Could you ask about switching your hours slightly? Since you get there 15/20mins early anyway maybe just have it so you officially start at that time and then finish 5:15. That way you are still doing the hours she is paying you for but at a time that seems to suit you both.
I think you were wrong to just declare you are leaving without acknowledging the fact it was early, but it does seem an uncomfortable situation

I don't really understand why you WERE wrapped up like a present ready to go. If this was a working mom who came home early one day and seemed to have things under control then I could see asking her if she needed you to stay, and if she said no, then wrapping yourself up and heading out. But apparently you are there with her daily so it just doesn't make sense to me that you would make this assumption or have yourself wrapped up.
Granted, it sounds like a weird situation. She should not be yelling even though it was probably aggravating her how you are so eager to leave. But really, it seems like you either need to communicate about how awkward it is and see what happens- or move on!

Maybe she asks op to get her water and bread because she can't stand someone watching her eat. Which I don't blame her that's awkward and I would find something for you to do as well op.

May be a dumb question, but what does it mean when people talk about trolls or trolling on this message board?

You were wrong to just get ready to leave. However, does she really expect you to stand there and wait on her hand and foot? A drink or more bread.. really?

As so many have said, show up 5 or 10 minutes early and be prepared to stay until 5:30. If you don't like standing there while she eats (which makes sense, how awkward) leave some little chore you can do while she eats and coos at her baby.

According to OP, her hours are from 8:30 to 5:30. So she should make a point of being there during those hours. Sit in the car until it is time to go in the house if you want to get there early. You are trying to change your work hours to suit you.

This post reeks of trolling, but let's pretend this is a real problem.

You are not a slave, OP. You are a paid employee. you should absolutely be prepared to stay for the full hours you are paid to work. If you don't like working for a SAHM, then quit. That particular job isn't for everyone and it makes perfect sense that you don't like it.

That said, your MB expects you to stay your full day. There is nothing wrong with that and you should not get to leave early simply because you want to.

OP, you're both wrong. OF COURSE she is wrong to yell at you.

However.

Firstly, you are wrong to get there so early. Five or ten minutes early? Yes. But this is someone's home, their personal space. For you to come 2o or 30 minutes early is ridiculous. Plus, if you do that of your own choice you can not behave like you are doing your boss a favor.

Secondly, if the mom wants to feed her baby, let her feed the baby. You walk away. Go fold the baby's laundry. Set out the bath towel and pjs and night time books. Go clean up the toys you were playing with. Organize the baby's books. Read up on the next phase of development the baby's about to go through. Comb the web for activities to stimulate the baby during their current phase. Set up the fingerpaints for the next activity. Go DO something. If YOU are choosing to stand over the mother while she eats then YOU are creating a problem. Be proactive. Say, "do you mind if I sit down with a glass of water?"

Thirdly, do not ask to leave early. It's just unprofessional unless you're violently ill or have discussed it with your boss ahead of time.

Now, if all this does not fly with your boss, then maybe she is a shitty boss and it's time for you to look for another job. But my nanny does not sit around doing nothing when I'm there to see it. If he's reading a magazine or calling a friend while the baby naps, he makes sure I don't know it.

Yes, the slave card. As if you have any idea what it really means to be a slave.

By definition, a slave is someone who isn't being paid for their time . . . you are. No excuse for yelling at you, but you agreed to be there for a certain amount of time, can't just head out of there. Agree with other responses -why don't you talk to the mom instead of just standing there - about the kids' activities, plans for tomorrow, the weather, whatever . . . Is the mom really treating you like you need to stand there like a servant, or are you treating yourself that way?

Anonymous wrote:Yes, many employers do make you stay the entire time you are getting paid to be there. Ask someone at McDonalds if they get to leave when they feel like it.

While the MB may have her own issues, instead of just picking up and leaving, maybe you should have said something like....hey, I'm done with everything for the day. Is there anything else you need me to do or is it ok if I leave now?

At McDonalds there is always something to do. That's the difference between hourly and salary employees, and why nannies are an odd amalgamation of the two. We are paid hourly because you are paying for our presence for a specific period of time, but tasks outside of direct supervision are finite. If mom is home and spending time with baby, and all extraneous duties are completed, it is completely appropriate to ask if anything else is needed before you head home. An MB who respects you would not make you sit there and wait on her just to milk you for time, she would dismiss you once you were clearly finished or engage you. Your MB is a bitch, and you are not a slave girl. Dust off that resume!

I think you both handled it badly. It was only 15 more minutes. You could have said something like, "I have all my usual stuff done, is there anything else I can help with for the last 15 minutes?" At best she'd let you leave, at worst she'd find something for you to do to make the last 15 minutes go faster.

However, that response was off the deep end. It sounds like you both have a bit of a chip on your shoulders about the other. I'd find a different job for everyone's sake.

Yes, many employers do make you stay the entire time you are getting paid to be there. Ask someone at McDonalds if they get to leave when they feel like it.

While the MB may have her own issues, instead of just picking up and leaving, maybe you should have said something like....hey, I'm done with everything for the day. Is there anything else you need me to do or is it ok if I leave now?