Anonymous wrote:Sounds like you have a very unprofessional nanny. How long has she been working as a nanny? Is she someone who worked in a daycare or preschool or whose only childcare was part-time or raising her own kid? Because I am a nanny and this would definitely bother me (and I am plenty attached to my charges). Why did you choose this nanny? Were there other good candidates or is this a situation where your finances are limited and she was the only decent choice?
As a nanny, when the parents are not around, I tell the kids all the time, “This is the new shirt that Daddy got for you! He must love you a lot to find such a nice warm shirt!” Or “Let’s drink this bottle Mama made for you. She works so hard to make all this milk for you. She loves you very very much.” I have the parents record audiobooks and play them throughout the day. We talk about their parents and I try to set up something fun (like a new book or puzzle or toy or project) for them to do right when parents get home to reconnect. I make dinner for the family so that they can sit and eat together every night.
When the parents are home, I step back as much as possible and direct the child to connect with and pay attention to their parent rather than with me. I view supporting the parent-child bond as one of my most important duties! I can’t imagine being this possessive about someone else’s kid.
Yes, when the parents enter I yell “look who’s home” or “it’s daddy/mommy” and step back. I start straightening the last little things that may have been left out, while informing them about the day. I don’t linger! I then grab my things and on the way out the door, I say bye to the children (maybe grab a hug) and I am out ther door!