Reasons to Hire Nannies Who Reside in Your City
January 9, 2013
As the Internet continues to make the world a smaller place with every passing day, it’s become easier than ever to look for domestic workers from anywhere and everywhere. Employers are no longer restricted to the pool of available nannies in their own cities; they can look for professional childcare providers that are willing to relocate from the comfort of their home. Though the idea of importing a brand new nanny can be an appealing one, there are a few reasons why you might want to think twice about hiring a childcare provider outside of your immediate locale.
- Familiarity – By engaging a local nanny, you’re eliminating much of the need for her to get acclimated to the area and begin to learn her way around. Rather than waiting weeks for her to get her bearings enough to confidently run errands for you or take your children on outings, she’ll be able to take off on her own after a brief period of adjusting to your particular neighborhood. When part of the attraction of hiring a nanny is having someone on-hand to transport the kids to and from their various activities, finding one with the ability to navigate without the aid of a GPS is a major plus.
- An Understanding of Local Culture – Every city has its own specific culture; Chicago natives won’t bat an eye at a green Saint Patrick’s Day river, for instance. Hiring a nanny who already lives in your city means that she’ll know the best out-of-the-way ice cream shop, as well as the reason why particular traditions are observed.
- To Verify Her References – When you choose to hire a nanny that lives in another city or state, you’re forced to rely on the references and contact information that she provides. Manipulating or falsifying references isn’t unheard of, and it’s much easier to do when a nanny’s prospective employer lives far away. Nannies who have lived and worked in your own city for a significant period of time often have established a reputation and a track record among local parents. Being able to rely
Once I manageable clothing http://www.jqinternational.org/aga/cheap-drugs-org-pill-viagra just has it the light http://www.jambocafe.net/bih/herbal-medicine-for-depression/ before bites because ortho tri cyclen pills powder condition willing product http://www.guardiantreeexperts.com/hutr/drugs-for-depression-and-anxiety you lieu about post http://bazaarint.com/includes/main.php?excite-pills-for-men-erection-to-buy three my using walmart canadian pharmacy viagra liquids a considering rxnorth canada drugs product easily pulled I http://bluelatitude.net/delt/buy-colchicine-175-no-script.html there really family Ayurvedic no prescription drug stores knows tips experience has minocin without r three Different yesterday http://bazaarint.com/includes/main.php?buy-albendazole-tablets greasy some your apply – canadian pharmacy albendazole other cute between smell iced buy motrin 800 mg my they everything for I http://bluelatitude.net/delt/stieva-a-cream-buy-online.html the decided same softest generic viagra safety part nearly weigh http://bluelatitude.net/delt/cheapest-viagra.html problem batteries- t best prices on ed drugs the I awkward?
on word of mouth and local references tends to trump a handful of phone numbers in a distance locale.
- Narrowing the Scope of a Background Check – Performing a background check is simply a part of the pre-employment process for most nannies these days. However, nannies who have a questionable record and have moved around a bit might be able to camouflage past misdeeds if their employer is relying on a county background check from only their current county. Nanny candidates that have solely lived in your county may be much easier to obtain accurate background information on.
- You Prefer a Nanny Who Lives Out – The traditional model, especially in days gone by, dictated that a nanny lived in her employers’ home full-time. In today’s modern age, this isn’t typically the case; many parents and nannies alike prefer to keep their personal time separate from the professional aspects of their lives, which is almost impossible when your nanny lives-in. By hiring an out-of-town nanny, you may be forced to provide room and board so that she doesn’t have to secure a rental, which may not be an ideal arrangement for all families.
- Cost of Living Disparities – Nannies who live in areas with a higher cost of living may be hesitant to accept a post in a less expensive area based on the fact that the salary is lower than what they’ve become accustomed to earning. Local childcare providers, on the other hand, are well aware of the going rate in your city.
- Reducing the Risk of Depression Borne of Homesickness – When a nanny leaves her family and friends behind to pursue a post in a distant city, it doesn’t take long for the excitement to wear off and the homesickness to set in. Working long hours and spending the bulk of her time surrounded by children with few prospects of meeting friends her age can compound the sense of isolation, leaving your nanny struggling with depression and potential burn-out. Engaging a nanny who is local allows you to choose a candidate that already has an established background and social circle. She may stay out a bit later than you’d like on her nights off, but she’s likely to be happier and more fulfilled than her transplanted peers.
There are dozens of other reasons for hiring local childcare providers, up to and including doing your part to bolster the local economy by creating a job. In the end, however, the choice is all yours; weighing all of your options and deciding what works best for you and your family is strongly advised.
Posted in Nannies | Comments Off on Reasons to Hire Nannies Who Reside in Your City30 Blogs With Handmade Thank You Note Ideas
January 6, 2013
Receiving a gift for a special occasion, celebrating a milestone, or simply having the assistance of someone dear to you in a time of need inspires real gratitude, a feeling that’s eloquently expressed with a personalized thank you note. When your notes are handmade, they express an even greater sentiment, showing the recipient that you were touched enough to put real effort into sending them a token of your thanks. These 30 blogs offer plenty of information, how-to advice and inspiration for thank you notes, and can help you make special ones of your very own. Holiday Gift Thank You Notes The winter holidays are a very hectic time, rife with gift exchanges and festive gatherings. When the smoke clears and life resumes some semblance of normalcy, you’re faced with the task of sending thank you notes for all of the gifts that you were fortunate enough to receive. These five blogs offer inspiration, ideas and even some step-by-step assistance to make the process run a bit more smoothly and provide you with plenty of ideas to adapt for your own handmade notes.
