The poor kids!! What would you do?!!?

Question

I am a young full-time live-in nanny for two boys ages 9 and 11. The parents told the children if they dont behave and I quit that they will get divorced! I know they hired me because they have marital issues but I did not see divorce coming. I told their mom what their kids had told me and she acted like she knew nothing about it and that it was a scare tactic to get the kids to behave. So I thought that was a bit wrong of the parents to threaten their kids with especially since its based on if I was to quit! Then four days later the father approached me in private and explained that the divorce is his wifes idea and she came to him saying that if I quit then she is taking one kid and he is getting the other. The mother not only pretty much lied to me she left me in the dark! I take care of her kids so I should know this information so that when the kids approach me about it I can be prepared to deal with it appropriately! What would you do or say if you were me?!.

Answer 1

well.im only 14 but i think alot so..here i go...

maybe you should try reasoning with them. like being the nanny for a few dollars cheaper. maybe they might ease up a little. or buy them tickets to movie so the parents can get out more and not be so stressed. cuz when your a nanny you love the kids like there one of yours. tell the kids not to worry about anything.try to make them feel better. get them into sports so they dont get into any trouble...

cuz sumthing like this u cant take to the police...maybe! maybe u could talk with the boys grandparents...or sumthing..idk im just a kid trying to help. =]

Answer 2

Try to forget the whole mixed-up mess and focus on doing your job. The children are probably damaged and confused by what's going on and they need consistency and love from you more than ever. If they come to you about it, try to assure them that a divorce is between a husband and a wife, and the children have nothing to do with it.

Parents should never put the blame for divorce on the children, even indirectly.