7 Tips for Getting Your Toddler to Take a Nap Half the battle of early parenthood is just getting your child to go to sleep. And it’s not just the overnight rest that’s a challenge: the magical nap time can be just as tricky. Toddlers usually switch from two naps a day to one around 18 months, but just because they’re taking fewer naps doesn’t mean those naps aren’t helping. Dr. Jodi Mindell says that toddlers are going through “a marathon of development,” and that quality rest is “the only … [Read more...]
Safety Tips for riding bus to Summer Camp
July 4, 2013 by
Riding the school bus to summer camp can be a fun and exciting experience for kids who are getting their first taste of independence by making their own way to school. It can also be a dangerous situation for little ones that aren’t aware of the proper safety rules governing school bus transportation. During the school year, children are more cognitive of the school bus rules and they must be reminded that the school bus used for day summer camp, even when strange bus driver appears, has the … [Read more...]
Childcare, 20 Wacky Ways to Tell Your Teen that ‘You Love Them’
June 22, 2013 by
Even though they won’t tell you so, teenagers still want to know they are loved. Most parents will do that in the traditional ways: saying “I love you” when they leave for a trip, before hanging up on the phone or on special occasions. Parents also show their love by the things they do. Again, most of the time, it is in the usual ways at the usual times. Consider changing things up a little and letting your teen know of your love in a more unusual fashion. Here are some ideas straight … [Read more...]
In-Laws watching Your Kids, ugh?
May 27, 2013 by
How to Politely Decline Your In-Laws’ Repeated Attempts to Watch the Kids You may have a wonderful partner who’s also a great parent, but that doesn’t always mean that you have the same trust when it comes to letting your in-laws babysit. There are a plethora of reasons why some parents aren’t comfortable with the idea of leaving their kids alone with the in-laws, and it’s not always the sort of situation you can discuss with your partner in a calm and productive manner. If your in-laws are … [Read more...]
Relationships, 21 Blogs Sharing ‘Date Night’ Ideas
February 19, 2013 by
Keeping the spark alive in your marriage is no easy task, but it’s an integral one for maintaining a happy marriage. It’s all too easy for people to get wrapped up in their busy lives and forget to make time for their spouse or loved one. To avoid being one of those couples who drift apart after the kids are born, try adding a date night to your schedule. It can be once a week or once a month, just make sure you pencil time in for one. These 21 blog entries will give you some enjoyable … [Read more...]
Childcare, I N A’s Expert Insights & Conference Details
February 18, 2013 by
Expert Insights with Susan Tokayer and Becky Kavanagh, Co-Presidents of the International Nanny Association For most all of my own nanny career, I have been involved with the International Nanny Association. As a member, board member and employee of the association, I was privileged to have seen the value membership brings to those who join and actively participate. Recently, I caught up with co-presidents Susan Tokayer, owner of Family Helpers, a Dobbs Ferry, NY full-service domestic … [Read more...]
Guide for a Man Attempting to Raise Women
January 20, 2013 by
Raising girls is much different than raising boys. Girls tend to be more emotional, affectionate, and have different methods of logical thinking. For the father who may feel overwhelmed about how to raise a daughter, these tips may help keep you on task. Horseplay – Although rough-housing is common in most households, girls tend to be more sensitive to physical violence. There are exceptions to every rule, of course. However, rough-housing with your girls could turn them into Tomboys. … [Read more...]
HOW TO FIND A BABYSITTER FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE
December 12, 2012 by
It’s hard to believe, but the New Year is almost upon us. New Year’s Eve is one of those rare evenings where the options to get out and enjoy an adults only night out are plentiful. The only problem: WHO will watch the kids? Finding a babysitter for New Year’s Eve can be challenging; there are not only lots of parents looking to snag a sitter for the evening, but many babysitters already have their own plans. Here are some tips to help you land a fun sitter for your kids on … [Read more...]
8 Ways to Help a New Nursing Mom Return to Work, Marcia Hall
December 7, 2012 by
It can be very difficult for a new mom to return to work when her maternity leave is over, and there is a great mix of emotions that accompany this transition. On one hand, she might be enthusiastic about returning to a job that she loves and excited to be able to get out of the house again. On the other hand, however, she almost always feels guilty about leaving her child with anyone, even if it is someone that she trusts emphatically. There is a maternal instinct that kicks in and … [Read more...]
HOW TO TELL IF TEENAGER IS MATURE ENOUGH TO BABYSIT
October 25, 2012 by
Babysitting is a time-honored tradition among teenagers looking for a way to earn some extra money while selecting their own schedules, rather than being forced to adhere to one made each week by a manager. If your teen has recently approached you with a desire to begin her career as a babysitter, there are some things you’ll need to take into consideration when determining whether she’s mature and responsible enough to be charged with the very important task of caring for dependent children. … [Read more...]
“Latch Key Kid”, is your child old enough for this?
October 17, 2012 by
How do you know if your kids are old enough or responsible enough to stay home alone? With more and more households becoming two income households, the number of latchkey kids, or kids who are left home alone for a part of each day, is also steadily growing. According to NBC’s Today Show there are over 3 million children who are latch key kids today. But before you decide to let your own child be a latch key kid, it’s important to evaluate if your child is ready for that … [Read more...]
Kitchen Safety Tips for Nannies
August 27, 2012 by
Few areas in the home are as full of sharp objects, heat sources, slippery floors, and dangerous chemicals as the kitchen. Even kitchens that have childproofing measures installed can be very dangerous, and nannies should take special care to supervise their charges while in the kitchen and reduce the risk of injury to her charges or herself by taking the proper precautions. Keep Surfaces and Utensils Clean – Food-borne illnesses like salmonella and E. coli can be very serious, especially for … [Read more...]
KIDS, 10 CHALLENGES for NANNIES that could be OLYMPIC EVENTS
August 23, 2012 by
The Olympics are a true testament to commitment, strength, determination, and an unwavering belief that you can succeed regardless as to if the odds are stacked against you or not. Nannies, you may not be on the worldwide stage, but you still show your Olympic spirit every day. 1. Putting a Sleeping Baby Down Without Waking Her This feat requires a delicate balance of strength, stealth, controlled breathing, and sheer good luck. You’ve practiced it a thousand times but you wonder if … [Read more...]
PARENTS, Steps Nannies Can Take To Prevent Common Childhood Injuries
August 14, 2012 by
While minor injuries are a largely unavoidable part of an active childhood, one of the most important aspects of a nanny’s job is to keep her charges safe and healthy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than nine million children between infancy and 19 years of age are seen in emergency rooms across the United States each year, and that the leading cause of death among this demographic is injury. While the vast majority of the injuries that you tend to will … [Read more...]
