#anywhere

"What about client kids?"

"Oh, I've known some charmers" She assures

"But no clients right now?"

"Here.." She pulls out a paper "References.. and non current. Guess they picked the nannys that wouldn't be in conflict?"

Tove takes the paper and looks them over

"What do you do when a toddler is being a terror?" Her tone might come off as hostile or interrogatory. But then - troll.

"I find it easier to encourage positive behaviors than punish bad ones" she says "And unless the child is in danger of hurting himself, I tend to try to find the source before I make a quick call. When did I last feed him? Is he hot? Is there stress? "

Brow furrow.

"When do you punish? And how?"

"Time outs work pretty well." She says gently "In moderation. Has to be age appropriate time"

"I don't spank if that's what worries you? Studies show that even when it is not done abusively... it does not yield good results" Demtera says "And never decide on a punishment while angry"

"About anger..." Tove says "Ah, not to sterotype but... "

"I'm a satyress" she nods "But I'm also a grump..age brings will power and..perspective"

Tove consders "Good. I apologize if that was offensive but..."

"But this is your son" A nod "I understand" A look to Dagmar "other questions , Dame?"

"Have you ever hurt a child?"

"Emotionally? Yes. Physically... I did try spanking my own children once, but it was not done with temper or any force that did bruising. That was back when everyone was okay with it" A sad look "I regreted it even then."

Frown. "Emotionally?"

"A childling, not my own, tried to attack me in an alley. Redcap boy. I lectured him terribly and made him cry" True

She chews on her lip.

"What reasons would we have to reject you, do you think?"

"Wow. You're tough" Demtera says impressed

"She loves her brother, Fiercely" Tove says "And we trolls are protective"

She folds her arms across her chest.

"mmm" Demetera thinks about it "My age works against me in energy. I am a satry, bit of extra umph, but I am old. I tire out easier than I used to. I am not strong. Not sure if that works against me regularly but I can see it concerning you."

"What about substances? Do you think 'just a glass' won't affect you? Maybe some pills to keep your mellow?"

"I suggest he stay away from drinking until he's 18" Demtera grins

"But you. When you're caregiving."

Tove ahems

"I never drink on the job" She assures both, as Tove's 'ahem' was at the attempted jest "As for pill popping, never was my scene. I did smoke a joint now and then but less and less"

All true

She closes her eyes, feeling out the Boon.

"Oh and I don't smoke near kids. Second hand smoke is a thing even for pot" True

"What if he rejects a meal you prepared? Would you force him to eat it? Would you make him go hungry?"

"Well, I would want a list of his favorite and least favorite foods. No he wouldn't go hungry but I wouldn't give him some food he demanded on the spot in liue of. I'd probably text his mother or father to see if there was some trouble I didn't know"

A small jaw jut.

"Dagmar" Tove says gently, "I think she's got a point...but maybe isn't stating it well" She looks at Demtera "When you some 'some food he demanded on the spot'?"

"Oh.. I mean if he ONLY wants to eat sugarcrunchberries... no, but I would offer him alerantives to the sandwich I originally made. Sorry I should be clear." the old satyress says

True

"He gets PBJs when he's being picky."

"PBJS are yum!" CJ says

"Noted" the satyress says

"Any other questions?" The Satyress asks

"What days would you refuse to work? Any holidays or the like?" Tove inquires

"Two days off a week. Which days are up to you. I need Christmas with my kids but I figure you would be with your family on that"

Dagmar studies the greybeard, like a skittish dog evaluating a stranger - downgrading from hostile to wary, at least.

The talk from there is more 'scheduling options' and so on.. and soon Tove sends Demetera out with her thanks, and that Tove will 'get back to you'

Once mother and daughter and CJ are alone, Tove turns to them "What do you think?"

"I don't know what the catch is."

"She didn't lie, but I couldn't hit the right question."