So,my Momboss is a complete germaphobe and it's beginning to drive me nuts! I need some advice from you sensible Mummies. hope you can help
My charges are 1 year old (twins) and they started going to Gymboree and Music classes 2 months ago. Since then they have had 3 colds. Nothing very serious but the Mom is now saying she doesn't want the twins going to any more activities with other children as it's not healthy. I have tried to explain that getting colds is a rite of passage and they need to get sick in order to boost and strengthen their immune system. Nope that doesn't wash with her. So it looks like we'll be stuck in the house all winter. AAARRRGGGHHH!!!!
What are your theories on colds? Should you keep 1 year olds away from other kids? I personally feel they need to get the colds to get stronger and healthy, it's important that their bodies learn how fight germs. They are otherwise very healthy, robust children and getting colds hasn't led them to be hospitalised etc so I really find it difficult to believe she feels this strongly! I know as a nanny I need to respect the parents wishes, and on most things I do. But the children's welfare is my #1 priority and I think it is important for them to develop strong immunity before they start school. Help!!!
I should add, as maybe it is relevant, the mother is on the mature side and cannot cope with anything other than happy, textbook babies. So snot, disturbed nights, etc really upset her and she suffers more than they do. I try so hard to ease her load, to get her to relax, but it's getting more and more difficult over this cold issue. If anyone can offer any advice I would really appreciate it. Also if anyone can link me to a scientic report giving the importance of strengthening the immune system I would really appreciate it!
On another note, I know that until they are 2-3 years old play is purely parallel play, so from a social point of view they don't need to be mixing with other children, but the twins really enjoy Gymboree and Music classes, they get a lot from just being happy and enjoying the experience, which is why I am quite upset that the Mother would deprive them of that just to stop them getting a cold, which in reality causes her more upset than the babies.
Yikes. It's a tough one. I really do love this family and want the very best for the babies. But what happens when there is such a differing of opinions? Should I just shut up? Or do you think I should speak up and tell the mother she needs to lighten up a little, colds are not the end of the world? I have told her if the twins get Chicken Pox while I am here, I am packing her off on holiday for 2 weeks as she would be UNBEARABLE. (And I mean that in the nicest possible way LOL) She actually agreed.