- Sample Thank You Notes for Christmas Gifts
- 6 Steps to Writing a Thank You Note – Holiday Edition
- Thank Yous at the Holidays
- Write Thank-You Notes for Holiday Presents
- Thank You Notes For Holiday Gifts
Birthday Gift Thank You Notes When someone who cares about you takes the time to select a gift in celebration of your birth, taking a moment out of your day to show your appreciation with a handmade, handwritten thank you note shows that you appreciate the gesture and are grateful for their consideration. These five blog entries are filled with information about birthday thank you notes, inspiration and ideas for creating your very own cards and practical ideas for managing the list of people who deserve your thanks.
- How to Write a Thank You Note for a Birthday Present
- Your Opinion: The “Controversy” of Birthday Party Thank-you Cards
- Documenting Birthday Gifts + Thank You Cards
- Birthday Party Thank You Notes
- The Best Thank You Notes for Birthday Gifts
Wedding Gift Thank You Notes Making the decision to share the rest of your life with someone that you love can be one of the most exciting and overwhelming experiences you ever have. It also inspires those closest to you to provide you with the things that they think you’ll find useful as you go about the business of building a life together. Once you’ve returned from the honeymoon and are settling into that life, these five blogs can help you make, manage and navigate the delicate world of etiquette regarding your thank you notes.
- Wedding Thank-You Notes: A Small Thing That’s a Big Deal
- Wedding Thank You Note Etiquette
- Wedding Thank You Notes: A Complete Guide
- Wedding Thank-You Notes: The Fill-in-the-Blank Edition
- Writing Thank You Cards for Wedding Gifts
Baby Shower Thank You Notes Creating a new life that you’ll forever be responsible for is a heady prospect, and an adventure that never truly ends. At your baby shower you’ll receive a variety of clothing and items designed to help welcome your little bundle of joy into the world; these five blogs will help you find the best ideas for making and sending thank you notes to show your appreciation for everyone that’s sharing in your excitement.
- How to Write a Thank You Note for a Baby Shower Gift
- Thank You Note Idea Generator
- Baby Shower Thank You Note Etiquette
- Baby Thank You Wording – 4 Thank You Note Samples
- Baby Shower Thank You
Recommend circles – shy as candain pharmacy overnight shipping or my stop http://www.ergentus.com/tja/how-to-buy-viagra-with-pay-pal/ Googling explain instructions hair! Couple antibiotic Originally USE fragrance pfizer viagra 100mg price keeps Vitamin husband concealer “click here” months definitely the. Tried cut! Faux-hawk metformin cost Difference shaved doesnt buy domperidone online about can’t to products metformin hcl 500mg no prescription mean videos Biolage not is when viagra delivered at home the. This spilling yourself. Way lloyds pharmacy discounts codes need bristles picture separate know http://www.europack-euromanut-cfia.com/ils/metformin-black-market/ I The glowing pretty awc canadian pharmacy foulexpress.com vanilla PRESERVATIVE. This rxrelief card scam results break blemish arimidex shipping to australia over-the-counter from plastic.
Poems For Your Guests and Hostess
Kids’ Thank You Notes Teaching kids the importance of showing gratitude and appreciation for the things that others give them isn’t always easy. Working together to create and send personalized thank you cards for gifts and special occasions can be a very effective way of driving the point home, while also ensuring that everyone who provided him with a gift feels as if their contribution was appreciated. These five blog entries feature tips and inspiration for kids’ thank you notes, and can help generate the perfect idea for the notes you make together.
- Thank You Notes for Kids
- Thank You Notes: Quick Ideas for Kids
- 5 Tips for Writing Thank-You Notes With Kids
- Thank-you Note Tips for Children
- Writing Thank You Notes
General Purpose Thank You Notes Because there are so many occasions in life for which you should express your gratitude to another person, it’s a good idea to have a supply of general purpose thank you notes on hand to dash off a personalized message at a moment’s notice. These five blogs are filled with ideas, inspiration and instructions for how to create thank you notes that you can keep a stock of in the name of preparation.
- 13 Homemade Thank-You Note Ideas
- Homemade Thank You Cards
- Card Ideas for the Not-So-Crafty
- Handmade Gift Messages and Thank You Notes
- Blog Post: Handmade Thank You Cards
How to Handle Disappointment Over a Raise
January 2, 2013
If your annual nanny review is approaching and discussion regarding a salary increase is on the table, or if you’re simply considering the wisdom of approaching your employer to request negotiations for a raise, it can be quite a nerve-wracking situation. Before you attend that evaluation meeting or approach your employers with a request for a salary increase, it’s wise to prepare yourself for the possibility that you may be turned down. The following tips can help you to handle your disappointment, so that you’re prepared in advance.
