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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think you don’t complain when you’re getting free child care?

196 replies

WorkingGirl7 · 16/07/2020 09:15

Our lovely nanny has been with us for the last 4 years taking care of my two boys (age 7) after school and full time during the holidays. She’s brilliant and I trust her completely.
Due to the current situation my boys haven’t seen any of their friends for a few months and they won’t be going back to school until September at the earliest so I thought it would be nice to invite one of their friends over once a week (with our nanny’s permission) just so they can socialise and have a bit of normality. He has been coming every Wednesday whilst I’m at work. I am quite close to his mother and we normally text every other day however I’m starting to wonder whether I’ve made a mistake inviting them over. I’ve noticed that every time he visits his mother makes comments which I think are quite rude. Some examples are -

The first time he visited I spoke to his mum that night just to see if he’d enjoyed himself and she told me that he didn’t like our nanny, no reason why. I spoke to my nanny the next day (didn’t tell her what had been said) just to see if everything had been okay whilst he’d been over and she said that he had been fine. A couple of weeks later he told his mum that our nanny hadn’t fed him much all day (personally I didn’t believe this as our nanny is a great cook). I spoke to her anyway and explained what had been said and she explained that the boy had been dropped off at 9:30 and told her he hadn’t been given any breakfast at home. That day he had 3 meals, plus a snack at my house so had been fed plenty. My nanny did explain that the boy constantly asks for food every 30 mins even after he’s had a large meal.

Yesterday he went home upset because our nanny asked him to stop playing rap songs on the Alexa (apparently he kept on asking to play Eminem which is obviously inappropriate). She explained to him that we don’t listen to songs like that in our house BUT did not tell him that he couldn’t listen to it at home! According to his mother he was extremely upset afterwards. I think it’s probably best if we part ways and no longer have the boy over as it’s putting stress on not only me, but my nanny as well. This was suppose to be a fun arrangement for the boys to spend some time together but has now turned into a complete nightmare because his mother complains every week. I also don't appreciate the accusations being hurled at my nanny as she really is apart of the family. I would rather not fall out with her but I’m not sure how she’ll take it when I tell her he can’t come anymore. AIBU?

OP posts:
slipperywhensparticus · 16/07/2020 09:19

Well its not exactly free childcare is it? Its supposed to be a play date and its clearly not working so just message her to say its not working out see you at school in September

Loveinatimeofcovid · 16/07/2020 09:21

I don’t see this getting any better. Just invite a different friend instead.

SeagoingSexpot · 16/07/2020 09:21

YANBU.

WhatKatyDidNxt · 16/07/2020 09:21

Sounds like CF mum and CF son. I think he needs to stop coming over. She can sort her own childcare out

ToelessPobble · 16/07/2020 09:22

Absolutely right. It is very unfair for your nanny to be put in a position where she is open to accusations. If she complains just say that from what she has said her son isn't happy with your nanny so you would prefer to leave playdates for when a parent is around. What time would she like your child dropping at her house?

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 16/07/2020 09:23

I'd just say something along the lines of "he doesn't seem to enjoy it as much as we thought he would so let's just knock it on the head. See you in September"

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 16/07/2020 09:24

She can sort her own childcare out

I can't see anywhere from the OP that this woman requires childcare? The OP invited the boy as she thought it would be good for her own dc. She didn't do it to help the mum out.

Antipodeancousin · 16/07/2020 09:25

I would have to stop inviting the boy over out of consideration for your nanny. It must be very awkward and uncomfortable for her to have to explain herself every time he visits.
He sounds like he’s used to getting his own way and cannot accept that you have different rules in your house.

QuacksInTheDark · 16/07/2020 09:26

Your poor nanny must dread every Wednesday arriving. Sack them off, entitled rude arses.

BigChocFrenzy · 16/07/2020 09:26

Best invite another friend, as this one is not compatible

He is obviously used to being indulged a lot more with e.g. snacks & music,
than is your normal.

SleepingStandingUp · 16/07/2020 09:27

Hi Mary, it's clear Tarquin isn't enjoying coming over very much so think it's best if we make different arrangements if the boys want to see each other

BigChocFrenzy · 16/07/2020 09:28

"I would rather not fall out with her but I’m not sure how she’ll take it when I tell her he can’t come anymore."

You need to step up and tell her it's not working,

because falling out with your nanny is a hell of a lot more serious

and this arrangement is stressing you both every week

Perch · 16/07/2020 09:28

Yanbu
Bernadette posted the perfect breezy response.

KeepingPlain · 16/07/2020 09:29

Stop inviting the boy or you'll lose your nanny. You've had no issues until now. It's them causing the problems.

Longdistance · 16/07/2020 09:30

Just tell her it’s not working out. He’s obviously not happy coming the Wednesdays.
The kid sounds like a brat anyway.

Mrsjayy · 16/07/2020 09:31

He sounds quite the handful I wouldn't have him over anymore it isn't childcare it's having a friend over and it isn't working.

Blackbear19 · 16/07/2020 09:32

Maybe it's the all day thing, 2-3 hours is long for a playdate.
But yes I'd withdraw the offer.

Streamingbannersofdawn · 16/07/2020 09:32

I would just say something along the lines of "it's clearly not working if he is being upset so lets stop it".

That's fine. I probably wouldn't have continued it after the first complaint I mean, the nanny isn't going anywhere.

If the Mum falls out with you over this it would be odd...if he's not enjoying it then why keep on with it?

Charleyhorses · 16/07/2020 09:34

Just invite some One else.

WorkingGirl7 · 16/07/2020 09:35

Perhaps child care was the wrong word to use, but I would say that she is definitely benefiting from the arrangement as she doesn't work on Wednesdays so now currently gets a free day to do her own thing whilst he's at my house.

I feel awful for putting my nanny in this position. I honestly didn't think it would turn out this way.

I like @BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz suggestion, I'll go with that! Thanks Smile

OP posts:
InDubiousBattle · 16/07/2020 09:35

I'd just arrange to meet them in the park or something, with you and the other mum rather than your nanny- I agree with pp, she must dread Wednesdays. That way the kids can still see each other and you can meet your friend so it's not like you're rejecting them completely.

NotEverythingIsBlackandWhite · 16/07/2020 09:36

@BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz

"I can't see anywhere from the OP that this woman requires childcare? The OP invited the boy as she thought it would be good for her own dc. She didn't do it to help the mum out."
The OP refers to her friend getting free childcare in the thread title though.

DrinkFeckArseGirls · 16/07/2020 09:37

Why are you worries about her reaction? If you think she’d react badly that’s all you need to know about her - she’s an entitled prick. And clearly her son is not a suitable playmate for your DS so no loss there eithee.

NoIDontWatchLoveIsland · 16/07/2020 09:38

I may be odd here but I would find it odd to invite your childs friend over for the playdate to be supervised by the nanny, rather than parents.

Poetryinaction · 16/07/2020 09:39

That's funny. If I had a free day I'd love to spend it with my 7 year old.

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