Humans Power: Nannies - Coursework Example

Humans Power (Nannies) Name: Institution: Humans Power (Nannies) Introduction Over the years, the increase in the number of mothers and families that seek out the help of caregivers has increased as they try to fend for the families and relieve the struggle that comes with raising young children. Popularly known as nannies, these people play a big role in bringing up children in most families through helping them perform the basic roles. Although the popularity of the caregivers may draw roots from the ancient dispensation where the slaves and maidens were required to take care of the nobles, the modern society has changed the system into ensuring that nannies are available for the children. In the recent past, the care-giving sector has improved its strategies that aim at ensuring each caregiver has undergone the necessary training and possesses the desirable qualities to handle tasks and take care of the children. It has come as a recent development as the emergence of outsourced agencies for caregivers has become an increasingly demanding market. Although this is the case, it is possible that the incorporation of the nannies comes at a hefty cost. Once parents allow the caregivers access to their homes and children, they offer them an opportunity to exert power on their children in their absence. Nannies are made in charge and liable for any actions that the children may engage in. Viewing this from a larger perspective, nannies prove to be a hindering aspect that prevents the parents from experiencing total parenting on their children. This may affect the social, physical, mental, family and economic aspects of the children. Similarly, the development of agencies that monitor activities of the nannies have always failed to ascertain the competence and expertise of their employees through the systems they implement and enact. As a result, children may grow with countless nannies therefore affecting their ability to grow as desired. Evidently, nannies are not the option to ensuring that the children grow to be responsible and dependable people in the society considering the different treatment they receive in the hands of the caregivers. Discussion Among the issues that have been present among caregivers and nannies in the recent past is that of physical abuse. From the media reports and court trials that are heard every year, it is possible to identify a number of cases that are associated with physical abuse of children under the supervision of the caregivers. This may come as a shocking factor which most parents opt to ignore based on the trust they place on the caregivers. However, it is upsetting to think about the maltreatment of children despite the fact that such professions intend on providing supportive care to the children. In most cases, children are exposed to physical abuse such as beating, slapping and kicking with the aim of making them do what is desired (Burke, 2016). Most of the nannies argue on the basis that because they have seen parents issue such forms of punishment to the children, it is permissible. Nonetheless, nannies tend to go overboard to the extent of rendering the child physically hurt. Although most of the nannies that people employ in their homes come recommended by close friends and relatives, it is likely that the nanny may engage in physical abuse. Caregivers need to perform various tasks within the time they are offered by their employers. Children may behave different when left with their nannies and may present some form of rebellion. However, parents tend to offer nannies the power to manipulate and institute force on the children to attain some objective. Once children resort to physical abuse such as damage and the use of abusive language, it is possible that the nannies will result to violence (Burke, 2016). To avoid these outcomes, families need to care for the children ensuring they grow responsibly. For instance, a nanny was found physically abusing a child after the child failed to eat food at that time. Verbal abuse is a common issue that has raised an alarm among parents and guardians. Some children in the hands of the caregivers and nannies learn how to use abusive language and respond undesirably when exposed to various situations. Such verbal language is associated with rebellion such that the child fails to realize the consequences of their actions. Although such unruly behavior may not be presented at home to the siblings and other family members, children may use abusive language in the schools and play grounds with their peers. Abusive language, which may be verbal or non-verbal through physical signs, may affect the ability of children to grow to be adorable people in the society (Sale, Kollenberg & Melinkoff, 1996). Verbal abuse creates a negative perception on the children that they may not be loved. This results to impaired growth and unfortunate thoughts that tend to cloud the children’s judgment. Verbal abuse is steered through name-calling, yelling, threats, intimidation and embarrassing statements that aim at infuriating children. Such instances result to sudden depression among the children who may tend to refrain from eating or maintaining the basic health. They may withdraw from their parents and normal activities such as interacting with their peers. Children under the effect of vernal abuse tend to be quiet and therefore interfering with the family bond. The implications of verbal abuse may encompass the effect posed to the child and the family as the child is exposed to suicidal thoughts. Agencies and families may fail to understand such implications as they focus more on the physical ability, expertise and experience of the nannies as highlighted in the portfolios. It is possible to identify hidden properties within the character of a caregiver that eliminates their eligibility for the task. Sexual abuse is among the vulnerable threats that have affected families and children in the hands of the nannies and caregivers. Children who have encountered emotional stress as well as physical harm through events of sexual abuse (Conte, 2014). The safety concerns that have been placed with agencies and families fail to take into account some relevant issues such as the ability of the child to act with utmost transparency. As much as the girl child is at an increased risk of sexual abuse, the boy child has recently been a victim considering the preference of female nannies and caregivers (Conte, 2014). Arguably, children exposed to sexual abuse do not act willingly and may be intimidated through gifts, empty promises and money. Children are prone to manipulation and once the caregivers identify what the child loves, they are likely to use it as a means to plan their assault. For instance, the case of Lauren Book who grew up in what looked like an established high-class home for over six years and it was later discovered that Lauren was sexually molested and physically abused by the family's female nanny (Book, 2011). Nannies in the recent past have identified the need to enroll into organizations, unions and agencies that make them less vulnerable to the employers. As much as this may be an advantage to the caregivers, the burden may fall on the family. The agencies are designed to safeguard the interests of the caregivers from violation and ensure that the contracts signed are followed to the latter. Because of this development, parents and families that require quality nannies will be required to part with a large sum of money in form of tax to the nannies. Within the five years, the household employment tax filings for nannies and other caregivers has fallen. However, this has been made possible through online employments that render the family at a risk. As the economy continues to register slumps, more nannies are likely to be laid off while those that possess the desirable qualities likely to increase the costs of services. This is meant to balance the exuberant tax costs. It will be implemented to offset the costs in Social Security and Medicare services among the independent nannies. In light of the aforementioned issues, it is advisable that parents avoid the use of nannies in their homes to relieve them of the consequences that may emerge. Conclusion Although caregivers and nannies come as a relevant part of relieving the parents and family members of the any tasks, they pose a great threat to the development and growth of the children. There has been increasing cases of physical abuse, verbal abuse and sexual abuse that has been associated with the caregivers, which warrants immediate attention. Similarly, the economic aspect that is associated with professional nannies in the present economic state may strain the family finances that may be required to part with more costs. References Top of Form Top of Form Top of Form Top of Form Book, L. (2011). It's ok to tell: A story of hope and recovery. Westport, CT: Prospecta Press. Burke, J. S. (2016). The nanny time bomb: Navigating the crisis in child care. California : Praeger, an imprint of ABC-CLIO, LLC.Bottom of Form Conte, J. R. (2014). Child abuse and neglect worldwide. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO. Sale, J. S., Kollenberg, K., & Melinkoff, E. (1996). The working parents handbook. New York: Simon & Schuster.Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Read More