Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Bringing toddler out in the rain

259 replies

RainRainRain123 · 28/01/2025 09:36

Just started a new nanny position. Mother of the child (20 months) is quite insistent that he should be brought out twice a day even if its raining. He has rain gear, I do not. Just arrived this morning to be told he loves the library, its only a 30 minute walk each way, it's lashing rain here. I said if it eases of later I will get out with him. Questioned me yesterday if we went to the park. Has sent me numerous groups, all of which are at least 20 minutes walk away, not allowed take him out in the car. Where they live is also quite hilly and buggy isn't the best.

Mam seems to walk everywhere and always has her rain gear on. AIBU to not want to go out twice a day when the weather is bad.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
RabbitsEatPancakes · 28/01/2025 10:02

Pretty useless UK nanny if you're scared of the rain!

I always walk mine everywhere, don't want them to grow up to be those people who drive to the corner shop! 20 minutes is nothing.

Jk987 · 28/01/2025 10:01

It's really beneficial for the kids so I can see her point.

From your perspective, going out kills time and makes the days go much quicker surely? It also tires the child out so they can flop when they get back!

Dramatic · 28/01/2025 10:01

Dramatic · 28/01/2025 09:59

I'm with you, walking for an hour in the lashing rain to go to the library? No thanks! Ridiculous that you're not allowed to take him in the car in that sort of weather. Fair enough when it's drizzling or a light shower but when it's pissing it down it's no fun for anyone.

And I say this as someone who doesn't drive, the only places I'd be going in pouring rain is essential places like school or the doctors.

User67556 · 28/01/2025 10:01

RainRainRain123 · 28/01/2025 09:47

OK, seems like I am being unreasonable. All of the other positions I have had the parents have never been so insistent. Points taken, I will get my raincoat on.

I think it depends on the weather - it was a literal hurricane here yesterday and today (well not quite but it felt like it) I wouldn't expect you to go out in that. But an April shower type day? Yeah I'd expect to go out and would just wear suitable clothes.

RainRainRain123 · 28/01/2025 10:00

@Hankunamatata

Mother said she didn't want him in the car as everywhere is walking distance. I've always brought any children I minded to lots of groups and libraries but they have all been closer and parents have never expected me to bring them out twice a day everyday.

OP posts:
Amba1998 · 28/01/2025 10:00

It’s rain. Wellies and puddle suit and get out for a splash and fresh air

Dramatic · 28/01/2025 09:59

I'm with you, walking for an hour in the lashing rain to go to the library? No thanks! Ridiculous that you're not allowed to take him in the car in that sort of weather. Fair enough when it's drizzling or a light shower but when it's pissing it down it's no fun for anyone.

Tiredestofthemall · 28/01/2025 09:59

What is it about MN and rain and toddlers 😂 You’d seriously think the streets and parks were filled with nothing but puddle jumping toddlers. They aren’t!

I have no objection at all to a bit of drizzle but lashing rain is different. And so is twice a day. That’s excessive, if only because you have to give waterproofs a chance to dry.

Hankunamatata · 28/01/2025 09:58

Did they say you could use the car when you interviewed for the job? If there's loads groups I don't see the harm in driving to them when it's wet

Pamelaaaaarrr · 28/01/2025 09:56

We go out in all weathers, it's only rain.

TwoShades1 · 28/01/2025 09:55

I think twice a day in very poor weather is maybe a bit much. But I think getting outside daily is important for kids. It also seems that some of this isn’t about getting outside it’s about going places like the library, groups, etc. If the ones the mother has suggested are too far, then find some closer ones and ask if they are suitable. You’re meant to be replicating the experience a child would get with a stay at home parent, and parents don’t generally just sit in their house with the kids day after day. They have to run errands, attend groups/classes, go to local libraries/parks/softplay/cafes/etc.

Natsku · 28/01/2025 09:54

Will probably make your work easier too as the fresh air and exercise will make the toddler nap better and most likely be in a better mood than if cooped up inside all day.

Just get good rainclothes, don't skip the rain trousers - they really help you keep warmer and dryer, especially if you go to the park and want to sit on a bench for a rest

Catza · 28/01/2025 09:50

Sounds like you will benefit from walking. 20 minutes is no distance at all and neither are the hills. If you find it strenuous, then more reasons to go out and build some fitness and stamina.

helovedbigbrother · 28/01/2025 09:49

I would stop at gale force winds, danger of tree branches falling down, that sort of thing. But a bit of light rain, no. As long as you're both wrapped up warm.

I hope you have some good wellies!

Strictlymad · 28/01/2025 09:49

If it’s was your kid you can choose to stay in but it’s her kid who you are employed to look after so you’ll have to follow her wishes

quoque · 28/01/2025 09:47

Plenty of affordable rain gear on Amazon and Asos too. It doesn't have to be expensive Rains stuff. You can get a coat & trousers for under £40. Wellies for another £15 or £20 - look on Ebay or Vinted for better quality. I'd also get waterproof gloves (Decathlon?) if you're pushing a buggy.

RainRainRain123 · 28/01/2025 09:47

OK, seems like I am being unreasonable. All of the other positions I have had the parents have never been so insistent. Points taken, I will get my raincoat on.

OP posts:
Tisthedamnseason · 28/01/2025 09:46

AIBU to not want to go out twice a day when the weather is bad

Twice a day if it's absolutely pouring, blowing a gale and freezing is a bit much, although we always try to take our 2 yr old out at least once a day, even if it's just a quick run around.
But it sounds like you don't want to be out in the rain at all. And 20 mins is not a long walk.

Seawolves · 28/01/2025 09:46

I'm with the mum too, we frequently walk in the rain me getting wet while the small person is warm and dry in his wheelchair under his waterproof poncho and blanket. Get rain gear if you want to stay in this position or look for something else if you're unhappy with the expectations.

TheyAreNotAngelsTheyDontCareAtAll · 28/01/2025 09:45

Well unless one is related to the Wicked Witch of the West, going out in the rain is simply a matter of waterproof shoes and a macintosh. Maybe an paraplut too.

BiscuitDreams · 28/01/2025 09:45

Yeeeees get out there! Get proper wellies and a coat and you'll have a great time. DC bloody loved being out in the rain when they were little. So many puddles and so much to see, it's like a theme park out there. 😁 I always took mine out at least once a day, rain or shine and I have such fond memories of mucking about in the rain. We're not made of sugar like my dad used to say (and still does tbf).

So yeah, I think I would be the mum in this scenario. 🙈

fanaticalfairy · 28/01/2025 09:43

How do you not have at least a raincoat in your life?

do you literally never go outside when it rains?

TheDandyLion · 28/01/2025 09:43

Put a coat on.

modernshmodern · 28/01/2025 09:42

I would definitely want him to get out doors regardless of weather but I wouldn't micromanage that.

Can you get a raincoat/waking boots off Vinted?

nolaandme · 28/01/2025 09:42

Your not going to melt it's only a bit of rain. Invest in some rain gear, it sounds like you'll be using it a lot.

Swipe left for the next trending thread