Nannies from the Heartland Blog

Indoor Activities - Beating the Winter Doldrums

2012-01-27T09:00:00.000-06:00

By Becky Kavanagh
This winter has been anything but typical – however, winter weather can be down right nasty, which means spending the day indoors with children who long to be active. No worries – here are a few suggestions to keep everyone active and moving even on those “indoor” days.

Bowling Bash

• Bowling Bash – Hallways work the best for this game because there are built in “bumpers” along the side, but a room with some length to it works just as well. Pins can be plastic disposable drinking cups, small water bottles or empty clean milk cartons. Balls can be balled up paper or a small ball (plastic or Nerf style are best). Using painter’s tape you can mark off the alley, throwing line and pin set up. Keeping score isn’t nearly as important as everyone having fun!
• Micro-Mini Golf – You can construct a table top or floor course with “hazards” from the toy box or kitchen. Be creative! Holes can be a plastic cup on its side (using a little weight in the cup or tape will stabilize it) or even a shape cut from paper. While I’m sure you can come up with lots of options for balls and clubs, we used some small plastic balls and gift paper tubes. Sometimes our courses ranged all over the house. Designing the course and set up is as much fun as the actual game.

Indoor Obstacle Course

• Indoor Obstacle Course – Look for opportunities to go over, under, around and through. Utilize furniture, blankets, pillows, boxes – get your thinking cap on and design multiple courses for hours of fun.
• Soccer – Using paper or soft Nerf style balls, we set up our field of play. Sometimes the goals were doorways or the area between the couch and chair. Make sure to clear the area of all obstacles or breakables, and clarify rules before you begin.
• Penguin Parent – This can be a fun variation on an obstacle course or played as a race. Using bean bags or small pillows as penguin eggs which are placed over the top of the feet of each player; the goal is to make it to the finish line with your bean bag still on your feet. Tiny steps and a true penguin waddle are keys to success. This one’s sure to bring out lots of laughs. Have your camera ready!
• Ready, Aim, Toss – Set up a course using small soft balls or bean bags and a variety of containers for some target practice. Varying the sizes of containers and their distance from the start line adds to the challenge. Assigning “points” can be fun for older children who enjoy some light-hearted competition.

Family Dance Party

• Dance Party – There’s nothing like some great music and the freedom to dance! Work with the children to create a special mix CD of their favorites. Varying tempos and music style brings out some very interesting interpretations.
• Sardines – This is an old favorite; a reverse of hide-n-seek. One person hides and as they are found by others more and more people squeeze into the spot until the last person finds them all. The last one to find everyone is “it” for the next game. Set boundaries about hiding spots to avoid problems.
• Shuffle Bump – This is like shuffle board or curling. Use painter’s tape to define goal areas (painter’s tape leaves no traces when you are done). Plastic bottle caps or small balls can be used. Try to get the most points while knocking your opponents out. A great game to lay down on your tummy and play.

No matter what you choose to do – indoor activities can make any day special. Enjoy!!

Flannel Board Stories and Activity Ideas

2012-01-25T13:33:00.003-06:00

by Becky Kavanagh

Last week we posted information on how to make your own flannel board and ways that it can be used. This week we're giving you some ideas on stories and activities to use your flannel board. Enjoy!

Tell A Story

Old McDonald

The flannel board is an exciting way to tell stories. Just think of the Three Little Pigs as a flannel board story. Depending on the age of the child they would not only enjoy participating by putting each pig onto the board but also creating the characters themselves. Children's classics like The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Itsy Bitsy Spider and The Gingerbread Man are stories that lend themselves to interactive telling with a flannel board. These allow children to not only tell the story but practice critical thinking skills. "What's next?" will encourage them to sequence events or to rearrange events to change the story's outcome.
The pellon material, mentioned in last week's post, is a good base for book based figures, it is easy to trace using a pen or pencil right from the book. Since this is for the family's private use with a book they own there should be no copyright issues. You can color the pellon with crayon, colored pencil or marker. When using a marker make sure you have paper under as the pellon is a porous material.
Children will love making up their own story and creating their own characters. As they develop their story telling you'll see that a few figures can have multiple uses as different characters to form different stories. Their imaginations will take flight with this activity.

Rhymes That Teach
Here are a few favorites and a couple with a twist that the children will enjoy! You'll see that these emphasize the number five - you can add to or subtract from this to create your own version. Children love to manipulate rhyming words so let them get creative!

Five Green and Speckled Frogs

(Children place log, frogs, pond and bugs on the board. Then let them remove pieces as indicated.)

Five green and speckled frogs

Sat on a a speckled log

Easting some most delicious bugs . . . yum, yum!

One jumped into the pool

Where it was nice and cool

Then there were four green speckled frogs.

Last line is . . .

One green and speckled frog

Sat on a speckled log

Eating some most delicious bugs . . . yum, yum!

He jumped into the pool

Where it was nice and cool

Then there were no green speckled frogs.

Five Little Pumpkins

Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate . . .

The first one said "Oh my it's getting late"

The second one said "There are leaves in the air"

The third one said "But we don't care"

The fourth one said "Let's run and run and run"

The fifth one said "I'm ready for some fun!"

Woooooooooo went the wind . . .

Out went the light . . .

And the five little pumpkins rolled out of sight!

Five Little Turtles

Five little turtles playing in the pond

one turtle swam away

and then there were four.

Four little turtles playing in the pond

one turtle went to look for food

and then there were three.

Three little turtles playing in the pond

one turtle went to take a nap

and then there were two.

Two little turtles playing in the pond

one went to meet a friend

and then there was one.

One little turtle playing in the pond

he decided to go home

and then there were none.

No little turtles playing in the pond.

Five Little Sea Shells

(insert the names into the rhyme - don't forget Mom, Dad and Nanny can have a turn too!)

Five little sea shells sitting in the sand

______ picked on up and put it in his/her hand

Last line . . .

No more sea shells sitting in the sand.

Counting, Colors and More

The flannel board is great fun when exploring all types of concepts. How fun to count not only Frogs, Pumpkins, Turtles and Sea Shells but kites, snowflakes, hearts and more. Objects can be made for any occasion, season or holiday. One of our favorites were counting up scoops on ice cream cones. We had many scoop shapes of different color felt ready to pile on top of our tan triangle cones!

Color identification is more interesting with manipulatives on the flannel board and this favorite rhyme.

BROWN BEAR, BROWN BEAR

Brown Bear, Brown Bear what do you see?

I see Red Bird looking at me.

Red Bird, Red Bird what do you see?

I see . . .

(You can add any animal in any color. Then count the animals. And while you're at it make up a little story!)

Using the flannel board for letter recognition and simple words is another idea. Just using the above rhyme you could spell out Bear or Brown or Red or Bird as part of the fun. We would play word games with our flannel board and felt letters. Beginner's Scrabble is a game that works well on the flannel board.

We'd love to hear how you use flannel boards! Please comment and share your ideas.

Mary is Quoted in Star Tribune

2012-01-23T10:50:00.000-06:00

Mary O'Connor, founder and president of Nannies from the Heartland is quoted in Sunday, January 22 Star Tribune newspaper on an article about teenage baby sitters. To read the full article please visit the following link. http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/137719778.html

Letter of Recommendation Tips

2012-01-20T09:00:00.006-06:00

by Becky Kavanagh

Families and nannies occasionally ask us about some tips for writing a recommendation letter. Employer families certain write letters for their nannies, but nannies can also write a letter for their employer easing the transition to a new nanny. Here are some basics on writing the letter.

Typically recommendation letters are formatted in the following way:

Opening Paragraph: Statement of recommendation and usually includes length of their association, the relationship to the letter writer and dates of employment
Second (and third) Paragraph: Focus the individual's strengths with specific examples, this is the chance to personalize remarks and tell a story or two about them
Last Paragraph: Restate the recommendation, include an offer to contact the letter writer directly for more information
Contact Information: Following the signature include preferred contact information (phone numbers and/or email)
Make sure that the letter is dated. Knowing when the letter was written is important, particularly for individuals who have gathered several letters over the years

Flannel Board Basics

2012-01-18T14:42:00.000-06:00

by Becky Kavanagh

I know what some of you are thinking . . . flannel boards are so yesterday, there are so many things today to engage children. You're right of course, there are no flashy screens or buttons to click but a flannel board has some essential elements that today's media options don't. For one thing they are very tactile and can encourage creativity. Let's not forget it's a fun learning tool. Here are some ideas for making your own.

The Concept
While it's called either a Flannel Board or Felt Board you can use materials other than these. You need material that has "nap" which is consistent throughout the fabric. Carpeting can work well as the base for the board section as long as the nap is not plush or too deep. Nap is the fuzzy ends of the material which you can feel move when you touch it . . . a smooth woven fabric has very little nap while flannel has an obvious nap which you can feel. When you place the figures and shapes onto the board they will stay in place without any adhesive, can be moved or removed easily - if you have a material that can do that then you're in business. Traditionally flannel boards were used as a visual addition to telling a story. Think of the story of the Three Little Pigs for example. The story can be told and the figures manipulated on the flannel board by an adult or child to illustrate the story. A flannel board can go further in encouraging the concepts of sequence, labeling, problem solving, relational connections, counting, quantity, letter identification and much more.

Making Your Board

View from the back

Boards can be made in many ways. Let's explore a few options.
1) Select a base: a large piece of cardboard, foam core board, particle board or the like. You'll want to choose something that will allow for the board to be used vertically. Although you can also use them on the floor. We would prop ours on the easel and use the paint tray area to hold the figures and shapes.
2) Select your fabric base: flannel, felt, carpeting, fleece, etc. Remember nap is important so the figures stay on the board.
3) The amount of fabric you'll need is dependent on the size of your base. You'll need enough to wrap your fabric around to the back of the board to secure. If you choose carpeting you'll not be able to wrap the board as easily so you'll need to consider how to finish off the edges. Carpet squares have bound edges which would be a good choice.
4) Wrap your board base with the fabric like you are wrapping a present. Secure the fabric to the back of the board. I prefer using a strong glue over staples but I've also had a lot of success with duct tape. As you are wrapping make sure that the front of the board fabric stays smooth and flat.

Figures and Shapes

Frogs on a Log

Like the board base you can use a variety of materials for the figures and shapes. You don't have to be an artist to create the figures, often all you need to do is trace. Children also like to make their own figures and shapes so encourage them in being creative. You can use cookie cutters for tracing out basic shapes or figures. If you do an online search you'll find all kinds of ideas and patterns. Pellon - You'll find pellon in different weights at your local fabric store. It is a fused material used in sewing to bring form and support. Usually for collars or cuffs of shirts. What is great about pellon is that it has a translucent quality so you can trace easily. Markers work well on pellon, just remember to put something under the pellon (a piece of paper will work) when coloring in areas as it has a porous quality.
Felt - Felt comes in different weights and firmness. You can find it at a fabric or craft store. It is sold by the yard or in sheets. It's durable and holds up well to hours of play. Over time it can lose it's firmness and get "fuzzy" so you may need to replace figures as needed. I've found the flannel or fleece isn't "stiff" enough to offer support for figures or shapes.

Paper Figures

Paper - Yes, you can use paper but you'll need to back it with something that will adhere to the board. Paper figures and shapes can be backed with flannel, felt, pellon or Velcro. If you want to use Velcro you'll need the "hook" side rather than the "loop" side. Velcro can be purchased in pre-cut packages or by the yard like ribbon. Adhere the Velcro to the wrong side of a paper or cardboard shape and you are good to go. This means that children's drawings can easily come to life on the flannel board.
We'd love to hear from you about uses and materials for flannel board stories and games. Please comment!
Next week we'll share some great flannel board stories, rhymes, songs and games. We could share your's just send us a comment.

Time to Potty Train!

2012-01-16T09:00:00.011-06:00

by Kelly Miller

What is the wisest gift I purchased this holiday season? The Cars 2 potty chair! My son is now 29-months-old, and he will be the fifth child I will potty train (but the first boy). My initial plan was to wait until June to start the training process .... but he loves his new potty, and he will actually urinate when he sits on it (most of the time!). I don't want to lose this critical time where he is interested in the potty, so I plan to start having him wear underwear this weekend.

On Friday, I will let him pick out his own underwear (Thomas? Elmo? Spiderman?). He loves juice boxes, so I will also buy plenty (we need lots of opportunity for success!). Candy will be a tasty reward. Stickers to put all over his potty seat each time he is successful. I will also move his potty chair to the family room so it is easily accessable. Every 30-45 minutes, I will ask him to sit on the potty. This method worked well for my daughter as well as the children I have nannied for over the years. If he grows tired, I will let him take a break in a diaper.

Do you wonder if your toddler is ready to use the potty? Here are some signs of readiness. Is your toddlers diaper dry at changing time? Do you notice expressions or positions your toddler makes when they need to go? Does your toddler sit on a potty chair fully clothed when you are using the bathroom? Does your toddler have the necessary language skills needed to communicate with you? Can your child undress himself?

