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...]
9 Free (or Nearly Free) Activities Nannies Can Do With Their Kids
August 7, 2013 by
For a nanny, entertaining kids can take a lot of time, energy and ingenuity. How often have you heard the complaint “I’m bored” come from someone who’s surrounded by things to do? The good news, though, is that you’re never far from free, reliable entertainment, especially if you do a little homework first. If you’ve been stuck searching for affordable activity ideas, these might come in handy: Go to the Park A classic, and with good reason. Going to the park is a chance to get … [Read more...]
Nanny chores while Kids in Summer Camp ;)
July 17, 2013 by
When your kids head off to school, your nanny will suddenly have a lot of extra free time on her hands – sometimes up to five or six hours each day. Nannies still expect to get paid for these hours, so the question often becomes what responsibilities can she pick up to make up for the downtime? The exact tasks really depend on the needs of your family and the skill set and willingness of your nanny. Here are some ideas to consider. Family laundry. Most nannies are already responsible … [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...]
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...]
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...]
Make the Holiday Season More Enjoyable, Marcia Hall
December 14, 2012 by
When most parents hear the word “Holidays”, “Christmas” or “Hanukkah” there is a feeling of joy and excitement mixed with a bit of anxiety and possibly even panic. Everything around, from store fronts to advertisements, says that this time of year is supposed to be fun, peaceful and all about family, but rarely do parents feel that way. It is possible, however, to make it to the end of the season with some joy and peace left intact. Limit Commitments – Yes, there are some things … [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...]
Infant Care – HOW TO Ease Teething without Medication
August 30, 2012 by
Teething is a necessary, albeit painful, rite of passage for your baby. Sprouting her new teeth is hard work, and can leave her irritable, feverish and with difficulty sleeping as those teeth cut through her delicate little gums and break the surface. Because so many parents today are hesitant to use any over-the-counter medications unless they’re absolutely necessary, there’s quite an interest in more natural, chemical-free ways of soothing the screams and the pain that accompany … [Read more...]
10 Things Kids Learned from Mister Rogers Neighborhood
August 29, 2012 by
From 1968 to 2008, when PBS permanently pulled Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood from their programming line-up, kids tuned in every day to watch Fred Rogers cheerfully come home and take them on an adventure filled with fantasy characters and life lessons. Though the beloved Mister Rogers died in 2003, the lessons that he passed along to those children, now adults themselves, have carried on. For the sake of nostalgia, here are 10 of the things that a generation of children learned from Mister … [Read more...]
