Before I go into your points: am I reading this correctly that you've only got her for 4 more weeks, or did I misread? If you're just toughing out another month, I wouldn't sweat it at all.
Otherwise, I might consider finding a new nanny, because some of these issues are not things that can be fixed just by talking to her (and Larry's right, I think it would anger her). She can't develop an affinity for reading, or a sense of smell, for instance, no matter how nicely you mention it? ;)
How long has she been working for you? (or did someone else ask that already?)
Irrational Number
That would drive me crazy too, but it's not a big issue.
Again, I'd be really exasperated, but it isn't a make-or-break thing.
Age 1 or 2? Isn't 2 a little late for walking? It's not that I think a nanny needs to be an educator (eager, engaged babysitter's fine for me, to be frank), but she does sound really, um, disinterested? Unenthusiastic? Or am I reading too much into that?
Hmm. I had a bad habit of feeding ds because it's fast and convenient, and it was my friend the nanny (and certified daycare professional) who told me I should be working a bit more to foster his independence there. Also, maybe the button vs. pointing thing is an ESL issue and maybe it's got more to do with the way she can't be bothered to learn about milestones, as you say above. She should be understanding the underlying motivation and meaning of the therapy session, even if she misses words here and there. If it's the latter, I *would* be concerned. The thing is, when I commented to a friend who sometimes watches ds that we were doing speech therapy, she immediately asked me to teach her the exercises and communication techniques we've been using, so that when he's in her care the language side of things is consistent. To me, that kind of initiative from the caregiver when dealing with a child with developmental delays is imperative. If you have a kid who's just sailing along, being low-maintenance, then the nanny doesn't have to concern herself as much. OTOH, given Pillbug's delays, I don't think it's unreasonable for you to want a caregiver who has a strong understanding of the nature of those delays and the therapy they require.
I think this is something that lots of people - especially from other countries - don't know about as a potential risk. As long as she does these things consistently when you explain why, I don't think it's a problem.
If she's checking a lot, I don't think there's much else you can do about it - I see how tough it would be, though.
how to deal with nanny at home 29LOL. That's annoying, but I'd probably clbuttify it as not a big issue. Have you asked her to please wring out the sponge when she's done with it? Unless...
Melania Mom to Joffre (Jan 11, 2003) and #2 (edd May 21, 2005)
