I too had an ‘ayah’, who I liked immensely; who never taught me any swear words or other offensive language. She too took me for evening walks to the park, and god-forbid if any one even touched me. She was treated with respect and trusted by my parents.

Whether in India or abroad, whether trained or untrained, every caregiver is screened by the parents and then employed. So if a maid or nanny is found lacking in any department, I guess it is up to the parents to check it or chuck the person out. Generalizing and placing all nannies in the same mould isn’t being fair. As an educator, I’ve found children learning more undesirable things from other places than their household staff.

Based in India, I can both understand and identify, with the author’s sharing of concern, because we don’t really have trained, responsible Nannies out here. At least, in the numbers that make them visible and representative of a professional workforce.

The author, is probably referring to the average “maid” in India who probably cooks and cleans in the house, AND is assigned the responsibility of taking the kid down to the park or play area in the evenings.

Someone like this is not trained to add value in a qualitative sense. The “maid” I am referring to is certainly not in your league of trained and experienced nannies. They are functional and just do the tasks they are assigned.

What authors need to do is constantly remind themselves that in the internet world, everybody is audience and context is what you take from it.

Please don’t think the author intends to malign in any way, because I’m sure he doesn’t and “Tickled by Life” is not the forum where you would do that.

Just my two cents’ worth. And I do hope this does not start a barrage of responses.

ambiguous – maligning – misnomer – overt – patronizing

Then look up a few you used, improperly in my opinion.

empathic – surreptitiously

That being said, I think you simply went on a bashing tirade with child care providers as your target. Your entire article centers around your “opinion” of such care providers, all negative and stereotypical!

Furthermore I am offended by the assumptions you imply. I am both a parent and a professional nanny, and have the unique position to see both sides of this issue. I know from experience, that parents and care providers can be equally guilty of inappropriate behavior. You on the other hand, lay all the blame for a child’s bad habits and attitudes squarely on the care provider. Ultimately, the fault lies entirely with the parent regardless of the situation.

Bottom line, it is the parents and only the parents who are responsible and accountable for a child’s upbringing. They set the standards and expectations for the child, the care provider, and themselves. Funny there was no mention of this anywhere in your post.

I do not know where to start when it comes to your choice of words. Throughout your article you make blatant and denigrating comments that would offend most people. Your claims have no proof to support them, yet you profess them none the less and without responsibility or accountability.

I assure you I could teach your child manners, respect, and self confidence, none of which I found in your words. How dare you make such statements and assumptions without merit. You should be ashamed!

Should we allow care providers to raise our children?
If they think like you, absolutely!!