A full night of restful sleep can become so rare that it can almost seem mythical to the parents of toddlers, but there are some things you can do to stretch out the time you’re allotted. If your child is waking in the obscenely early hours of the morning and you can’t seem to get him back to bed, these tips can help you establish a routine that keeps him sleeping until at least sunrise. Consider His Sleep Environment - Before you assume that your child is waking up so early in the … [Read more...]
Childcare, I N A’s Expert Insights & Conference Details
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...]
February 15, International Childhood Cancer Day, “My Child Matters”
As we mark this year’s International Childhood Cancer Day, please consider joining the World Community Grid project seeking to find childhood cancer treatments. The International Confederation of Childhood Cancer Parent Organizations established International Childhood Cancer Day in 2002 to raise global public awareness about childhood cancer. The tragic reality is that 175,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with cancer each year, and an estimated 90,000 of these children will die from the … [Read more...]
Childcare, 20 of the Best Potty Training Bribes Ever :)
Potty training can be a daunting task for both the parents and the child. Some kids, for their own reasons, are terrified of going potty on the toilet and need a little extra incentive to do it. Parents who have already experienced trying to potty train their kids know what tactics work. They also know that what works for one child might not work for another. Remember that each child is different and that you always need to have patience for your reluctant child. Here are 20 of the … [Read more...]
Childcare, 10 Things Kids Born in 2013 Will Never Know
While there’s no denying that progress is a wonderful thing, the rate at which the world is changing is creating an environment in which objects that were commonplace to today’s parents will be virtually unheard of when their babies become adults. Realizing how many of the things you’re familiar with will be archaic to your children can understandably make you feel old before your time, but it’s wise to keep in mind that technology is progressing at an unprecedented pace these days. … [Read more...]
CHILDCARE, 10 Strategies for Teaching Your Child to Read
Learning to read is one of the first major educational milestones in a child’s life. The sense of pride and accomplishment that kids feel the first time they read a book all by themselves is something that neither you nor they will forget. Helping your child master the skills that lead up to learning to read will make the lesson an easier one for him to learn, instilling a love of reading and learning that can follow him throughout his life. While there are as many approaches to teaching a … [Read more...]
Caring for the Children during a Divorce
Working for a couple going through a divorce can be especially challenging for a nanny, however it can also be exceptionally rewarding. There are few times when a nanny can be of more help and support than when a family is being divided by divorce. Here are some things to keep in mind if you find yourself in the position of care giving for a family that is going through a divorce. The only side you’re on is the child’s. It’s not uncommon for a nanny to have a closer relationship … [Read more...]
CHILDCARE: Stuttering in Your Child (especially 2-5 years)
There are a variety of speech difficulties that are common in children, especially between the ages of two and five. A stutter is one of these more common conditions, and causes children to repeat fragments of words every few words, sometimes several times before they’re able to say the word fully. For young children, the frustration of having difficulty communicating with others can be the primary complaint, but older children often become quite self-conscious if the stuttering … [Read more...]
CHILDCARE, 10 Pets ‘not’ to adopt if you have little ones!
While most will choose more traditional animals like cats or dogs, there’s a chance that their tastes will run a bit more towards the exotic. In some cases, some smaller pets may even seem like a better choice to parents who aren’t aware of the drawbacks that some common choices bring to the table. These 10 pets are among those that you won’t want to adopt if you’re planning to have children in the near future, or if you already have little ones in the house. Primates – Fictional … [Read more...]
CHILDCARE, 10 signs your child may need Eye Glasses
Adults know when they’re having trouble with their vision, but young children may not realize that anything is wrong. They may think that the poor quality of their sight is normal, or they may be too young to communicate that there’s a problem. That’s why it’s important for parents to pay close attention to tell-tale signs that their child is having trouble seeing so the problem can be corrected quickly. Early detection is crucial ! Here are 10 signs that your child may need … [Read more...]
Childcare, Tips to help your Child Coping through Tragedy
When tragedies occur, especially those involving children, they garner an immense amount of attention from the media and spark discussions that could easily be overheard by children. As a result, it’s very important that parents have an idea of how to approach the subject with their children to avoid anxiety and stress that can deeply affect the way a child views the world. Striking a balance between providing kids with the answers and explanations they’re seeking without giving them more … [Read more...]
Childcare, “10 Ways to Prepare Kids for International Travel”
International travel, whether for professional, pleasure or personal reasons, can be a daunting prospect when there are children involved. However, as with many other intimidating tasks, much of the worry can be sidestepped with proper planning and preparation. With this in mind, here are 10 tips for preparing children to travel internationally. Immunizations – Depending on where you’re traveling and what the conditions there are, you and your children may need a round of immunizations … [Read more...]