Working as a nanny isn’t like working in a traditional job. Instead of working for a company, nannies work for an individual as a household employee. The nature of the industry means that nannies change jobs more frequently than those in other careers and, consequently, they don’t have the same company sponsored options when it comes to saving for retirement. If a caregiver wants to make nannying her career, it’s essential that she put a smart financial plan in place that will allow her to … [Read more...]
Children the Importance of Volunteering
December 11, 2013 by
“Teaching Children the Importance of Volunteering: Nannies and Children” As a primary caregiver, it is natural to want to raise a child who is focused on others and who has a sense of responsibility to society. Children, though, do not always naturally possess these traits, especially when living in a culture that caters to an “it’s all about me” ideology. Showing children how to be selfless versus simply telling them how to be selfless may be the key to unlocking the compassion within … [Read more...]
Parent’s Role In Child Development Programs
October 28, 2013 by
It’s no secret that a child’s education plays a significant role in her development during early childhood and is a determining factor in her success as an adult. Helping young children to acquire the skills they need to progress and develop along the prescribed timeline is one of a parent’s most important jobs. Understanding the role that parents play in the development and expansion of new skill sets in early childhood allows you to work more closely with the preschool or child development … [Read more...]
“5 Ways to Deal with Empty Nest”, Marcia Hall
October 23, 2013 by
With the kids back in school during the days, stay at home moms and nannies of school aged children may find that they suddenly have lots of time on their hands. It’s not unusual for the excitement of the first day of school to quickly give way to feelings of loneliness. To alleviate that loneliness, here are five things you can do now that the kids are out of the house for several hours. Organize the house – Summertime is full of fun vacations and busy activities. It is not a great … [Read more...]
Teaching Manners to Your Kids, 15 Blogs to Help!
September 23, 2013 by
A few decades ago, children were expected to be seen and not heard. They were taught to be polite and always exhibit good manners. As the years have passed, however, it seems these values have become less important. Are these ideas old fashioned now? Not according to these 15 blogs. Using proper manners is a sign of respect, and a way for children to show that they care about other people’s feelings. Kids aren’t born knowing good manners, though. They have to be taught them, usually from a … [Read more...]
Toddler to Take a Nap
September 11, 2013 by
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...]
Witnessing Verbal Child Abuse, How to Take Action
July 1, 2013 by
As a childcare provider, you will hopefully never witness the heartbreaking and infuriating image of a child being abused by her parents. Verbal abuse, while just as damaging as physical abuse, leaves no physical marks and is rarely followed up by a social services system that’s flooded with other issues. As a childcare provider, your job is to protect and care for the children under your charge. When it’s a parent who’s harming them, though, it’s not always easy to know what to … [Read more...]
CHILDCARE, How to Prevent Second Story Window Falls
June 7, 2013 by
How to Prevent Second Story Window Falls Since the number of children falling from windows each year averages around 5,200, and at least one in four of those falls is serious enough to warrant hospitalization, taking the necessary precautions to ensure that kids don’t end up tumbling out of a second-story window is essential. So important is this safety concern that an annual National Window Safety Week is held to raise awareness of the dangers that can accompany a fall out of a … [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...]
Caring for the Children during a Divorce
January 25, 2013 by
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...]
Caregiving Workers burn out, too – Take Action
January 2, 2013 by
The Importance of Self-Care for Caregivers and Nannies Working as a caregiver or nanny demands that you spend much of your time caring for other people, and even helping to manage other families’ households. Making sure that your charges and employers are cared for to the best of your ability and that all of your job responsibilities are attended to may not always leave much time to worry about your own needs, but there are a few reasons why it’s very important that you find a way to make … [Read more...]
NEW PARENTS, 10 Things to Look For During Your Nanny’s Trial Period
December 13, 2012 by
Many families who engage a private in-home childcare provider opt to include a probationary “trial period” in their written nanny contract in order to ensure that she’ll be a good fit with the household and can perform her duties as agreed upon. If you’ve decided to take this approach to the hiring process, there are several things you should consider at the end of this trial period before making a decision regarding the continuation of the contract. Some factors will be specific to your … [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...]