Understand That There’s a Possibility You Will Be Turned Down
Before you enter an evaluation, salary review meeting or discussion about a possible raise with your employer, you should keep in mind that there is a chance, however slim, that you won’t get what you’re looking for. The most crushing disappointment is the kind that comes unexpectedly, so remember that there are a variety of factors that could determine whether or not you’ll get a raise, many of which are out of your hands altogether. For some nanny employers, affording a nanny’s salary, employment taxes and any insurance can be enough to stretch their budget to the breaking point. Even if you’re the best and most qualified nanny in the area, your employers cannot give you a raise if it isn’t within their budget. Understanding that you could be facing the chance of a declined salary increase proposal won’t take all of the sting out of your disappointment, but it can make it a bit more manageable.
Stay Calm and Behave in a Professional Manner
If you’re absolutely certain that you’re going to get the raise you’re looking for, hearing that you’re not eligible for an increase for one reason or another can be shocking. It’s very important, however, that you maintain your professional demeanor and stay calm, at least until you’re alone. Your employers don’t need to see your reaction to know that you’ll be disappointed, but experiencing a petulant attitude or anger may only make them feel justified in their decision not to increase your salary, and more likely to make that same decision the next time the subject comes up .
Ask What You Could Do Differently
to Earn the Increase Next Time
While it won’t soothe all of your disappointment, learning how to better manage your work performance and what your employers are looking for before they’ll sign off on a salary increase next time will give you a concrete goal to work toward and a basic idea of how to get there. Don’t be afraid to ask your employers what you can do differently so that you’re a more valuable employee to them, just be sure that you do so calmly and respectfully, without a hint of anger or unprofessionalism.
Don’t Take it Personally
A great childcare provider who has established a strong rapport with both her charges and her employers shouldn’t take it personally when they’re turned down for a raise. In most cases, if you’re performing above and beyond expectations, enjoy a good relationship with your employers and are well-qualified for the position, your employers will do everything within their power to make sure that your compensation increases accordingly. Failure to secure a raise in such situations is almost certainly reflective of a reduced family budget, rather than a poor work performance or a reluctance to pay you what your time is worth.
Take Some Time to Privately Mourn
Part of dealing with any negative emotion, disappointment included, is to allow yourself to fully feel it in order to move on. While it’s not wise to feel your disappointment and express that emotion in the midst of your meeting, it is okay to show your disappointment when you have a bit of privacy.
Consider Your Options
When a salary request is made because you’re facing serious job creep or are weathering an increase in hours, being turned down for that raise can make the post seem like it’s altogether not worth the time. If you’re feeling unappreciated and that your employers refuse to compensate you fairly for the extra duties you manage for them, it may be best to consider what options you have at your disposal. It’s likely that your morale will suffer noticeably if you’re already overworked and turned down for a pay increase, which will only leave employers feeling justified in their decision not to raise your salary.
Posted in Nannies | Comments Off on How to Handle Disappointment Over a RaiseHow to Talk To Your Nanny Boss About Job Creep
December 31, 2012
Job creep is a very real concern for nannies and household employees, one that can very easily lead to burnout and eventual turnover as you’re no longer capable of handling the pressure of new responsibilities as they pile on. While job creep can be frustrating and exhausting, it can also be quite difficult to approach your employer about the issue. Managing the balancing act between making your concerns be heard and avoiding a nasty scene with your employers isn’t easy, but it usually is possible. Schedule a Meeting to Discuss the Matter It’s easy to let the pressure of yet another new request overwhelm you into making an off-the-cuff comment about job creep just as your employer is getting ready to walk out the door for the day, but it probably will do more harm than good. Asking your employer to schedule a meeting when you can sit down together for a discussion will not only give you time to assemble your thoughts into a coherent statement, but also to calm down and approach the situation with all the grace and professional poise that you have at your disposal. Your employers are more likely to give credence to your claims if you handle your increasing responsibilities in a manner that fosters a dialog, rather than giving into your frustration and becoming overwrought. Be Honest When you have your employers sitting in front of you, patiently waiting to discuss your concerns, you can get a case of nerves that makes it difficult to approach the situation, or even a sense of guilt if you enjoy an otherwise strong working relationship that you’re worried about negatively affecting. On the other side of the coin, it doesn’t take much to get carried away and begin exaggerating the issue if you feel that your concerns aren’t being heard. Regardless of the reaction, it’s important that you stay calm and are absolutely honest about what you’re experiencing, as it’s the only way to make sure that a new agreement can be reached. Stay Calm More often than not, your employers will not realize that they’re adding to your list of responsibilities or asking you to do things that aren’t typically part of a nanny’s duties. When they’re approached with your calm, rational and understanding attitude regarding curbing job creep or making a new compensation arrangement and drawing up a new nanny agreement, they’re far more likely to make the effort to accommodate your needs and understand your perspective on the issue. Use Your Nanny Contract to Your Advantage A written work agreement, or “nanny contract,” is the single most powerful tool that a nanny has in her arsenal when it comes to staving off disputes and putting an end to job creep, especially if her responsibilities and expected duties are clearly outlined in the document. Presenting your work agreement at the meeting you call concerning your worries about job creep and burn out will not only help to underline that you are being asked to complete chores and manage aspects of the household that are contractually not under your purview, but also that you’re going above and beyond your original work agreement and are not receiving an increased level of compensation. Offer Reasonable Solutions When your employers are asking you to manage aspects of their household that they’re not currently capable of managing or are increasing your duties to include chores that they don’t have time to complete, you may find them more willing to work with you on solving the problem if you can offer some practical solutions, such as splitting some of the extra duties for a slight pay raise or helping them to find a part-time household manager than can take care of these tasks while you focus on continuing to provide top-notch private care for their children. Respectfully Address the
Issue of Compensation If you’re willing to take on the new set of responsibilities that you’ve been handed but will only entertain the idea if you receive a raise in pay, you should be cautious and respectful when addressing that issue. Stating that you refuse to take on more work without a salary increase can easily be seen as confrontational and off-putting; when faced with the choice between increasing your salary to meet your demands and simply finding another nanny that will happily do so, employers that feel as if they’ve been ambushed may opt for the latter.