Here are some articles about this topic.
http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/child-rearing-and-development/toilet-training/13-toilet-traning-tips-know-you-start

http://www.ask.com/health/galecontent/toilet-training?o=15527&l=dis

http://www.babycenter.com/toddler-potty-training-advice

Getting Out and About

2012-01-12T09:00:00.001-06:00

Snow or no snow getting out and about in the winter is good for everyone.
Need ideas for outings with children or families? Check out these links.
http://www.threeriversparks.org/events.aspx
http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/family/
http://www.citypages.com/events/category/family-117283/
http://www.winter-carnival.com/

Nanny Conference - Save the Date

2012-01-10T13:29:00.000-06:00

A Sure Bet

2012 INA Annual Conference
May 3-6, 2012
Tuscany Suites & Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada

The International Nanny Association (INA) is the umbrella organization for the nanny industry. The annual conference is packed with continuing education opportunities, networking and lots of fun. Mary and Becky are active INA members and wouldn't miss the annual conference. If you are new member to INA there is a 50% discount on attending this conference.
For more details about this conference visit http://www.nanny.org/page.aspx?pid=456.

Honoring Nanny - Lori Baker

2012-01-04T09:00:00.003-06:00

Lori loved being a nanny, she was committed to her job and the children in her care. She loved her profession and was active in the industry attending conferences, serving on her local nanny group board of directors and encouraging other nannies.
Lori was very close to her family and devoted much of her time to them. She was a wonderful friend who loved the outdoors, bowling, crafting and scrapbooking.
Nannies from the Heartland staff join many others who knew Lori in remembering her wonderful smile, gentle spirit and her passion for working with children and families.

2012 Reminders

2012-01-03T09:00:00.008-06:00

The temporary 2% reduction in employee Social Security Tax deductions, scheduled to expire December 31, have been extended two months, through February 2012.

The IRS announced that the standard employee mileage reimbursement rate for transportation expenses paid or incurred beginning January 1, 2012 will be 55.5 cents per mile, unchanged from the rate in effect during the final six months of 2011.

2011-12-30T09:00:00.001-06:00

Nannies from the Heartland wishes

you and your family a very Happy New Year!

Let it Snow: Activities for Everyone

2011-12-27T09:00:00.001-06:00

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.

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.
Viewing the snow flakes on a black or dark background is best for noting each flakes unique look. Do this outdoors while it is snowing. We'd also measure the depth of the snow and test the packing property. Measuring rates of melting is always fascinating - get a good amount of snow in the plastic tubs, measure the depth of that snow and then take readings every minute or so. On occasion, when the idea struck the children, we'd have a tub of snow melting in different rooms. Then there would be a very excited meeting to discover which room's snow melted quickest and then the whys would start, which lead to more research. We kept a Snow Journal with details of different snows, dated all our entries and used drawings along with photos to capture the moment. I've done these snow related experiments with infants through school age children. Take the children's lead - they'll come up with questions and ideas that will keep the activity going and changing.

Torn Paper Masterpiece

Torn Paper Creation
This is a favorite from my own schooldays and one the children loved to do often. You need a dark piece of construction paper as your background, white construction paper and other colors to add interest. No scissors are needed and really tests patience as well as small motor coordination. Simply tear paper and glue down to create your masterpiece. This is fun to do any day or any season. Younger children may need a little help. They can tear the paper into small bits to be then layered for the shapes they want or tear the shape carefully out of the paper - both techniques work well. These technique works very well for mosaic art and we found ourselves tearing paper to have on hand for future use. I stored torn paper in zip lock bags. Hint: Sometimes tearing paper is very therapeutic for children and even for adults!

Shaving Cream Experience

Shaving Cream Exploration
A lovely pile of shaving cream is just fun to get your hands into. You can sculpt, paint, mush, draw or write into shaving cream. It smells good and is easy to wash off little hands. We often would do this after a day of sledding or snow sculpting outdoors. I do recommend wearing protective covering over clothes. Roll up your sleeves and get into it. Piling the shaving cream on a counter top or table that will tolerate this activity is fun, but you can also have each child use a tray on a covered table top. With their own tray they can keep their activity from sliding into others - which can sometimes be an issue. To paint - add food coloring. If you have a child who wants to participate but doesn't want the shaving cream to touch their hands they could use plastic gloves so they still get the sensation but there is a barrier between them and the shaving cream. You can also try using kitchen utensils to manipulate the shaving cream.

Snow Painting Fun

Outdoor Snow Painting
Another favorite of ours for outdoor fun. You'll need spray bottles with diluted food coloring and a nice area of snow. I used the large and small sized spray bottles so all hands could enjoy this activity. We also brought out watercolor kits with brushes for smaller creations. Spray bottles give the children the ability to color a larger area of snow. This is wonderful to do on snow people or snow sculptures to add details.
I think of this as the sidewalk chalk activity of winter. Our neighbors enjoyed our creativity for several days afterward. This works best the day after a snow, after it's settled a little.
Depending on how intensely we got involved in this activity I might need to wash mittens and outdoor wear afterward.

Snow World

Snow Sculptures
Taking it beyond snow people, let the children think of other creations they would like to make such as animals, forts, snow scenes, characters from stories, aliens and so much more are possible. I liked to have several things on hand for good sculpting results - several different sized plastic containers (great for shaping and transferring snow), small scoops and large plastic spoons (helps with detail work), spray bottle with water (good for giving a finish to sculpture or for adding moisture to a dry snow), then for small detail work plastic spoons/forks/knives are great and then we used other objects (sticks, rocks, vegetables, food color, etc.) for final details. I also have a couple small (child friendly) sized shovels for moving snow. Not all snow is good for sculpting. It depends a lot on the moisture content - fluffy snow with low moisture is lovely but doesn't hold together, slushy snow with high moisture is a mess. Test your snow by forming a snowball - if it packs well and stays together you're good to go!

Dry Tempera using Ice Cube Brush

Ice Painting
Painting with ice is great fun for all seasons. I like using dry tempera paint sprinkled onto a large sheet of paper and use an ice cube from the freezer or even better, an icicle from outdoors as the brush. As the ice melts it dissolves the dry paint creating beautiful designs. If I'm using ice cubes I put in a Popsicle stick when freezing them. With an icicle we get out our mittens or gloves - which is great fun! This can be a messy but rewarding project so cover table, floor and clothing well.
We have even painted with snow using this same technique. Sprinkle dry paint onto paper, add a scoop of snow and paint with a large long handled art bush. It doesn't take much snow to wet the paint.
This can get to be a soggy activity if you let it, so keep an eye on the amount of water that's being generated. Enjoy!!

This article was originally posted in December 2010 and brought back by popular interest.

2011-12-23T09:00:00.001-06:00

Nannies from the Heartland
wishes you and your family Happy Holidays!
Mary, Becky and Kelly

Gift Giving Ideas

2011-12-21T09:00:00.002-06:00

by Becky Kavanagh (originally posted 12/2010)

It’s the time of year we get calls from nanny employers and sometimes from nannies wondering what is “usual and standard” for holiday gifts or bonuses. This is a tricky question as there are no industry standards but typically families do a variety of things to show their appreciation at this holiday time for the service their nanny has provided to them. Many families choose to give a monetary gift which often is the equivalent of a week’s pay. They may also include a personal gift or gift card. Families may choose to have the children give a small item, which could be handmade, to their nanny as well. Much of this depends on how long the nanny has been with the family. Families who have employed their nanny less than a year might choose a modest personal gift to demonstrate their appreciation.

Nannies also wonder what is appropriate for giving to their employer family or to the children. These gifts are usually more personal in nature and reflect the nanny’s observation of the family’s lifestyle and interests. It might be a gift the whole family will enjoy together or something specific to each child with a smaller gift to the employer.

Over the 20 plus years I worked for my previous family, gifts have varied from year to year but one thing remained constant
– they were very aware of my interests and likes. They chose things that not only demonstrated their appreciation but that they were attentive to what I enjoyed doing on my own time. It showed an interest in me that really made me feel part of their lives.
The children often choose a small item for me – sometimes it was jewelry, a gift card or sweet treat along with a handmade ornament or special card. They were so excited to see my reaction to their gift – and I tried never to disappoint them. When they got a little older and had some money of their own to put towards gifts I was excited to receive “interesting” items which included action figures, trinket boxes, fragrant lotions, candles, etc. – it was always a big surprise! Gifts from my employers included gift cards to stores they knew I frequented, cash or a prepaid credit card, fine jewelry or apparel. The fact that they all put a lot of thought into the gift was something I cherished.
When choosing gifts for them it always had a personal and handmade quality. Here are a few from over the years: yearly video holiday card featuring the children singing, telling stories or playing their instruments, a scrapbook of the previous year together or a special trip, one year I made robes for the whole family, another year we made several ornaments (some were made by the children and some I made). As the children got older they chose their own gifts for the parents with a little help and I started giving the parents something I thought they would use or like to do together. Gift cards are great – wonderful for restaurants, stores, movies or events. As far as the children I have always given them a personal gift – it didn’t have to be big but I wanted it to be very personal for each of them. The last few years with the family I also did a community service project or participated in an event with the children so that we had a memory of something done together to help others.

I recently asked other nannies to share their thoughts on gift giving and receiving. Here are their responses.

I really prefer not to get a gift but understand that most people like to give them so. Personally I have only gotten cash. I appreciate this because I like to live simply and unless the family knows me very, very well they most likely won't know what I need and then I will end up giving it away to someone who wants/needs it and then feel badly for seeming ungrateful for their gift. I love getting something small that the kids have made for me as well.
Susan

Bonus of one or two weeks pay! We work so hard to take care of their home life so they can live out their dreams, it would be nice to be treated to the ultimate gift of appreciation, a bonus for a good job done.
As a family gift I make a scrapbook or give a personalized ornament or snow globe. For the children I give a special book or a special gift that will stick around for a long time.
Alanna

This year I made Shutterfly photobooks for the children I nanny for filled with photos from the last 4+ years. These are photos of the kids from activities, trips and events I have done with them which their family doesn't have copies of. Each book is personalized for each child and will be an album just for them. I also made the parents a book including all the photos from the kid’s books so they could have copies of these memories as well.
Heather

I thought I'd share my holiday gift experiences with you. I think the best gifts I've received was when a family knew I was taking a trip later that year, and they gave me spending money for the trip (I've gotten that 3 different times from 3 different families). It's very nice to have that extra spending money. Other years I've usually gotten gift cards from the parents, and they always let the kids pick out something for me themselves (which can be very interesting, but always fun). For gifts I've given to the families, I like to have traditions, so I tend to give the same things every year. I feel reading is important, and something I personally enjoy doing with the children, so every year I'd give each child a book (I usually write a message to them on one of the front pages). And I also would give them a toy or something fun. I took care of a boy who loved to play board games, so every year I gave him a new game for us to play. He always knew what he was getting, but it was something we'd use the whole year. Many times I like to give arts and crafts stuff (there's a lot of nice kits out there). Again, that's something I get to do with the children. So I guess I think the best gifts are gifts that promote time together. For the parents, I've often given a "free night of babysitting" gift certificate. They always seemed to enjoy that. Along with that I'd usually give them some candy or something. Last year the Dad of the boy I take care of now was deployed, and was gone over the holidays. While he was gone I wrote him a letter each week (pretending Henry was telling me what to write--he wasn't even a year old at the time). I'd just write about little things we did that week, or any "firsts" that Henry had, and then I'd let Henry scribble with crayons or put stickers on the letter. I also took a lot of pictures of Henry while he was gone, and put together a little scrapbook and sent that to him for Christmas. He told me that he really appreciated those things.
Cheryl

I appreciate when the family takes the time to know my interests and items I’d like, and then either purchases those items or gets a gift card redeemable towards that item. I’ve received in the past; holiday pay bonus, personal gifts and items homemade from the children.
I give a gift to each child which is placed under their tree to be opened later (often not when I’m present so there is no pressure to make sure I have a reciprocal gift). The children and I always work on a project of a handmade gift for the parents.
Kelly

2011 Notable Children's Books

2011-12-19T09:00:00.002-06:00

I love books! Maybe it started with our family tradition of getting a new book or two each Christmas. It was something I looked forward to with great anticipation. I have carried this love of books to all my interactions with children and particularly as a nanny. I recently came upon the website for the American Library Assocation and the page on 2011 Notable Children's Books. Here is a sample of their extensive list. You'll see the link to the site at the bottom of this posting, visit the site for their complete list. I'm excited to check these titles out for myself and, of course, share them with the children in my life.

Enjoy!

Becky

Each year a committee of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) identifies the best of the best in children's books. According to the Notables Criteria, "notable" is defined as: Worthy of note or notice, important, distinguished, outstanding. As applied to children's books, notable should be thought to include books of especially commendable quality, books that exhibit venturesome creativity, and books of fiction, information, poetry and pictures for all age levels (birth through age 14) that reflect and encourage children's interests in exemplary ways.

Younger Readers

April and Esme, Tooth Fairies. By Bob Graham. Illus. by the author. Candlewick.
On their first assignment, two young tooth fairy sisters journey by night into the huge world of humans to collect a young boy's tooth and fly it safely home.

Back of the Bus. By Aaron Reynolds. Illus. by Floyd Cooper. Philomel.
A young boy and his mother take a familiar ride on a city bus unaware of the historic event they are about to witness: passenger Rosa Parks refuses to move from her seat.

