Advice needed - Nanny does not speak same language bas children

[Chlojomojo]

Hi all,

I need some advice. I am a nanny and have just moved to Italy with a nice family of 3 children (3, 2, and newborn).

I've only been here 3 days so I know it's not alot of tome, however I've already come across an issue that may progress into something worse.

I am from the UK and only speak English. The family hired me because they wanted their children to improve their English. However, none of them (the kids) speak a word of it which is making life very difficult. When I need to tell them something, comfort, say no they don't understand and it always bends up in a tantrum which then escalates because we don't understand each other.

The kids are also very attached to their parents and other house keep which they have known all their life. I think the language barrier may present issues. I have spoken to the parents and said this will be a big issue, and they are aware.

Any advice?

I think you have to focus on learning some Italian quickly or quit. You say if you say no etc they can't understand you but surely you can master some very basic phrases - yes, no, not now, it's ok etc.

Assume they're expecting you to teach the kids English? Tbh it sounds like a job you're not qualified for, I wouldn't really know where to start either

It is very difficult. I'm trying to learn basics on Duolingo as best as I can and quickly.

However again, if I say no and the other basics the 3 year old doesn't really understand and she will answer back in Italian, and it confuses/frustrates her.

I want to give it a good go, I'm hoping it's just because they don't know me. I'm thinking maybe a month (till beginning of September) and if nothing changes to potentially go back to agency to ask about being placed with another family/maybe a little older who can understand English a bit better.

In all honesty I think this family needs an Italian/Spanish but English speaking multilingual Nanny as I am not a qualified teacher.

What have the parents said?

You will need to use your expressions and tone of voice, exaggerated if necessary. Some non-verbal signals (shaking your head, pointing with your hands) will also help.

We used to look after a Hungarian child with no English knowledge whatsoever. She picked up English very, very quickly. The odd word that we used helped, but it was our tone of voice that she most responded to. You'd be surprised how little communication relies on actual language with young children.
We've had similar experiences with Polish, Dutch and French. It's impossible to be fluent in them all, but a few words helps.

You will probably pick up Italian from her, too, and that will help your confidence. Don't panic, and try your best. It will very quickly settle down if the family are good.