily since this is so important to you!
Hope everything works out for you!
As a live-in, to be confined in the home w/two small children all day would be too much for anyone to endure. You seem like the type of person who likes to be out + about, doing things and seeing stuff. This job just doesn't suit you. Do you have another place to live? Make sure you do before you give your notice because as a live-in, this can get dicey.
Make sure w/your next position, the family you choose next is on board w/a nanny who likes to take the children out daily since this is so important to you!
Hope everything works out for you!
Anonymous
09/18/2014 09:20
Subject: Re:Can't leave the house!
They sound nut so to me. Maybe gift them a copy of The Secret Garden?
Anonymous
09/18/2014 08:52
Subject: Re:Can't leave the house!
Op here. I am seriously considering quitting. The position isn't that great in other aspects either.
Funny thing is that during the interview they asked what kind of things I would do with the kids and I mentioned going to the park, walks, play centers etc and they didn't tell me I couldn't go anywhere until AFTER I signed up for the job.
Previously I worked with two kids and we went out all the time especially in summer, aquarium, zoo, picnics at the park, it's not like I am a first time nanny.
I do love the kids but I think I should get out now before I and they get too attached.
I just wanted some other opinions on the situation so maybe I could look at it from a different angle, thanks!
Funny thing is that during the interview they asked what kind of things I would do with the kids and I mentioned going to the park, walks, play centers etc and they didn't tell me I couldn't go anywhere until AFTER I signed up for the job.
Previously I worked with two kids and we went out all the time especially in summer, aquarium, zoo, picnics at the park, it's not like I am a first time nanny.
I do love the kids but I think I should get out now before I and they get too attached.
I just wanted some other opinions on the situation so maybe I could look at it from a different angle, thanks!
Anonymous
09/18/2014 08:12
Subject: Can't leave the house!
I love the old "we can't do it so our nanny can't excuse."
Sorry OP , ut they were up front wish you about being chained to the house. I'd find another position where the parents truly want you to go out.
Sorry OP , ut they were up front wish you about being chained to the house. I'd find another position where the parents truly want you to go out.
Anonymous
09/18/2014 07:51
Subject: Can't leave the house!
Can't you put the 20 month old in the stroller and have the 4 yo hold onto it ?
I would hate it being in your situation, I'm hoping you will get to go out ...
I would hate it being in your situation, I'm hoping you will get to go out ...
Anonymous
09/18/2014 07:29
Subject: Can't leave the house!
I am a nanny with a 4 year old and a 20 month old. I have been working for this family for 6 months and when the weather started improving I asked if I could take my charges down to the small park just down the road. I was told no because the parents didn't want me to take the kids anywhere besides walking to preschool and back. They said that it wasn't that they didn't trust me, it was that even they can't watch both kids at the same time by themselves. I thought as the months went by and the little one got older I coils start giving them something to do besides be at home, especially before winter comes and they are stuck inside all day.
Also it is very restricting being a live in nanny working 11 hour days and not being able to leave the house! We do a lot of different things at home but that gets old by the end of the week!
Also it is very restricting being a live in nanny working 11 hour days and not being able to leave the house! We do a lot of different things at home but that gets old by the end of the week!