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...]
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...]
Children – WOMEN in RECOVERY
Children are a tremendous blessing to us, but they are also a tremendous responsibility that God has entrusted to us. Are you taking time to 'invest' in the Children that are in Your Life? And if you don't have any children, how about your nieces and nephews? As parents, we have been entrusted to nurture, train, teach and prepare our children for life. During times of illness, even without harm done to the children around us, what has been done is the 'sin' of Omission, for lack of … [Read more...]
10 Reasons to have, ‘Date Night with Your Daughter’
'Date Night with Your Daughter' The first relationship that little girls will form with a member of the opposite sex is the one that they have with their father. This relationship is also one of the most influential and important of a young girl’s life, as it often shapes the ones she builds with other boys and men as she ages. Here are 10 of the reasons why all fathers should have date nights with their daughters, starting when they’re very young and continuing as they get … [Read more...]
Family Literacy Day, Canada – January 27
Natrel and ABC partner to help new parents Sunday, January 27 is Family Literacy Day. ABC Life Literacy Canada has been sponsoring this national event since 1999. The focus is to raise awareness about the importance of reading and learning, and offering events and resources to help parents. “Taking time every day to read or do a learning activity with children is crucial to a child’s development. Even just 15 minutes a day can improve a child’s literacy skills dramatically, and … [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...]
The 9th Annual Courage to Speak® – March 19th at 5:15 pm
The 9th Annual Courage to Speak® "Empowering Youth to be Drug Free" Family Night You are welcome to participate in our fundraiser and media event When: Tuesday, March 19th at 5:15 pm Where: West Rocks Middle School 81 West Rocks Rd, Norwalk, CT This event will be open to families from Norwalk and all other communities. The event will include: Student Speakers Speak Out The Courage to Speak® Presentation for Parents and Students Cameo appearances with Mayor Moccia, … [Read more...]
Engaging Versus Entertaining the Kids
Engaging Versus Entertaining the Kids When it comes to spending time with children, do you spend your time engaging them, entertaining them or doing a little of both? Before you can fully answer that question, you may need to explore the difference between the two. When caregivers engage children their time is spent being actively involved with the kids. Engaging children requires active participation from both the caregiver and the child. When caregivers actively play with children, … [Read more...]
Guide for a Man Attempting to Raise Women
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 Raise Responsible Kids: teens, tweens & toddlers
The ultimate goal of parenting is to raise children who grow into adults that are capable of handling their own lives. In order to accomplish this, it’s important to instill a sense of responsibility in kids when they’re young, creating an attitude that will carry over into their teenage and adult years. Responsible kids become successful adults, but that behavior is learned. Helping your kids to learn the importance of taking personal responsibility and ultimately grow into self-reliant, … [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...]