My One-Year-Old is NOT 'Sexy'

My One-Year-Old is NOT 'Sexy'

Sunday, September 28, 2008

I'm happy that my nanny loves my daughter -- until she calls my baby daughter "sexy".

Guest blogger Gina on the language barrier with her nanny:

My husband I are happy that our nanny Violetta is Guatemalan. Our one-year-old daughter is learning Spanish, has developed a taste for exotic food and she's exposed to people of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Most of of our friends are "New Age" white Californians, so I make a conscious effort to accept and welcome all cultural differences.

Last month, as I was blindly walking through life, patting myself on the back for successfully embracing cultural diversity, Violetta said something to my daughter that made me fall right off my high horse. She walked in the house and gleefully exclaimed, "Addison, you look so sexy today!" Wait. What? She continued, "Mami, your outfit is sexy. Let me see."

My right mind was telling me that this is something that is said in Violetta's culture -- that it doesn't really mean she thinks my daughter is or looks sexual in any way. She is saying that she looks cute. But, I cannot help but think she's living in my culture and this is an unacceptable label for a baby.

She has said it a few times since -- and the initial shock has worn off. I still haven't said anything to her, so in a way I'm to blame. She may have no idea how I or others around me interpret that. For now, I think I'll leave it alone although -- if it's still going on when she's three -- I may change my tune.

22 comments so far | Post a comment now >>

If it bothers you, stop it before it gets worse. I don’t get the whole ‘sexy’ description for things it really shouldn’t or can’t be applied to. Yanno like babies.. cars.. your diet coke, etc. I can’t help but get this weird look and try to see what they mean.. but I just can’t understand it. Maybe a hot guy.. but not your buick or chevy..

- Vivi

Posted 10/16/08 05:31 PM

I’ve been a nanny for 6 years (off and on and for 3 families). Although I never called any of their children “sexy” I do call my 13 month old “my sexy lil man”. I remember when I was younger if I said the word “sexy” I got in big trouble by adults. I don’t really consider it a “sexual” word, but everyone is different. If it really bothers you then say something… there’s no use in holding it in. Things will only get worse if you harbor negative feelings and also as a previous nanny I know that I would want my boss to COMMUNICATE what was bothering them so I could fix it. :)

- Danica

Posted 03/28/09 08:55 PM

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