Happy New Year

Nannies from the Heartland Staff wish you and your family a happy 2011!

Let it Snow: Activities for Everyone

by Becky Kavanagh

Since winter and snow are such a big part of living in Minnesota we embraced it with activities that kept us busy both outdoors and inside. Here are a few of my favorites. We'd love to hear from you - share your favorite snow related activities.

Winter came down to our home one night

Quietly pirouetting in our silvery-toed slippers of snow,

And we, we were children once again.

~ Bill Morgan, Jr.

 

Snow Scientist at Work

Science of Snow - Snow is fascinating!
 Take the opportunity to explore the properties and note the differences each snowfall. We had a couple of plastic tubs, magnifying glass, rulers, yard sticks, black felt and a journal book as part of our snow science kit. During or after a snowfall we'd be out gathering a nice sample of snow for examination. When the weather was cooperative we did our experimentation outdoors but sometime we just scooped up a nice tub of snow to bring indoors. Science experiments included observing differences in individual snow flakes using the magnifying glass and the black felt.

Snow Day Pay

From our friends at Breedlove and Associates . . .

Snow Day Pay


This case puts the spotlight on a little-know aspect of employment law: how is a family supposed to handle a snow day?
The Situation
A family hired a full-time nanny and agreed to pay her a flat salary for 40 hours of work per week. They did not use a placement agency and there was no employment agreement in place.
About a month into the employment relationship, a severe winter storm closed much of the city. For two days, the nanny tried to get to work, but the road closures made it impossible. When payday came, the family paid her for 3 days of work instead of 5.
The nanny felt strongly that since they had agreed to a salary, she should be paid for the snow days. The family felt strongly that they shouldn't have to pay for work not performed - especially since they had to pay a neighbor to babysit those days.

Who's right?

HaPpY HoLiDaYs!

The staff at Nannies from the Heartland wishes you and your family Happy Holidays!

This year's holiday office party was focused on giving back. Staff members Kelly, Mary and Becky filled baskets with household items to be donated to Our Saviour's Housing program. These baskets will be given to individuals transitioning to permanent housing. We were able to get a tour of the shelter facilities from Volunteer Coordinator Colleen Toberman. What a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season!



For more information about Our Saviour's visit their main website at http://www.osom-mn.org/.

SPICE IT UP!

by Becky Kavanagh

With the craziness of the holiday season don’t miss out on the best part of the season: spending time with your family and friends. The holidays are a great time spice up family traditions that you and your children will look forward to year after year. So here are some ideas to create memories and smiles for years to come.

Keeping Children Warm in Car Seats

I've seen a number of postings about children, winter coats and carseats. Here is an excellent posting from our friends at Regarding Nannies. Check out the video demonstrations which illustrate with issues and give alternative options.      http://regardingnannies.com/2010/12/keeping-kids-warm-in-carseats/

I transport a 6 year old to or from school most days. Since he is an older guy we use a very nice booster seat but the issue of safety remains. That is why we buckle him in without his coat. He has told me it feels better. I make sure the temp in the van is warm and comfortable for all.

Consider the best safety options for the childen you transport. Do a little research and see if you need to adjust your process.
Becky

Back to Basics, Embracing Simplified Learning

I really enjoyed this recent article in the Star Tribune http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/111279354.html 
When my daughters were young, they didn't have a lot of fancy toys but were very fortunate to have Ann, an extremely creative nanny, (which their mother is not). They built forts in the family room, log cabins out of sticks in the back yard, read tons of books and did lots of art projects with Ann and rarely watched a video or television show.  Many years later, they will still talk about the elaborate Barbie doll house and attached barn for the Barbie horses that they constructed out of cardboard during one winter break. The construction phase was more fun than actually using it once it was completed!

I encourage you to read this article and would love to get your feedback and comments.   Mary O'Connor

Drop-Side Cribs Banned

The Consumer Product Saftey Commission has banned the sale and resale of drop-sided cribs. For more information here are two sources. The article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune is the announcement of the ban and the CBS News piece has a very visual explanation.
http://www.startribune.com/business/111922104.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7156172n&tag=mncol;lst;1

Holiday Projects - Part 3 "It's all about Pom Poms"

by Becky Kavanagh

Oh for the love of Pom Poms! These little balls of fluff are so versatile and fun to create great projects for the holidays or any time. They are inexpensive and often come in a variety pack of sizes, colors and textures. I liked to them on hand in our art supplies. You never know when a pom pom will make just the right touch to children's projects. Here are three options that work well for the holiday season. Now that you are thinking "Pom Pom" I know you'll start seeking all kinds of ideas for creations!

Introducing Children to Volunteerism

We're posting this again as it's timely and appropriate during this season focused on giving.

By Colleen O'Connor

Community service is a wonderful way for children to learn ideals such as generosity, self-awareness, compassion, and appreciation for diversity. However, the lesson will be lost if volunteerism isn't introduced to children in the right way.

As a professional volunteer coordinator, I often field inquries such as, "Where can my children and I volunteer together?" Here is some of my best advice for making community service an enriching experience for both your family and the organization you are serving.

Plymouth Magazine Photo

Nannies from the Heartland was featured in this month's Plymouth Magazine photo gallery. The link below will take you to their website. Scroll down and look for Nanny Love on the left side for a link to all the photos.
http://www.metromag.com/pages/index.cfm?tree_id=98&page_id=233&section_id=8&tag_id=76

Holiday Projects - Part 2

As promised, part two of our Holiday Projects posting. Here are three more favorites of ours and I hope you enjoy them. Next week . . . you've got it, several more projects you can use!
Becky

Full Disclosure: What does this mean?

by Mary O'Connor

Full Disclosure: What does this mean? Why is it important?

I recently did a Google search on this term and found many definitions:
• The need in business transactions to tell the “whole truth” about any matter which the other party should know in deciding to buy or contract
• The requirement to disclose all relevant or material facts to a transaction
• The need in certain situations for both parties to tell the whole truth about all information relevant to the transaction
• The act of providing all material information about an article or property intended or proposed to be transferred, which may influence the decision making of the buyer.
While some of these definitions are geared to certain business transactions, the principle of full disclosure is

Happy Hanukkah

From our friends at Regarding Nannies blog here are some great ideas for celebrating Hanukkah http://regardingnannies.com/2010/12/2024/. Enjoy!

Holiday Projects - Part 1

The holidays are such an exciting time for everyone! Children want to be involved in all kinds of projects and here are three to get you started. Great for a variety of ages, these three projects include creativity and the spirit of the season. Next week . . . more ideas!!
Enjoy,
Becky