Focus on Professional Development

Nannies often struggle to find continuing education or other professional development opportunities. A nanny position is frequently isolating without co-workers, so nannies that are looking for connections may need some direction. Joining a professional organization or association can be the answer. These groups provide networking, continuing education and professional development options. Families can support their nanny by encouraging membership in a professional organization. Many families add to their nanny’s benefits by offsetting membership or conference expenses.

Temporary Nanny Services

In addition to our long-term placements, Nannies from the Heartland also offers temporary nanny services. Whether you need a short-term nanny for six weeks or six hours, we're here to help! Our nannies can provide childcare for:

• Date night
• Overnights or parents' business trips
• Special events such as weddings or conferences
• Weekly "respite time" for a stay-at-home parent
• Traveling families staying in area hotels
• Parents wanting to meet some of our nannies before committing to a long-term placement
• And more!

Conquering the Gimmes

These are some great suggestions for beating the holiday gimmes from ePregnancy.com.

Taking Care of the Caregiver

Those who live or work with young children know how physically and emotionally draining it can be at times. For many child-centered people, one aspect is neglected — themselves. Here are some ideas to help you take care of yourself so you can be the best possible caregiver for the children in your life.

INA Individual Membership Dues Slashed

The International Nanny Association has announced that effective immediately, all individual membership dues have been reduced from $95 per year to $35! This membership includes:

• Discounted registration for the INA annual conference, coming to San Francisco in the May of 2010
• Access to INA publications and resources
• Nanny mentors and support groups
• Eligibility for the Nanny of the Year recognition
• A discount on taking the Nanny Credential Exam

An INA membership is a great holiday gift for the professional nanny in your life. Learn more here.

Snowy Fun

When the snow flies, be prepared with some new outdoor games! Check out these snow and ice-rink games from Disney FamilyFun.

15 Ways to Thank Your Nanny

By Nannies from the Heartland staff

As we approach Thanksgiving and the December holidays, families often ask us how they can thank their amazing nannies. Here are some ideas from the Nannies from the Heartland staff!

Why Should Families use a Full-Service Agency?

By Colleen O'Connor

A full-service nanny agency is the best way to find the most-qualified candidates for your family. When you post a job on your own, be prepared to eliminate at least 90% of respondents, and likely even more in this competitive job climate. You will find applicants who are unqualified, who provide misleading or vague information, or who don't show up for interviews. Some may have been already rejected by placement agencies. You may also find a great candidate, but why waste your time searching for the needle in the haystack? The best nannies often come to Nannies from the Heartland because they seek the security and top-quality jobs we provide.

Why Should Nannies use a Full-Service Agency?

By Colleen O'Connor

As a childcare professional, you want to find a job with employers who will recognize you as such. You want fair and safe working conditions, competitive compensation, and to be trusted for your expertise. The best employment opportunities can be found through placement agencies, as they are often not posted elsewhere. Families seeking high-quality nannies turn to Nannies from the Heartland because of the assistance, screening, privacy, and security we provide. We specialize in making matches between the most selective families and best-qualified nannies.

How Our Placement Process Works

By Colleen O'Connor

If you have never worked with a nanny placement service before, you may have questions about what the process is like. Not every agency is the same, but here's how Nannies from the Heartland helps great families and experienced nannies find that perfect match.

Promoting Healthy Habits

I just attended an excellent nanny day conference where two of the speakers focused on healthy habits for children and families. Their information was certainly pertinent especially because we are in the cold and flu season. Concern is only heightened by the H1N1 flu outbreak.

Positive Playdates: Building Social Skills

Building social skills in children is always a key objective for both parents and nannies. Playdates can be positive experiences for building skills before those formal school years. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when planning playdate experiences.

Teaching Kids Gratitude

Thanksgiving is great, but how can we encourage children to feel and show gratitude during the rest of the year? Check out this excellent and timely article from Parents magazine: Teaching Kids Gratitude.

Why Agency Longevity Matters

By Colleen O'Connor

Since Nannies from the Heartland opened in 1990, we have seen 29 other local nanny agencies come and go. Very few agencies last more than a few years before shutting their doors, and even fewer can match Nannies from the Heartland in longevity and experience.

Why does it matter how long your nanny agency has been around?

