I have a young female charge (almost four) who is still breastfeeding. She asks her mother quite frequently and loudly(and in public) for "booby". How can I discourage her from doing this without making a big fuss?
2007-01-21 03:32:49 · 9 answers · asked by IamBatman 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Seeing as people are saying it is none of my business, let me remind you that she is my charge, as in, I am her nanny. So I do believe that while it is ultimately up to her mother, it also is my business.
I am not going to come out and tell her no, don't do that...that is definately not my place...I was just wondering if anyone had any creative ideas that may deter the child from wanting to do this.
2007-01-21 06:07:40 · update #1
That's a tough situation. I think that the best way to deal with that is to let the child know that nursing is a private experience, and that there's nothing wrong with doing it, but doing it and talking about it needs to be done in private. I think at this age kids should have a good grasp on what privacy means. But it's a delicate situation, because you don't want to make them feel any shame.
If the girl's mother agrees, then I would push the "privacy" thing. If the mother has no problem with her demanding it, or using that word, then I'm afraid you probably can't do much about it :( Tough situation.
2007-01-21 08:24:05 · answer #1 · answered by Emily 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
The relationship between the breastfeeding mother and her nursling is one of a very personal nature. And based on her dedication, this is a mother who takes her role in this relationship very seriously.
Regardless of the professional role you play in their life, this is quite frankly a matter which is none of your business. Unless you wish to deeply hurt and offend - and possibly risk losing your job - I would keep my mouth shut if I were you.
As for looking for "creative ideas to deter the child," you should be ashamed of yourself. That is completely unethical. You, as her nanny, are there to support the decisions made by her parents - you are not there to go behind their backs and do whatever YOU think is best for their child.
Just because you are uncomfortable with extended breastfeeding, does not mean you should push your feelings onto others. And if it really bothers you that much, you can always quit and find another family.
2007-01-22 06:25:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately as bizarre as it is and probably an issue the 4 year old will be put into a situation of being embarrassed about when with other kids her age - or in going to school next year...there is nothing you can do about it. Bottom line is you are not her mother so it is ultimately not your decision. It might help if you took the mother aside and discuss the situation one on one so that maybe you have a better understanding of why in the world this woman has chosen to breastfeed well beyond what most people normally do and hopefully come up with a solution as to how to handle it when the 4 year old proclaims her desire in public to be breastfed.
2007-01-21 04:50:46 · answer #3 · answered by chick33 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Don't discourage her, for one its not your place to do so and for two breastfeeding even at that age is not bad. Some places in the world parents breastfeed much longer than that.
Yes in the USA its not that exceptable to see parents breastfeeding kids that old but there is nothing wrong with it at all morally or physically for the child.
Breastfeeding is a personal choice for a mother and her child and no one in my opinon has right to tell them to stop. As long as this child is eating other foods, growing, and is healthy and happy then leave them alone
2007-01-21 03:42:35 · answer #4 · answered by Lori R 4 · 8⤊ 4⤋
talk to the mom privately, there really is no nutritional need for a 4 year old to still be nursing. she obviously is doing out of an emotianal need.
2007-01-22 02:52:43 · answer #5 · answered by Angela C 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
personally i do think that is is quite odd....i mean i would be freaked out if i saw that...but its a personal choice and i guess just respect it....that kids gonna have problems at lunch next year in kindergarten though
2007-01-21 04:25:02 · answer #6 · answered by tcb 4 · 4⤊ 3⤋
Who are you and why is it your concern? Obviously you're not her mother, so... it's not your issue!
2007-01-21 05:03:11 · answer #7 · answered by becky902@sbcglobal.net 2 · 2⤊ 4⤋
say "no" every time and also tell the girl she"s too old for such thing
2007-01-21 03:41:12 · answer #8 · answered by Jellyfish 3 · 0⤊ 6⤋
If they live in Alabama it is probably incest. That is pretty disturbing.
2007-01-21 03:38:17 · answer #9 · answered by MIA24/7 4 · 0⤊ 6⤋