Reflections Of A Nanny

photoEarlier this week, my wife and I received the loveliest note from my son’s former caregiver. They had run into each other at the local playground after having not seen each other for several years—my son, of course, had not mentioned it to us.

Beyond the message of the letter, it was a lovely gesture for someone to take the time to say something nice about your child. Adam is 10 now and it was nice to hear someone else’s perspective on how far he’s come and where he’s going. Here’s what she said:

“I had the pleasure of seeing Adam today (Sept 22) at John Jay, I must say he is growing into a fine young man. He’s all grown up, very positive, and quite witty. I asked him for a hug and, although he didn’t hesitate, it seemed that I was interrupting a pretty important soccer game with his friends (I must add he has pretty good soccer skills). I asked him if those were his school friends to which he responded: ‘They are only a few of them, I have many more.’ He also told me that he had walked to the playground by himself and would be met there later. I had to laugh, I gave him a high five and told him good job. He surely left me with a smile on my face. Keep up the good work. Hope all is well with the family. God’s favor and blessings.”

Eric Messinger is the editor of  New York Family. He can be reached at [email protected].

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Speakitaly NYC

<p>SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.  Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress. </p> <p>Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge.</p> <p>Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City… Who doesn’t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history & in the arts?</p> <p>Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor’s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"</p>

Aviator Sports Summer Day Camp

<p>Aviator Sports Summer Day Camp offers five daily rotating activities such as swimming, ice skating gymnastics, rock climbing, parkour, indoor/outdoor turf, and courts plus more in its ample 175,000 sq. ft. facility and 35-acre outdoor area. Aviator Summer Camp also offers off-site and on-site field trips such as a day at Green Meadows Farm, Launch Trampoline Park, and a Brooklyn Cyclones game. The summer camp runs from 9 am-5 pm with early drop off and late stay available. Bus transportation is also available throughout Brooklyn. Lunch and an afternoon snack are included. Sign up by February 28th to receive up to $300 off camp with early bird discounts.</p>

Polaris Productions Theater Camp

<p>Kids will learn, rehearse, and perform the wonderful Maurice Sendak and Carole King musical, Really Rosie. For 10 weekdays, campers will take part in physical and vocal warm-ups and learn choreography, staging, and vocal parts. They’ll develop skills in acting, singing, character development, and more. This camp will ignite your child’s imagination and passion for performing, build their self-esteem, and help them form lasting friendships. They’ll have fun! At camp’s end, the kids will perform Really Rosie for family members and friends. Kids of all levels of experience, ages 8 through 13, are welcome to join.</p>