Big Red Lollipop. By Rukhsana Khan. Illus. by Sophie Blackall. Viking.
Rubina’s excitement over an invitation to a birthday party is dimmed by her mother’s insistence that she take her younger sister Sana with her.

Middle Readers

Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring. By Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan. Illus. by Brian Floca. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter.
Making Appalachian Spring – Spare, dramatic text and uncluttered watercolors relay the story of the collaborative creation of a classic American ballet. Sibert Honor Book

The Bat Scientists. By Mary Kay Carson. Illus. by Tom Uhlman. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Exceptional photography and clear text capture the lives of bats and explore the myths and threats to these amazing mammals.

Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave. By Laban Carrick Hill. Illus. by Bryan Collier. Little/Brown.
Poetic text and lush illustrations tell the true story of an extraordinary artist living in 19th-century South Carolina. Caldecott Honor Book & ALA Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award

Older Readers

90 Miles to Havana. By Enrique Flores-Galbis. Roaring Brook.
The author’s experience, as one of 14,000 children moved from Cuba to a refugee camp in Miami in 1961, is told through engaging, fast-paced writing and well-developed characters. Belpré Author Honor Book

Black Elk’s Vision: A Lakota Story. By S.D. Nelson. Abrams.
This handsome, large-format volume combines archival photographs, original acrylic paintings and powerful first-person narrative to present the devastating story of the painful changes in life forced upon the Lakota people.

Countdown. By Deborah Wiles. Scholastic.
A “documentary novel” set in the 1960’s Cold War era, this title captures a girl’s fears about the world around her.

All Ages

Bones: Skeletons and How They Work. By Steve Jenkins. Illus. by the author.
Collage illustrations support exploration and comparison of various human and animal skeletons, from fingers to skulls.

Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night. By Joyce Sidman. Illus. by Rick Allen. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Twelve elegantly crafted poems celebrating the night are accompanied by prose pieces about nocturnal flora and fauna. Newbery Honor Book

Farm. By Elisha Cooper. Illus. by the author. Scholastic/Orchard.
Experience life on a very real farm with very real farmers through the muddy month of March until the next winter.

For the full list visit http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/notalists/ncb.

Tips for Avoiding Frostbite

2011-12-16T09:00:00.001-06:00

Could you or your children catch frostbite being active outside? It's possible, given the right conditions. However, with precautions - like proper layering - that can be avoided.

Outward Bound instructor, Kristen Laine, who writes the Great Kids, Great Outdoors blog for the Appalachian Mountain Club says that parents should watch out for conditions that are prime for hypothermia and frostbite. "It's really only when the thermometer heads below 5 degrees F and winds pick up that frostbite becomes a real concern. As the days get longer, getting wet and cold becomes a more serious concern than frostbite — warmer temperatures mean rain or mixed rain and snow; warmer snow means wetter boots and mittens and snow pants. Hypothermia, then, is the concern," says Laine.

She offered these tips for keeping children safe.
• It's useful to remember a 5-30-30 rule: 5 degrees Farenheit, 30 mile an hour winds, 30 minutes before exposed skin risks frostbite. Wind chill advisories and the science behind them are based on adult responses, so err on the side of caution with children. As the temperature drops below 0, only 10 mph winds risk frostbite after 30 minutes of exposure.
• Outdoor gear and clothing has come a long way since. Nowadays, if children are properly dressed in a warm hat, warm mittens, layered clothing, and dry boots, they really can stay outside quite a long time. (Unless it's very windy...)
• But pay attention to signs of cold: cold hands and feet are often the body's first sign that its core temperature is dropping. Uncontrollable shivering is one of the early warning signs of hypothermia.
• On windy days, slather Vasoline on the exposed parts of a child's face -- it's great protection against the wind.

Sugar, Chocolate and Peanut Butter

2011-12-14T09:00:00.002-06:00

by Kelly Miller

Today I am sharing two recipes that my grandmother passed down to my mother, who has since passed them down to me. Every year they are requested by friends ... I can imagine my grandmother in her farmhouse making these for my dad. Enjoy!

Grandma Brun's Sugar Cookies
Cream: 1 1/2 cup sugar and 1 cup butter or lard (if using lard, add 1/2 teaspoon salt)
Add: 2 eggs, 1/2 cup sour cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla (also 1/4 teaspoon almond extract if desired)
Then add: 3 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Refrigerate dough. Then roll out 1/4 inch or less thick. Bake at 375 degrees for 7-8 minutes on greased pans. Frost.

Peanut Butter Krispie Balls
Bring to boil: 1 cup sugar, 1 cup dark Karo syrup
Remove from heat and add: 2 cups peanut butter and 4 cups Rice Krispies
Mix well and form into small balls. Melt semi-swee ice cap coating chips, then dip balls. Cool on wax paper.

Bundle Up: It's Cold Out There

2011-12-12T09:00:00.003-06:00

by Becky Kavanagh

It's Minnesota and we won't let the cold keep us inside. Knowing how to bundle up properly will help you stay warm and dry no matter the temperature. Layers are the way to go - layers trap body heat and help insulate you from the cold. In addition, you can remove layers to let heat escape to prevent overheating. Using light and medium layer is better at regulating your body temperature than just going with a heavy winter coat or jacket.

First Layer - Avoid Cotton

The fabrics you choose are important since some can actually make the cold worse. Outdoor experts say that natural fibers aren't a good choice for a first layer. Synthetics do a better job of wicking away moisture from the body. Cotton can actually hold onto mositure and keep you colder. Wool and wool blends are a good choices because it is known to retain the ability to insulate even when wet. Synthetics that are designed to wick way moisture are the best. This first layer should be light and comfortable.

Second Layer: Warmth
The second layer is to keep your body's natural heat in. This insulating layer could be a fleece or synthetic layer or a light weight down jacket - all do a good job of keeping you warm and again they are light and comfortable.
Your activity can determine the weight of your layers. The more active you are outdoors the thinner the layer and conversly the less active you are thicker is better. Fleece is effective in all situations.

Top Layer: Sheilding
The top layer's function is to act like a shield, reflecting the elements away from the body. The outer "shell" layer protects from wind, rain and heavy wet snow. Many of today's jackets come with several layers zipped into each other allowing for you to make adjustments as needed. The outer shell has that protective property that it needed.

Keep Your Head Warm
I can still hear my mom telling me, "get your hat on so you don't get cold!" She was right. You can lose a lot of body heat if your extremities aren't covered properly. A good hat, mittens or gloves and warm boots will go a long way to keeping you warm and comfortable. Once your head, hands or feet are cold your outdoor time is over - so "get your hat on!"

Check back on Friday when we'll have some tips for avoiding frostbite.

How Can I Track My Child's Day?

2011-12-09T09:00:00.002-06:00

Reposted from August 2010

Becky answers . . .
How can I know how my children are doing during their day with the nanny?

Having your nanny keep a journal about each day's activities, the foods eaten, child's mood and other important information is a great idea. I had a journal for each child in my care. When they were young - infant through early preschool age - I wrote in it each day. As they got older the journal became less formal. The children actually used their journal in a school project at one time or another - they loved reading through them!

Touching base with your nanny throughout the day by phone call is a good idea. Some nannies may think of this as a “check up” call and fear that you don’t trust them. Explain to the nanny that the call will help you to feel in touch with your child, that you simply miss not being there yourself. I appreciated the phone check-in from my employer. It gave me a chance to share some of the highlights of the day and frankly, talk to another adult. I also appreciated knowing I could call them and talk or leave a message if I had any questions. When I started the mother or dad would call at least once a day just to see how it was going. As time went by those calls were more infrequent because we had built our relationship and trust with each other.

Occasionally either of the parents would drop in during the day for lunch or a quick check-in before heading to an appointment. This could be both wonderful and not so wonderful - it really depended on what the children were doing. Lunch time usually was great. They were eating and seeing mom or dad was a nice surprise. It was less thrilling when we were in the middle of a fun game, project or reading a book which could throw them off a little. I usually stopped what we were doing with the promise we'd return to it and encourage focus on saying "Hi" to mom or dad. Popping in during nap time was a mixed bag and they decided they wouldn't pop in during that time of day in future. I recommend discussing with your nanny about dropping in and then evaluate as you go.

Obviously with younger, non-verbal age children, calling or popping in are a great way to get a sense how things are going. Children who are able to verbalize will let you know what's happening. Try to hear all that they are reporting to you and ask questions for other details. Also, note if they are happy to see the nanny coming at the beginning of the day. Do they talk about their nanny after the day is over? For example; "Becky told us a funny story today. Do you want to hear it mommy?" This will give you a sense of the relationship that your child is building with the nanny which is so important for their development.

We took time, however brief, at the end of most days to touch base. It was a great way to share and feel connected. Scheduling regular meetings at the end of the week or another time that works for everyone is a great idea. You can talk about details in a more relaxed setting. We talked about what was going well, ideas we had, along with setting goals for the future. They asked me about my personal life and interests which made me feel connected with them. I can tell you from experience that connecting on a deeper level is important for the strong relationship you are building with your nanny.

Gingerbread Face Cookies

2011-12-07T09:00:00.004-06:00

By: Amanda Formaro, from Kaboose.com
GINGERBREAD FACE COOKIES

Make these adorable Christmas gingerbread people face cookies with your children. Just line up the candies and let them have a decorating party!

What you'll need:
Your favorite gingerbread cookie recipe or try ours (see recipe below)!
Candies for decoration such as gumdrops, nonpareils, sprinkles, decorator icing, M&M’s, Skittles, etc

How to make it:
Make cookie dough and use large round cookie cutters or a drinking cup to create circles. Bake as directed and allow to cool off completely.
Place different types of decorations into small bowls. We used Dots candy, spiced gumdrops, nonpareils, Skittles candies, and white tube decorator frosting.
Use decorator frosting to draw on rick rack.
To “glue” on eyes, cheeks and nose, dot some decorator frosting onto the cookie, then gently press the decoration on top of it.
Cut gumdrops in half, use the top half for eyes and bottom half for cheeks.
To make colorful hair, cover top of cookie with decorator icing them dip into nonpareils or sprinkles.

Tips:
If you would like softer cookies, do not roll the dough as thin and bake for a few minutes less.
If you have several children participating, be sure to set out enough bowls of decorations and place them within reach.
This is a perfect photo opportunity! Be sure to have your camera ready when the children begin to decorate.
Gingerbread Recipe
This simply splendid gingerbread recipe will engage your kids' imaginations as they transform humble gingerbread into countless Christmas creations. Just add an assortment of cookie cutters and candy decorations.
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups dark molasses
1 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup cold water
1/3 cup shortening
7 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground allspice
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (16 ounce) package chocolate frosting

Cooking InstructionsPreheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease one cookie sheet.
Mix together the molasses, brown sugar, water and shortening.
Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, allspice, ginger, cloves and cinnamon. Add to sugar mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Roll dough 1/4 inch thick on floured board. Cut with floured gingerbread cutter. Place about 2 inches apart on cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool.
Nutrition Facts
calories: 260cal
total fat: 5.3g
cholesterol: 0mg
sodium: 200mg
carbohydrates: 50.6g
fiber: 1g
protein: 3.2g
Servings: 30

Taking Care of the Caregiver

2011-12-05T09:00:00.002-06:00

This is reposted from December 2009. Just a little reminder to parents and nannies alike during the stressful holiday season.

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.

Set aside time each day for yourself. When children are napping or in quiet time, resist the urge to catch up on dishes, do laundry, or pick up toys until you have had 15-30 minutes of uninterrupted time for yourself. Remember, lunch hours are a standard in the business world!

Eat healthy foods that you enjoy. If the kids like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches every day for lunch, that

doesn’t mean that you need to eat that, too! You will be happier if you eat your favorite foods.

Get enough sleep. Most people need at least seven or eight hours of sleep each night, but many people don’t get that much. An idea for parents: Go to bed when your kids do! It will improve your physical stamina as well as help you keep a positive outlook.

Exercise. Go to the park and play with the kids. Push the stroller or pull the wagon around the neighborhood. Go ice-skating or sledding. Put in your favorite CD and dance. Not only will you feel better, but you will teach the children to enjoy being active.

Take time for the things you enjoy. Just as we can’t fulfill all of our children’s needs, they can’t fulfill all of our needs. Listen to music, enjoy a hobby, call a friend or do whatever it is that you enjoy.

Hopefully these ideas will help parents and nannies take care of themselves. In turn, we will be better companions to children.

Nannies from the Heartland on YouTube

2011-12-02T10:47:00.000-06:00

Toy Safety Tips: Be in the Know this Holiday Season

2011-12-01T12:35:00.001-06:00

This is from US Public Interest Research Group. For more information visit http://www.uspirg.org/edfund/toysafety-2011

Thousands of toys are on the market, each promising to educate or entertain our children. Unfortunately, not every toy is safe. Toy buyers can help protect children from injury by being careful, vigilant shoppers.

