Rainy Day

Rose had preschool today and it was raining outside, Phillip and I decided to hit the mall. It's something we do regularly, and Phillip is pretty independent so, off we went. Phillip has been having a hard time adjusting to his sister being gone but today both of them showed signs of hitting their stride.

It's interesting how different two people growing up in the same house, can be. Rose is shy and hesitant to even play with girls her own age. (A MAJOR reason she is in preschool this year) She is much more comfortable around younger children (read, her brother) and it's like pulling teeth to get her to even introduce herself to someone SHE has said she wants to play with. Not Phillip, I hardly saw the kid the entire time we were at the play area in the mall. He is independent and outgoing. I even saw him saying "Hi! HI! HIIIII!!!!" to another child.

Phillip is one of the cuddliest kids in the world. Every once in a while he would stop what he was doing, run over and yell "NINNNNNAAAAA" and just sit on my lap saying "huggy, huggy". Wrap it up, I'll take it!!!

Observations:

1. Moms, stop hovering. Your kid is never going to learn to play on his own and socialize if you follow him all over the play area. Teach him to play independently, it is good for you and GREAT for him.
2. The Dads that bring their kids to the mall? Some of the most interactive men I've ever seen in my life. There are the Fathers that pat their kids on the head and say "that's nice" and there are the Dads that bring their kids to the play area at the mall and play hide and seek.
3. I can spot a fellow nanny a mile away. Some of them make it easier than others. Take the nanny sitting OUTSIDE of the play area working ON HER LAPTOP having a snack from the food court. Meanwhile, her charges are beating the living crap out of each other and neither of them is older than three years old.
4. I will say this until it stops: there is a height/age limit to the play area for a reason. Because your big husky eight year old will crush my small petite three year old while running through the play area. Let's think tractor trailer hitting prius here, people. Next time, I'm calling you out in front of God and every shopper at the mall.
5. The play area is not a babysitter. Do not drop your kids off and go shopping. I'm not watching your kid, I'm watching the ones I'm paid to take care of. Something happens to yours? I'll help but, I'll also help myself to calling social services.

I take my job VERY seriously, as you can tell. Wouldn't you want the person caring for your children to do the same?