https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 02 May 2026 09:22:03 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263885 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 17:24:35 +0000 Alexandra603 2263885@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a nanny. I am pretty "strict" with her nap schedule. Last school year she was on a 2-3-4 schedule and so I had the nanny watch wake times closely. This school year (starts in 3 weeks) I'll tell her what I'm doing (putting her down around 930 and 2pm) which I will expect her to mostly follow but I also trust her judgement if she thinks the schedule needs to be adjusted (which will be happening as she transitions to 1 nap sometime in the next few months). As for food, you "control" what your baby eats by what is in your house. I usually have a list on the fridge of different food options for my daughter that the nanny can pick from. If there's something specific I want her to feed her that day I just tell her in the morning. I think you absolutely have the right to set a schedule and rules but you also need to trust your nanny judgement and not waste energy micromanaging. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263860 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 16:51:37 +0000 TiredmommaMD 2263860@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did all the meals for LO for the first few months so the nanny would know what sorts of things I wanted her to eat, then let her take over while writing it down in a notebook so I knew overall what she was getting during the week. I also gave guidelines (for example Always give a veggie and a fruit at lunch, always give a fruit with breakfast) Since your nanny has been with you for awhile she should know what types of things are ok. I would let her do it. That being said, if boiling sweet potatoes is a big deal to you, let her know. You are her boss, it's your kid and if it's going to stress you then just tell her. I have a few things that I am picky about and I am sure it's annoying to the nanny, but I try to make it up in other ways (ie good pay, time off, raises, gifts etc) I guess that makes me feel like I am not a terrible person to work for.</p> <p>Also- if I am being picky about something, I try to explain why I feel that way. (Ie: I prefer for her to have veggies boiled because it is not as healthy or he needs to wake up by this time or he won't go down for me at bedtime, or in my case I am picky about the laundry because our washer is old and cheap and if you don't do it this way the clothes don't get clean)</p> <p>It's very hard to trust someone in the beginning, but you'll get used to it and eventually will be greatful for a few less things to worry about. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263837 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 16:11:41 +0000 gingerbebe 2263837@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hey girl. My mom is our mommy's helper 3 days a week and when I go back to work in September, she will be nannying for those 3 days solo. We have different ways of doing things and I'm a control freak too, so here are my thoughts.</p> <p>1. As you already know, for me its all about S' schedule and naps. His nap schedule has been evolving the last 2 weeks, so I have some anxiety about getting that nailed down before I go back to work, but ultimately I have to remember that 1) my mom does realize his naps are a HUGE deal to me, 2) she herself has experienced how difficult he is when he's off schedule, and 3) she knows if he's fussy for me or wakes at night because he didn't sleep well during the day she's going to hear about it so it will probably sort itself out. I would just reinforce how long waketimes should be, how long naps should run, and tell her that you REALLY want her to stay within a 15-30 minute window of those times.</p> <p>2. We have a lasagna pan in the fridge that holds all of S' food (cut up fruit, yogurt cups, shredded meat, etc) and a box on the dining table of his snacks (cereal, raisins, puffs, etc). My mom knows to go off those foods and I ask her to replenish any cut up fruit or whatever after it runs out during the nap times so I don't have to do it later. In the beginning, I had a kid's sectioned plate and filled it with all the food I wanted him to eat during the day. However, now that she has an idea of the foods he eats, the amounts, and the variety I like to give him, she can manage it on her own. Now I just do the grocery shopping and she takes care of it from there. As to HOW things are prepared, like baking vs. boiling, I would just leave it be. </p> <p>3. On days I'm out of the house, my mom keeps track of how many BMs he has in a day, how many ounces he drank, which meals he ate well for and which he didn't, what activities they did during the day, what time he went down for nap, what time he woke up from those naps, what time he woke up for the day, and what time he went to bed. She makes sure to tell me as soon as she sees me and then I have a rundown of what's going on and can use that information to tweak his schedule as he grows. If you want, you can ask her to write it out and I'm sure you can find one of those daycare log sheet templates on the internet somewhere. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263805 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 15:22:13 +0000 sooz 2263805@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a nanny and we've had her for almost 3 years now. She took care of my first son and now she takes care of both my first son and second son. She has been a nanny for over 10 years and I completely trust her judgement, but the trust was something that was developed over the years.