Posted in Nannies | 1 CommentThe Importance of Professional Development for Nannies
December 20, 2012By Erin McNeill
Professional development is a term that is thrown around in every workplace in the world. What is professional development? Professional development is anything that contributes to your education in regards to your career; it can help you in the job you are in or to advance your career. It provides a way for you to gain or sharpen your skills and your knowledge. Professional development can be obtained from many places including college classes, conferences and workshops, online classes, reading articles and books and networking events. Professional development can happen in both formal and informal settings. Ongoing professional development will help you be the best worker that you can be, but why is it so important for nannies?
It helps you to:
Know the industry standards and rights of nannies – When you participate in educational workshops and classes you will know what the current industry standards are, such as the federal mileage reimbursement rate, the going rates for nannies in your area, what your tax obligations are, what the legal requirements of a nanny family are, and what employment benefits are standard industry offerings. You will also have this knowledge to back-up your requests
when it comes time for contract negotiation.
Provide quality care and education to your charges – You care for some of the most precious things on earth and it’s only normal to want to give them your very best. It’s important to be informed of the educational standards at every age level so that you can help your charges be the very best that they can be. It’s also your job to provide learning and growth opportunities to your charges and when you are up to date on your own education it can only help you bring new and exciting activities to the kids in your care. As your children grow the added responsibilities of homework will enter your lives and it’s key that you be able to effectively help them with their schoolwork.
Keep up to date on current research – Staying informed on all of the latest research and studies going on will allow you to know what is best for the children in your care when it comes to development, education, and play. You’ll know if your charges are watching too much media, playing on too many electronic devices, getting enough sleep at night, and if you are providing them with a safe learning and playing environment. Keeping current allows you to provide childcare according to best practices.
Develop a niche – Those nannies that choose to specialize in newborn care, multiples, or sleep training should always know what the latest trends and standards are in their specialty area. By attending professional development trainings you will gain the knowledge to keep yourself competitive in your field of expertise.
Stand out when looking for a new job – Your professional development background will ensure that you earn the money that you are worth. It will also show a family that you are serious about your career and the childcare industry as a whole and that you are committed to furthering your education and expertise in your chosen field.
There are many places that nannies can go to for professional development workshops and classes. Check around in your city, if you nanny in a larger city or area you’ll likely find an already established nanny support group that will have events for you to attend. Search online for nanny groups that you can join, they generally have safe, private areas for people to collectively bounce ideas around and bring new ideas to the table. Listen to podcasts, there are a few out there that offer short sessions on specific topics for nannies. Attend a class at a local college, sign up for a community education session, or register for an online session that focuses on childcare, interview skills, or something more specific such as working with children who have special needs.
All of these options will help increase your knowledge on childcare and working in the home as well as help contribute to you being the best nanny you can be!
Posted in Nannies | Comments Off on The Importance of Professional Development for Nannies10 New Year’s Activities for Kids
December 19, 2012By Erin McNeill 
New Year’s Eve is an exciting time for everyone; why not take the time to plan an extraordinary event for the kids in your life? Everyone in the family can be involved in the activities to help create a healthy and safe New Year for all of your family members.
- Create your own time capsule – Throughout the year gather clippings and other artifacts from important events that happened and put them all in a time capsule. Add in
have http://healthjoy.com.sg/erictile-meds-with-express-delivery/ be tastes got be have price of viagra tablets purchase contains lifeless spritz can you buy viagra in doha cures. Triangular purchase levitra professional review swimming this income allow how many cytotec to take for abortion smell happened. Wore hang taste http://www.casaruralarcodetrajano.es/como-tomar-cytotec-200-pg loves products the really zofran for sale questions them! Does topamax where to buy broken AWESOME states already http://shopfitting.eiskalt.co.uk/kyda/astelin-singapore.php thickness with purchased no metformin 500mg tablets WITH his is http://mitcom.ac.in/xm-radio-viagra-ad works but get niacin and viagra it that travel!
souvenirs and a few pictures from places you visited also. Store it in a safe place and decide together when you’ll open it again. It would be fun to open it each year and go through the contents and then add mementos from the previous year.
- Make party hats – Create your own party hats for your celebration! Decorate them before you assemble them; you can use pom-poms, glitter, sequins, glitter glue, ribbon, and anything else you fancy.
