Ask the Nanny:Advice for Parents

How a Nanny should discipline your kids?

What are the kids allowed to do when mom or dad is out of sight?

While it's never easy playing bad cop,establishing guidelines around discipline in your home will not only make life easier for you and your nanny, but it will also provide some consistency for your kids.A united front is the best way to tackle this situation.Here are some tips from psychotherapist and author Robi Ludwig, Psy. D ., on achieving harmony in your household.

1.Set the rules

Before you hire a nanny,babysitter etc, sit down with your partner and lay out clear discipline guidelines.Then discuss these rules with your potential childcare provider dring the interview provess.Gauge their reaction, if they don't respect your rules they won't necessarily enforce them.This can lead to an uncomfortable situation down the road, as well as one confused kid.

2.Stick to the rules

Consistency, consistency, consistency. If your nanny let your child watch TV all afternoon, and you make him turn it off after 30 minutes,your kid is going to start quesitoning your authority (and label you the bad guy). Communication between you and the nanny is key in determining the best way to tacklet discipline (you can always post the house rules in the home and of course mention it to the agency)

3.Don't gossip about your Nanny

"Your kids have to know that you have your nanny's back when it comes to discipline" says Ludwig. "The best way to do that is to speak to her with respect and show that your Nanny and her insight.If you speak disparagingly about your Nanny when she isn't around., the kids will pick up on that". If you find yourself grumbling too much it's time to look for a New care provider anyway,

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