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06.01.08, 17:29 PM General Topics
38 replies
No flames please. Will be hiring a nanny soon. One issue of concern is television. I generally don't like the idea of nanny watching tv when she should be watching db, nor do I like the idea of db being exposed to much tv, especially when I don't know what's on it. On the other hand, I understand a nanny needs a break at times, and tv is an easy escape. And, if I had a tv in my office at work, it would be really hard not to want to turn it on when I was bored or tired or fed up! Do you think it would be disrespectful toward the nanny to put a timer on the TV such that it can be watched during a specific one or two time periods during the day (db's naptime), so that she gets some downtime, but I can have a bit more control how much tv db is exposed to? [ Reply | Watch | Flag ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 05:29 PM Flag
 

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yeah. she's not 8 years old. just tell her what your rules are and she should listen to this [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 05:30 PM Flag
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OP: But I read on here where a nanny said her employers had a no TV rule and she basically broke it with abandon and they were none the wiser. But presumably, they were otherwise happy with her work. This is the scenario that bothers me. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 05:31 PM Flag
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why picture this scenario if your nanny has never given you any reason to believe that the TV has been on all day? stop picturing the worst. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 05:32 PM Flag
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So get a nannycam. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 05:33 PM Flag
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Just tell her no TV while DB is awake. If she's good, she'll respect that. Get a nannycam to double check on her if you don't trust her. Timer seems a little psycho. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 05:30 PM Flag
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but a nanny cam is waaaay more invasive! - np [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 05:34 PM Flag
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OP: That was my thinking but apparently nannycams are more the "norm" and timer comes of "control-freak"-ish. So I guess I'll do the nanny cam. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 05:36 PM Flag
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OR: I agree. But my point isn't about protecting the nanny's rights, it's about getting what OP wants out of her nanny. If she wants to have her not watch TV and she wants to feel sure about it but not piss off the nanny, that's the only way. I personally just told my nanny not to watch TV when db is awake and I feel pretty sure she follows that rule. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 05:37 PM Flag
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you make an extremely valid point! [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 05:39 PM Flag
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Really? If there was a tv around, I would totally watch it. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 05:42 PM Flag
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np: me too [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 09:23 PM Flag
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if you're going to be that controlling, you might have a very hard time finding a nanny... [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 05:31 PM Flag
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I would find this very offensive. You should first relay your concern and possibly put a nanny cam on TV to make sure rules are being followed. Trust goes both ways [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 05:31 PM Flag
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ITTTA! I used to nanny and I would not work for someone like that. Too weird [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 05:33 PM Flag
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would you work for someone who put in a nanny cam? np [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 05:37 PM Flag
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I think you need to hire someone who is cool with your expectations and realize that - even when you find such a person - you won't be able to control everything. Part of hiring a nanny is learning to let go a little bit. Find someone you trust and let go a little bit. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 05:31 PM Flag
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OP: Okay, the consensus seems to be to get a nanny cam. I actually thought that was more invasive, but it sounds like I was wrong. Thanks; I'll do that. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 05:35 PM Flag
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It is invasive but it's your kid, very precious to you, and you have to do what you have to do for peace of mind. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 05:41 PM Flag
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do you have a nanny manual? seriously, outline the duties, expectations of what she is responsible for, as well as house rules, and a little summary of each child. As long as she knows up front what to expect [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 05:43 PM Flag
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OP: What is a nanny manual? Are they something you buy or make? I'm clueless in this department. TIA. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 05:44 PM Flag
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It is something you draft yourself. Basically, it should contain all the contact info, info about the kids, rules such as car seats, no excessive computer use or phone use while watching the kids, etc, as well as the rules on tv for nanny and your kids. Also has emergency info about where to go in emergency (ie, family meeting place if there is a fire), where the fuse box is, how to use the laundry or washing machine, anything you feel she should know. This way, there is no question about what you expect of her. Do you have a contract for her? You can check out ivillage.com, some of the people on the au pair and nannies board have links to some helpful sites [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 05:57 PM Flag
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No. We haven't hired anyone yet. This is helpful,though. Thank you. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 06:20 PM Flag
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Yes, very disrespectful. If you want no TV watching, get rid of your TV's in the common areas and leave one only in your bedroom which, I assume, would be off limits to her. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 06:27 PM Flag
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We don't watch tv in our bedroom and never would. It is only allowed in the living room. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 06:29 PM Flag
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lol - you can't have it all babe [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 06:35 PM Flag
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I'm not asking for it all. I would never put a tv in my bedroom, and I don't want my kid watching tv. I guess I could just disconnect it altogether... [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 06:44 PM Flag
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yep. we keep it in our bedroom becasue we don't watch tv in our bedroom. it keeps it from being watched most of the time by nanny, by children, by us! good deal all around. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 07:33 PM Flag
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or put a small one in her room or in the kitchen, so that its not comfortable to watch. imo its important to respect nannies decision to let dbs watch tv sometimes. kids did to wind down just like we do. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 06:32 PM Flag
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maybe put db in a daycare center. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 06:32 PM Flag
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This is not an option in our situation, or I would. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 06:47 PM Flag
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If you worry about the tv you should also worry about the amount of time spent on the cell phone. It can't be controlled. No matter how much you pay her. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 06:53 PM Flag
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why not? [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 09:16 PM Flag
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that is completely offensive. honestly, you need to be able to trust your nanny. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 06:32 PM Flag
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Is there a reason you want to treat your nanny like she is a child? A timer is too much. If you have that kind of technology, you can monitor how much TV is watched and talk to her if she is watching it for hours a day. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 06:34 PM Flag
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If you can't trust your nanny to make a decision about when its a good time for TV, then you really can't trust her with the lives of your children. If you're going to hire someone and put a timer on your TV then keep in mind the type of nanny that will take that job, b/c, as a previous nanny, any nanny who respects herself at all won't work for you. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 06:50 PM Flag
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Have only one TV and keep it in your bedroom. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 07:30 PM Flag
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Don't overthink this quite yet. My nanny literally never turns on the TV unless she's babysitting at night and dc is sleeping. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 09:09 PM Flag
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Get rid of the tv altogether [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 06.01.08, 09:21 PM Flag
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