Advice for a nanny? (3 kids!)

Question

Hey ladies!
I’ve been nannying for about 5 years now kids of all ages; I’m currently an (almost) 25yo college student and I’m super enthusiast, patient, and kind! The mom I currently work for has two kids, 4 and 2 years old, and she’s pregnant with baby #3. I struggle with the older girl as she is very rebellious and does not listen very well. Currently she’s having a melt-down because she’s refusing to sleep, even though I can tell by her droopy eyes that she’s exhausted.
I have tried rubbing her back, making her honey milk tea (no caffeine), reading her stories, etc, but she’s hitting the walls with her hands and feet and screaming. I asked the dad if I could just let her stay up for a while but he said she didn’t sleep very much last night, and needs to rest. 
I’ve never taken care of 3 kids before but I do feel confident in my abilities; however do you guys have any advice? I know I’m super nice and somewhat of a pushover, so I’m guessing that’s the reason we’re having issues at the moment. 
Thanks!!

Answer

I would personally let her be alone in her room. If shes over tired then any stimulation could be not allowing her to settle. Unfortunately when they are overtired they tend to fight their sleep. I would work on trying to keep a consistent schedule between yourself and parents to prevent this

Answer

Routines are the best things for kids. Even if you end up doing the same thing every single day. Consistent bedtimes and naptimes are key imo. I know that my 2yo acts sooooo much better when he is on a routine as opposed to his schedule just being all over the place. And kudos to you for loving and taking care of someone else’s kids! I love my kids but I couldn’t take care of someone else’s

Answer

I am a nanny for twins, one boy and one girl. I started with them when they were three and they are six now. I am currently on maternity leave. The girl has always been more work. She doesn’t like to play by herself, always wants attention/to be entertained, never goes down to nap without a scene. In the beginning she would just cry and scream whenever she didn’t get her way which would make her brother cry. 
Her parents would often read to her/rub her back or talk to her. 
I literally tuck her in, explain to her that she will nap for an hour and the hour starts as soon as she falls asleep. The sooner she gets to sleep, the sooner she will get up so we can play. When I explained it to her like that, she would start to go down right away. No fuss. Tucked her in, close the door and went on my way. 
An explanation of what is going to happen and letting them know there is no alternative may help her realize that she cant change nap time.

Answer

If she didnt sleep good the night before then she is over tired and she is working against herself. Try like a non stimulating movie that usually helps my son

Answer

Sometimes you can't do too much about this situation if the parents aren't willing to be consistent with her schedule. I nannied for a family for 8 years and luckily they were very consistent with routines and rules but ive dealt with families with unruly kids as well. I keep a strict but friendly relationship with all the kids so that they knew I had no trouble disciplining them but I wasn't unreasonable about it and would let some things slide that their parents may not cuz then what's the fun in having a nanny right? Lol. Also does this girl have any type of development difficulties? The 4 year old girl I nannied from birth never acted that way even when over tired so that seems like some extreme behavior. What do her parents say when she acts that way? Do they advise you how to handle it? If you haven't asked yet I would start there.

Advice for a nanny? (3 kids!)

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