Nanny and development

[Nannyemployer]

I am a nannyemployer (name changed) and I wanted to get some opinions on what sort of craft/developmental things an average nanny did.

My nanny is a nice girl - she has a good warm relationship with DS and he is fond of her (kisses, cuddles etc). When we were choosing a nanny this was the most important thing for us. She does all the basic things very well - DS goes to varied activities/playgroups, eats very healthily and is always safe. I know she thinks of herself as a good responsible nanny and has criticised other nannies in the past - usually over safety.

However, I have one nagging concern. She never does any arts and crafts activities. DS has just turned three and despite owning a huge playdough/paint/markers/stickers collection it is always unused when I come home. The only exceptions are when I specifically say that he should draw a picture today for his nan or do more art. Then there are pictures for a couple of days but then it stops.

My concern is that the lack of arts/crafts is a symptom of a wider issue. DS would never suggest drawing (although is happy to do so when encouraged) and I get the impression that she tends to let DS always choose what to play with (trains/cars etc) and then let him play quietly rather than being proactive. I am concerned that as he is good at playing quietly he is ignored and that she doesn't try to 'bring him along' in his development.

So hit me with it - are my expectations just too high? I know when I am at home we do a mix of activities - some times DS plays by himself, but other times I will suggest that we do playdough/a jigsaw/painting/a board game etc.

Maybe she thinks that him doing it at the activities outside the home are enough. You could ask her to include it in her day. She sounds lovely, btw. :)

A nanny who doesn't do arty crafty stuff is not a concern imo. A nanny who is unsafe or unloving or unkind, is.

So she's not great at play doh. Just ask her to do more crafty stuff with him.

It really isn't a biggy, is it? She sounds like a lovely nanny. You will never find a nanny or cm or nursery who does every little thing the exact way you would like, and if she's up to scratch on safety, cuddles, cooking, hygiene, discipline and every thing else that really matters, let the craft stuff go. Something for you and he to do at weekends, maybe?

I do think your expectations are a little high - your ds sounds sweet and he really won't suffer from not making things with his nanny.

I care for a 3yr2mth old boy. We don't do a lot of art stuff.

What we do:
Playdough
Baking
Cutting up paper
Drawing shapes
Drawing diggers (have stencils)
Drawing rockets
Thomas Aquadraw painting

We do the following at groups on occasion but not regularly
Painting
Sticking

I think what you may be after is more fine motor skills. However that can be done by playing with Lego, cutting pieces of paper.

Remember your DS is not you. Ask your DH about what he used to do as a child of that age (ask his mum), is your son doing similar things?

Personally not much! It's not my forte and I'm open about that at interview. If a chiod enjoys and asks for it I'm more than happy to oblige but it wouldn't be something I'd actively be suggesting. I might suggest some drawing or painting occasionally, junk modelling or playdough are more likely, but as nick points out fine motor skills can be obtained in many different ways.

IME drawing and arty things are often found in group settings because you can have large numbers of children doing it very easily! But if 'you want your nanny to encourage your DS to do more then have a chat to her about it.

He's very little. Playing with his cars etc. is fine and develops his imagination just as much as playdoh. I think that you should count your blessings and stop worrying.

It is when he gets older and has homework etc or music practice or needs a a bit of a push towards books which might stretch him when you may find that your nanny needs some direction

when she goes to grops, does she do any craft activities there with your little boy?

Maybe she doesn't like the mess?

Does she ever bake with him?

ooopps

sorry should say groups

Thanks for your responses and helping me put things in perspective. He starts pre-school in Sept so I guess will do lots of that sort of stuff then.

i am not a crafty nanny - im happy to paint/do playdough etc but i am not creative

i aways mention this at interviews and normally when they say what are you downfalls

personally your nanny sounds fantastic and i would be greatful