Monday, August 21, 2006
Discipline: What is Appropriate?
Nannies and parents should always discuss the "Discipline Issue" during the job interview, even if the child is currently an infant. The parents need to articulate to the nanny the discipline method they want, and work on some guidelines on the actions that would warrant discipline of the child by the nanny. The most successful nanny:parent relationships include fundamental agreement on the child rearing methods and philosophies.
I received the following email this week:
"I'd like to offer the following feedback on your website article Nanny Questions for the Job Interview
A nanny who will not spank my children when they need it will never get a job with me. If she doesn't love children enough to take on the unpleasant but important tasks of child-rearing, then she does not love children enough to work with my kids."
Honestly!
It is important to understand that in most jurisdictions, it is ILLEGAL for the childcare provider (including a nanny) to physically discipline any child in his/her care. A nanny should never engage in physical discipline, with or without the family's approval. There are many positive discipline strategies available, including redirection and time out, that work quite well when applied consistently. And remember, 'discipline' should mean teaching, training and guiding the child to aid in good character formation, not punishment. Effective discipline is rewarding, not an unpleasant childcare task.
More Information from Purdue University: Making Childcare Safe
I received the following email this week:
"I'd like to offer the following feedback on your website article Nanny Questions for the Job Interview
A nanny who will not spank my children when they need it will never get a job with me. If she doesn't love children enough to take on the unpleasant but important tasks of child-rearing, then she does not love children enough to work with my kids."
Honestly!
It is important to understand that in most jurisdictions, it is ILLEGAL for the childcare provider (including a nanny) to physically discipline any child in his/her care. A nanny should never engage in physical discipline, with or without the family's approval. There are many positive discipline strategies available, including redirection and time out, that work quite well when applied consistently. And remember, 'discipline' should mean teaching, training and guiding the child to aid in good character formation, not punishment. Effective discipline is rewarding, not an unpleasant childcare task.
More Information from Purdue University: Making Childcare Safe
