Pearls of wisdom?

We are transitioning to a new nanny this week after having our current nanny since the kiddos were 7 months old (so almost 18 months!). We are very sad to see her go, but she is getting ready to welcome her own little one soon. I guess our kids were not THAT challenging, or she probably wouldn't want one of her own

We loved our new nanny during the interview, but I am a little worried she is more "green" than I anticipated. I do NOT want my kids to take over and rule the roost! I am working on compiling a small list of ways to handle discipline, meal-times, etc. and I would love some help: if you could offer one (or two) bits of advice for handling two two-year olds, what would it be?

I am hopeful this transition won't be as bad as I am anticipating (though we had two full-blown tantrums this morning for unknown reasons...I think they sense the change in the air!).

Thanks for your help

 

be consistent!!!!!

that is all the wisdom i have to share.

 

Be consistent!!! And don't ever let them see you sweat! But seriously, it's worth coaching a new nanny about the importance of always following through on what she says. If she tells your child that she'll take a toy away if they throw it one more time, then she needs to take that toy away. And if she says that nap is after lunch, then she needs to get them ready for nap right after lunch, not right after she lets them play a little.

And... routines are very important for little kids. So help your new nanny create a routine for your kids and ask her to stick to it until she's all settled into the job and ready to create her own routine.

 

Be consistent.

Don't threaten a consequence that you're not going to follow through on. ("I'm going to leave the store without you!")

Practice zen-like acceptance of the screaming/crying/howling/banshee-antics that come with the follow-through.

Catch them being good at least as often as you catch them being bad. Positive reinforcement.

Talk them through everything. If they're going to nap after lunch, for example, set it up at least several times: "We're going to have lunch, and then we'll wash our hands, and then we'll go upstairs and change diapers and read a story before naptime," before lunch; during lunch, "When we finish eating, we'll wash our hands, etc etc." It really helps when they know what to expect.

And about meals, I'd give a quick rundown of Sattler's advice: don't make a big deal about eating or not eating, you're in charge of what you serve and when, and it's up to them to eat as much as they need to. Don't get into coaxing or forcing things.

Good luck! I hope the new nanny works out great for everyone!