What's a nanny to do?

Question

I nanny for two boys one is 10 and one is almost 12. They are disrespectful to me and never listen. I have threatened to take things away if they didn't behave but I don't usually end up taking things away because they tend to act even worse when I do this! Help! I don't know how to get them to take me seriously??

Answer 1

Talk to their parents and see if they can be of any help.

Answer 2

1. Don't try to be their friend.

2. Follow through on your "threats" - or don't make them.

3. Talk with the parents about their behavior. Establish rules that you all agree are fair (boys included in this) AND establish consequences. (1st time they break a rule a warning, 2nd time you take something away, etc.)

4. Make sure they have engaging activities while you are with them (if they are bored they are just going to act out over time.)

5. If none of it works, my guess would be that the parents are not supportive of you and the kids probably treat them the same way.  Quit - find a different family that is more supportive - there are TONS of parents out there looking for a good, reliable nanny  (assuming you are a good and reliable nanny.) :-)

Answer 3

They will not take you seriously until you follow through with consequences of non-desirable behavior. You have to be consistent with kids. Pick your fights carefully and only say your going to take something or ground them if you are willing to follow through.

Answer 4

ok, well first of all, YOU NEED TO GET THE CONTROL BACK!!!!! they are younger than you and are treating you very disrespectfully! second of all, if you are having trouble with them  don't let them get away with it. let them know that you mean business. they may not like having to do things (aka chores and homework) but give them something to look forward to doing after they do it. have a game of football in the yard, or let them have a friend over (if it is allowed by the parents) after a while, they'll warm up to you, and when you have to leave one day they'll be soooooooooooooo sad that you are going. just trust them and next time they deny you when you ask them to do their homework simply say, "well, i guess we can't invite (one of their friends) over to play" or "hmm...i was really looking forward to getting ice cream" something that will make them look forward to it. i know you can't do something like that everyday when they finish homework but remember you want to get control back!!!!! if you stay for 5 more months and nothing gets better, either have a serious talk with the parents and if it doesn't get better after that and the parents seem not to care, then you need to find another family to nanny for!!!! i really hope this works out good for you!!!!!!!

Answer 5

call super nanny and you have been a nanny for how long

Answer 6

Put your foot down and discuss the problem with the parents!!

Answer 7

Part of the problem may be that children of 10 and 12 are way too old for a nanny!   Perhaps other children are picking on them because they have one.   What do you do all day while they are at school?   Or do you just go over and watch them when they get home from school?  If that's the case, then please don't call yourself a nanny.  You're a babysitter.