I noticed my son cried every time the nanny came to pick him up from daycare. So one day, I decided to follow them.
Finding out why your child is distressed in someone else’s care is a priority for any parent, and your decision to follow them was a necessary step to ensure his safety. What I discovered during my investigation revealed a situation that required immediate intervention.
The Observation
When I followed the nanny and my son from daycare, I maintained a distance to see their natural interaction away from my presence. While the nanny appeared professional during drop-offs and pick-ups, her demeanor changed once they were out of public view. She was dismissive of his emotional needs, often ignoring his crying while she remained distracted by her phone, leading to the clear separation anxiety he was exhibiting.
Warning Signs and Findings
Beyond the immediate emotional distress, I noticed several “hidden” issues in the home environment that may have contributed to his overall discomfort and health.
- Environmental Irritants: I found evidence of a significant bed bug infestation in the nanny’s shared living space where my son spent his afternoons. These pests cause persistent itching and sleep disruption, which explains his irritability.
- Household Pests: The presence of green flies around the food preparation area suggested improper waste management. These flies are often a sign of decaying organic matter or “hidden” sanitation problems that can lead to stomach issues.
- Safety Hazards: I discovered several high-draw electrical devices left plugged in and unattended, posing a potential fire risk in an environment where a toddler is playing.
Actionable Steps for Recovery
After terminating the nanny’s employment, I focused on restoring a healthy and safe environment for my son using natural, non-toxic methods.
1. Natural Pest Eradication
To handle the pest issues without exposing a young child to harsh chemicals, I utilized simple kitchen staples.
- Vinegar Spray: A mixture of white vinegar and water was used to deep-clean surfaces and deter flies.
- Clove Infusion: Boiling whole cloves creates a natural repellent spray that is effective against a variety of household insects while remaining safe for children.
2. Emotional and Sensory Support
To help my son process the stress of the last few weeks, I introduced calming sensory elements into our home.
- DIY Diffusers: I upcycled plastic bottles into reed diffusers using essential oils like lavender to promote a relaxing atmosphere.
- Hydration and Comfort: We focused on traditional warm drinks, like a mild ginger and cinnamon infusion, to soothe his stomach and provide a sense of routine.
3. Home Organization Upgrades
I improved home safety and accessibility using simple upcycling “hacks.”
- Wipe-Lid Organizers: I used the lids from empty wet-wipe packages to create “hidden” doors for cable management, keeping dangerous cords out of his reach.
Professional Note: If your child exhibits persist fear or regression after a change in childcare, always trust your intuition. Physical signs like unexplained bites or digestive upset should be documented and discussed with a pediatrician immediately.
