Monday, February 11, 2013

Should Nannies Carry Guns?

Tactical Nanny: Security Guard and Nanny in One

Julia Marsh of The New York Post interviewed Jonathan Gilliam, a former Navy SEAL, who is developing a new nanny agency, Tactical Nanny, offering female military veterans as caregivers. Gilliam came up with the idea, according to the Post, after the horrific slaying of two children in the Upper West side of Manhattan last year allegedly by their nanny.

Gilliam told the Post the former military women being recruited for Tactical Nanny are already trained to protect people and in crisis management. They’ll even come armed if that’s what their client wants.

In the Post he says the military veteran nannies can keep tragedy from happening. The service costs at least $1,500 a week, or about $30.75 a hour, reports the Post.

When asked about mental illness in veterans, in the report below from Pix 11, Gilliam says his program will screen the veterans for post traumatic stress syndrome. Pix 11 explains Tactical Nanny is just a test program right now with just a few military veteran nannies signed on.

Do you think providing female military veterans as caregivers will give parents a peace of mind?

Check out this link for a television interview with Jonathan Gilliam. http://landing.newsinc.com/shared/video.html?freewheel=69016&sitesection=theblaze&VID=24313239

11 comments:

AuPairDebbie said...

This is so wrong on so many levels. First of all, the Navy SEAL that started this business started it because of the crime in Manhattan where the nanny killed 2 of the kids. Had the nanny had a gun the mother and other child and she would all be dead.

I think most of us speculate that in the Krim murders the Navy SEAL talks about is mentally ill. Military veterans are well known to come home needing psychological help. Many come home with post traumatic stress syndrome and even suicidal. Just because they can carry a gun doesn't mean they don't have mental illness.

I don't mind military vets working as nannies. I mind that they are marketing them to protect kids with guns.

I don't think teachers should carry guns either. I don't think most parents should carry guns either. Rifles for hunting or antiques for collecting are fine. But there is such a risk that a child can be hurt if their caregiver carries a gun.

AuPairDebbie said...

And the Navy SEAL that started "Tactical Nanny" stutters when the reporter asks him about military veterans and mental illness. He first says they will hire a psychologist. Then he changes and says well they will maybe have testing for post traumatic stress. He's not sure how to answer the question of military vets and mental illness.

Michelle said...

I don't think it's going to catch on. Most families don't need their nannies to carry guns. If a military veteran interviews with a family they would get the job for her childcare skills not her gun skills.

Tobago Nanny said...

Terrible idea and why can't male veterans work as nannies too? I don't think it's a good idea to promote nannies carrying guns.

lovebeingananny said...

The Navy SEAL will need to team up with a qualified nanny agency owner because I just don't think he's qualified to train caregivers. I don't think there will be a big market for this anyway.

eric said...

Yeah, great idea to have kids being cared for by someone with a loaded weapon...this is an impulsive, irresponsible reaction to the Krim family's situation. More guns can NEVER be a solution!

Steph 6 said...

I think Eric says it best.

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Eva said...

Mr Gilliam,
I agree that veterans do deserve jobs. I agree there veterans can be caregivers. But the comments in the televised interview and written above sound like a military trained person, not responses and comments from nanny agency staff or a caregiver. Hiring nannies to work on your development team would be most helpful in marketing the concept and talking to the press. The responses sound (and read) like military demands in a way. Nannies and parents are very loving and caring and their tone is that way too.

I agree that veterans can work as nannies. Most of the arguments are against the concept of nannies carrying guns. I'm sure some families might want to hire nanny and security gaurd in one person.

I don't hiring veterans is concern. It' the "Should Nannies Carry Guns?" debate that is controversial.

Eva said...

Sorry for so many typos. I do agree veterans can work as nannies. Whether they should carry guns the debate.

Eva said...

I think comments can be harsh on blogs (have you seen what's written about politics) so no point on going on the defensive. Just hear and learn our concerns and grow from it instead of getting defensive. You know? The guns is the problem people have with it. I think it is inappropriate for people to judge veterans as mentally ill. Plenty of working nannies are treated for illnesses and not judged for it. That's a horrible stereotype for veterans.