maybe you should listen.

This is the bain of every nanny: Parents who do not listen. Especially first time parents who think they know everything because they've read every book on the planet about childhood. I've been a part of raising over 10 kids. Most of those kids I spent more time with than their parents...

I may have a general idea of what's good and bad for children. Maybe.

Case in point; my current charge has poop issues. She gets constipated and then it hurts and then she gets too scared to poop. It's not that uncommon. Diet is usually the culprit so I started giving her oatmeal with a little bit of prunes in the morning. Cured. Then it came back... the parents (ok, the mom) was spiking her oats with applesauce (notorious constipator). I mentioned that this may be what was the problem and was soundly blown off. "She likes applesauce!" was the answer.

She also likes chocolate but she doesn't get that all the time. You can't make a kid like you with food... Besides, WHO IS THE GROWN UP?

Problem continues through laxatives, copious amounts of prunes and finally - to my horror - enemas. Instead of changing her diet, they started giving her an enema every day. Then they would give her a banana. "She likes bananas!" or white rice. Ever heard of the BRAT diet? it's what you give kids when they have diarrhea... Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast. All those things are supremely constipating.

I mention these facts to both parents (together and separately) but, again, what hell do I know?

Finally, at her next checkup the doctor forbid them from giving her Bananas, (white) Rice, Applesauce and Toast. SHOCKING!!! MY GOD THIS IS BRAND NEW INFORMATION!!! said the parents. Thank you, oh smart and all knowing doctor, for finally giving us the information we needed.

I just shook my head. Saying 'I told you so' means nothing. The child is the one that suffers because of your insufferable sanctimonious bullshit, not me.

makes me want to scream sometimes.