BAD MOM SIGHTING

We were in Church Square Park this morning, as usual, and I saw this woman with brown curly hair and her son.  He was playing in the area close to 4th Street.  He was getting bored, so the Mom opened the gate and out ran the boy.  He was probably 4 years old, but a very tall 4 year old.  So without warning, the Mom ran after him and put him in his stroller.  

Sidenote: why does a 4 year old still sit in a stroller?  How lazy can you make a kid?  As soon as the kid is capable of walking without stopping and getting tired, ditch the stroller.  

Anyway, of course, the kid started to cry.  Does anyone know why he started to cry?  Because the Mom decided to discipline him for something that he didn't know he did wrong. 

Here's how the situation should have gone down:  The Mom notices the kid is bored.  The Mom should say "Honey, would you like to go to another area?"  The kid says "yes" and the Mom says "Ok, but you need to hold my hand as we walk to another area and if you don't listen, we are going home."

Is it that difficult?  

Sometimes I see both Parents and Nannies discipline a child for something that they don't know his wrong.  Explain the situation and give a consequence.  Not difficult, people.  Why would you want to deal with crying in the middle of Church Square when all you had to do was communicate.  Dummies!

Emailed Question: The Evil Mom

I got this Email from Mary who lives in Jersey City but is a Nanny here in Hoboken.

"Hi Hoboken Nanny.  I am contemplating whether I should quit my job.  I really love the kids.  But the mom is unbearable to work with.  She never takes my side if the kids say negative things about me.  When she's around the kids will tell me to go home and that they don't like me.  I can handle it, but shouldn't the mom discourage the behavior?  I am always very vocal about this, even with the mom around.   I have been with them since they were babies but now that they are talking, I am not getting backed up with encouraging positive behavior.  What should I do?"

Mary, here's what needs to happen: you need to tell the kids that it's unacceptable to say that someone.  Ask them how they would feel if someone said it to them and then talk about it.  But, you're right.  The Mom should be on your side.  She should discourage the behavior...that's her job as a Parent.  If she doesn't know that it annoys you, then pull her aside and tell her that you've talked about it with the kids and now it's her turn to be on your side.  It's pure evil if she isn't on your side because deep down, maybe she likes hearing her kids say those things.  But as part of the family (because that's what you are as the Nanny) everyone is on the same side.  

Bonus Update

I just realized that Hannukah is in 3 weeks.  I believe it starts on Thanksgiving Day.  Maybe the night before?  I'm not sure how Jewish holiday's work.  (Can someone tell me?) 

So...

This means, if your Nanny, Babysitter, Cleaning person, Dog walker, Teacher, or anyone who HELPS you, celebrates Hannukah, then their holiday bonus should be given then.  Afterall, why should someone whose holiday is earlier than Christmas wait until Christmas?  

I will post NEXT WEEK what Parents should be doing for these wonderful people in your life and what Nannies/Babysitters, Cleaners, Dog walkers should be doing for their bosses.