Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How do I talk about TV time with future families? Do you write it into the contract? How do you write it into the contract?
If they say no TV, do you strictly accept such jobs even if they’re 10-12 hours/ day?
How do Nannie’s handle TV times?

If a family allows screens, here are my guidelines:
0-2: none
2-4: up to 3 minutes as needed (cute, informative video of preschoolers dancing to show how thunder/lightning happen makes it easier for the child to understand)
Kinder: as required for school
1st/2nd: up to 15 minutes after homework, chores, social, exercise, dinner
3rd-5th: up to 30 minutes after ^^
6th+: unlimited, after ^^ and while showing that they can manage their time responsibly

Oh, and I’m a live-in nanny who works up to 24/7…

Anonymous wrote:How do I talk about TV time with future families? Do you write it into the contract? How do you write it into the contract?
If they say no TV, do you strictly accept such jobs even if they’re 10-12 hours/ day?
How do Nannie’s handle TV times?

If a family allows screens, here are my guidelines:
0-2: none
2-4: up to 3 minutes as needed (cute, informative video of preschoolers dancing to show how thunder/lightning happen makes it easier for the child to understand)
Kinder: as required for school
1st/2nd: up to 15 minutes after homework, chores, social, exercise, dinner
3rd-5th: up to 30 minutes after ^^
6th+: unlimited, after ^^ and while showing that they can manage their time responsibly

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents expect you to entertain for 8-10 hours at a time only for you to leave and they turn on the tv and scroll their phone ignoring their kids

This. That’s all they do.

LOL yep! And we are clear about it. We're paying for non-TV time because we use the TV when you're gone. So there is absolutely a reason why I don't want TV happening during the day. If I did, I would just skip hiring a nanny and plop my kids in front of the TV.

That said - rainy days, sick days, snow days - some afternoon TV is ok. Also if you're doing the evening shift and they have had dinner, bathed, and are ready to bed that's ok too. That's when we deploy TV (so we can clean up the kitchen, prep for the next day, and do laundry.)

Anonymous wrote:Parents expect you to entertain for 8-10 hours at a time only for you to leave and they turn on the tv and scroll their phone ignoring their kids

This. That’s all they do.

I wouldn’t be ok with no TV whatsoever. I had a phone interview with someone who wanted 10 hour days with a non napping 4yo and were discussing activities etc and I asked if it was ok on a rainy day to watch a Disney movie and the mom said no.

Anonymous wrote:Parents expect you to entertain for 8-10 hours at a time only for you to leave and they turn on the tv and scroll their phone ignoring their kids

This!!! So true, while many parents claim “screen free” at the moment the nanny’s shit over and she walks out of the door, they are turning the tv on.

Parents expect you to entertain for 8-10 hours at a time only for you to leave and they turn on the tv and scroll their phone ignoring their kids

The parents will probably want to follow the pediatric guidelines, which specify the amount of screen time by age. Children under 5 are supposed to watch educational programming WITH a caregiver, so that would preclude using TV while cooking or cleaning.

A baby or young toddler should go in a pack n play when you’re busy to keep them safe. Giving them a few toys is all they need.

An older toddler can enjoy a tonie box or Yoto player independently. I’m sure the parents would rather buy one of those than have additional screen time.

Just my own personal opinion, but if a Nanny is working a long shift (over 8+hrs.), then she should be allowed to have her charge watch some television.

Especially if her charge(s) do not nap.

Or when the Nanny needs to clean up after a meal - the TV is a great way to entertain a child so the Nanny can clear the table + do the dishes.

While I can understand a parent worrying that their Nanny may use the TV as a “babysitter” while they scroll on their phones > it is unfair to demand No TV time (at all!) due to this worry.

Some families are no screens which is fine and some 30 minutes. That’s why it’s best to make sure you’re alllwed to take them to the park and library and they nap . Especially for long days

How do I talk about TV time with future families? Do you write it into the contract? How do you write it into the contract?
If they say no TV, do you strictly accept such jobs even if they’re 10-12 hours/ day?
How do Nannie’s handle TV times?