My son has an amazing nanny who is stellar in almost every way. Except I am starting to worry that, as a southerner, she does not tolerate winter weather well. It was sixty degrees out today, and she mentioned how chilly it was. And I've noticed that she takes my son out much less even when the weather is a touch chilly. Ideally, I'd like her to take him out of the house at least twice a day, assuming the weather isn't atrocious (maybe in the 40s or above). It doesn't have to be very long, but I think a little bit of running around on the playground helps. I try to sign him up for activities, but I can only fill his days so much. Is it cruel of me to ask her to take him out in the winter when I know she is clearly uncomfortable outside?
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I don't think it's cruel. I have a very low tolerance to cold weather (I'd be okay in 60 though) and when I was a nanny if it were below 55 we often just didn't go out. But now as a parent I will still take my LO out, even for just 15- 30 minutes just because I "should". I should have done it as a nanny and I feel bad that I didnt. I also don't think it's wrong of you to ask her. Part of the point in a nanny is having more control of your child's care, right?
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I take LO out of the house every day, unless the weather is seriously frigid, or has a terrible wind chill factor, or is raining cats and dogs. Today was gorgeous out! I would definitely encourage her to take him to the park while she can--soon enough it will be too snowy and icy anyway! What about setting up playdates at the park for her--at least that way she'd have company?
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@Mrs. Sunshine: I agree with everything you said. I was a nanny in the summer in the South and we stayed in a lot because it was so hot. Looking back I feel really bad about it. I think when you are paying for a nanny you should be able to essentially dictate your child's day, within reason, and going outside daily if there is not a blizzard is within reason.
Knowing she is reluctant though, could you look into places like Pump It Up or children's museums? Spaces where he can play and explore but with the benefit of indoor heating.
He'll still get some fresh air to and from the car. Or even if you live in a walkable neighborhood, something like a $5 gift card to the coffee shop down the street or something to encourage her to take him for a walk in the stroller would be really nice. Not necessary but just giving you ideas if you feel bad about it.
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Honestly I feel like a little outdoor time every day is important. And I live in Canada so southern "winters" aren't an excuse.
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I think once a day even for 15 minutes to run around is reasonable. Kids need the fresh air! We live quite north and my LO's preschool still takes everyone out every day as long as school is being held (they follow the school district for wind chill closings, etc.)
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I was a nanny in Ontario, and even in the dead of winter we were outside everyday. Sometimes it sucked for me, but I made sure everyone was dressed properly and just dealt with it for half an hour while they burnt off some energy. I think it's so important that people get fresh air every day!
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I've relocated to the north and the biggest thing is just having the right outerwear. Maybe keep extra gloves/hats/scarves around. As long as I bundle up I'm fine outside - even in the cold!
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Mine are out at least once a day. Unless it's a blizzard we go out.
Does she need a coat? 60° is balmy!
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I think once a day is reasonable in the cold. With a proper coat, toque, gloves and scarf she should be okay?
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I'd want them going out at least once per day assuming it's not pouring.
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Our daycare takes them out as long as it's above 35 with wind chill and I do the same on weekends and holidays. LO is three and needs to get her energy out!
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60 is hot LOL.
We live in Maine. Unless the kids are sick or its blizzard, they go out.
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Daycare takes them out every day that isn't under 20 degrees or a huge blizzard. I would expect my nanny to take my LO out every day, barring snow storms or weather less than 20.
60? Lol, nearly summer!
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I struggle with this too! My nanny is from Trinidad and does not like the cold weather but I'm a firm believer in the Swedish saying 'There's no bad weather, only bad clothing' and want my kids to be outside every day! We consistently butt heads over this and it's one of my biggest pet peeves with her. It's a delicate balance between keeping the nanny happy and having your parenting wishes fulfilled. Today was amazing, though, and she def should have gone out! (I'm in NYC also)
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I am in Wisconsin and kids go out twice a day at age 2 as long as it is warmer than 20 degrees outside. If it was 60 degrees, the kids would be running around outside without jackets on here
. I would maybe set some expectations and say if the weather is above a certain tempature they will spend a certain amount of time outside each day.
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I guess I'm in the minority here but I really don't like being outside in either too cold / too hot weather. I'm a SAHM and I try to take her outside at least 1x day, but if it's raining or below 55, we both feel uncomfortable being outside and prefer staying indoors.
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60 is too cold to go outside? I just did the F to C conversion on that and I'm not even exaggerating when I say we would be wearing shorts and sandals at that temp. It's not the slightest bit cruel to send them outside in that.
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@xInfinity: it's been in the 60s here and I've been wearing flip flops still while these thin blooded Texans are all bundled up
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Yep, that's outside weather!
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Yeah that's not cold! I'm an sahm though and I can't say my DS plays outside every day - it's a 15 minute walk to our nearest park and sometimes there just isn't time in the day. I am sure when we have a garden he will be out there all the time though.
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I definitely don't think it's cruel to expect her to take him out when it's above 40. Assuming the weather isn't bad and the wind chill isn't below freezing etc.
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Our nanny takes the kids out everyday even in winter unless it is really windy/bitterly cold. She just bundles them (and herself up) and goes out at the warmest part of the day. She is a big believer in fresh air/exercise and I think she gets a little stir crazy in the house all day otherwise. It's one of the things we really appreciate about her. So I would definitely ask- especially if it's not even that cold yet'
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The only thing I would change would be I think mandating two times per day can be tough. I think to maybe ask for twice but request at least once is more reasonable
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Hahaha, no that's not cruel at all. Where I live, licensed child care providers are required to take children outside every day unless the temp is below -20C (-4F). Although they only go for 15 min when it's that cold.
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As a former nanny, no, I don't think this is unreasonable, and it's certainly not cruel. Kids need to get outside!
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I think once a day is fair. My mom watches our son one day a week and if the weather isn't perfect, she doesn't always take him out. I think kids need to run outside and release their energy every day!
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And I totally think that 60 degrees is warm! Heck, we live just outside NYC and most of Jan and Feb is cooold. I take my kid out in below freezing weather! We buy very warm jackets and don't stay out for too long, but we still go out!
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Thank you everyone! Sorry for the late reply. We are dealing with the flu right now despite everyone having flu shots. : (
I will definitely ask her since the consensus is that it would not be unreasonable to do so. I think I will say to aim for 1-2 times a day.
He'll still get some fresh air to and from the car. Or even if you live in a walkable neighborhood, something like a $5 gift card to the coffee shop down the street or something to encourage her to take him for a walk in the stroller would be really nice. Not necessary but just giving you ideas if you feel bad about it.
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