1. Choking
Choking is the most common cause of toy-related deaths. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), at least 41 children aspirated or choked to death from 2005-09 on balloons, toys, or toy parts.
Bigger is better: Do not buy small toys or toys with small parts for children under age 3. If a toy or part of a toy can pass through a toilet paper tube, don't buy it for a child under age 3, or any child who still puts things in his/her mouth.
Read and heed warning labels: Toys with small parts intended for children between ages 3 and 6 are requiredby law to include an explicit choking hazard warning.
Never give young children small balls or balloons: Small balls, balloons and pieces of broken balloons are particularly dangerous, as they can completely block a child's airway. Balls for children under 6 years old must be more than 1.75 inches in diameter. Never give latex balls to children younger than 8 years old.

2. Magnetic Toys With Powerful Magnets
New, powerful small magnets used in most magnetic building toys, toy darts, magnetic jewelry, and other toys can fall out of small toys and look like shiny candy. If a child swallows more than one magnet, the magnets can attract each other in the body (in the stomach and intestines) and cause life-threatening complications. If a child swallows even one magnet, seek immediate medical attention.

3. Watch or "Button" Batteries
Keep watch or "button" batteries away from children. If swallowed, the battery acid can cause fatal internal injuries.

4. Noise
Children's ears are sensitive. If a toy seems too loud for your ears, it is probably too loud for a child. Take the batteries out of loud toys or cover the speakers with tape.

5. Strangulation Hazards
Mobiles: Keep mobiles out of the reach of children in cribs and remove them before the baby is five months old or can push him/herself up.
Cords: Remove knobs and beads from cords longer than one foot to prevent the cords from tangling into a dangerous loop.
Drawstrings: Clothing with drawstrings on the hood can get caught on fixed objects like playground equipment and pose a strangulation hazard.

6. Lead and Other Toxic Chemicals
Some children's toys and cosmetics may contain lead or other toxic chemicals, including phthalates. While most lead and phthalates are being phased out of toys beginning in 2009, older toys may still contain them.
Toys with PVC Plastic: Avoid toys made of PVC plastic which could contain toxic phthalates posing developmental hazards; choose unpainted wooden or cloth toys instead.
Lead: The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), PIRG and children's health groups have found high levels of lead paint on toys, as well as high levels of lead in vinyl lunchboxes and bibs, and in children's costume jewelry. All lead should be removed from a child's environment, especially lead jewelry and other toys that can be swallowed. To test jewelry for lead, use a home lead tester available at the hardware store, or simply throw costume jewelry made with such heavy metals away.
Other chemicals: Read the labels of play cosmetics and avoid products with xylene, toluene, or dibutyl phthalate.

Additional Tips:
Accessorize your kids for safety. Toys such as bicycles, scooters, skateboards and inline skates are safer when children wear protective gear. If you plan to give any of these toys as gifts, make them safer by also giving a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards.
Stay informed of recalls. The CPSC recalls numerous toys and children's products each year. Check www.recalls.gov for an archive of old recalls and to sign up to receive email alerts of new recalls.

Report A Dangerous Toy:
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has the authority to recall dangerous toys and products from the market. If you think a toy or product is hazardous, contact the CPSC and submit a report by:
Phone: 1-800-638-2772
Email: Send a message to the CPSC
Website: Report a dangerous toy at www.saferproducts.gov

Find Out More:
1. Visit www.toysafety.net for more information on toy safety and to sign up for email alerts.
2. Visit toysafety.mobi on your smartphone to get these tips while you shop.

Homemade Snow Dough

2011-11-29T13:55:00.000-06:00

by Becky Kavanagh

This is a favorite dough recipe from when I was a child. What makes it a Snow Dough is the sparkling quality the glitter adds to the dough. I prefer the iridescent or white glitter rather than the silver or gold glitter which is often also coarser and can tend to make the dough more crumbly or tough. With this dough project children don't have to wait to have a winter fun day. When it's just too cold to play outdoors this can be a nice substitute activity. Appropriate for children about 18 months and up. The children can add props to their snow people and snow scenes - sticks, found objects, beads, etc.

Ingredients

1 cup flour

1 cup water

1/2 cup salt

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 tablespoons white tempera paint (this really whitens the dough which can have a grayish tinge otherwise)
1 tablespoon white or iridescent glitter (this little amount makes a big impact)
*A few drops of peppermint extract or another extract you like (optional)

*If you'd like to color your dough you can add either a few drops of food coloring or a small amount of colored tempera paint.

Directions
1. Combine all of the ingredients except the extract (if using) in a medium-size pan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture holds together, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.
2.Turn the play dough onto a waxed paper–lined counter to cool, about 15 minutes. If you like, knead in peppermint extract for a festive holiday scent.

I also recommend giving each child their own space at the table. A tray or mat can help keep their creations stable while providing a defined personal space. Everyone at the table is sharing, enjoying the activity while also having their creations and space respected.

If you'd like to create a winter snow scene and snow people to display, use a paper plate or some other container as a base. Over time the dough will begin to dry and eventually crumble. Children should be prepared for this. This is a teachable moment opportunity - a time to talk about the way our outdoor snow creations don't last forever because of the weather, so too the indoor creations have a limited time. So we enjoy them while we have them!

If you want to reuse your dough again and again don't leave it out. After playing store in a Ziploc bag or air tight container in the refrigerator. The dough keeps for about two weeks, maybe a little more, if refrigerated.

2011-11-23T11:07:00.001-06:00

from Nannies from the Heartland

Mary, Becky and Kelly

Holiday Stress - Coping Strategies

2011-11-21T09:00:00.000-06:00

by Becky Kavanagh

For many children, the holidays are happy, fun and exciting. There is a break from school and a chance to see friends and relatives. However, the holidays can also be stressful and confusing.

Family plans and celebrations may be complicated a variety of factors. Relationships with adult siblings can put children in awkward positions. Family dynamics can be hard to navigate particularly with families who are separated, divorced or remarried.

The following are some tips for parents to help children cope with holiday stress:

Discuss holiday plans well in advance, and include your children in the planning process. Children need some degree of control and predictability. Prolonged uncertainty, constantly changing plans or last minute decisions can all increase stress. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a spontaneous experience but be careful that other plans aren’t upset in the process.

Make sure children get plenty of rest. While it may be exciting to stay up late, lack of sleep often leads to increased irritability. Stick to the “normal routine” as much as you are able. This is also true of regular meals and snacks. Holiday time brings in special foods and sweets. Be thoughtful about how these impact children’s health and wellbeing.

Limit the amount of time children spend alone watching TV or playing video games. Encourage physical activity and interaction with peers. Include physical activity in your holiday events. This can be a wonderful time to try something new together as a family. Our family loves to engage in group games and community service projects together. Getting outdoors to play or take a family walk are easy ways for everyone to enjoy physical activity.

Don’t promise things you can’t produce. For example, don’t promise something will happen during the holidays if the decision is really out of your control. Instead stick with plans that are achievable and reasonable.

Don’t try and compensate for an absent family member or inability to do a special activity with lots of gifts. What most children really want is your time and attention. Focus on them. In fact, limiting gifts can have a positive effect. Many families choose one special gift per child. Our family did this along with a family gift – a new game, special activity together or some other family based event that everyone could enjoy. This shifts the focus from gifts to time spent together.

Uphold and maintain family traditions. Children count on certain traditions. They can have an important grounding effect. There is also a place to add a family tradition to as children grow allowing them to broaden their holiday experiences. I know a family who volunteers to deliver meals to families unable to get out. They have done this for years and their daughter looks forward to the tradition and the service to others. Our family plays tag football as part of our traditional Thanksgiving activities.

As the adult, take care of yourself. Try to avoid getting overloaded with obligations. If you feel stressed, it increases the pressure and tension on your children.

Most children enjoy the holidays. However, preparation, patience and honesty can help prevent conflict, reduce stress, and enhance the holiday season for the whole family.

Paper Cornstalks - Thanksgiving Decor

2011-11-18T10:02:00.000-06:00

From Family Fun . . .

Add a festive touch to your holiday table by filling a vase with colorful paper cornstalks.

Materials
Natural-colored raffia paper
Scissors
Glue
Yellow poster board
Colored tissue paper

Instructions
1.To make each stalk, cut three 18-inch lengths of natural-colored paper twist (sometimes called raffia paper). Untwist them, then trim the edges to resemble corn husks.

2. Fan out the husks so that they overlap and use a few drops of glue to hold them together.
3.From yellow poster board, cut out an ear of corn (about 10 inches long and 3 inches wide) and glue it atop the husks.
4.Now crumple a bunch of 3-inch colored tissue paper squares to create rounded kernels and glue them to the ear. Lastly, gather the husk bottoms and tie them together with a strip of raffia.

For more from Family Fun visit http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/paper-indian-corn-664994/.

Tiny Toms - Turkey Craft

2011-11-18T09:57:00.000-06:00

From Family Fun . . .

This is one turkey that won't get eaten this Thanksgiving. Your kids can make a flock to decorate the dinner table -- or for all the kid guests to take home as favors.

Materials
Yellow and red felt
Tacky glue
Googly eyes
Brown pom-poms
Pinecones
Pipe cleaners

Instructions
1.For each turkey, cut out a yellow beak and a red wattle from felt. Then glue the beak, wattle, and a pair of googly eyes onto a pom-pom to create the turkey's head.
2.Glue the pom-pom head to the tip of a pinecone. Allow the glue to dry.
3.Wrap a pipe cleaner around the middle of the turkey's cone body, starting from the top and twisting it together a few times on the underside. Separate the ends of the pipe cleaner (below the twists) and bend each tip into a 3-toed foot.
4.For the turkey's tail, individually wrap 3 or 4 pipe cleaners around the back of the pinecone, starting from the underside and twisting them together a few times on the top of the pinecone to secure them. Then loop both ends of each pipe cleaner to shape tail feathers.

For video instructions visit http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/tiny-toms-661426/.

Ice cube Painting and more!

2011-11-09T09:00:00.004-06:00

by Kelly Miller

As a nanny for a 10-month-old, I am searching for activities to do this month. After all, this is his first Thanksgiving! I know his parents will save all the special projects we do. Here are some ideas!
Handprint Turkey -- Trace the child's handprint onto brown cardstock. Cut out. Glue onto construction paper. Glue on googly eyes and draw the turkey's feet and beak. Write "My 1st Thanksgiving!" on top! This is a special keepsake for parents as it records the child's handprint for the year.
Pudding Paint Turkey -- Print out a turkey from an on-line source. Have the baby paint with chocolate pudding for the body. Add food coloring to vanilla pudding, and the baby can use the various colors to paint the turkey feathers. Use leftover paint on paper!
Ice Cube Paint -- Cut out large leaves from heavy paper. Make ice cube paint by combining large amounts of food coloring with water in an ice cube tray. Freeze with foil over the top. Poke toothpicks, popsicle sticks or straws into the cubes. Once frozen, give the baby a leaf and a frozen paint cube. The paint will slowly melt over the leaf, making a beautiful fall project.

How Physical Affection Helps with Discipline

2011-11-04T09:52:00.000-05:00

This article is from Minnesota Parent. The link has been included so you can read the full story!
How Physical Affection Helps with Discipline
By Kelly Bartlett

A group of 15 parents were gathering for their weekly parenting class, when one mother shared a moment from the previous week. “My daughter had a fit the other day when I told her it was time to get in the car.”

Every head in the room nodded in recognition and understanding. Another dad said, “My son threw LEGOs at the TV because I told him to turn it off.”

These types of exchanges are shared by the most well-meaning parents; and despite even the most positive parenting efforts, kids can get mad. Their immature brains do not have the capability to remain calm while working through challenging feelings. They “flip their lids” easily; . . . read more at http://www.mnparent.com/index.php?&story=17610&page=88&category=51

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T11:04:00.000-05:00

Unemployment: A Real Life Story

2011-10-28T09:00:00.003-05:00

From our friends at Breedlove and Associates . . .

With a record number of claims for unemployment benefits over the past few years, state agencies have become increasingly vigilant about protecting taxpayer assets from fraud. This recent case illustrates the importance of diligent record-keeping and accurate reporting.

Overview
One of our clients terminated her employee, Claudia. Within a couple of weeks, we received a notice from the Colorado Department of Labor indicating that Claudia had filed for and was receiving unemployment benefits. This particular notice asked for the employer to respond with Claudia's last day worked and her wages earned during the current quarter.
We provided the client with the requested information, along with copies of all her payroll documents. The documents gave a detailed listing of the exact number of hours worked each week as well as the date of last wages paid and Claudia's severance check amount. The client forwarded the documents to the Department of Labor.
A few weeks later, we received another notice from the state on behalf of the client. It stated that Claudia had given false information when she applied for the unemployment benefits from the state.

The Law
When an employee is let go from a job due to no fault of her own, she has the option to apply for unemployment benefits from the state. The state then goes through a verification process to decide whether or not she is eligible to receive the financial aid. The claimant (employee) is generally NOT eligible to collect benefits if she left employment for one of the following reasons:

She voluntarily quit
She was discharged with cause
She already has another job
She was hired as a student during school vacation

The employer is asked to either affirm or refute the compensation and termination details as provided by the employee. If the employer does not respond to the notice by the deadline, the state assumes the employee's side of the story is correct and the corresponding benefits are awarded.

