So, to start off, I have a question. In your opinion, is it unacceptable for nanny do do her own homework/studying during her job? I'm a full time student, and I also work all the time. One of my jobs is on weekends, all weekend long. It's for a wonderful five year old. He and I have a great time together, do activities, play games, go on outings. But often, he likes to play by himself, and I'll do some of my studying. I think it's healthy and important for a child to know how to self-entertain. I don't just ignore him...if he changes his mind and needs me, I'm there. I'm frustrated right now because I've been reading all these online nanny forums that seem to have the general consensus that a nanny studying or texting on the job is horrendous.

Now, that being said, I have another question. Should I quit my weekday job? I'm getting very stressed out. The parents are very nice, but a bit controlling. They have me on an insanely tight schedule with kids that need constant "stimulation". The kids (both preschool aged) are very disrespectful. The older boy does things to deliberately upset me...though I would like to say I remain calm and make sure never to lose my temper, yell, etc. He does things like pee on the floor instead of in the toilet (on purpose), run into the street in front of an oncoming car, hit, slap, and pinch me, and on and on... I've tried talking to the mom about these behavioral issues but she says "oh, he's just trying to get you to react." Meanwhile I feel like I'm being tortured every day...which isn't the way I want to feel in a job, and I'm sure it's affecting the children because I'm having a hard time connecting with them. The family is also very active (one of the parents is an Olympic Medalist which I didn't know when I started) and I'm having a really hard time keeping up/providing the amount of physical activity the kids seem to need. The mom leaves me a new rule every day and I feel like this isn't the job I signed on for. I don't think that "childcare" means constant hands-on activities with the kids every minute of every day. That's crazy. But I guess it's a matter of opinion. I'm worried that this job really just doesn't fit with me, and I'm thinking they need to find someone more suited to their outlook and lifestyle.

Advice? Two questions: is it okay for a nanny to study if it doesn't interfere with the child's care? Should I quit this nanny job?

I'm really stressed out and this is really bothering me. Thanks for reading!