Moms who have nannies / babysitters etc.

What does your nanny / babysitter do all day with your kids? I have a babysitter come to the house two days a week for 3 hours and already this morning DD has spent over an hour watching T.V. I am listening at the door as its so quiet out there and all I can hear are sounds from the T.V and my DD chattering. I dont want to go out there as my DD will want to come into the office with me.

This is really pizziing me off though as the T.V was off when the babysitter arrived and I had all of DD's toy baskets out for her to play games with her.

I am torn as its SO hard to get babysitters and at least DD isnt climbing all over me while I try to work.

What would you do?

TIA

Re: Moms who have nannies / babysitters etc.

Tell the babysitter there is a 1/2 hour limit you want DD to watch TV, no more than that.

I don't think it's unreasonable since she is there such a short time. Rest of the time should be for play and reading books etc...

Re: Moms who have nannies / babysitters etc.

MIL watches DS and she has the TV on for him but he is usually walking around, playing with his toys or watching it.

Re: Moms who have nannies / babysitters etc.

I totally agree that since she's there for such a short amount of time there is no reason for the TV to be on. I would tell her you limit the TV to 1/2 an hour and explain what other activities you want her to do with you DC.

We are having the same problem with our nanny since its been so cold out. She was great in the nice weather as they spent the majority of the day outside. But I've noticed how many characters on TV my DD recognizes since the winter. I've asked my nanny to limit their TV to an hour and she tells me that watch at different times day hence why my DD knows every G*ddamn show on Nick Jr and Noggin She is there for 12 hours a day so I get that they need to watch a little TV, but come on!!!

Re: Moms who have nannies / babysitters etc.

My nanny is the absolute best. I feel so blessed to have her in our lives!

She does arts and crafts, music time, takes them to the play ground, play dates, watch TV.

We almost always have a TV or radio going on in the background. it's never quiet in the house.

Are you sure that DD isn't playing with something and that your babysitter just has the TV going in the background?

For 3 hours, I wouldn't be so upset with it. So long as you are able to get your work done, I'd be happy!

Re: Moms who have nannies / babysitters etc.

My babysitter never lets DD watch tv. They go outside to the playground or in bad weather, to the library or a pet store. In the house they play with toys, do arts and crafts. Music is almost always on in the background. They have playdates with other kids in the building and neighborhood.

Message edited 2/19/2008 12:09:20 PM.

Re: Moms who have nannies / babysitters etc.

We don't have a babysitter but would not like that one bit. I would tell her no tv and leave books and activities to do. Sorry you are dealing with this

Re: Moms who have nannies / babysitters etc.

I think it is hard during the winter when the weather isn't nice to keep kids busy inside. I dont think there is anything wrong with having the TV on in the background as long as she is playing with DD and keeping her busy.