Looking for some input on this situation. We’ve had our nanny for over a year for my 3yo. She’s great with creating activities and fully engaging my kiddo. I’m currently on maternity leave so I’m hearing more interactions between Nanny and my 3yo and overall I have few complaints. She’s as patient as she can be with my over communicative toddler. She rarely prioritizes herself in choosing activities. I could go on calling out positives.
Today she came in with heavy and avoidant energy. To the point of not responding to my 3yo in a timely manner. My toddler repeated her statement and tried to engage again and she had a pretty delayed response. Her tone was very flat. Not her usual tone of voice or response time. I could tell something personal was going on with her but she didn’t address it.
I noticed my toddler picking up on her energy and consequently over engaging with nanny. My toddler is very intuitive. I’d also like to note I have a degree in child development and worked in child life. I know what stress or confusion looks and sounds like from a toddler despite their inability to speak it plainly.
I assumed nanny would perk up as the day went on but she seemed to deteriorate as the day went on. Laying her head down during snack time and delaying her responses to my toddler.
Once nap time came around I checked in with nanny asking if she was ok and if she was aware of her energy. She did not want to share the issues. I’m completely fine with that. I let her know I didn’t expect her to pretend she’s perfectly fine, but that her energy is heavy and stressing toddler. I asked if she needed to leave and are said no. I let her know her energy needed to shift post nap time. It did not.
I’m sure postpartum is playing a role but I’m pretty frustrated with this experience. At the same time, I’m not sure what I should expect from nanny when personal things are going on.
As a parent, there is always something going on that I don’t make my 3yo emotionally responsible for. I definitely don’t want to pay for this experience. I’d much rather she not come in if she can’t manager herself for 4-5 hours with my toddler.
Has anyone had experience with this?