Make Snack Time Fun

Here are two fun ideas from Parents magazine. Visit their website at www.parents.com for all types of ideas, articles and information. Nannies, you'll love this site as much as parents do!
I've made the Nutty Popcorn recipe without the nuts. A good choice if you or the children have any nut allergies. It's still a tasty, healthy treat!!

Back-to-School Projects

While looking for some fun back-to-school projects I found three on the Family Fun website that we have done over the years. I actually thought we'd "invented" them . . . now I see others have had these ideas. Maybe your school age children will love them as much as the children I've cared for.
                                                                                                        

Long Term Nanny / Family Relationships

"We’ve had challenges keeping a nanny long term with our family. What are we doing wrong?"

The nanny employment relationship is very unique. For one thing it is very personal and intimate. This makes for a great foundation for caring for children and working with parents in a partnership. It also increases sensitivity about the daily issues that can come up and can make dealing with concerns challenging for everyone. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

MUTUAL RESPECT: This is huge. Respecting each other is critical from day one. Being cognizant that your nanny is a professional and her expertise can really be an asset to your family. Great nanny and family relationships rely on respecting each other.

Mutual Respect: A Two-Way Street

We’ve all heard the adage: To gain respect we must give respect. How do children learn to be respectful? We all know that children learn from the adults around them, so what are we modeling? Are they seeing that mom, dad and nanny are treating each other respectfully? Are they expected to be respectful themselves? Are they feeling respected? Respect is a two-way street

Although children may not put labels such as respect or disrespect to the behaviors they see around them they are watching . . . and learning. Is it the lesson you want them to receive? When children see adults they care about communicating in an open and valued manner they will follow those examples. And it’s not only what is said or how it is communicated but body language as well. Children are constantly interpreting what they are seeing and feeling.

Back-to-School Time Capsule

Another great idea from Family Fun.

Back-to-School Time Capsule Need a simple project for those itchy, edgy, last few days of summer vacation? Have your child assemble this Back-to-School Time Capsule. By adding to it each year, she can create a book of memories and milestones. Imagine a fifth grader looking back on what she liked and disliked in the summer before second grade; it would give her a great feeling of personal growth--and no doubt a good laugh!


Transform a blank three-ring notebook into a time capsule by decorating pages so that they record both what the summer was like as well as hopes for and thoughts about the coming school year. For example, your child might include a photo from summer camp and also write about the sports team she'll play on at school this year. Check out the starter list below for more sample ideas.

Recall Alert

DATE: August 2, 2011
CATEGORY: Toys & Games
COMPANY/BRAND: Battat Inc.
THE DANGER: The metal toy keys and the plastic key ring can break, posing a choking hazard. The U.S. Consumer and Safety Product Commission and Battat have received 17 reports of keys breaking, and 14 reports of key rings breaking. No injuries have been reported.
DESCRIPTION: This recall includes about 1,083,600 B. FunKeys with factory code H58000-01 or H26300-01, and Parents Magazine Electronic Keys with factory code H26300-01. The factory code is located on the back of the remote. The remote of the B. Fun Keys is olive green or red and the top of the keys are multi-colored. The remote of the Parents Magazine Electronic Keys comes in different colors and the top of the keys is a solid color. Both remotes have sound buttons, and the metal keys hang from a plastic ring.
SOLD AT: Retailers nationwide and online sellers from April 2010 to May 2011 for B. FunKeys, and from January 2006 to December 2009 for Parents Magazine keys for about $9.
WHAT TO DO: Immediately take the recalled toy keys away from children and contact Battat to receive replacement keys. Contact the company toll-free at 866-665-5524 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 866-665-5524 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or visit battatco.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11293.html
Source: http://www.parents.com/baby/safety/toy/kid-toys/

Three Fun Ideas

Just had to share these three ideas with you to add to your creative activities. One is a food project, one is an art project and the last one is an easy game to play. All are from Family Fun.

Just for Fun Days

August is a month lacking a big holiday . . . but there are some fun "special days" in August. Here are a few for this weekend. Why not celebrate?! Get your creative juices flowing!

August 5

National Waffle Day - Not only could you eat waffles but you might think about ways to be creative with art projects with a waffle focus. Learn more about the history of the waffle.

Neil Armstong's Birthday - Research more about Neil and the space program. Visit your library for information or do an online search. Construct your own rocket from found objects and take flight with your imagination. For more about Neil Armstrong -http://www.nasa.gov/

August 6

National Mustard Day - My brain is spinning with all kinds of mustard related art, games, songs, not to mention some great eating. Want to know more - check out http://mustardmuseum.com/annual-national-mustard-day/
Wiggle Your Toes Day - Take your toes out on an adventure. Instead of finger painting, try toe painting. Learn more about your feet and toes. Walk, swim, roller blade and give your toes some exercise.


August 7

American Family Day - Have a family party! Celebrate your family's history. Have a family story time to share the rich memories of your family. Draw or paint a family portrait. Make a family video or scrapbook. Plan a family outing or gathering.

Friendship Day - Write an actual note or card to send to a friend and share what they mean to you. Gather with friends to play, go on a bike ride or take a walk. Plan a friendship picnic or meal. Host a game night.

National Kids Day - Check out http://www.kidspeace.org/nationalkidsday.aspx for information on Kids Day.