</p> <p>Anyway, similar to you, I'm a control freak. So, what I do is make/prepare all foods the day before. I have a shelf in the fridge where I keep the boys' foods. Their lunch is already prepared for them and placed in bentos inside the fridge. Their snacks are prepacked in their lunch/snack box and any "extra" snacks are kept either in the designated shelf on the fridge or in a bin on the counter. </p> <p>Sometimes she shares her lunch with the boys and sometimes they go out for snacks (i.e., an ice cream if the day is hot), but overall they just stick to whatever I prepare in advance. </p> <p>When the boys were younger, I asked her to keep a log of when they ate and slept, but not so much anymore. I usually have a debrief with her when I come home and ask what they did for they day, how they slept and what they ate. Since she doesn't drive and they take the bus to go to the park, etc., they're on a pretty strict schedule, so I know when they come home, eat, and sleep. But, every once in awhile they deviate, and I've learned that it's ok and a late nap every once in awhile doesn't hurt anyone. Also, as I mentioned before, I've learned to trust my nanny and realize that no one is going to do things exactly like I do, but as long as what she does is based on keeping them happy and healthy, that's all that really matters. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263707 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 13:36:25 +0000 mrsjazz 2263707@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>LO is 3 and has always been in a nanny share. The share used to be at another family's house so I always packed breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Now we alternate homes and I still pack LOs lunch. I could just tell her oh let LO have these leftovers but since she's watching two I feel like it's easier to pack it. If we're home I just tell her which snacks are LOs. As far as a schedule, we let her set it. She's with 2 little ones so it fluctuates. </p> <p>I know it can be hard to let go but it's been a while now. I've watched my nanny do LOs hair, pick outfits, fold her clothes, and prepare breakfast all in completely different ways than I would...at the end of the day my girl is happy and healthy. A boiled sweet potato versus a baked one really doesn't matter. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263679 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 13:11:37 +0000 Corduroy 2263679@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have childcare in my home but I thought a daycare perspective might be helpful. LO has been in two types of in home daycares. At one we packed the lunches so we had total control. At the other they make lunch with their own food and other than LO's food sensitivies we don't have any control. I would approach it that way. Either prep a lunch the way you like it or give the nanny control to prep it her way. </p> <p>Good luck with your transition! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263669 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 13:03:45 +0000 SweetiePie 2263669@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@raintreebee: That's what I'm thinking. Right no my days are consumed by him and everything at home. When I'm not there I'm hoping it's a bit of "out of sight out of mind".<br /> I am starting to warm up to the idea of a designated area in the fridge, the pantry and the freezer that's all his stuff. And whatever she gives him from those areas is fine. </p> <p>Today I left early in the morning and came back late morning. I locked myself in our office working on a project and as his nap time creeped up I felt that anxiety around "is she going to put him down in time?!?" And I FORCED myself to stay in the room. I kept repeating that "Monday I won't be here to check on her. Let it be. Nothing catastrophic will happen." (I should add that I am crazy about his naps, I'm totally scarred from his early days when I didn't know infant sleep rules and he would just spend full days crying and not sleeping because he was overtired. So the sleep is a BIG one for me).<br /> She eventually put him down about 15 mins after I would have and I contemplated saying something but I decided not to. I don't want her to feel like she's walking on eggshells and miserable. He eventually fell asleep and no one died! So that already makes me feel better. Sometimes I know I interfere too much so I need to just take a deep breath and let it happen. Maybe it'll be good for him to have some flexibility in his schedule and experience new things. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263633 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 12:17:37 +0000 raintreebee 2263633@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it will become easier to let go once you fill your days with work. Your mind will not be filled with all of the minutiae but rather will have other things to focus on. </p> <p>I think @ElbieKay: was right on in saying that the time you save by delegation can be spent on quality time with LO. I like the fact that our nanny takes care of his meals and bath so that when I get home, we just have fun! One way to express your preferences, of course, is to buy the kinds of foods you'd like him to eat. But I'd let her prepare them how she likes and in what order (within reason of course). As far as the naps go, their wake times get a lot more flexible after a year so just having a set nap schedule might be the way to go. Give her a half hour window for when he sleeps late or gets up early in the morning. Good luck! It will be fine! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263412 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 08:52:29 +0000 SweetiePie 2263412@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: I always love your advice! It's so direct and logical but still wrapped in love :wink: :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263409 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 08:49:11 +0000 looch 2263409@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: Congratulations on going back to work! I returned after 2 years and it was a long transition with the home things. I was so used to doing everything myself and I relinquished a lot of control to my retired parents. </p> <p>Now, I don't even make my son's lunch, my mom makes him breakfast, she packs his lunch, on my long commute days, she makes his dinner. She also does his laundry if it is needed, takes him to his appointments, etc. All this to say, if you can farm it out to someone else, do it. There aren't enough hours in the day to worry about all the minutiae. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263407 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 08:47:15 +0000 ElbieKay 2263407@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: I thought about doing that before I actually had the baby. But then once I had the baby I realized that all these "first" are really just steps on a continuum. Like, I noticed last week that my son tried to say "water" for the first time instead of "wawa". Then he went back to "wawa", and then he said "water" again yesterday.</p> <p>"They" say that babies start to smile at 6-8 weeks, and I expected him to just start randomly grinning at me. Instead the smiles started out tiny and gradually grew. So I don't really know when I saw his "first" smile.</p> <p>My son's first syllable was "da-da-da", but he didn't associate "dada" with his father until he had already learned a lot of other words. He associated "mama" with me first, even though he didn't make that sound until after "dada". So, what was his first word? Unclear.</p> <p>I guess first steps are a little more cut and dried but even then it's not like he walked across the room. He took three steps from me to my mom because he wanted a bite of her pie. It took awhile longer before he could actually walk.</p> <p>So, I don't really worry about firsts so much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263401 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 08:42:34 +0000 ElbieKay 2263401@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: What?! Pre-made salmon?!!! ;-)</p> <p>In my case, I went back to work at 3 months, but I worked from home twice per week and only went into the office three days per week. So, I spent a lot of time around my nanny when she first started working for us. And I was nursing and pumping, so I would coordinate feedings very closely with her.</p> <p>I *was* a bit of a control freak about my pumped milk, but that was because it was so hard won and I had to be careful about managing my supply. There was one day when my mom messed something up and we had to toss some milk, and I got so irrationally upset about that!</p> <p>We started to introduce solids at 5 months. For the first few weeks I chose which foods to introduce, but our nanny started doing some basic preparation then (like making purees).</p> <p>My point is, we had a natural transition into letting her take more ownership of feeding T.</p> <p>Even now, she prepares food differently than I would. She still purees some stuff for him -- he's 17mo -- whereas I would be more inclined to experiment with more "regular" food than she does. But he can eat with utensils, and he gets to eat chunkier stuff with us on the weekends, and it all balances out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263400 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 08:39:45 +0000 SweetiePie 2263400@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bluebonnet: @ElbieKay: @kiddosc: @Alivoo01:<br /> Question sort of OT but related to nanny stuff - do you ask them to not tell you about firsts so that you can experience them as if it's the first time? Like if he takes his first step, rather than her telling me he did, I've heard of some people asking her NOT to tell them so that when he does it again later it seems like the first time to you. Does this make sense? Is this some weird thing or is it common? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263399 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 08:38:54 +0000 jape14 2263399@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a nanny share - it's our 11mo (I think our LOs are just about the same age!) and the other kid is 13mo. LO is (finally) on a pretty regular 2-3-4 napping schedule so we try to have the nanny stick to that as much as possible. We've always had a "flexible schedule/routine" approach and it's pretty easy to communicate that to our nanny. We try not to nitpick on the particulars -- sometimes she puts him down too early or late for his second nap, but that is something that DH and I comment on to each other but realize it's generally not worth mentioning to her. </p> <p>Bottles/eating are another issue - we don't have much of a schedule so the nanny uses her judgment in terms of when he eats. We still use baby connect so we can track bottles/napping and everyone (me, DH, nanny) are all on the same page. I think we all find it super helpful and we can passively "check in" on him throughout the day without bothering the nanny. </p> <p>As far as what he eats, I generally pack him a "lunch" - we use a bento box (yumbox) - and then we have general snacks available (pouches, puffs, frozen veggies, Cheerios, teething biscuits, etc) that the nanny can give him as needed. The other family in our nanny share takes the opposite approach and just sends/leaves food and then the nanny can decide what of that their child can have. If we had our own nanny I'd probably be a bit more relaxed about it, but given that our nanny has to deal with two children (and the other kid in the share is a bit difficult/doesn't nap much), I'm happy to pack him a lunch every day and make her life a little easier. It takes about 5 minutes and I usually do it while I'm cleaning up dinner the night before. We also just leave pre-prepared bottles and then some extra premade formula - again, it makes it a little easier on our nanny if we do it that way, and we have to make them anyway! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263396 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 08:35:26 +0000 SweetiePie 2263396@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bluebonnet: This is great advice, thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263392 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 08:32:39 +0000 SweetiePie 2263392@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ElbieKay: So I should add I am by no means a super mom! I am kinda lazy too, haha. It took a while for me to be that way though. I struggled in the beginning with feeling like I had to do everything and be everything for everyone. I finally realized I could let bottles sit in the sink for a few hours and no one would die.<br /> So I definitely let a lot slide and I'm not making him perfect little meals. I often buy salmon already made from Grace's Market or citarella. Haha.<br /> I guess it's more about being particular about certain things and giving up the decision making. But I totally get what you're saying about driving myself crazy! And for sure when I'm not with him all day I'll want those extra snuggles! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263389 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 08:29:02 +0000 Bluebonnet 2263389@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: We have a nanny. In the beginning, I wrote out the schedule. As time has passed, she knows when LOs need to nap, when they need to be fed, etc. Days they are tired early, she puts them down for a nap early. </p> <p>If there is a problem (LOs aren't eating much for dinner), I'll ask when/what they had for snack, let her know they didn't have an appetite for dinner, and ask her to adjust the snack. </p> <p>Sometimes I tell her what to feed them for lunch (ex - feed last nights leftovers) or tell her what to avoid (we're having pasta for dinner - no pasta for lunch), but mostly she feeds them a combination of leftovers, sandwiches, or easy meals we have in the freezer (TJ's mac and cheese with broccoli puree, etc). She makes sure to serve veggies and fruits and she knows we don't do treats or junk food.</p> <p>See how it goes and make adjustments along the way. It will be okay. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263385 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 08:26:22 +0000 ElbieKay 2263385@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: "I'm his mom, I do it better, no one really knows but me".</p> <p>Eh. Yes, you're his mom. To me, that means that I get way more cuddles and hugs than anyone else. My son has a definite (and sometimes exhausting) mommy preference. It is clear that I am his mom, and he seeks me out whenever I am around, even if our nanny is there. But I don't care who picks out his outfit or makes his food (as long as his diet is healthy). Those details matter to me a lot less than my overall relationship with him.</p> <p>Every 20 minutes you spend preparing food or deciding how to micromanage your nanny is 20 minutes you could be spending playing with your kid or doing something for yourself.</p> <p>(I am an especially lazy mom though! But I have a stressful full time job so being lazy about chores is my coping mechanism.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263381 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 08:23:36 +0000 SweetiePie 2263381@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ElbieKay: You are so right! Thank you for this. I think I just need to pick my battles like you said.<br /> And yeah, after seeing what you wrote I realize how silly the sweet potato thing is. Haha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263380 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 08:21:31 +0000 SweetiePie 2263380@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NovBaby1112: tHank you for your input! I think you are probably right and it makes me feel better hearing someone else say this. Otherwise I felt like I was obligated to do this but maybe I just need to learn to take a deep breath and a leap of faith. </p> <p>Maybe I'll just have a whole shelf or whatever in the fridge of his stuff and any combination of that she can cook and give him. That way I know anything on that shelf I'm ok with. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263377 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 08:20:16 +0000 ElbieKay 2263377@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I suggest picking your battles and keeping the long view in mind. For example, there is no way I would micromanage how someone prepares a sweet potato for my son unless (a) he refuses to eat it that way or (b) there was a health issue such as too much deep frying or slathering it in maple syrup. Steaming versus baking? From my perspective who cares as long as he's eating a nutritious meal.</p> <p>Same thing with naps. If he's getting enough sleep and his bedtime routine is not messed up, then who cares if he naps at 11 versus 12 (or whatever the applicable times are)?</p> <p>I am personally overwhelmed and chronically sleep-deprived, so we just make sure there is food available and let our caregivers improvise.</p> <p>Sometimes my husband wants our son to eat certain stuff (usually because he doesn't want it to spoil). In that case he lets our nanny know about that.</p> <p>We have a notebook for the nanny, and she uses it to keep a log for meals, naps, diapers and activities.</p> <p>I think you should set some high level expectations, ask her to keep a log, review the log, and then think really hard about whether or not to comment on something. In certain cases there are deal breakers (like the things I mentioned above). But others are a question of style and not worth aggravating someone who plays a critical role in your family. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263374 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 08:18:32 +0000 SweetiePie 2263374@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Alivoo01: You're totally right. I really do think she has a good grasp on things in the logical part of my brain. In the emotional side I think "I'm his mom, I do it better, no one really knows but me". I guess it's all I know right now and as I work and gain more confidence in being away, maybe I'll feel better about it. But that's a good idea to prep his meals and label them. I might try that and see how sustainable it is. I am really big on "me time" in the evening. Getting a pedicure or just vegging out. So I'll have to work that balance at first. Thanks for the advice!