Kids at the park

[Imissthe00s]

This is somewhat lighthearted but at the same time argh!😂

Ive had 3 hours sleep. Brought 2 kids the park (I’m a nanny), small park with lots of play equipment. I filled water bottles, brought snacks.

All I asked is that they go play and just give me some time to chill as no actual break so have to fit in time to breath and eat when I can (very small enclosed park, I can see them wherever they are). They are over every 2 minutes. Constant shouting to get them up on the see saw that’s over a metre off the ground. No, there are about 7 other things they can manage on their own. Ask if they want to leave then. No, they want to stay. I send them over to the hill to roll down. They go over and just stare. It’s like they have no bloody concept of independent play and using their imagination.

The days out they have with their parents are paid activity places (soft play, theme parks, constant buying the tat around attractions) but my approach is letting kids use their imaginations outdoors.

Of course I play with them and have done since 8am this morning but AIBU to wonder what happened to kids being able to have fun just running around the park?! Argh I just want 20 minutes peace! Can anyone relate? 😂

Its good for children to play independently or together and not have to rely on an adult entertaining them all of the time. Too many have structured play.

They're like lots of kids today - no idea how to play independently and keep themselves entertained because they're so used to every hour being programmed with parents who hover over them and don't let them out to play on their own.

Yanbu

Ok nannies are in a unique job and don't get a 'break' but everyone needs time during a working day to have a breather l, have a drink, eat, check messages/emails etc.

I would think about setting up an activity each day with a 30 minute egg timer going.
Playdoh/jigsaws/crafting/game/table/tv show/whenever they fancy

Tell the kids this is to be quiet time while they do a quiet activity till the egg timer finishes.

You can still be present in the room and keep an eye on them, but have chance to sit in peace and eat and be quiet

Can't believe some of the replies on here, OP. You are entitled to a break, but like you say you don't have anyone to cover you. I used to work in childcare so I understand how difficult it is. There are a lot of people on MN who look down on people who look after children, either their own or other people's.

ShirleyPhallus · Today 11:41

And you’d be fine with your nanny calling in sick to work because she’s tired?”

Yes.

What if your nanny is sleeps badly all week? What if your nanny's child wakes up twice a night every night?

You'd still pay her in full and your boss would be chill about it?

I think when you're the mum (or dad) of said kids it's one thing but when you're paid to look after those kids it's another. Yabu it's your job and whilst you should have a break the reality of working with kids is that you often don't get one.

Why would a nanny sleep badly all week?

Have you never had a child? My eldest didn't sleep through until he was 3.

Insomnia? Noisy neighbour? Newborn next door?

How old are the kids?

yANBU op. And for whoever said it’s the nanny’s job to play with the kids all day - In much the same way as the nanny isn’t going to feed them biscuits for lunch or let them go out naked but for wellies, just doing what the kids want all day wouldn’t impress me in a nanny. Part of the role is education and learning to play independently is a skill worth learning.

caban · Today 22:45

MrsSkylerWhite · Today 22:44

Why would a nanny sleep badly all week?
Have you never had a child? My eldest didn't sleep through until he was 3.

Insomnia? Noisy neighbour? Newborn next door?”

Yes, two.

didn’t realise nanny was a live in. Thought she was out partying til 3 🤣
I apologised earlier in the thread.

The OP is clearly not a live-in as she has a partner and child at home. Why would you assume partying when she hasn't suggested that?

Right?! Partying - I wish!