Babysitting issues-what does your babysitter do with LO?

So frustrated with my babysitter. Lately I've noticed her getting a little lazy and watching more of the TV than my girls. DH or I work from home when she's here so we're able to check in from time to time to see what's going on.

Im just wondering if my expectations are too high. I really just want the girls to be her primary focus. Id like her to interact with them and NOT have them watching TV-sometimes she puts the swing in front of the TV-I've also noticed her putting one in the bouncy in the corner (where she cant see her) while she watches tv or reads a book

IDK, I know it's a lot to care for 2 babies at once. I always feel like Im barking orders when I come in the room

Please don't put her in front of the tv
Please pay more attention to them
Please hold them this way so they stop crying...

What do your babysitters do with them?

FWIW, they are 6 months old

Re: Babysitting issues-what does your babysitter do with LO?

IMO, the nanny should not be watching any TV herself nor should she have it on for your babies!

When my older DD was 6 mos, my nanny would do all the things I would do - "play" with her: sing songs, read books, take walks, NO TV. I told my nanny from day 1 that TV was not allowed.

When your babies are awake, your nanny should be engaging them, playing with them, taking care of them. Watching TV and reading a book are not acceptable while they are awake. Sorry.

Message edited 3/21/2013 10:41:02 PM.

Re: Babysitting issues-what does your babysitter do with LO?

You pay her right? So you should have rules that she should abide by. My friend had a live in Opear for her 2 DDs under 2yo and she had strict rules. Down to the time spent on each tasks. The way she felt is that if shes paying them to take care of her children then it should be the way that would enrich them, nurture them and keep them safe. I have no idea what its like to entertain 2 6mo olds so i would guess down time is needed here and there. My LO goes to daycare and honestly I dont know what they do all day but let them play and have nap time There can be 8 infants in the room at a time. FWIW.

Re: Babysitting issues-what does your babysitter do with LO?

Thanks ladies... I was pretty confident that I wasn't overreacting.
I think Im just worried I wont find any better. I know we have to let her go.. there have been too many issues-lateness is another factor.
ugghhh.. I hate starting from scratch!

Re: Babysitting issues-what does your babysitter do with LO?

Re: Babysitting issues-what does your babysitter do with LO?

Posted by InShock

IMO, the nanny should not be watching any TV herself nor should she have it on for your babies!

When my older DD was 6 mos, my nanny would do all the things I would do - "play" with her: sing songs, read books, take walks, NO TV. I told my nanny from day 1 that TV was not allowed.

When your babies are awake, your nanny should be engaging them, playing with them, taking care of them. Watching TV and reading a book are not acceptable while they are awake. Sorry.

Re: Babysitting issues-what does your babysitter do with LO?

Posted by Journey33

Posted by InShock

IMO, the nanny should not be watching any TV herself nor should she have it on for your babies!

When my older DD was 6 mos, my nanny would do all the things I would do - "play" with her: sing songs, read books, take walks, NO TV. I told my nanny from day 1 that TV was not allowed.

When your babies are awake, your nanny should be engaging them, playing with them, taking care of them. Watching TV and reading a book are not acceptable while they are awake. Sorry.

Just curious, where did you find your nanny? Now I need someone else lol 3 days a week.

Babysitting issues-what does your babysitter do with LO?

tv, is she nuts? You hired her to watch your babies. At this age she should be interacting with them a lot. Lay down your rules and tell her what you want done. She should be reading and singing to them and giving them some independent play.

Re: Babysitting issues-what does your babysitter do with LO?

She watches tv only when they are both napping and the house is straightened up. It wasn't something I had to tell her IMO its common sense.

Babysitting issues-what does your babysitter do with LO?

Our babysitter has 3 other children and we drop her off there at her house. She has a whole "classroom" which is really a playroom with lots of books and educational stuff on the walls. They read, listen to music, play with toys etc

Re: Babysitting issues-what does your babysitter do with LO?

Rather than tell her what to do in the moment, why don't you speak to her privately (away from the girls). Have a sit down conversation and let her know what your expectations are for her to maintain this job.

Re: Babysitting issues-what does your babysitter do with LO?

When we hired our nanny, we talked through our expectations, which included no TV watching (unless baby is napping).

We also have it written in a contract she signed.

So, I would definitely speak to her about this, the sooner the better. She should be interacting with your LO's; playing with them, singing to them, reading books, taking them for walks, arranging playdates, going to the library. Those are all the things our nanny does.

Babysitting issues-what does your babysitter do with LO?

does she have experience with babies? I know thats a dumb question but sometimes babies are different from toddlers and they're more interactive. I'm not taking the babysitters side but its sounds like she needs more guidance. would you be opposed to her taking your LOs out maybe to the library for story time or seeing if there was another parent that wants to do some kind of baby play date for her.

Re: Babysitting issues-what does your babysitter do with LO?

At 6 months old there should be NO TV at all IMO.

We also have twins and have had a caregiver (au pair) since they were 5 months old.

I would be REALLY upset if they were put in front of the TV in the swings!

I would absolutely give her suggestions about what to do with the babies. Can she drive with them? If not, are there places in walking distance?


going for walks
tummy time (can be on boppy, on your chest, on floor, wherever!)
gym mat (on tummy or on back)
bath
reading (you can even read your own magazine to him... it doesn't really matter as far as content right now, just hearing mommy's voice is enough!)
go for walks
singing
narrating your actions (mommy's making a sandwich. I'm spreading mustard on the bread, now I'm putting on some turkey! Mommy loves turkey... I know it sounds crazy but it's good for them!)
bouncy seat
swing
playing with small toys like mirror, rattle, teethers

Are they on a good schedule at this point? If not, it might help to get some structure. Are they starting any solids yet?

Re: Babysitting issues-what does your babysitter do with LO?

You should ask her how she would feel if she was paying someone to read a book or watch tv? Really the nerve of some people. Her focus should be 100% on your kids that is her JOB. My opinion I would look for someone else.

Babysitting issues-what does your babysitter do with LO?

I had such an issue with this when DD was being watched at home. I went thru 2 sitters bc all they did was watch tv or be on their ipad. They basically let DD entertain herself. I was so mad!
I decided the best thing for all of us was for DD to go to a day care where she would be stimulated more. If her caregiver was busy she had other kids to play with. Best decision we made. We are all happy!
You are not paying her to read a book!! wth???

Babysitting issues-what does your babysitter do with LO?

I would be so mad! My mom has dd 3x a week and she doesn't put the tv on ever. Barely even watches it herself. They play w toys, read books, play in the jumper and exersaucer, they do tummy time, and we rotate toys so she always has something new to play with. My mom strolls her on nice days, also she's a big fan of music and usually has pandora on or some cd's. maybe suggest music if its too quiet with out the tv?

Eta-dd goes to daycare 1x a week and lovvvves it. She started right before she turned 6 mos and it has been so stimulating for her.

Message edited 3/22/2013 1:21:45 PM.