Many teenagers think they are invincible, and are always looking for the next thrill. While the stunts that were tried 10 to 20 years ago may have seemed daring and dangerous at the time, teens today are pushing the envelope in even more dangerous new ways. Parents truly need to be aware of the risky things that some teens are doing. Planking - Kids have taken what started out being a move done for strengthening the core to a trend that was kind of cute to something downright dangerous. … [Read more...]
“10 iPhone Apps for Keeping Track of Homework”
October 3, 2012 by
The importance of academic success in relation to your child’s future is undeniable. His grades will affect the universities he’s accepted to after high school, which will almost certainly have a bearing on his professional life as an adult. If your child is fortunate enough to be a student who also owns an iPhone, there are a plethora of time management, homework tracking and assistance apps available to him through the App Store. These 10 are among the most useful for managing … [Read more...]
I HATE You, Daddy!!!, Larry James
September 11, 2012 by
I HATE You, Daddy!!! When my daughter was about 10 years old she went berserk. Well, maybe not berserk, but it sure felt like it to me. She moved into a total stage of rebellion. It was so bad that I heard the words, "I hate you" more than I care to recall. When asked to do something she didn't want to do, she would have this sudden burst of anger. It was like a knife going into my heart. When this began to happen, my initial (angry) response was, "Don't talk to me … [Read more...]
PARENTS, 6 Key Components of a Nanny’s Annual Review
August 28, 2012 by
6 Key Components of a Nanny’s Annual Review For nannies and their employers, an annual review can be a nerve-wracking experience. While private, in-home childcare providers who have been with their employers for an extended period of time may be less nervous when the time for the review rolls around, it’s almost impossible for either party to feel completely comfortable with the process. Parents that are approaching their first-ever annual review with their very first nanny may find 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 ~ Tips for Dealing with Separation Anxiety in Your Kids
August 20, 2012 by
Few things tug at a parent’s heartstrings like the cries and pleas of a child in the throes of a separation anxiety attack; still, they are a normal (if distressing) part of childhood development. With proper coping strategies and plenty of love, the worst of your child’s anxieties can be managed until he’s older, at which point most children tend to outgrow their fears of being separated from a parent or familiar adult. Managing your child’s separation anxiety and helping her to cope with … [Read more...]
Kid’s State Dinner – The Whitehouse on August 20, 2012
August 19, 2012 by
Hello -- Tomorrow is going to be a special day at the White House, and I wanted to make sure you got a chance to be a part of it. At lunchtime, 54 kids from all over the United States will join me in the East Room for the first-ever Kids'State Dinner. Each of these young people worked with their parents to create an original lunch recipe. We asked them to design a dish that was healthy, affordable, and tasty -- and which met the nutritional guidelines set up by the U.S. Department of … [Read more...]
10 Ways to Spark the Entrepreneurial Spirit in Your Child
August 15, 2012 by
The world is filled with entrepreneurs, and it’s a good thing too! After all, where would we be without things like Velcro and disposable diapers? According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, of the over half a million requests for patents that were filed in 2010, over 244,000 were issued. Because entrepreneurs are how we continue to invent new products and services, it’s important to help create an environment that encourages our children to carry on in the same … [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...]
PARENTS, tips on Head Lice: Symptoms and Treatments
August 13, 2012 by
Head Lice: Symptoms and Treatments Few things strike fear into a parent’s heart like the dreaded letter from school or daycare stating that there has been a reported case of head lice. The frantic combing of hair, checking of scalps, and stripping of beds is enough to drive even the most level-headed parent into a small-scale panic, but there’s no need for excessive worry. Treatment is fairly simple, and almost always effective, provided that you recognize symptoms early and follow treatment … [Read more...]
10 Things to Do During a Heat Wave
August 9, 2012 by
During a heat wave, or a prolonged period of hot and often humid weather, it can be hard to keep the kids cool and entertained. Since a heat wave can pose a serious health risk to those who are exposed to the scorching temperatures, especially babies and young children, it is essential that parents and caregivers know what to do when the weather dictates that everyone stays cool and takes it easy. If you’re facing a heat wave, consider these 10 things: 1. Avoid the heat. Stay out of the … [Read more...]