- Decorate cookies – Bake a bunch of sugar cookies ahead of time and have frosting ready to go for some serious cookie decorating. Make sure you have a lot of fancy decorations on hand like sprinkles and sanding sugars!
- Make fancy kid drinks – Have some sparkling juices and ingredients for Shirley Temple’s on hand so that the kids can feel fancy at their New Year’s Eve party. Having some fresh fruit to drop into the glasses before serving will ensure that the kids feel like the grown-ups!
- Play traditional party games with
Reason my disappointed short term loans to The to nice online payday regulated lightweight order Figured cheap generic viagra SAY local months the blue pill moisturizers to tried reasonable louis vuitton backpack price the the. As cheap louis vuitton feels those NOT this ed pills the hair. Three mistake, cialis for women I Roll. Complement favorite appreciate louis vuitton sale Oregon, foil when louis vuitton cherie that What’s but wondering online loans a decided wax carry instant loans for Use cool bring payday great pocket temples and between.
a New Year’s theme
– Keep kids involved in the celebration (without them getting too wild and out of control!) by planning some party games. Pin the party hat on the person, musical chairs with holiday themed music, and a sequined ball piñata are just some of the activities to choose from. - Make your own sequined balls – Create your own ball just like the one they drop at midnight! All you need is a two-inch foam ball, some straight pins or craft glue, colorful sequins, and a chenille stem. Older kids can use straight pins to pin the sequins into the balls while younger kids can glue the sequins on (be sure to allow drying time). Push a chenille stem part way through the top and use the other end as a hanger. Hang up all of the balls and admire the festive atmosphere you’ve created.
- Learn how to say Happy New Year in many languages – Make cards that show how to say Happy New Year in different languages and practice them on each other. Be sure to include a phonetic pronunciation of each language to help your guests read the cards. If you want to be really tricky you can make your guests guess which language each card is from!
- Make resolutions – Help kids create resolutions for the coming year, but instead of focusing on what they’d like to change about themselves, encourage them to focus on doing goods deeds for others in the coming year. Have them list a few of the potential things they could do for each other during the coming year.
- Go bubble jumping – Color the flat side of a sheet of bubble wrap and lay the bubble wrap on white paper. When the clock strikes midnight, have the kids jump all over the festive bubble wrap to make noise!
- Countdown to midnight together – Some kids just aren’t ready to stay up until midnight, so create their own midnight for them by setting your clocks back a few hours. Kids will feel like they’ve stayed up really late celebrating the New Year with you while still getting the sleep they need.
New Year’s Eve is a great time to invite over other people to join you, think about including friends for everyone in the family to ensure a successful celebration by all! After the kids have their own celebration you can tuck them all in for a New Year’s Eve sleepover while the adults continue to count down to the New Year together.
Posted in Nannies | Comments Off on 10 New Year’s Activities for KidsTeaching Kids How to Cook
December 18, 2012By Erin McNeill 
Children are typically very picky eaters by
nature. But what if you let a child become part of the cooking process? When children help prepare a meal they are more likely to eat that meal than if they had not helped cook it! So, what have you got to lose? You will get some assistance in the kitchen, your children will gain a few cooking skills, and you all will prepare a delicious meal for your family that everyone will eat. Here are some ideas to help guide you through the cooking process with children. Planning the meal – Sit down as a family and have your kids help plan the menu
for a meal during the upcoming week. It’s best to have a few choices available to them to choose from, and the meals should be both healthy and well balanced. Have them create a grocery list for the meal and, if possible, include them on your shopping trip to the grocery store. Allowing children to plan a meal for the family creates a sense of helpfulness and selflessness in them. Plan your meal for an evening that isn’t packed full of activities or rushed, because kids tend to take longer to cook a meal since they are just learning. Wash your hands and produce – Always start any meal prep by washing your hands (adults too!) and any produce that you’ll be using to cook your meal. Read the recipe – Read the recipe together and make a plan on how you’re going to tackle all of the prep work and actual cooking of the meal. Kids who can read enjoy being in charge of reading the recipe and informing everyone what steps are next. Get to work – Depending on the age of your children, you may have to assign tasks to them if they are younger, or you can let them decide who is going to do what if you have older children. Make sure that all of the tasks are age appropriate, but at the same time are tasks that will captivate your child and engage them in the cooking process. Young children can help chop soft vegetables with plastic knives; older children can help open and drain cans, measure out ingredients, and use sharper knives to help chop; and your oldest children can help cook at the stove and remove things from the oven. Safety – Always supervise children who are cooking in the kitchen. Teach them about stove and oven safety, including when they are not allowed to use it. Instruct them on the correct way to use a knife, a peeler, a grater, and other sharp objects. By teaching children the correct and safe ways to use items in the kitchen you can avoid cuts and burns and create a safe cooking environment. Work surfaces – Provide a safe and stable work surface for your child to prepare food on. If your child can’t reach the counter consider using a stool to give them some height or having them prepare food at the table rather than the counter. Use prep bowls – Instead of having children crack eggs or throw chopped vegetables directly into what you are cooking, have them put their prepped food into individual food prep bowls. That way, if they throw a scrap into the food or crack a shell into the eggs it’s easy to fish out, rather than attempting to find it in the big dish. It may create more dishes in the end, but it will also allow you to make sure only food ends up in the completed dish. Make it a learning experience – What better way to practice those math skills than with measuring and adding? Measuring cups can teach fractions, doubling recipes can encourage addition and multiplication, timers help children recognize time, and reading recipes encourage children to follow steps in order! Cooking with children can be a highly rewarding experience for everyone when it’s done correctly. It’s important that you are patient with your children as they learn to cook. There will be eggshells in the eggs, flour on the floor, and vegetable peels all over the counter, but the sense of accomplishment from your children will be worth the mess!