The Outcome

Since the client was able to provide detailed copies of the payroll documents, the state case worker was able to make a prompt determination about Claudia's benefits without any additional involvement from the employer. (If employers are not able to provide clear and compelling payroll records, they typically get consumed by meetings with the case worker to iron out the discrepancies).

In this case, Claudia had intentionally misrepresented her termination date as well failed to report the severance pay in an effort to get more money from the state. The state launched an investigation about the misrepresentation of wages as reported by Claudia.

They found that the under-representation was intentional, and they disqualified her from receiving any future benefits for a specified amount of time. Additionally, Claudia was required to repay the benefits she had already received from Colorado with interest.

How the Whole Thing Could Have Been Avoided

In this case, the family did everything right. As a result, they were able to avoid serious tax evasion problems -- Claudia's filing for unemployment would have triggered an audit if they had been paying her "under the table." Also, by keeping timely and accurate payroll records, the family was able to avoid getting entangled in time-consuming "he-said, she-said" meetings with the state Department of Labor.

If you have additional questions, please call 888-BREEDLOVE (273-3356) or visit http://www.mybreedlove.com/.

Halloween Traditions

2011-10-26T13:35:00.000-05:00

by Becky Kavanagh

As a child we had several Halloween traditions. Some of these I passed onto my past nanny family of 20 + years and they adopted them. They also developed their own traditions. So here is a summary of the blending of some fun customs you may also enjoy!

Carving Pumpkins
This is a given for many families but we took it a bit further by having each child and adult in the household carve at least three and sometimes four pumpkins for our annual display. When the children were small they drew their design or face on their pumpkins and the adults did all the carving. Once they were old enough to use the plastic carving "saws" we let them do most of the work. Each year we'd chose a tall pumpkin and a large round pumpkin to carve Bert and Ernie (from Sesame Street). Once we get all our happy, scary, fun pumpkins carved we'd get them out on Halloween day to set up our display. We use holiday twinkle lights in our pumpkins - they are safe and a long string of them can light most many pumpkins. It made the house a favorite stop for the neighborhood for many years!

Spider Cracker Snack
After rest time or school we'd make Spider Crackers for our snack. You'll need two crackers of you choice for the body, Chinese noodles for the legs, raisins for the eyes and a nut butter or spreading cheese for the insides. Spread the cheese or nut butter onto one cracker, attach "legs" and top with second cracker. Stick "eyes" on with the cheese or butter and there you go! These snacks are easy to assemble and fun for children to make. We'd always have several on a plate for their parents to munch on when they got home from work.

Chili Dinner
This is something my mother always did for us and I started doing for my employer family - making a hearty chili dinner before going out Trick-or-Treating. My mother never wrote down a recipe and thus the final product was often different from one time to the next. I, of course, do it the same way. The basics are ground turkey or beef, a variety of beans of your choice (I like chili beans, black beans and kidney beans), tomato sauce and seasonings to taste. Served with shredded cheeses and /or sour cream and wheat bread, it really makes a full meal. A great warm start to an exciting evening.

Pumpkin Pie
After a night of Trick-or-Treating at the neighbors everyone would come back together for a slice of pumpkin pie and warm up by the fireplace. We'd take this time to hear all about the fun, inspect and sort out their candy. They could have one candy treat but often the pie was the bigger draw. It it was an especially cold night we might also serve hot apple cider or hot chocolate. I remember it as a sweet time to be together before heading off to bed.

We'd love to hear about your traditions!! Won't you share with everyone by making a comment?

Information You May Find Valuable

2011-10-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

Recently the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has come out with updated information about Media Use for Children Under Two and Safe Sleep Recommendations. You may find their website helpful. This is a great site for parents, family members and nannies.

The American Academy of Pediatrics—an organization of 60,000 pediatricians committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Their website is http://www.aap.org/.

Media Use for Children Under 2: http://www.aap.org/pressroom/mediaunder2.pdf
Safe Sleep Recommendations: http://www.aap.org/pressroom/sids.pdf
ADHD in Children: http://www.aap.org/pressroom/adhd.pdf
Archived Articles: http://www.aap.org/featuredarchive/

Halloween Costume Ideas

2011-10-21T09:00:00.006-05:00

Need a little creative jump start or a little inspiration? Here are several websites with costume ideas for children. Many of these are no sew and easy to assemble. This could be just what you need to come up with a creative solution of your own!

I've enjoyed using the ideas that start with a sweathirt or hoodie and sweatpants or leggings. They are comfortable and warm. If you buy them a little large they can still get another warm shirt or pant under them if needed.

http://familyfun.go.com/halloween/halloween-kids-costumes/

http://www.parenting.com/article/halloween-central-21355156

http://www.marthastewart.com/275509/homemade-kids-halloween-costumes/@center/276965/halloween

http://www.parents.com/holiday/halloween/costumes/

http://crafts.kaboose.com/costumes/homemade-halloween.html

http://www.rd.com/slideshows/20-homemade-halloween-costumes/

Halloween Safety Tips

2011-10-19T09:00:00.002-05:00

Costumes

Bright and/or Reflective - consider adding reflective tape to costume or treat bags
Shoes that fit well
Costumes short enough to prevent tripping or entanglement
Non-toxic makeup and decorative hats are safer than a mask that can limit range of vision. If using a hat it should fit properly so it doesn't slide over the eyes
Costumes made using hoodie sweatshirts and sweatpants are very comfortable, warm and easy to make yourself
If purchasing costumes, make sure everything is labeled flame resistant
Look for accessories that are safe for the child and others
Flashlights for escorts and/or children should have fresh batteries

Pumpkin Decorations

Small children can draw the face on their pumpkin with a marker leaving the carving to an adult
Consider a flashlight, glow stick or twinkle lights instead of a candle to light your pumpkin
If using a candle, a votive is the safest choice
Candle lit pumpkins should be located on a sturdy surface and away from flammable objects and should not be left unattended

Trick or Treat Safety at Your Home

Keep your home safe to visiting children by making sure that the porch, front yard or driveway area is clear of obstacles (toys, bikes, decorations, garden hose, etc.)
Make sure outdoor lights are in working order and provide enough light for young children and parents to walk
Leaves can be slipery, so it's best to have them swept from sidewalk, porch or steps
Make sure pets are secure for their safety and the safety of trick-or-treaters

Out and About Safety Tips

Children should always be accompanied by an adult
If older children are going alone, preview their route and agree on a time to return + stay with their group at all time + consider having a cell phone with the group
Only go to homes with a light on and never enter a home
Use the sidewalk and travel on well lit streets
Don't cut across yards or travel up alleys - especially for older children out together
Cross street at established crosswalks and corners - never between parked cars

Halloween Health

A good meal prior to parties or trick-or-treating will help discourage children from filling up on Halloween treats
Children should return home to sort and check treats with adult supervision
Non-food treats are a nice option to hand out at your home - pens, pencils, crayons and coloring books or stickers can be a nice alternative
Non-sweet treats are another option - packages of crackers, raisins, sugar-free gum, cheese sticks or even a juice box
Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween

CPR and First Aid Opportunity - Twin Cities Area

2011-10-17T12:15:00.000-05:00

Twin Cities Professional Nannies are hosting a

CPR and First Aid Update Training

Saturday, November 5 from 9 AM to 3 PM

Maplewood Professional Building - next to St. John's Hospital

1655 Beam Avenue Suite 202

Maplewood MN 55109

Registration is required!

If you are interested contact us at info@nanniesheartland.com and we'll forward you

the registration form and contact information.

TCPN members receive a discount.

You can become a TCPN member and get the discount all in one!

This event is open to everyone - you don't have to be a nanny to participate.

Tantrums, Fussing, Whining: Oh My!

2011-10-14T09:00:00.002-05:00

by Becky Kavanagh

Parents and nannies often find the most frustrating discipline problems during early childhood to be managing tantrums, fussing and whining. Here are some ideas to help get a handle on them.

Emotional Control: Most often these behaviors are caused by a child’s inability to express or control his emotions. Tiredness, hunger, boredom, frustration and other causes can frequently be avoided or modified. Observation of those underlying issues will help you get your child back to their happy self.

Choices: You may be able to avoid problems by giving your child more of a say in his life. You can do this by offering choices. Instead of saying, “Get ready for bed right now,” which may provoke a tantrum, offer a choice, “What would you like to do first, put on your pajamas or brush your teeth?” Children who are busy deciding things are often happy.

Eye-to-eye Communication: When you make a request from a distance your child will likely ignore you. Noncompliance creates stress, which leads to fussing and tantrums – from both of you. Instead, get down to your child’s level, look them in the eye and make clear, concise requests. This gets their attention.

List of DO’s: Instead of focusing on misbehavior and what you don’t want them to do, explain exactly what you’d like your child to do or say instead. Give simple instructions to follow and then praise results. Remember “thank you” goes a long way.

Validate Feelings: Help your child identify and understand their emotions. Give words to feelings, “You’re sad. You want to stay here and play. I know.” This doesn’t mean you must give in to the request, but communicating that you understand can help keep things calm.

Distraction/Redirection: Children can easily be distracted when a new activity is suggested. If your child is whining or fussing try viewing it as an “activity” that your child is engaged in. Since children aren’t very good at multi-tasking you might be able to redirect them with a recommendation of something different to do.

Call on the Imagination: If a child is upset about something, it can help to vocalize his fantasy of what he wishes would happen: “I bet you wish we could buy every single toy in this store.” This can become a fun game.

Prevention: Review desired behavior prior to leaving the house, or when entering a public building, or before you begin a playdate. This might prevent the whining or tantrum from even beginning. Put your comments in the positive (tell what you want, not what you don’t want) and be specific.

When It’s Over, It’s Over: After an episode of misbehavior is finished let it go and move on. Don’t feel you must teach a lesson by withholding your approval, love or company – or with a lecture. Children bounce right back, and it is okay for you to bounce right back, too.

Ghost Cookies

2011-10-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

by Kelly Miller

For the past six years I have made these cookies with the children I care for. They are quick and easy to make because they require no baking! Have fun! I have enjoyed making these cookies with toddlers through school age children.

Ingredients:
          1 package Nutter Butter cookies
          1 package almond bark
          chocolate chips
          sprinkles, if desired

Melt almond bark. Dip Nutter Butter cookies in almond bark; completely cover. Set cookie on waxed paper. Decorate with chocolate chip eyes, and sprinkles, if desired. They look like ghosts!

Tasty After School Snacks - Healthy Options

2011-10-06T14:08:00.000-05:00

A good after school snack is important to children. In my previous job it was that time of day to relax over light refreshments and check-in with each child.
My current family has a long commute from school to home and so snack has taken on an even larger role for them. They will actually have a mini-meal to tide them over until parents are home and dinner is on the table.
Here are a few favorites that I've had success with over the years. I hope you enjoy them too!

Cheers,

Becky

Warm Tortilla Chips and Dips

Large Tortilla

Seasoning

Cooking Spray or Oil

Cut tortilla up into strips, geometric shapes or using cookie cutters you'll get all kinds of fun chip shapes. Place tortilla pieces onto baking sheet. Lightly coat with cooking spray or a spray oil. (I had a pump sprayer that accommodated any oil which worked very well). Sprinkle with salt or other seasoning. You can also use a cinnamon sugar mixture for a sweet version. Bake at 350 degrees for about 7 minutes until golden.

Serve with salsa, veggie dip, hummus or other options. Delicious!

GORP Buffet

Gorp is a type of trail mix style treat. We'd gather a variety of cereals, dried fruits, mini-marshmallows, snack crackers, pretzels, nuts, etc. - whatever we had around. I'd put them into small bowls with a spoon. Each child would get their own bowl or cup to scoop up their favorite mix. The children would love the buffet idea and would often eat items that if served alone they weren't interested. Great for munching while doing homework with a glass of milk, juice or water.

Snack Rollups

Large Tortilla Wraps

Sandwich Fixings

These are bite-sized sandwiches that are healthy and fill that gap between lunch and the evening meal. Take the large tortilla and build layers of their favorite sandwich items. Roll the tortilla up and then cut into one inch sections. I liked to provide several different choices to them including veggies, cheeses, meats, peanut butter or other options so they could sample. If you have leftovers they do well when placed in an airtight container and refrigerated.

Local Nanny Conference - Coming Soon

2011-10-04T11:48:00.000-05:00

Twin Cities Professional Nannies (TCPN)

Educational Conference Day

Saturday, October 15 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

TCPN is a local non-profit organization supporting the nanny community. This conference is celebrating TCPN's 10th Anniversary! This is an open event which is great for parents, nannies and other child care professionals. The day includes speakers, networking, breakfast and lunch, door prizes, fundraising and more!

Speakers:

Shellie Jensen - ART and CHILDREN: Discover new ideas about art, art materials and being creative with children in artistic expression. Shellie is a long time TCPN member and an experienced nanny who also has a background in adult education through Resources for Child Caring. Her interest in dynamic expression for children will inspire you to use these ideas on Monday morning!

