Confessions of a Nanny

This one Mom that I Nannied for was one of the coldest people that I've ever met.  She was physically unable to talk about certain topics and would get unbelievably psycho.  Like, if I knew of a day off way in advance, she would ignore me.  I'm talking like 10 months in advance.  I guess it was weird for me to even bring it up that far in advance considering I may quit by then.  You just never know.  But, after working with her for a few months, I realized that is who she was.  She always spoke so highly of me, but her actions didn't.  I enjoyed the kids, but I was never fully comfortable around her.  I enjoyed when she left for the day because I wouldn't have to tip toe around a topic.  I ENJOYED working with her through a notebook.  The Mom never became a "friend" despite her trying, but whenever I would communicate certain things, she would push me away.  My favorite part of this woman...she always told me that I was family.  But in my family, we don't treat people that way.  Maybe in hers.  

So here's my confession: I don't care for families that don't treat me like family.  If I need a day off, don't ignore me.  Instead, tell me that's fine and you'll make it work.  And to families that tell me that I'm part of the family, please don't tell me that.  Just treat me like it.  

There is nothing better than waking up early on a Sunday morning and realizing that you have the whole day to relax.  

Make sure you get out and play with the kids on this beautiful morning!

Irk-Worthy Things That Parents Do

It's a known fact that kids act differently around different people.  Of course they know how to manipulate Mom and Dad or get everything they want with Grandma and Grandpa.  But what about Nanny?  Parents sometimes don't understand how different kids are.  When I tell a Parent that they kid ate lima beans with me, they almost fall over and faint.  So, what is so hard to believe? Well, for starters, kids know what they can and can't get away with around certain people.  They know that if they ask for a sip of water before bed with Mom and Dad, that will delay going to sleep.  Because every time Mom and Dad fall for it and think their kid is actually thirsty, right?  Wrong.  The kid isn't thirsty.  So here is a list of things that I find annoying about Parents(more so about the kids who do these things, but they get away with it, so I can't be annoyed with those cute little things!)

1) Putting your kid in front of the TV and then Parents complain that they watch too much TV.  - Well, what do you think?  A kid will just get up and stop watching TV?  No, Parents.  You let them watch.  They don't know that too much TV isn't good for them.  It is your responsibility to go turn it off.  Let it cause a tantrum.  

2) Saying that your kid eats too much junk food.  Again.  You are the Parent.  If your kid won't eat a solid meal, stop giving so many potato chips and cookies.  

3) Not letting your child cry.  Let the kid cry.  Especially if it's because he dropped his toy.  You are setting your child up for failure if you don't let them learn disappointment.  

4) Doing every little thing for the kids.  I once Nannied for a 4 year old girl who was unable to dress herself because her Parents dressed and undressed her everyday.  Be patient with your kids.  Learning how to dress and undress themselves is a basic neccessity in life.  A 3 year old should know how to do this.  I'd love to be that girl where everything was done for me, however, that is not reality.  Learning independence is the best thing for a child(whether or not we want them to be!)

5) I say this one a lot: Diversifying your childs palette.  If you don't want a kid who only eats chicken nuggets and mac and cheese, then stop giving it.  Do not give up on new foods.  A baby needs to try a new food 11 times before they decide whether or not they like it.  We can do the same with older kids.  There's also nothing wrong with a little bribery.  "Try this and I'll give you this."  It works.  

Comparing Nannies in Hoboken

Great Nannies:

Love coming to work

Love making an impact on their charges

Love doing activites instead of watching TV

Make sure their charges hit milestones

Can answer any question about the day

Encourage art(coloring, music, painting)

Make delicious, healthy meals

Bad Nannies:

Sit on a park bench

Don't engage their charges

Don't diversify their charges in every aspect

Don't have fun

Wait for the free city lunch

Which are you?

Leaving Hoboken

Parents, do you let your Nanny take your child out of Hoboken to do something fun?  I have taken my charges to Battery City Park, the Liberty Science Center, and the Central Park Zoo. I am curious if you let your Nanny do the same?  If you don't let your Nanny leave Hoboken, why not?  I understand having a schedule of activities, but if your child doesn't have loads of activities.  It can also be frustating if your child is young or if you have an older child and a newborn, but it's nice to get out of Hoboken once in a while.  I enjoyed it!

Parents & Nanny Discussion

I am thinking about having the first ever  Hoboken Nanny and Parents discussion.  I am curious to know how many people would attend.  Place is TBD and time would be in the evening when Parents get home and Nannies leave to go home.  However, it's not going to be a negative discussion.  More informative with questions and answers.  Also looking at situations, but not towards a specific person.  Any takers?  

Please email me at HobokeNannySpy@gmail.com or comment below if you are interested in attending.  I don't have a set date.  I am just trying to get a feel of how many would attend.  

Rainy Day Activies in Hoboken

First of all, it's not raining yet, so you should be outside.

But when it does rain...

1) Go to the library and read new books.  The library is on Park and 5th.  

2) Have a playdate at another apartment.  If the kids are over their own toys, go play with another kids toys!

3) BAKE!  If the kids aren't old enough, then don't bake.  

4) Have a dance party like I did.  The kids LOVE it. 

5) For an older kid's imagination: tell a fun ghost story.  It's a great way to get a child to ask questions and also amp them for Halloween next week.  And doing the story in a fort is even better!

6) If the Parents allow you to leave Hoboken and the kids are old enough, go to Liberty Science Center.  The Light Rail takes you right to it.  

And for you, Parents, tonight, let your child watch a fun Halloween movie.  Especially if you can't go to the park due to rain this evening, it's okay to let them veg once and a while.