Can they walk anywhere? Library, parks, coffee shops?

Can they walk anywhere? Library, parks, coffee shops?

Is unrealistic to expect our nanny to spend most of the winter in the house with our 9 month old son? We aren't comfortable with her driving or using the metro yet. We are new to having a nanny--she has been with us for 3 months. I'm worried that she might quite over the this arrangement.

MB here. Yes, OP, it is unrealistic. Your nanny has been with you for three months and it's time to decide if you trust her. If you do, then you need to start trusting her to take your child out to age appropriate activities. If not now, when?

Your child will be happier and your nanny will be happier.

I am a nanny and have never understood why some parents have had issues with letting me drive on the job.

As long as I present a DMV printout of a perfect driving record with no points on it, show proof of current registration in my name and current automobile insurance as well as a vehicle check-up report saying that the vehicle is maintained and has her oil changes up to date, then why should I not be allowed to drive the child?

If you fully trust me to care for your child in your home, how can you not fully trust me to care for your child outside your home??

Do you think I'm going to crash the car on the road just because your child is in the car with me? Yet, you never worry I will miss work because I crashed my car on the way to work??

An accident can happen to the parent as well. If you watch the news, many innocent drivers lose their lives or get injured due to no fault of their own.

I could even get hurt in the home. I could choke on some food or someone could break in and tie us up. A fire could break out in the garage or a plane could crash on the roof.

I just see no logic in a parent trusting a nanny with their child, yet not trusting that same nanny to drive that child in their vehicle. It doesn't make any sense.

I personally couldn't do it and would likely give notice. Being a nanny is a very isolating job in the first place, why make it even more isolating by imposing these type of restrictions. Before all of you jump on me, you try staying in a house and not being able to even talk to another adult for 50-60 hours a week. Remember, we are also not supposed to be on our cell phones or communicating with friends while we are on duty as well.

3 months is enough time. Either you trust the nanny or you don't. If you don't trust her then let her go and find another childcare solution.

I've had a couple of friends who have been in situations like this and they have all ended up unhappy and leaving.

As a nanny, I don't take jobs where I'm not allowed to take my charges out.

My current employers have my driving record and check my car inspections. I was allowed to take my charge out at 5 weeks (summer baby). Now, of course, they also trust me to make wise decisions about when and where we go. For the first three months we went out maybe once a week. By six months we went out 3-4 times a week.

A nine-month-old really needs to get out. I think your nanny does as well.

It really does come down to the parents wishes though, if you aren't comfortable make sure that's discussed during the interview.

Anonymous wrote:Is unrealistic to expect our nanny to spend most of the winter in the house with our 9 month old son? We aren't comfortable with her driving or using the metro yet. We are new to having a nanny--she has been with us for 3 months. I'm worried that she might quite over the this arrangement.

No it is not "unrealistic" (ie I'm sure it has happened before in the real world) but I do agree that it is very bad for your son's development.

It isn't good for a nine-month-old to be cooped up all day five days a week, OP!

Anonymous wrote:And you're irresponsible.

Who are you talking to?

And you're irresponsible.

Anonymous wrote:Nanny, this isn't about you. It's about a baby, who you most likely are not responsible enough to drive around.

God, you are boring.


A normal nine-month-old baby will go stir crazy in the house ALL DAY.

Nanny, this isn't about you. It's about a baby, who you most likely are not responsible enough to drive around.

I almost had to leave a job I loved when my MB put such a restriction on me with a newborn. At six months she allowed me to take him to public places and at eight-months she let me have him interact with other children. He has thrived and blossomed being able to interact with humanity!!! He was miserable just hearing my voice all day long (and so was I).

If you aren't comfortable letting her drive in the bad weather, I understand - but what is wrong with taking the metro?

I would consider this pretty restrictive. Definitely talk with her about it and be open to some suggestions from her if there are things she'd like to do.

By three months you should have confidence in the person you hired. If you don't you either didn't hire what you hoped, or you're insecure/anxious in a way that isn't fair to the nanny or good for your child.

- MB

Is unrealistic to expect our nanny to spend most of the winter in the house with our 9 month old son? We aren't comfortable with her driving or using the metro yet. We are new to having a nanny--she has been with us for 3 months. I'm worried that she might quite over the this arrangement.