Mary O'Connor - ASK the EXPERT: Owner of Nannies from the Heartland and TCPN buisness member, Mary will answer questions about the ins and outs of a nanny placement agency. Mary has over 21 years of experience as an agency owner and is a strong supporter of the nanny community through TCPN and the International Nanny Association.

Becky Kavanagh - PRE-ACADEMICS and the TEACHABLE MOMENT: Introduce learning opportunities into your daily routine with children. You'll discover techniques you can use immediately. Becky is a founding TCPN member and early childhood educator for over 27 years, 21 of those years as a nanny. She has been a speaker at local and national nanny or child care related conferences over the years.

For more information about TCPN email tcpn_mn@hotmail.com. If you'd like a registration form you can email TCPN or Nannies from the Heartland at info@nanniesheartland.com.

Earlybird registration deadline is October 5, 2011.

Child Passenger Safety

2011-09-23T12:22:00.002-05:00

This information comes from Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
Their web link is: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/child-passenger-safety/Pages/default.aspx
You'll find PDFs links to making sure your child is in the right restraint, how to properly secure your child and visual instuctions, and so much more. Related links - www.NHTSA.gov

Keeping Kids Safe in VehiclesIn Minnesota, three out of four child seats are used incorrectly, and many parents aren’t aware of the restraint steps a child should progress through as they age and grow. A vehicle is the most dangerous place for children— and crashes are the leading killer of children under age 14.

Most Common Child Passenger Safety Mistakes
•Turning a child from a rear-facing restraint to a forward-facing restraint too soon. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now recommends keeping children rear-facing until 2 years old if possible.
•Restraint is not secured tight enough — it should not shift more than one inch side-to-side or out from the seat.
•Harness on the child is not tight enough — if you can pinch harness material, it’s too loose.
•Retainer clip is up too high or too low — should be at the child’s armpit level.
•The child is in the wrong restraint — don’t rush your child into a seat belt.

Give Kids a Boost! Booster Seats Are the Law in Minnesota
Learn about Minnesota's child passenger safety law, which requires a child who is both under age 8 and shorter than 4 feet 9 inches to be fastened in a child safety seat or booster.

Laws to Keep Kids Safe

Child Passenger Restraint Law
•All children age 7 and under must ride in a federally approved car seat or booster seat, unless the child is 4'9" or taller.
•Safety seats must be installed and used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
•Infants (under 20 pounds and one year of age) must be in a rear-facing safety seat.
•Law applies to all motor vehicles originally equipped with factory-installed seat belts.
•Law applies to all seating positions.
•Driver is responsible.
•Petty misdemeanor fine for violation is $50 (may be waived if violator shows proof of obtaining a safety seat within 14 days).
•Applies to both residents and non-residents of Minnesota.
•Suspected non-use is a valid basis to stop a motor vehicle.
Exceptions
•Children riding in emergency medical vehicles, when medical needs make use of a restraint unreasonable
•Children riding in a motor vehicle for hire, including a taxi, airport limousine or bus, but excluding a rented, leased or borrowed motor vehicle
•Children riding with a peace officer on official duty, when a restraint is not available (a seat belt must be substituted)
•Children certified by a licensed physician as having a medical, physical or mental disability that makes restraint use inadvisable
•Passengers in school buses with a GVWR of over 10,000 pounds.
Child Passenger Safety statute — 169.685
This law is a minimum safety standard and does not reflect best practices for properly securing children within vehicles.

Sensory Bottles for Infants and Toddlers

2011-09-21T09:00:00.001-05:00

by Kelly Miller

I have been saving water bottles, pop bottles and juice bottles for several weeks with the plan to make sensory bottles for the 8-month-old boy I am currently nannying. This weekend my 8-year-old daughter and I had a blast making sensory bottles ..... I am excited to bring them to work tomorrow! Here are some websites I looked at to get fun ideas. We especially had fun with the Floating ABC bottle! I seal all bottles with hot glue before giving to young children.

www.quality-kids-crafts.com/kidscrafts-sensorybottles.html
www.stepbystepcc.com/toddlercrafts.html
www.childcarelounge.com/activity/sensory-bottles.php

National Nanny Recognition Week - September 18 to 24

2011-09-16T10:01:00.000-05:00

Celebrate National Nanny Recognition Week
September 18 - 24, 2011 Nationwide

For more information - http://www.nnrw.blogspot.com/

It's Apple Time!

2011-09-07T14:29:00.002-05:00

Here are a couple of simple apple recipes that are fun to do with children and delicious as well. As I frequently say - "Child tested, Nanny approved!" or "Nanny tested, Child approved!"
Enjoy,
Becky

Apple Pizza

Ingredients:
- pizza dough, ready made or your favorite recipe
- 6 to 8 apples
- sugar
- cinnamon
- butter
Directions:
Peel and slice apples. You can also chop them into smaller bits if you'd like. Older children can be very helpful in this step. I would peel and core the apples then let the children slice or chop using a butter knife. This usually works well for little hands.
Mix apple slices/pieces with sugar and cinnamon to taste. Sorry I don't have exact portions - guessing about 1/2 cup of sugar to 1 tablespoon of cinnamon.
Roll out dough as you would for a pizza. You can use a round pizza pan or rectangular cookie sheet. This step needs some hands on work - children love this part!
Pile apples onto dough leaving about 2 inches around the perimeter. This 2 inch dough area is then folded over the edge of the apples. This fold does not cover all the apples just the edge.
Using cold butter - about 1/2 stick - cut into small cubes. This is another good job for the children. Distribute the butter over the apples.
Bake at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes or until crust is golden and apples are bubbly. Let cool before serving.
Because the pizza dough is not sweet, it is a great contrast to the sweet, tart apples. I like to mix different types of apples in one pizza.

Applesauce

Ingredients:
- Apples
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
Directions:
Peel, core and chop apples into small pieces. Place into large saucepan. Cook over medium heat until apples start to soften. Here's where I take it from the heat and everyone takes a turn "mashing" the apples. I like a traditional potato masher for this job. I wrap the saucepan in a large towel and hold while the child mashes away. If the apples are still firm return to heat to cook a little longer. Let apples cool a little. Add cinnamon and sugar to taste. "To taste" is a magical experiment all it's own. We would add some, sample, add some more, sample again, and so on. I would have a pile of spoons ready for taste testing.
IF you have leftovers store in an airtight container and refrigerate.

Make Snack Time Fun

2011-08-31T09:00:00.005-05:00

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!!
Enjoy,
Becky

Fruit and Cheese Kabobs

Ingredients
• 4 cantaloupe or honeydew melon slices
• 2 oz. reduced-fat cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese slices
• 4 fresh blackberries
• 4 whole fresh strawberries
Directions
1. Use 1- to 1-1/2-inch cookie cutters cutter to cut shapes out of cantaloupe and honeydew slices and cheese. Thread fruit and cheese onto 4 small skewers. Place in a flat storage container and chill until serving time (or up to 24 hours). Serves 2.
Nutrition Facts
• Amount Per Serving
• Calories 30
• Total Fat (g) 1
• Saturated Fat (g) 1
• Cholesterol (mg) 4
• Sodium (mg) 54
• Carbohydrate (g) 2
• Total Sugar (g) 2
• Fiber (g) 1
• Protein (g) 2
• Vitamin C (DV%) 19
• Calcium (DV%) 7
• Iron (DV%) 1
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Nutty Popcorn and Fruit Mix
Ingredients

• 1 package (6- to 7-cup yield) plain microwave popcorn
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 2 to 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups potato sticks
• 1-1/2 cups peanuts or almonds
• 1 cup mixed dried fruit
Directions
1. Pop popcorn according to package directions. Pour popcorn into a very large bowl; coat lightly with cooking spray.
2. Sprinkle popcorn with Parmesan cheese; toss gently to coat. Stir in potato sticks, peanuts, and dried fruit.

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe about 12 (1-cup) servings
Amount Per Serving
• Calories 190
• Total Fat (g) 13
• Saturated Fat (g) 2
• Monounsaturated Fat (g) 5
• Polyunsaturated Fat (g) 4
• Cholesterol (mg) 1
• Sodium (mg) 125
• Carbohydrate (g) 16
• Total Sugar (g) 1
• Fiber (g) 2
• Protein (g) 6
• Vitamin C (DV%) 5
• Calcium (DV%) 2
• Iron (DV%) 3
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Making the State Fair Child Friendly

2011-08-29T09:00:00.001-05:00

by Becky Kavanagh

Thursday was the start of the Great Minnesota Get Together - the State Fair. It brought back memories of all the years that either I took the children in my care to the fair or I joined the family as they went. We found that being well prepared made for a day of fun rather than a day of frustration. Here are a few tips and some links to the fair website.

Safety First

Sunscreen, shade and plenty of water: We lathered up before we left the house and then multiple times throughout the day. Everyone had their own hat and we'd take some breaks in the shady areas. When they were very small we had a big wagon with a sun shade. We brought our own water with us, which I believe you can still do. Keeping hydrated is important. There are places to rest and freshen up - I recommend taking advantage of those throughout the day.
Bring along a small first aid kit. You never know when you'll need an anticeptic wipe or small bandaid. There are first aid areas throughout the fair but if you just need a quick little something it can be eaiser to take care of it yourself.
In a backpack I had extra clothing just in case we needed something, the first aid kit, sunscreen, water, camera and a sketchbook with colored pencils. It was an easy thing to carry or place in the wagon. The sketchbook was really a nice addition so the children could draw if they wished. I'd even include rain ponchos if the weather was uncertain.

Appropriate clothing is important. There is a lot of walking involved in any fair experience so shoes that really support you and the children are a good idea. Often the days are warm and sunny, so choosing clothing that breaths well and is comfortable but also protects from the sun is best. I would even dress us in similar colors.

Pace Yourself

The fairgrounds are large and spread out. Not all exhibits and areas are interesting to children or child friendly. Make a plan before you go. Because the animals were very exciting to us, we would start our fair experience at the barn area and then make our way to the DNR building and up to the children's rides area.
Take a break several times throughout the day. We would find one of the shaded areas and just have some relaxing, people watching time. Younger ones might nap and the older one would sit drawing.
We'd take advantage of the many side shows - music, puppet show, magic, dance - to sit down and take five minutes to rest. Then we were off again.
Keep to the children's regular schedule as much as possible - meal times, snacks, rest time.
There is a lot of special fair food to try but it can get to be too much. We preferred to do a little sampling of the fun food on a stick, sharing a few nibbles of some special foods while also choosing those healthier options that are available.

Fair 2011 State Fair Information

Little Farm Hands - education exhibit for children which is awesome. Here is a link to the PDF document about the exhibit http://www.mnstatefair.org/_assets/pdf/MSF_2011_Little_Farm_Hands.pdf.
August 29 and September 5 - Children's Day with discount on admission
August 31 - Read and Ride Day with discount admission with a library card, one discount per card
Brochure Rack at http://www.mnstatefair.org/general_info/brochure_rack.html. Get all kinds of information before you go including the Fabulous Fair Alphabet Game Card, Tree Sculpture Tour and so much more.
You can also connect to a Fun Finder at http://www.mnstatefair.org/find/fun/ which gives you a list of all kinds of fun that can be found each day. There is also a food finder if you want to access that as well.
Daily Schedules are available via the Fair website at http://www.mnstatefair.org/general_info/daily_schedules.html, there is a schedule for each day.
Use your smart phone - m.mnstatefair.org for all types of information.

Back-to-School Projects

2011-08-24T09:00:00.003-05:00

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.
Enjoy!
Becky

STRETCH NOTEBOOK
This notebook is great to keep paper in and school supplies on the binder.
Materials
Thin, braided-elastic headbands
Three-ring binder
Writing utensils
Instructions
Crisscross a dozen or so thin, braided-elastic headbands around the front cover of a three-ring binder, and your child can tuck writing utensils and reminder notes under them, as shown.

TUBULAR TOTE
This tubular art tote will keep your child's projects safe on those masterpiece-crumpling bus rides home.

Materials

Cardboard mailing tube (found at office supply stores) with two end caps; our tube is about 25 inches long and 3 inches wide
Duct tape
Permanent markers
Instructions
1.Make the strap by unrolling about 40 inches of duct tape and laying it sticky-side-up on a table. Place a second strip of equal length on top of the first, with the sticky side down. Carefully press the two together.
2.Attach the strap to one end of the mailing tube with duct tape. Measure the strap so that it'll fit comfortably across your child's chest, then cut off the excess and attach this end to the tube with tape.
3. Wrap tape around both of the tube's ends a few times. Have your child decorate the tube with permanent markers.

PERSONALIZED NOTEBOOK COVER
Personalize your notebook with your favorite photo.

Materials
Notebook
Self-adhesive vinyl photo pocket
Favorite photo, postcard, or piece of artwork
Instructions
1.All it takes is a self-adhesive vinyl photo pocket to transform a notebook cover into a frame for your child's favorite photo, postcard, or piece of artwork.

Long Term Nanny / Family Relationships

2011-08-22T15:27:00.001-05:00

Becky answers . . .

"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.