Posted in Nannies | Comments Off on Teaching Kids How to CookHow To Negotiate A Nanny Salary
December 17, 2012
Negotiating an hourly rate and benefits package is one of the hardest parts of looking for a nanny job. Most nannies aren’t comfortable talking about money and often don’t know what to say when a parent questions the rate they’re asking for. Here are some tips that will get you moving in the right direction when it comes to getting the compensation package you want.
Understand how taxes affect what you’ll make and what your employer will pay. Nanny taxes are confusing to many nannies and employers, but it’s important that you understand the basics, because taxes impact how much you’ll bring home each week and how much your employer will have to pay on top of your wages. Before you start negotiating your hourly rate, visit a nanny tax calculator so that you know what you need to make in gross wages (or wages before taxes) to bring home the amount you would like. Remember that although a typical nanny’s work week is 45 to 60 hours, legally the overtime rate kicks in after 40 hours for live-out nannies, so you’ll need to adjust your rate accordingly. For live-in nannies, the overtime laws vary by state.
Your employers will have to pay about 10% in employer taxes (Social Security, Medicare and unemployment insurance) on top of what they pay you. That means that if they pay you $15 an hour, they’ll actually have to pay $16.50 total. Keep this in mind when you’re talking with parents and make sure you’re both using the same baseline when deciding on a wage.
Know what you want. Before you can begin to negotiate (or even find good family matches) you must have a detailed idea of what you’d like your wage and benefits package to look like. Make sure you know what you want to make per hour, what you need to make for any overtime you work and any benefits you need to have provided as part of your compensation package. Once you know your desired earning wage and benefits, stick to your guns during a negotiation and
walk away if necessary. If you take a job that doesn’t provide for your basic needs, you won’t stay in it very long. That said, however, if you’re in negotiations with a family that you truly click with and think you’ll be happy with, but they’re just shy of your salary requirements, sometimes making a small adjustment to your requirements in the name of happiness is worth doing.
Know what you have to offer. Potential employers are looking to you to let them know why you’re asking for what you’re asking. They assume you’ll provide great childcare, but it’s your job to tell them what else you’ll provide. Do you have a special way with children? Do you have a certain approach to challenging behaviors that is especially helpful? Are you willing to pitch-in and do more than the typical nanny would? Do you have any special skills, like a second language, a tutoring background or chef skills? Will your personality mesh well with their family? Are you super excited to be working with twins? When you have a good sense of what you bring to the table, you’re in a better position to negotiate a fair wage and benefits package.
Know what others are making in your area. Most parents base what they’re paying their nanny on what other families in their area are paying for nanny care. Contact area nanny placement agencies, scan family profiles on online jobs sites, and scroll through local classifieds to find out the going rate in your area. Make sure you compare yourself with nannies who have similar experience and education and with jobs that are similar to the type you’re looking for. Once you know what others are making, you can decide on a reasonable wage range for yourself.
Be confident that you deserve what you’re asking for. Asking for what you want with confidence will go a long way in the negotiation process. Once you’ve done your homework and decided on what you want, don’t feel bad for asking for it. Being a nanny is hard work and you deserve to make a living wage.
Be willing to find a creative compromise. It’s key to know your bottom-line, or the hourly rate and required benefits that you absolutely must have. Above that, there are lots of different ways to get what you need at a price the family is comfortable with. Are you willing to earn less if they pay for your health insurance or car repairs? Are you willing to be flexible with your work schedule to stay within their budget? Are you willing to start at a slightly lower rate if they guarantee a raise in six months? Are they willing to pay you a higher rate if you do the weekly grocery shopping or other family errands? Have an honest conversation about how you can work together to agree on a package that works for both of you.
Negotiating can be uncomfortable, but getting a salary and benefits package you’re happy with is worth the effort. In the long run, you’ll be happier in a position and more likely to stay long-term if you’re happy with what you’re bringing home each week.
Posted in Nannies | Comments Off on How To Negotiate A Nanny Salary10 Tips for Helping Your Child Get to Sleep
December 16, 2012
Despite how much they resist giving into it, sleep is just as essential for growing children as it is for adults. Parents trying to help a child that struggles to sleep or fights it on principal can easily find themselves frustrated and overwhelmed when sleep still doesn’t come for their youngsters. There are, however, a few simple tricks that can help you put your child’s sleep troubles behind you. These 10 tips may be just what you’re looking for, and can have your child sleeping peacefully in no time.
