Most schools do indoor recess if it's less than 20F, and many close the school if windchill is under -5. Children are more vulnerable to cold than adults if everyone is moving... adults who are supervising children outside may not be moving, and children waiting at bus stops should be standing still.

If you apply the above to your situation, I can understand why a nanny would not want to go to the park for over 20 minutes if she's going to stand and watch your toddler moving. I understand why a nanny would be worried about an infant's face and breathing in freezing air during a walk if their face is uncovered. I also understand the frustration of spending 10-20 minutes getting for a very short walk, then spending the same amount of time after taking care of everything... it makes it feel that the 20 minutes outside wasn't worth it.

However.

I prioritize clean, fresh air. I want kids to have the sensory input for all seasons. I want them to be able to move (that includes an infant crawling around on a plushy picnic blanket on top of a snow pile). They need to work on gross and fine motor control, and they need exposure to their climate... kids who don't go outside during winter can't and don't want to, kids in the desert who don't go outside during the afternoon can't and won't handle heat, etc.

The fact that you're "scared" to talk to your nanny tells me that you need to make an immediate change. I can't imagine being afraid to talk to my employer about why I want to do several short trips outside versus a longer walk. I can't imagine remaining employed by someone who scares me in any way. I would think the reverse is even more true... you are the employer, and she's working with your young, possibly non-verbal child... are you scared she'll quit, hurt your child, what?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She says he is too cold and crying because of the cold. She used to take him outside between morning and afternoon nap but stopped before Christmas, and now it has become our new reality. I know from past experience that it is better not to tell her "what to do" since she believes she always knows what is the best for my child. What happens if I do tell her that I do not like the idea of my child being stuck inside? I do not want to upset her since she has been an excellent employee so far.

It's below freezing today and anything under 45° is too cold.

No it isn't. Dress them for it. How do you think people in Northern states get through the winter?

Op your nanny is an employee. Tell her to dress the kid properly and get them outside.

I understand that in some parts of the country it can get very cold during the winter.

If this is the case where you live, then I would allow the Nanny to drive to warm, indoor activities.

Like storytime at the library, recreation centers, etc.

Please fire her and hire me. These are the Nannie’s that get hired the ones that do absolutely nothing and offer zero stimulation for the kids. Sad poor excuse for a childcare provider

It is never good to tell the nanny unless you absolutely have to. It is probably a temporary thing, OP, more likely the nanny herself is not feeling well enough and does not want to tell you, so hopefully once she is back to normal the outings will resume. Sometimes nannies are scared to tell their employers that, for example, their back hurts and they would rather stay home that day. Or, with older nannies, maybe her joints bother her in cold weather, but she does not want to tell you.