Ever get tears in your eyes when your child calls you by the babysitter’s name?  Does the fact that your nanny gets play time with your baby while you work make you sad?  In “I’m Jealous of My Nanny: A Mom’s Honest Confession,” Amy Levin-Epstein gives compelling reasons why “you’re bettering the life of your child by giving her a greater circle of loving caregivers.”  (http://www.parenting.com/article/im-jealous-of-my-nanny-a-moms-honest-confession)

The article offers some insights and solutions from parenting experts as well as reasons you probably don’t need to worry.  I believe it’s good for children to get close to other caregivers, even if they occasionally call them “Mommy.”  Let’s face it. Not all mothers like to crawl on the floor or read the same book over and over again.  Thank goodness for the people who do.    Remember:

1. Even if a baby has more than one mother figure and later get crushes on teachers, the kid next door, or their teenage babysitter,  you ARE the mother and they will always love you more, even on a day they pretend differently.

2. Having other caregivers teaches your child how to separate.  You want your child to bond and feel loved by their other parent, grandparents, aunts, uncles and the entire village.

3. Different people will gift your children with broader understanding of the world. Each relationship builds strong people skills.

3. Kids develop emotional intelligence from experiencing different rules and boundaries with care givers or, in the case of a child who moves between households, an opportunity to learn people management.  It’s incredible how quickly a child learns where they can mash their peas or when they have to use a napkin.

4. If you are cerebral and thoughtful, don’t try to be the sparkly, silly person, but be grateful your child has the richness of human diversity and celebrate the special times you share what you love with your child.  More is caught than taught.