Nanny in construction zone

[Nanny in Massachusetts]

Hello. I've been nannying for the same family for a year now and have come to have a great relationship with their 16-month-old daughter. However, even after all this time, I feel very taken for granted by her parents. Right now, they are having massive construction done in their back yard. It is constant noise (and I mean serious noise) and dirt and people coming in and out of the house. I have told them multiple times that it is really hard to deal with and we need to work something out, but they haven't done anything. Maybe it's just me, but I think it is wrong to start a 12-week project involving actual demolition on your own house but leave the nanny as the only one home during the process. I am considering asking for an ultimatum: either the child spends the day at my home (which is a very nice, clean and safe house very nearby to his own home) or they figure out other childcare for the next few weeks, is this unreasonable? I am normally a very adaptive and understanding person, but the environment here is not safe for me or the child.

[puddin_pops_mama]

I don't think this is unreasonable. I have a 15-month-old daughter, and I wouldn't want her in my home all day long if it was totally chaotic. I would invite them to see your home to make sure they approve, and allow them to mention any issues they see with having her there (baby-proofing, general safety).

I would just make sure to frame this as a safety and comfort issue for their daughter. They're bound to listen to that if they're good parents, right?

[Newmom!]

I agree, the noise isn't conducive to living and learning, and if it is real loud it can actually potentially damage her hearing (80 decibel, a loud conversation, can hurt hearing if exposed to it for 8 continuous hours - machinery tend to be higher in decibels, thus can hurt hearing in less time).

Consider offering that you pick their daughter up, that way they don't have anything extra to do in the mornings. If they still are not open to it, then consider taking her on outings that keep her out of the house as much as possible. (Although I know how hard that can be with a 16mo old).

As PPM said, present it as a health issue for their child, not for you.
Also, start off as suggestions, possible parents might have ideas to complement yours and will feel less threatened and more willing to work with you. Also, set a time with them the day before, so they have the time to sit down and talk with you, may be easier for them to see how serious you are. But if they still are not listening, then, if you can afford to quit, give them the ultimatum.