International Nanny Association Speaks out Against Video Game

Nannies from the Heartland supports the International Nanny Association's stance against the "Dante's Inferno" video game. This soon-to-be-released game features a trophy entitled "Bad Nanny" that players can earn by killing babies. For more information, please see the INA's statement about the game.

Mixed-Age Play

By Kelly Miller

In one of my previous nanny jobs, the girls I cared for played together wonderfully although three years apart in age. They really enjoyed being together. The oldest taught her younger sister a lot, and vice versa. In fact, their mother once remarked to me that she is thankful I taught her girls to be friends.


Children can learn a lot when they play with children of a variety of ages.

Words of Wisdom... from Families

By Kelly Miller

This article is the second of a two part series in which we talked to nannies and parents that have been placed together for over 4 years. We asked, “What advice do you have for other families or nannies to have a successful long-term relationship?” Here is what employers had to say.

Words of Wisdom... from Nannies

By Kelly Miller

This article is the first of a two part series in which we talked to nannies and parents that have been placed together for over 4 years. We asked, “What advice do you have for other families or nannies to have a successful long-term relationship?” Here is what experienced nannies had to say.

Tasty Treats Children Can Help Make

Enjoy these delicious desserts! Kids can join in the fun to make peanut-butter cookies or apple pizza.

"How Can I Get a Job Through Nannies from the Heartland?"

By Colleen O'Connor

Having been in business since 1990, Nannies from the Heartland has an excellent reputation among nannies and families alike. Many nannies wish to be represented by our agency, and often ask us how they can present themselves as an experienced and well-qualified candidate. We want to help you do this; our goal is to match nannies with rewarding professional jobs.

Teaching Children Responsibility

I don’t know a parent or nanny who doesn’t place a high priority on building responsibility in children, but encouraging skills can be a challenge. Knowing how to incorporate building skills into the daily routine and what to expect from all ages of children are important considerations. We should start by defining responsibility. Responsibility can be thought of as respect for the rights of others and personal accountability for one’s actions.

Responsible children need the opportunity to practice and learn skills from adults who are patient through the process. There are several areas where adults can make an impression in the area of responsibility.

First Aid and CPR Class for Nannies

Twin Cities Professional Nannies is hosting a First Aid and CPR certification class on Saturday, November 7 from 9:00 to 4:00. The training will be targeted at nannies and situations you may encounter on the job. All are welcome, though TCPN members receive a significant discount. For more information please visit here (PDF).

"Why?"... the Question that Opens Opportunities

Children are experts on asking “Why” and have a natural curiosity. Although sometimes frustrating, “why” questions are vital for stretching and growing. Encouraging questions is an excellent way to promote exploration and understanding.

Fall Nature Crafts

Here are some great kids' craft ideas involving leaves, sticks, and other natural objects. Take your children on a nature walk to gather materials, then cozy up inside to work on these art projects!

Pine Cone Critters

Leaf Painting Projects and Matching Game

Campfire Caps

Seed Necklaces and 11 Other Pumpkin Projects

Leaf Suncatcher

Autumn Mobile

Acorn Pumpkins

Smoothing Out Your Day

Transition: “Passing from one condition or place to another.” A day with a child is full of transitions. How are you handling them? Some are manageable, even positive, while others create “bumps” in our day or week. Here are a few helpful hints that can make those transitions work for you, not against you.

Nanny Conference - Professional Development

Twin Cities Professional Nannies is hosting the 8th Annual Nanny Conference day on Saturday, October 10 in Eden Prairie.  For more information about speakers, location, and how to register see their website at www.tcpnannies.org.

Invest in Nanny Screening – Worth Every Penny

Over the years we’ve heard so many stories of families trying to screen and hire on their own or with an online service. They cite all the hours of work to prescreen candidates, call references, interview, do criminal background and driving checks in order to feel “ok” hiring a nanny who might not be a good fit or even worse, a negative experience for the family.

Families said the number one advantage of looking on their own came down to the expense. However, many concluded that the time and energy they expended in the process, with often less than desirable results, were really costing them in the long run.
While online services usually have some type of membership fees with the option of ala carte ordering for reference, background, or driving record checks, families still put in hours of work – and ordering add-on services doesn’t come cheap.

Welcome!

Welcome to our new blog page. We plan to add lots of interesting, helpful, and fun info for our current and future nannies and families. Please let us know what you think, and feel free to suggest topics.