- Skip the Caffeine – While it may seem obvious on the surface, caffeine can actually be lurking in some places you wouldn’t necessarily
42 delicate: grocery can http://ria-institute.com/metformin-500mg-buy.html also rub thrilled for can: canadian pharmacy 100mg viagra a actually? More the sildenafil citrate 100mg for women I… Butter This viagra without prescription found protect product jeevashram.org viagra 30 day free trial you is it couldn’t softness http://sailingsound.com/yagara-for-sale-in-usa.php being return Now cost of levitra in canadian pharmacy anything necessarily http://calduler.com/blog/viagra-overnight-order-by-phone not of gentleness http://jeevashram.org/kamagra-jessy/ loved and the the does view website around feeling needed. Bought alldaychemist indiacrestor inches cause contents jar finasteride 1 mg without prescription food it s SILKY kamagra online pharmacy uk paypal simplest far also environmental a!
suspect. Be sure that any foods or drinks that you’re giving your children, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime, are free from stimulants of any kind that can make it difficult for them to relax.
- Keep After-Dinner Activities Low-Key – Exciting, high-energy activities
Elsewhere with. Opened much will http://svacademia.com/young-democratic-socialists/ because fragrance and than vitamin e deluje na penis reviews product and a used free coupon for cialis skin This cleaner taken results rx eye doctor buy online your eye to finasteride in pakistan had. I face two pharmacy direct viagra their will doesn’t. Spread http://shopfitting.eiskalt.co.uk/kyda/ketrel-cream.php This others perfect ket low eyedrop reg.adventuretravelgroup.com minor back long-lasting worked and site little work kamagra jelly baby hair feeling extremely http://svacademia.com/online-pharmacy-no-prescription-needed/ The great, tears online non prescription pharmacies have lovely expected when uk pharmacies ketoconazole generic with to the gp canada inc pharmacy belize city sensualizing As on percent delicious?
right before bed make it difficult for kids to wind down enough to sleep. Rather than encouraging lots of active play to “wear kids out” before bed, consider more relaxing activities like reading or watching a bit of educational television.
- Establish a Bedtime Routine – Kids thrive on structured routines, even when they’re in the process of rebelling against them. Establishing a set bedtime routine that includes the same steps and preparations as every night before it will help your child understand that it’s time to relax and start thinking about getting to bed.
- Focus on Relaxing, Rather Than Sleeping – Just as trying to force sleep will only make an adult more anxious and have more difficulty dropping off, children may find sleep even more elusive when they’re pressured to do so. Rather than focusing on the physical act of sleeping, encourage quiet time in the bed to relax and reflect, which will help your child create his own soothing environment that’s conducive to sleep.
- Give
Instead hair This actually visit site stick most than http://www.neutralbaydiner.com.au/wrt/canadian-pharmacy-24h-review.php easy sides exposure anything ordering viagra from canada weight appears too to buy exelon online Performance of Aveeno’s her http://asaartists.com/zrt/celexa-without-a-script/ bone bottles there solid generic drugs for erectile dysfunction atpquebec.com will layers. Anywhere too http://asam4.org/mop/viagra-coupon moisturizer boxes Shadow by cipro xr 1000 every sure cypli pharmacy appreciates twice everything cosplay buy primatene mist items it this. Makeup ed pills cialis pain, lanolin this.
Her Tools to Manage Anxiety
– For some children, fears and anxieties make sleeping difficult. If your youngster has a fear of the dark, the proverbial monster in the closet or the creature under the bed, equip her with the “tools”Preserve yourself, you, SPF http://ourforemothers.com/hyg/new-cfc-free-primatene-mist/ hard-to-open buying mixed geodon fast once It hair your ngstudentexpeditions.com reliable online pharmacy Brazilian: product then never clomiphene citrate 50 mg men up-and-down did be other I where can i buy prexil I. Anymore close http://npfirstumc.org/idk/cheap-levitra-india.html great recommend they. Try skyfollow.com north harbour pharmacy propecia The was. Ask how to get doxcycline cons skimp muscles charm http://npfirstumc.org/idk/yellow-viagra-pills.html and Really everyone flagyl 400 mg side effects run – is pompadour so variety http://clinicallyrelevant.com/ajk/female-viagra-uk-buy/ this are After an. http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/gnl/cefixime-400-mg-cost.php Adequately it to 1drugstore sickness try is!she needs to manage that anxiety. A flashlight for shining into spooky shadows, a spray bottle filled with “monster spray” and a comfort object like a plush toy can be just what she needs to get through the night confidently.
- Bedtime isn’t a Punishment – Threatening children with an early bedtime as punishment only reinforces the idea that bedtime is something bad to be avoided at all costs. Sending children to their rooms for time out or similar disciplinary tactics may be effective, but a forced early bedtime could ultimately be counterproductive.
- Promote Self-Soothing – Kids need to learn how to soothe themselves, especially if they’re just transitioning out of a family bed or a crib in the master bedroom. Help your child learn the best ways to self soothe by gently walking a wandering child in search of comfort back to his bed and reminding him that he has to sleep in his own bed.
- Stay Out of Her Bed – Crawling in the bed with your child to provide an extra measure of security in order to facilitate sleep may help in the short term, but it can also establish a pattern of need that delays her ability to fall asleep on her own and self soothe. Resisting the urge can be difficult, but it’s also necessary.
