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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

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Original poster

Sorry if this offends anyone but...... 'plump' nannies?

255 replies

sunnyjim · 12/02/2007 21:26

Is it just us or are nanny's generally 'plump'? (okay in this specific case I'm talking fat really, size 18+)

We have a new nanny, not started yet, but doing the odd half day alongside me to check that we all get along.

I just have concerns about her ability to deal with DS (active 22 month old) on a day to day basis. She finds it difficult to get up or down from the floor and I found I had to slow my pace massively when we went out to the park today.

I guess a part of me thinks that if she has a weight problem, does this reflect in her willpower/ self motivation in other areas?
Will she feed him decent food?
Will she take him to active sporty things (which he loves) or focus on sitting sitll crafty things (which he hates)

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

IlanaK · 12/02/2007 21:53

Actually, I want to go against the grain here. And before I start, let me say that I am a very very plus sized woman. Well beyond an 18.

I think it totally depends on the person when it comes to whether or not weight impedes activity with children. I am perfectly capable of looking after my two boys and am active with them. Hoever, we had a male student at the nursery I own who was extremely overweight and also had an enormous amount of trouble getting off the floor. He did not keep up with the toddlers, and generally was not active enough with them. We would not have hired him. I have another member of staff who is overweight and is excellent with the children. What I am saying is that I DO think it can be an issue in certain people. But then I think the same is true for skinny nannies. There will always be some who are less active.

As to what she would feed him, I think that is a silly question really. Presumably with any nanny you hire, you would tell them how they are expected to provide for your child and would not leave them free rein if you have specific requirements on this issue.

SmileysPeople · 12/02/2007 21:53

Colditz you are making me laugh SO much!!

did she know fat people went on MN too!!

(I wonder if she was aware before now that fat people have a sense of humour too...not too busy just thinking about cake to be witty)

Does make you wonder though...surely it's a wind up??

ScummyMummy · 12/02/2007 21:53

Oh God. She'll get hungry and eat your baby. Sack her right away.

Whoooosh · 12/02/2007 21:54

NQC-agree wholeheartedly-on the other hand,I have two friends who are actively looking for "overweight and unattractive" nannies" so hubbies are not tempted....

lockets · 12/02/2007 21:57

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

fireflyfairy2 · 12/02/2007 21:57

scummy mummy... she'll be making herself up rusks to slurp when your baby is napping [that's if she's not napping too]

Mercy · 12/02/2007 22:01

eh,?! so size 10 is an unhealthy and non-maintainable weight? But size 12/14 is!

Maybe you should have put in your advert only size 16s need apply.

If you are really are a nutritionist - god help us

Original poster

sunnyjim · 12/02/2007 22:01

Okay so all the plus sized ladies are offended - sorry you're taking it persoanlly.

I want someone with energy for my son, obviuosly there is something dreadfully wrong with that.

Maybe its not her weight thats causing her to be out of breath, find it difficult to chase after him in the park, can't get up from the floor without help etc.

I will give her clear guidelines about food for him, I will also go to softplay next trail session with her and see if she can manage him there. If not then maybe we do need to think again.

OP posts:

MrsJohnCusack · 12/02/2007 22:02

but why did you hire her if you were worried?

seriously

lockets · 12/02/2007 22:03

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

colditz · 12/02/2007 22:04

Ok. Seriously.

I dislike the assumption that because someone is fat, they are unable to stick to clear instructions on how to feed a child. She is no more likely to feed it a diet of pot noodle than some skinny malnourished nanny who pops pills every weekend.

Original poster

sunnyjim · 12/02/2007 22:05

Mercy, size 10 is unhealthy and unmaintanable for some women because in order to be a size 10 you have to be slightly underweight or at the bottem end of the normal weight range according to medical charts.

For example in order for me to fit into size 10 clothes at 5' 6" I have to be 8 stone 7 or less. My IDEAL weight - ie in the middle of the normal weight range - is about 9 stone. As my GP pointed out at 8 stone 5 I was too skinny when I got pregnant.

it also can mean that you spend alot of emotional energy thinking baout food and worrying about your weight.

(plpease note i said CAN and SOME)

OP posts:

colditz · 12/02/2007 22:05

No, I'm not at all offended. I'm not a nanny.

But why would you give her any clearer guidelines on food than a slim nanny?

nzshar · 12/02/2007 22:06

Surely in your interview you could see that she was "plump" why did you hire her?

mercroundthebend · 12/02/2007 22:06

We should all stop reading and replying. This has to be a joke thread. Next thing the nanny will be ginger with spots and glasses. No more for me. Im going to practice what I preach.

colditz · 12/02/2007 22:07

I know far more about health and nutrition than my 'looks fit as a fiddle' size 12 friend. She lives on crisps and chocolate. I also have less hang ups, surprisingly.

And, unfairly, isn't spotty either, but that's another story.

MegaLegs · 12/02/2007 22:07

"Is it just us or are nanny's generally 'plump'? (okay in this specific case I'm talking fat really, size 18+) " posted by sunnyjim
on Mon 12-Feb-07 21:26:24

"What was degrading about what I said? " posted by sunnyjim on Mon 12-Feb-07 21:52:56

colditz · 12/02/2007 22:08

Hmm. Am going to check my email

ludaloo · 12/02/2007 22:08

Ahem...I'm a size 10...and I'm perfectly healthy thank you!

fireflyfairy2 · 12/02/2007 22:08

I'm sure it's not only the plus sized people who are offended [& what exactly do you class as plus sized?] I am plenty sure there are small ladies here who would take umbridge at your lack of tact & your total ignorance.

"it also can mean that you spend alot of emotional energy thinking baout food and worrying about your weight." you're watching way too much Rikki Lake love

Whoooosh · 12/02/2007 22:09

Sunnyjim-I think you are makin ghuge assumptions here-not only about yournanny but that all posters here are "plus sized ladies".

Would you be concerned if you hired a person of ethnic origin they would be giving your child a different view of life than you?

MegaLegs · 12/02/2007 22:10

I have to keep re reading the op.

Will she feed him decent food? Surely she'll feed him the food you buy?

NurseyJo · 12/02/2007 22:11

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

ludaloo · 12/02/2007 22:11

I don't spend very much time worrying about my weight either...I have been the same size for most of my adult life...inbetween babies!

ludaloo · 12/02/2007 22:12

"Mercy, size 10 is unhealthy and unmaintanable for some women because in order to be a size 10 you have to be slightly underweight or at the bottem end of the normal weight range according to medical charts."

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