WORK AGREEMENT: Establish a work agreement with details about the position that everyone is clear about and then follow through with what you’ve agreed to. If things aren’t working for whatever reason address them directly and specifically. Don’t wait until frustrations set in before talking together. Nannies from the Heartland client families receive a fill-in-the blank work agreement document to use as is or as a springboard for creating their own.

UNDERSTANDING THE NANNY: Nannies are nurturers. This is ideal for a profession centering on children and families. Their position with your family is very personal to them. It’s a very different environment than working in the corporate world. So a different approach is needed when discussing job related issues with the nanny. Put yourself in her shoes and see things from her viewpoint.

APPRECIATION: Everyone needs to know they are appreciated – in your job, with your family and friends. Appreciation builds a relationship and fosters loyalty. Letting your nanny know that you appreciate the care she is providing for your children and family goes a long way. A daily “thank you” is simple and effective. A thoughtful personal gift on their birthday or at a holiday will show that you not only appreciate them but have taken the time to know who they are.

COMPENSATION: Appropriate compensation which reflects your nanny’s experience, background and education will help ensure a long term working relationship. This includes paying accurately and on time. If you are uncertain about the current market, contact us at Nannies from the Heartland, we’d be happy to assist you. The compensation package should also include how vacations, holidays or other benefits are handled. Following through on your work agreement in these areas is important to the nanny. Period performance and compensation reviews should be done to keep everything up-to-date. Nannies from the Heartland supplies a performance review document that is provided to both the nannies and families working with us.

GREAT PARTNERSHIPS = Long Term Positions: We have many stories of amazing nanny and family relationships which have lasted for years and years. The one common theme is the time they took to develop their relationship and really work as a team. Great nannies who are happy in their work truly value their job, the children and their employers. Great employer families support their nanny; treating them with respect and care. While not every nanny and family relationship is always long term, many are. Nannies from the Heartland are experts in helping both nannies and families find the best possible fit to build strong partnerships.

Mutual Respect: A Two-Way Street

2011-08-19T09:00:00.001-05:00

By Becky Kavanagh

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.

Encouraging Respect:
1) Serve as role model of respect in your daily interactions; taking other’s opinions seriously and controlling emotions. You are also a role model when you correct children after they behave insensitively towards others.
2) Encourage appropriate group interactions. Children need practice with their peers and adults. Understanding individual uniqueness while having a feeling of belonging goes a long way in building respectful behavior.
3) Encourage self discipline. Individuals who are able to discipline themselves have an easier time managing reasonable social rules and expectations.
4) Provide decision making opportunities. Giving children a say in family or other group rule development empowers them to follow those same rules in various circumstances and to appreciate the authority of others.
5) Often showing respect means being tolerant. Cooperating with others in projects and conflict resolution helps build the values of sharing and tolerance.
6) Promote discussion and debate. Issues such as fairness, inclusion or exclusion, and following rules are part of a normal day for us all. Being able to discuss feelings and opinions in a constructive manner needs to be practiced and developed.

Show Respect:
1) Allow the speaker, adult or child, to complete what they are saying uninterrupted. Be a good listener.
2) Allow children to make mistakes – and forgive mistakes that are made by others, whether children or adults.
3) Allow and encourage civil disagreement. We don’t all agree on everything. Being able to accept differences is important. Civil discussion is a balance of expression and listening skills.
4) Transition time is necessary. While this is most often true of children it can also be true of adults. Being pressured can lead to disrespectful outbursts that could be avoided.
5) No means no. Being able to say no and stick to it. This is a good one for all of us to follow. Wheedling to get a “no” to turn into “yes” is disrespectful. If your “no” is easily turned to “yes” what message is that sending to others?

Respect is an asset worth everyone’s investment which has great return, not only to your family but to the community at large.

Back-to-School Time Capsule

2011-08-17T11:48:00.001-05:00

Another great ideat from Family Fun. Enjoy, Becky

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.

STARTER LIST
The best thing that happened this summer (a drawing, a photo or a few words)
What I like to collect (show it or write it)
Vacation photos
Hand- or footprint, in washable tempera paint
Drawing or photo of my best friend

Best movie I saw this summer
My favorite song
My favorite meal
My favorite sport
My favorite book
Invitation from a birthday party I attended this summer
Postcard(s)
Pressed flowers or leaves
A scrap of my favorite summer T-shirt (these are usually too stained and stretched out to last another season anyway)
Sand from the beach (glue on)
School subject I love most
School subject I love least
Best thing I've heard about the coming school year
My new teacher's name
What I'm most afraid of
What I'm proudest of
I like ___
I dislike ___
Self-portrait (maybe in outfit I plan to wear the first day of school)

source http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/getting-ready-for-school-710509/4/

Responsibility: Encouraging Skills

2011-08-15T09:00:00.001-05:00

by Becky Kavanagh

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.

• Model appropriate behavior – setting an example of respect for self and others. Children notice what you do and if it is consistent with what you say.
• Expectations and rules should be stated clearly and positively. The reasons behind these should be explained so that the child can understand – they should also get positive feedback when they act responsibly. A genuine “thank you” or a comment about being noticed for their behavior goes a long way to encourage children.

• Children need experience – allow them to set goals, make choices and problem solve whenever possible. They can practice by taking responsibility for household chores and participating in family meetings where family decisions are made. Using charts can help younger children visualize their progress for specific expectations.
• Allow for natural and logical consequences – along with knowing the expectations children should also understand that there are consequences for not acting responsibly. When children are part of the process of setting up rules and expectations they are aware of the consequences that go along with noncompliance. Don’t be surprised when children test the limits to see if the adults will follow up – so be consistent and clear.

Knowing age appropriate expectations can help parents, nanny and children develop a “Can Do” list. A “Can Do” list is a positive spin on a chore chart that works great for the younger children. The chart can continue to be helpful to older children if they know that there is a perk to earn. Many families tie weekly allowance, special activity choices or other motivational items to their “Can Do” chore chart. Expectations need to be age appropriate and specific to the maturity of each child. Here some general guidelines:

Toddler/Preschooler
o Can usually clean up toys with some direction or assistance
o Expect independent play for short periods of time
o Make clothing choices and dress themselves with some help
o Household chores – help set table, sort laundry, pet care, etc.

Grade School Age
o Often follows rules of group games

o Can express anger without action most of the time
o Beginning to care for personal belongings – school items, toys, etc.
o Does simple chores independently – clear table, hang up coat, etc.
o Handles personal hygiene/dressing needs with little or no help/reminders

Intermediate School Age and older
o Completes assignments independently
o Organizes personal time to fit homework, free time, etc.
o Helps with household chores on a daily basis
o Respects personal property of others

Incorporating appropriate expectations, providing opportunities to practice and earn positive feedback, and observing adults’ modeling expected behavior sets the stage for building a responsible child. Like building any skill it takes time, patience and consistency, but there’s plenty of potential to make it fun and positive.

Recall Alert

2011-08-14T12:24:00.000-05:00

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

2011-08-10T13:05:00.001-05:00

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.

Enjoy!

Becky

Corn on the Cobcakes

You will need:

Yellow and white jelly beans

White frosted cupcakes

White decorating sugar

Yellow Starburst candy

Corn Holders

Corn Plates (optional)

Ears a corny treat that'll sweeten up any summer day. You can make your own cupcakes according to box directions and frost with a white frosting . . . or . . . buy pre-made cupcakes that have white frosting. Press rows of jelly beans into the frosted tops to resemble corn kernels. Line up three cupcakes together and sprinkle with decorating sugar. This sugar has a coarse, salt-like look to it. To make candy butter microwave a Starburst for about 8 seconds, stretch it into a melted-butter shape and top the center cupcake with the "butter". Add a corn holder to each end of the "cob" and serve. A corn plate can help add to the illusion. YUM!

Sandy Hand Mosaic

You will need:

Beach or other treasures - small items work best

1 1/2 cups Plaster of Paris in a quart sized plastic zip bag

Water

Stick or wooden chopstick

You can do this on a trip to the beach right at the water's edge or at home later with your beach treasures. It also works with other objects - I've done it with small toys, game pieces, nature materials and old pieces of jewelry.

STEPS

1. Have the child press their hand into damp, hard-packed sand, making a 2-inch deep impression.

2. Line the hand print area with the items you'd like to include (see the photo for design ideas). Set them face down lightly into the impression area - don't push down too hard.

3. Add 1 cup of water to the bagged 1 1/2 cups of plaster. Seal the bag and knead it to combine the plaster powder with the water. Carefully pour the wet plaster in the palm of the hand print, covering everything. (If you are at home and want to mix this in a plastic container that will also work. The plastic bags are really great for reducing the mess of the plaster - so I love using them.)

4. Use a stick or wooden chopstick to move plaster into the finger and thumb areas.

5. Let the plaster set until it's hard, at least 30 minutes. See plaster directions to be sure that enough drying time has been allowed.

6. Once dry, carefully dig out the sand from around the plaster mold. You may need to use the chopstick again for this. If you are away from home wrap up the hand to transfer - a small towel will work. Some sand will cling to the mold.

Bubble Bust Game

This game couldn't be easier or more fun. Blow a bunch of bubbles. Call out a different body part, such of elbow, knee, nose or toe. Challenge your child to burst each bubble using the specified body part. I liked to call out the body part before the bubbles start flying so the child is ready to go. For several children I would blow a batch of bubbles for each one and spread out the space between them to limit any crashes. Then let each child have a turn calling out a body part. Hint: have your camera ready because this is a great photo opportunity!

Behavior Management

2011-08-08T09:00:00.002-05:00

We ran this as a two part series in January. We wanted to share this again with you in one article.
Becky

Behavior Management: Tips You Can Use

by Becky Kavanagh

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Ben Franklin

Ben had it right. I’d rather put in effort to prevent issues than work at having to put out the flames of misbehavior. Behavior management is more than discipline it’s setting up children for successes and being proactive in providing those opportunities.

PREVENTION
Be Observant – Be aware of what is going on in each child’s age and stage of development. Know what new challenges are before them and how they are managing those challenges. Take an assessment of their physical needs – sleep, nutrition, activity level or general comfort. Do adjustments need to be made? Be watchful for stressors – irritations, frustrations, worries or changes in schedule. These can make a big difference to how children react to situations. Are you noticing a child who is over or under stimulated, overly rushed or bored? These can be signs pointing to schedule issues. A child who is well rested, hydrated, eating nutritious meals, participating in a varied routine and at a minimum stress level has a much easier time coping with their world.

Environment – The physical environment can contribute to the child’s success or struggles. Assess play spaces. Is there enough space to engage in activities and play, access to age appropriate toys or activities, system for keeping toys or activities stored and organized, play space is clean and safe? Is there a place for active play that won’t interfere with another child choosing a quiet activity? Can a child find a quiet spot to read with an adult comfortably for both? Is the lighting appropriate for chosen tasks? Many children are sensitive to bright lights, textures, sound or other environmental components that can affect their behavior. You may find that some very simple changes will make all the difference.

Routines – Schedules ground children. Knowing what they can expect from the day is important and for some children it is critical. Regular meals and snacks, rest time, active time and quiet play, are all important in establishing the daily routine. When special activities or outings are planned keep the child’s routine in mind. Try to maintain meal time as close to normal as possible. Provide for some rest or nap time as close to their usual schedule as possible. Pace your outing so that no one, including you, becomes over tired or exhausted. Prepare children for outings or special activities. This could be as easy as simply introducing the plan at the start of your day. Briefly outline the activity, when you are leaving, when you’ll return home, some details about what they can expect from the activity, and answering their questions. Reminders throughout the activity about the plan can help everything flow well.

Recognize Good Behavior – When children are behaving well we need to give them positive feedback to confirm to them they are on the right track. They need to get positive reinforcement so those behaviors are firmly established. It’s as easy as saying “I like the way you are playing with your Legos!” It might be tempting to just leave them to it while they are doing well, but this is the time to pour on the praise. Make sure that your recognition is real and sincere. Children can spot “phony” a mile away. Even after the fact you can provide positive comments – “I was just thinking about how well you shared with your sister yesterday. It was so nice to see that!” This kind of feedback empowers better behavior.

TECHNIQUES
Choices – Children are building autonomy starting in those early toddler years, but they need our guidance. Providing them with appropriate choices lets them have some control within limits. The younger the child the fewer the choices offered to them. Start with two and build from there. You are encouraging decision making and problem solving skills while limiting tantrums and breakdowns. Make sure that the choices you offer are reasonable and appropriate, and that you can back them up.

When you offer options you are telling the child that their opinion matters, you value their decision and that you can be counted on to follow through.

Redirection – This proactive technique is very effective for young children, especially toddler and young preschoolers. I have to admit to also using it on school age and teenagers as well. To use redirection effectively, you must be observant of the child for signs that their behavior is about to change (and not for the better). Once you hone in on their behavior signals you’ll be able to redirect the child to other activity choices or to shift your routine to accommodate them. If playing with a particular toy is frustrating to a child offer a more pleasing option that provides them with a sense of accomplishment. If you see that they are more tired than usual suggest a quiet activity that will allow them to recharge. If they need to blow off some steam then shift gears to a more physically active choice. As the children got older I explained how I could see their behavior changing and asked for their ideas to help things turn around. They often had great ideas that were easily implemented, and even better they were beginning to recognize their own behavior patterns.