</p> <p>@kiddosc: Yes this is my fear! That I'll try to do it all and it'll be so stressful that I won't enjoy my time outside the home or in the evenings I'll just feel overwhelmed. I think I will try the meal prep and see what happens and be OK with giving it up if I have to. </p> <p>I should add, I don't really cook dinner for us, so it's definitely something new for me to be cooking for my son. I do it but it's not second nature to me and so far I've been able to spread it out during the day. So it'll be interesting! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263368 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 08:15:36 +0000 NovBaby1112 2263368@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: we don't have a nanny or in home care, so take my advice with a grain of salt, but I think trying to control every aspect of LO's care like what he eats and the exact time he naps will only lead to more stress and will leave your nanny feeling micromanaged and resentful. I get things like safety are non negotiable, but day to day meals and activities should really be up to the nanny, and I am sure she has a very good idea of what you like/dislike LO being fed, etc. I think this is just one of those things you need to let go of and relinquish control or you will drive yourself crazy! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263364 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 08:12:27 +0000 kiddosc 2263364@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: I think a lot of this is up to you. How much control to you want to have. You could meal plan for every day and give her a timeline of events/naps, or you can start like that and then let her take more control as she gets more comfortable. I think it's probably unrealistic to think that you can dictate everything that goes on throughout the day, or maybe not unrealistic but stressful for you. </p> <p>There will be an adjustment period as she moves towards taking on more responsibility. Keep communication open so that you can both have your expectations met and you'll all do just fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263360 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 08:09:46 +0000 Alivoo01 2263360@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Since your current nanny/sitter has been with you for a year now, I'm thinking she has a pretty good grasp on his schedule, what you feed him, how he likes certain things, his quirks, etc. Since there's been days where you've been gone all day and things seemed to have worked out okay. Write down his normal schedule for her so you feel more comfortable communicating it to her in another form. I'm sure she'll try her best to stick to it. </p> <p>For food, you could always meal prep and label everything so that she knows tupperware/box #1 is for breakfast, #2 is for lunch, and the approved snacks are in this tub in the pantry, etc.</p> <p>As for the sweet potatoes, do you have something against boiling it? If not, I'd let her try it. It could be another form/texture of food for your child to try, which isn't a bad thing. It's not like she's deep frying it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263357 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 08:08:46 +0000 SweetiePie 2263357@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also want to add that I'm kinda crazy and control freak-ish. So even thinking about not overseeing things like how she loads the dishwasher makes me batty. :silly:<br /> Like for example, I roasted sweet potatoes and she mentioned that if I buy a sweet potato she'll make it for him and I mentioned roasting/baking it and she said "no I'd boil it, it tastes good and the skin comes off so easily", but I would never boil it. Is this something I just need to say "eh, she's feeding my kid, it's not like it's poison, deal with it" or is it ok for me to say "I don't boil his veggies, I steam or bake". I'm not sure what to do! Before I might have bit my tongue because it was only 2 days a week but now if she's his primary caregiver from 8am-6pm 5 days a week, should I speak up? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-a-nannyin-home-child-care#post-2263346 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 08:03:51 +0000 SweetiePie 2263346@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How much control do you give them in the daily routine? This is going to be kind of ramble-y because I have so much floating in my head. Sorry!</p> <p>I am returning to work (on Monday. Eek!) after spending the first year home with my son. I had a nanny 2 days a week and we hired her full time. But while I was home she was more like a "mommy's helper". In that I still had total control over his routine and diet and basically everything. And she'd help me out and obviously stay with him while I ran errands. Sometimes I would truly be gone all day so I'm comfortable with this arrangement, but because I was at home I could still pick and prepare what he'd eat that day, for example.<br /> I guess I'm just having a bit of anxiety over how all of this is going to work. I don't think it's entirely feasible for me to think I can still have control over every meal and I used to tell her each day what time his nap should be. I want her to have more control but it makes me all crazy to think about it. </p> <p>What do the moms with a nanny or in home sitter do? Do you lay out a schedule each day for food, naps, play dates, etc? Do you just make are you HAVE food and let them decide what to eat and when? His naps are pretty consistent now but I still adjust based on different factors like wake up time for length of previous nap. That is my biggest fear. Do I just need to let it go since I don't have a choice?</p> <p>Sorry. Rambling! </p>