The Nanny's Kids
Fri Nov 09, 2007 at 04:37:37 PM PDT
A small and messy house crowded with children -- that sums up my childhood. Not only was my mom a stay at home mother to four children, she also took in our friends and baby-sat babies and toddlers for money. To say our home was a human zoo is an understatement.
To this day, it doesn’t bother me when my nanny brings her children to work as my children enjoy the full house, too.
So I am always baffled -- and appalled -- when I hear of mothers who prohibit their caregivers from bringing their own children to work. Most recently, one mom on Berkeley Parents Network complained that her child’s preschool teacher wears her baby in a sling.
My reaction was good for this school for being so family-friendly. Glad to see I was not alone and this woman received a tongue-lashing on BPN:
I am surprised that this bothers you. I would be proud to bring my child to a school where the teachers are allowed to wear their babies. It is setting a wonderful parenting example for the children. Of course they can run after the children. The teacher will just have to support the baby's head with a hand. Many people have babies and toddlers at home. They do just fine. Why would you want to cause problems for a school which is treating its employees so respectfully, has a great teacher, and is instructing the preschoolers on how to be an attached parent?
Maybe you should look elsewhere if you'd prefer a place that has the teachers put their infants in daycare.
dont see a problem
Along the same line:
Hi- These women, as preschool teachers, probably couldn't afford to pay for childcare on what they earn. They may not be able to afford to stay home. I think it's terrific that the school, as an employer, supports children in the workplace.
I think it would be nice if we all, as mothers, tried to support each other. It takes a village to raise a child, right? Remember that your school is part of the community and that we all have a responsibility to each other. Look for the positive- it will be exciting for the children to watch these babies grow, especially for those who don't have younger siblings. It's a wonderful learning opportunity for you child, and he gets to keep the two teachers he knows and loves.
As long as the school is keeping appropriate adult to child ratios and is making sensible safety accommodations, such as one adult present not carrying a baby, I see no issue. I think it's wonderful. Give it a chance.
Anon
From a mom who let her caregiver bring her children to work:
As a mom who had her caregiver bring her two children (ages 4 and 6) to work with her while she cared for my son (age 2) and newborn, I can tell you that it was a great experience for my kids and for my caregiver. She was so grateful to have her kids with her that it made her even more dedicated and attentive to my kids. My children learned about sharing and taking turns and how to socialize with older kids as a result of the experience, which better prepared my son for the arrival of his younger sibling and later, for preschool.
Like these moms said, I think older children love playing with babies. I never felt neglected by my mom when she cared for younger siblings or other people’s babies. Whenever I drop off or pick up Ari at school, the kids are all over Eli. Even when they are rough, Eli still relishes the attention.
Plus, it is really “whack” that a caregiver can’t afford to care for her own children.
A couple moms voiced genuine concerns on whether the preschool was violating licensing laws. Apparently, the teacher’s baby counts as a student at the school and if one parent complains that school could lose its license. Not a bad point, although I am sure the teacher’s employer took this into consideration.
But the letters overwhelmingly -- and rightfully -- supported the school.
