Redditor Sets Out Punishment For Her Kid After Catching Her Screaming At Their Nanny
“You're a maid; that’s what we pay you for, to clean up after our family. Do your job!”
Raising kids is hard work, as parents usually testify to on a daily basis. Having help is not a privilege that everyone enjoys, and it can be quite expensive.
If you are someone who can afford it, we hope that help is treated the way it should be—always with respect, as they are there to make your life easier, despite being paid for it.
Some people may not recognize that, especially those who have become so accustomed to constant help. Others are worse, as they tend to look down on the people they hire for their services.
A Redditor who has always known the value of hard work and has made sure to instill respect for workers in her children had an 'I-failed-as-a-parent' moment. She went to post on the subreddit 'Am I The A**hole' about her troubles.
OP and her husband have three kids, one of whom is a young teenager. OP's family is well taken care of since her husband comes from a wealthy family and has done well for himself.
It is something that OP has always appreciated, as well as the privilege of being able to afford help. She made sure to teach her kids to be grateful for their status and to help take care of others when they can.
This is the question from the subreddit post
Suspicious-Room5169OP described the lifestyle that her family has
Suspicious-Room5169She had always wanted to teach her kids well instead of letting them become spoiled brats
Suspicious-Room5169
They try to give back when they can
Suspicious-Room5169
It was a horrifying scene for OP to witness
Suspicious-Room5169
OP instantly recognized who was in the wrong and gave the poor nanny time off to rest
Suspicious-Room5169
As a team, OP and her husband explained to their daughter what she did wrong
Suspicious-Room5169
They outlined her punishment and planned to regroup in a few weeks
Suspicious-Room5169
But their daughter didn't see the point in their punishment
Suspicious-Room5169
OP provided some background about her and her husband's family
Suspicious-Room5169
Sadly, she and her mother-in-law haven't always seen eye to eye
Suspicious-Room5169
And her eldest daughter seemed to take a liking to her grandma
Suspicious-Room5169
They do have a plan B if the punishments don't work
Suspicious-Room5169
One day, OP came home to find her eldest daughter screaming at their nanny—a nanny who has helped OP with all of her children and someone she considers family.
It was understandable for OP to be angry, but more so, she was disappointed to realize that what she had taught her about respect and gratitude hadn't stuck. OP calmly dismissed her daughter to her room after taking away her electronics.
OP comforted the nanny and asked her to take some time off. When OP's husband came home, they both set off to talk to their daughter and explain her punishment, which includes volunteering at youth centers until she understands her lesson.
The daughter didn't take it well and ran to OP's mother-in-law—someone who was spoiled and never shared the same perspective as OP or her husband regarding privilege.
The mother-in-law and OP's husband's family believe they are in the wrong for the punishment they imposed on their daughter, while OP's family disagrees. OP is torn about whether she was truly in the wrong for disciplining her daughter.
A few words for OP, but a well-meaning reassurance for her
VinnyCapistrano
OP calmly handled the situation and ensured that both she and her husband would make decisions together
ShadyVermin
OP's daughter, despite the teachings, fails to see past her privilege
JustMissKacey
Maybe OP's punishments should actually be seen as stepping stones for her kids to become better people (cont)
JustMissKacey
A story from this Redditor (cont)
JustMissKacey
End of the story (cont)
JustMissKacey
If OP's daughter continues to feel superior to those whom the family pays, then she might do something worse when it's her who has the money
EagleVsKodiak
It's a reward-based system, but at least she'll understand how hard other people work for their money, even if she's doing minimal house chores
Childhood-trauma-87
There has been a debate among Redditors regarding one of OP's punishments for her daughter
skuldintape_eire
Maybe it's about learning to be grateful because someone else has it worse; that's why it's a bit unsettling
0biterdicta
There might be a reason for OP to include it in her conditions
0biterdicta
Her daughter might pick up an important lesson or two
JadieJang
A continuation of the comment
JadieJang
This is the perspective from someone who might have to deal with kids like OP's daughter if she volunteers
LuckOfTheDevil
They deserve help from someone who genuinely wants to assist
Easthampster
The fact that OP offered the option to regroup with her family after a few weeks shows how she values their feelings
sassyevaperon
And it might push their daughter to rebel and seek comfort from those who might teach her the wrong things
0biterdicta
It was important for OP to teach her children the values of appreciation and respect, as she has experienced working hard for what she has. OP has also lived in foster care and grew up needing help from youth centers.
Overall, she was voted as not the a**hole and was commended for how she handled the situation, as well as her husband. Her husband's family could learn a thing or two from them.
Do you think their daughter will recognize her wrongdoing? You can share your thoughts with us in the comments.