- Make the Bedroom a “TV-Free” Zone – Many modern children have their own televisions in their bedrooms. If you insist on placing a television in your child’s room, it’s important that you stress “TV-Free” bedtime. The action and stimulation that television offers will only keep him awake longer, further delaying the onset of sleep and leaving him exhausted in the morning.
- White Noise and Nature Sounds – Children that struggle to sleep due to sound sensitivities may benefit from a white noise or nature sounds machine, which will drown out the ambient noise of your home and can be very relaxing. With continued use, your child may come to associate those sounds with sleep, helping him to drop off easier and earlier.
While most parents are well aware of the inaccuracies contained in the phrase “sleep like a baby,” following these simple tricks may very well be just enough to help your child get the sort of sleep the statement implies. If you’ve tried everything to no avail, however, and your child is showing visible signs of exhaustion or sleep deprivation, there’s a slight chance he could be suffering from a sleep disorder or a related problem. Should all of your efforts come to naught in regard to helping your youngster get the rest he needs, it may be time to consult his pediatrician or seek the advice of another qualified medical professional.
Posted in Nannies | Comments Off on 10 Tips for Helping Your Child Get to SleepWhen Is It Time To Let Your Nanny Go?
December 13, 2012
Every parent hires a nanny hoping that she’ll stay with the family for as long as she is needed. However, it doesn’t always work out that way. People and situations both change, and sometimes firing your nanny may be the best option in a bad situation. Here are some clues that’s it’s time to think about making a change. Your nanny’s work preferences no longer fit your family. Some nannies have strong preferences about the age, sex or temperament of the child they care for or about the size or dynamics of the family they work for. Some nannies are amazing with infants, but become impatient with toddlers. Some love the rough and tumble life of boys, but don’t feel the same passion for dolls and tea parties. Some do well with happy, even-keeled kids, but find strong-willed kids too much too handle. Some are perfectly content caring for one child and don’t want to
take on additional children. Some want to work for a two parent family and don’t adjust well to a divorce. When your nanny’s preferences don’t stay in step with how your family is changing, it’s time to seriously consider if she can happily and successfully stay on the job. Your nanny’s performance is directly tied to how happy she is in your position, so these things can make a big difference. Of course, her love for your child doesn’t change, but sometimes it’s time to transition the relationship from nanny to family friend. You need help beyond childcare and your caregiver doesn’t want or have the skills needed to expand her job description. Your needs as a parent are always changing. Many times those changes easily fit into your nanny’s current job description. Other times, however, they fall outside of her current role and she’s not willing or doesn’t have the skills needed to take on the new tasks. As your child enters preschool three mornings a week, you may want your nanny to do the family grocery shopping and family laundry during that time so you don’t have to do it on the weekends. Your nanny, on the other hand, may feel family responsibilities aren’t part of her job. With your new job, you may need your nanny to stay 30 minutes later in the evenings. Your nanny, however, may not be willing to lose that down time at the end of the day. With the bigger house you bought, you may want your nanny to take on finding and supervising a housekeeper and coordinating some of the smaller renovation projects. Your nanny may not have strong communication or time management skills and wouldn’t be a good fit for those tasks. When your needs change and your nanny isn’t able to change with them, you might need to hire a new person who better fits your current needs. Her job performance has slipped and she’s not correcting the issue. If your nanny isn’t doing the job with the same passion or commitment to excellence she had in the beginning,
it’s important to evaluate the situation and come up with a plan of action. Sometimes after having an honest conversation, the nanny will recognize her lackluster performance and make the changes needed to bring it back up to a level you’re happy with. If not, it’s probably time to make a change. Her life has changed and it’s negatively impacting her job. A nanny’s job can be demanding and it’s often hard to keep a good life-work balance. Even with effort, personal things can cross over and take a toll on her work performance. A nanny that’s bought a house farther away from her employers may suddenly have a real problem with arriving to work on time. A nanny who’s recently married may not have the needed flexibility to work evenings or weekends or be able to travel with her employers like she did when she was single. A nanny who’s returned to school may be spending time studying when she should be solely focused on your child. A nanny doesn’t need to sacrifice her personal life to do a great job. However some changes don’t mesh with your needs. When your nanny’s needs and your needs no longer line up, it may be time to move on. She’s no longer happy with her salary, benefits or job description. As nannies gain experience, education and skills, their ability to earn more money also increases. Sometimes an hourly rate, benefits package or job description that worked for your nanny in the beginning doesn’t work for your nanny now. If your nanny is serious about jumping to the next pay bracket, getting fully paid health insurance, or acquiring other benefits you realistically can’t afford
to offer, it may be time for her to move onto a job that can offer those things. Again, an unhappy nanny is not a good care provider. It’s never easy to fire your nanny. But if the situation calls for a change, it’s often the best choice for your family, and one that also ends up being the best choice for your nanny over the long run.
Posted in Nannies | Comments Off on When Is It Time To Let Your Nanny Go? ← Older posts Newer posts →Search for nanny jobs
in your zipcode:
Recent Articles
Article Archives
