|
04/19/2017
Dr. Laura:
I was a nanny for years and adored every single one of the four children I took care of (ranging in age from 3 months to 11 years old) as if they were my own. When I decided it was time for me to leave, I was ecstatic to find out that I would not be replaced with another nanny, but that the mother had decided to stay home instead.
What none of us anticipated was that when I left, the 3 year old in the family (who had developed a real attachment to me) cried to her mother and constantly asked for me. Her mother called to ask me to stop by to see her as often as I could. One day, I saw them in the supermarket, and the little girl wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling herself out of the shopping cart. After I said goodbye and I was in a different aisle, I actually sobbed hearing her crying out for me from the other side of the store. This just broke my heart.
People may think nannies are a better option to daycare, but you are still allowing them to bond with someone else, taking your place. I never had children of my own, but I couldn't imagine the heartache I would feel watching my child pull away from me and cry for someone else. I applaud and appreciate your mission, Dr. Laura, to protect and make children a priority again. I have seen too many of them pushed to the side, pushed on others, or left in front of the TV or a video game because parents have put what they think their kids need above what the children actually need - THEM.
Rita
|
