Activities - who is responsible?

[HarrietM87]

We have a lovely nanny for our 16 month old son. She takes him out most days to various activities (soft play, playgroups, music classes etc) in the mornings, and then they play at home in the afternoon. They usually just read books and play with his toys or go to the local park. He’s starting to get more interested in eg drawing, sticking stuff, could maybe manage simple baking, would love some sensory activities. I keep seeing complicated looking tuff tray set ups on Pinterest and worrying he isn’t getting that kind of stuff (pfb!). Should we be asking the nanny to come up with stuff like this or should we be telling her what to do? Ideally I’d like her to come up with ideas for him to save me the mental leg work, though obviously happy to provide whatever materials are necessary. Not sure if that’s asking too much though!

Your nanny sounds great!

She is I'm sure more than capable of coming up with those kinds of activities but 1) these activities might be happening in the groups she goes to. 2) she might be concerned that you might not like messy play or that you might feel it's not safe enough - shaving foam with a 16 month old could potentially go belly up in more ways than one!

Maybe leave something out that you've been doing at the weekend, like homemade play dough or a nature tuff spot and say how much your LO enjoyed it... hopefully it will follow on from there.

My family use to provide a weekly kitty and would recommend certain places I could take the children to however they always left the decision with me. I also googled places I could take them to try and mix it up.

Tbh I think people can get a bit hung up on stimulating and educational activities for children. Going to the playground, playing in the leaves, getting exercise are also really important. I had a nanny for my eldest whose main activity was talking, either to him or to her mates on the phone, and he is miles and miles ahead of his siblings and classmates. Current nanny does any number of improving, age appropriate and stimulating activities and my 4 and nearly 2 year old barely talk. It's really up to you but with the benefit of hindsight, it's not worth stressing about this stuff.