Limits that Make Sense – Setting limits that make sense allows for cooperative behavior. Obviously when children are very young limits are set by the adults in their lives. It’s vital that all the adults are agreed about what those parameters are; nothing is more frustrating to a child stretching and experimenting with their boundaries to find that there are different rules depending on who is “in charge.” Children are adaptable and can accept differences in caregivers styles but it really helps them to have consistent expectations regarding behavior. Limits should be clear and simple. Boundaries need to be modified as children get older. Including the older child’s views in the modification of boundaries encourages cooperation.

Listening – Good listening habits start early. We expect children to listen to us, but we also need to model listening skills. You may hear some important feedback about things that are working or not working in relation to expectations. This feedback can help to rethink limits and boundaries that will work best. The children in my care got to know that if they came to me with a suggestion or idea that I would honestly listen and consider their point. They felt valued and appreciated which led to better behavior. Being heard has power.

Take 5 – This technique uses either giving children a break or having children take a break when an infraction has occurred or better yet before it happens. I introduced "take 5" young toddlers as a way to take a break after we've tried other things like redirection or changing activities. Toddlers often demonstrate their frustrations with tantrums. If possible I would have them take a break before we got to that point. A break really is just a time to breath deeply and move away from the action but not out of the room. They needed time to regroup and start again so I never put a time limit on the break. Usually just a few seconds to maybe a minute was all they needed. Once they got used to the "take 5" they would sometimes annouce they were going to "take 5" without my input at all. I can still remember the middle child, he'd just turned 3, announcing to me that he was getting "flusterated" (a good description of his situation) and needed to "take 5". As they got older they would sometimes want to "take 5" in their room or in another location. When they rejoined the activities we moved on and didn't dwell on past behavior but moved forward with a positive attitude.

Just for Fun Days

2011-08-05T09:00:00.014-05:00

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!

Enjoy -

Becky

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.

Summer Memory Keeper

2011-08-03T09:00:00.001-05:00

This great idea comes from Family Fun. You know how I love this resource!
Enjoy!
Becky

Kids love this traditional Mexican yarn craft because of its fun weaving technique, and this framed variation is perfect for displaying your family's summer vacation mementos.

Materials
6 sticks, two 18 inches long and four 14 inches long
1 or 2 skeins of variegated yarn
Scissors
Hand pruners (to cut sticks, an adult's job)

Instructions
Start by crossing the 2 longest sticks in an X pattern. Tie the loose end of the yarn around the intersection and wind it around several times to secure the sticks. Next, wrap the yarn around the closest stick, flush against the intersection. Now wrap it around the next closest stick. Continue in this manner, working your way toward the ends of the sticks until only about 3 inches remain exposed. Cut the yarn and knot the end around a stick.

To add a frame, place the 4 smaller sticks in a square around the edge of the weaving, wrap yarn around the intersections of the sticks, and tie them in place, as shown at left. Finally, tuck summer vacation photos and souvenirs between the strands of yarn.

http://familyfun.go.com/summer/summer-crafts/summer-camp-crafts/classic-camp-crafts/gods-eye-memory-keeper-672762/

Back-to-School Readiness Tips

2011-08-01T09:00:00.003-05:00

by Becky Kavanagh

It’s hard to believe that summer is coming to a close and the new school year is looming, but it is and we should start planning now. Getting a plan in place to ease into the school year can lower stress in those first few weeks. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Paperwork Ready:
Getting back to school often means having paperwork ready for the school in August before the first day. Immunization records are a big one and getting ready now will prevent the last minute scramble. If your child is starting preschool or kindergarten or changing schools there is usually other paperwork that needs to be completed.

Calendar and Schedule:

Having a centralized calendar or organizer can help keep everyone on time and on task. It’s often not just school that is starting in the fall but sports and activities as well as curriculum nights and school open houses. Most of these may start before the first day of school. A visual reminder, the calendar also is a teachable tool for children.
Have a place for the weekly schedule, school lunch menus, notes from each classroom and all the other papers that come into the house helps keep everyone organized. A simple file system can work wonders for keeping track of items that need to be returned to school (permission slips, etc.) and items to have in case you need them (school directory, class information, etc.). If you have several students in your home color coding the files can be very helpful.

     I liked to have a colored plastic envelope for each child where we kept documents that didn’t need our immediate attention. A red folder held those items that needed to be signed and returned to school or items that needed to be added to the calendar. Each day a quick look in the red folder let me know what needed immediate action.
     When children got home from school we’d go through their backpack and I’d help them sort out the different items. Homework was set aside and all those other papers where filed appropriately. This was especially helpful when parents came home and could see what needed immediate attention.
     Just a quick note about school plus extracurricular activities - remember to keep balance in the schedule. While some children thrive on a full schedule many other children can become overwhelmed quickly. Keep time for play, relaxation and family time in the schedule.

Inventory Before Shopping:
Before heading out the door to buy new school clothes and shoes check what you already have for the children to see what you really need. Often families get excited about new school clothes only to those outgrown by mid-year.

If you children have school supplies left from last year check to see what's there and can be used this year before heading out the door. Don't forget the school list when you go. Some stores have lists of local schools on site you can't always count on this. Also consider buying bulk items - pencils, pens, paper, notebooks, etc. - to have on hand throughout the year. Take advantage of sales now for items. We knew that poster board, presentation boards and craft supplies would be needed and prices were often lower during the back to school sale - we'd stock up.

Ease Into the School Schedule:
The first day of school is not the time to adjust the family's schedule. Start doing this a few days to several weeks ahead of that first day. This is especially true for children who have a challenge getting up early. This also allows for meal times to be adjusted accordingly. It takes time for the body to get in the swing of things so to avoid stressing everyone out give yourself that time to get back into the rhythm of the school year.

A little planning now will help the transition to the school schedule smoother!

National Kids Day - Sunday, August 7, 2011

2011-07-29T09:00:00.003-05:00

We found this information and wanted to pass it along to you. We believe in children and families - so sharing information you may find helpful is part of our goal. National KidsDay was created in 1994 by KidsPeace, a 129-year-old national children's charity, to encourage adults to spend more meaningful time with their children.

Nannies from the Heartland Staff - Mary, Becky and Kelly

http://www.kidspeace.org/aboutkidspeace.aspx?id=2060

National KidsDay is …
an opportunity to celebrate childhood; to demonstrate our commitment to nurturing children; to inspiring our nation, our communities and our families to love and appreciate children; and to prepare our children for a healthy, happy, successful future.

Ways to celebrate!
With more than 129 years of expertise on helping children facing crisis, KidsPeace created National KidsDay as an annual event on the national calendar to honor and celebrate the inherent value and worth of children.

Mission
To encourage the nation’s adults – parents, grandparents, relatives, neighbors, teachers and other caregivers– to spend more meaningful time with America’s children. In this way, we can build a nation of strong, resilient, happy children who know that they are loved by caring adults and can enjoy just being kids.

Philosophy
KidsPeace believes in the inherent value of children and seeks to help America renew its commitment to be a nation where every child feels safe and loved, trusts in those around them and enjoys the freedom to be a child.
•National KidsDay is an opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to nurturing children.
•National KidsDay seeks to inspires parents and caregivers to take the time to communicate their commitment to children through the gift of meaningful time.
•National KidsDay challenges parents and caregivers to take time out of their busy schedules and “make a date” with their kids to do something that builds bonds, trust, love and growth for the future.
•National KidsDay provides parents and caregivers with a day that focuses on active participation, not merely observance.

Why America needs National Kidsday
For decades, children across America have asked their parents, grandparents and guardians why America celebrates "Mother's Day" and "Father's Day," but has no "Kid's Day." National KidsDay fills that gap and seeks to provide a reminder of children's year-round need for meaningful time and interactions with adults.

Goals
•To create awareness of children’s value and needs year-round by focusing on a yearly celebration on the national calendar.
•To change the way America looks at – and treats – its children.
•To create a world where children can find safety, love, trust and the freedom to grow and be a child.

Make Your Own Bean Bags

2011-07-27T09:00:00.002-05:00

I really love using bean bags in all kinds of games and activities. Often people feel they have to buy commerically made bean bags but you can make your own. Here are a couple of ideas on making your own and two of them are no sew. Older children will enjoy the activity of making them as much as the games you'll come up with to use them.
Enjoy!
Becky

Simple Shaped Bean Bags
This is a sewing project and is best done on a straight stitch machine.
I liked to use fabric scraps or remnant pieces that are colorful prints. Any fabric is fine if it is sturdy. Simply cut out two pieces of the desired shape, sew edges with a straight stitch about 3/4 inch from the edge. Leave an opening along one side about 1 1/2 to 2 inches long. This is where you'll fill the bag with beans. Once you have the beans inside, stitch the opening closed. Trim the edges with a pinking shears to minimize fraying. You can also use an anti-fray glue along the edges. Fleece fabric or felt does not fray and holds together very well. If you have a serger then you are sealing the edges as you sew the bag together - it's really slick!
This project can also be done with hand stitching. I recommend putting beans in a zip lock sandwich or snack bag and then insert into the bean bag you've made. This way if a stitch breaks and the bag starts to open up, the beans will be a little more secured.
While simple shapes are easiest to work with you can also make them in letters or numbers.

No Sew Bean Bags

1) Zip lock style sandwhich bags - fill with beans 3/4 full, seal edges with duct tape. If you'd really like a sturdy bag cover the whole plastic bag with duct tape. Remember duct tape can be decorated with permanent marker or it does come in several colors.

2) We all have a lone sock who has lost their partner or socks that aren't really useful as socks anymore. Make a bean bag out of them. Simply fill the sock to a point where you can knot the open end. No sewing, no glue, no tape. You can even decorate the sock to make it fun.

Don't Neglect Self-Care

2011-07-25T11:43:00.001-05:00

By Colleen O'Connor

Self-care is important for everyone, but especially for parents and nannies. Caring for children is an emotional--and at times highly draining--experience. Because of this emotional investment, it’s easy to give everything you have to your children and forget to save some energy for yourself. Parents and nannies who neglect their own needs are less effective caregivers because they experience constant stress, exhaustion, and burnout. They also lose the ability to respond quickly and creatively to challenges. Children in their care will sense and reflect these emotions as well as the implicit lesson being taught: “Keep giving to others even when it becomes unhealthy to do so.”

Think of every plane safety lecture you’ve ever heard. Remember the instructions about putting on your own oxygen mask before helping others with theirs? The reasoning is that if you become incapacitated, you’re unable to help anyone at all. It’s better to take a few moments for yourself so you can sustainably care for those around you.

Everyone has different self-care needs. Focus on what decreases stress and increases your feelings of well-being. This can consist of anything from exercising to spending time with friends to delving into a new or favorite hobby.

Ideally, your self-care time should:
• Remind you of your identity beyond that of caregiver. Although being a parent or nanny is a deep, important part of who you are, you are also so many other things.
• Have a formal place (such as a corner of the guest room just for your craft projects) or time (a scheduled date night). You’re much more likely to follow through and be free from distractions if you’ve committed to your “me time” in some way and made space for it in your life.
• Be a child-free time so you are focused on no one’s needs but your own.
• Encompass social, intellectual, physical, and spiritual renewal.
• Include healthful activities such as exercising, sleeping, and eating well. It’s good to indulge in a rich dessert or an evening in front of the TV, but you’ll feel truly at your best when you’re also healthy.
• Reflect your true passions and fulfillment. One can garden or read all she likes and still not be at peace. You must also take time to think about whether or not you’re truly satisfied with your life, and if you aren’t, what possibilities there are to explore. Once in a while, find time and space to ask yourself the deeper questions about your vocation, priorities, and passions.

Remember, self-care is a necessity, not a luxury. By giving yourself time to recharge and gain perspective, you’ll be better at caring for others.

Chill Out with Cold Treats

2011-07-22T09:00:00.001-05:00

Keep cool with frozen treats you make yourself. This article with recipes comes from the Star Tribune's taste section. You'll find Fruit Salad Ice Pops, Banana Malted Milk-Shake Pops, Watermelon Paletas and more. Check out the link for more on keeping cool and treating your family! http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/taste/125493568.html

Enjoy!

Beat the Heat Ideas

2011-07-20T10:06:00.001-05:00

by Becky Kavanagh

After the fall and winter we've had I feel I can't complain about the heat but OH MY it's really something. It got me thinking of all the fun things I've done with children to beat the heat. Here are a few of my favorites. Remember to reapply sunscreen often and encourage hydration!

Fill 'Er Up!

Ready to get wet? Then the children will enjoy this team game. You'll need two plastic cups about 6 oz size works well, two ping-pong balls and two hand held spray bottles filled with water. One teammate holds the cup while the other squirts water into it in order to raise the ping-pong ball up and out of the cup. Sometimes getting the ball out of the cup is a challenge so it can be modified to get water to the top of the cup. A refill bucket of water is available as needed for the squirters. Switch with your teammate and do it all again.
While this is meant to be a relay race it isn't necessary to race - - - it is perfect to just get wet. So you don't really need teams either just the desire to enjoy the activity.

Splash Volley Ball
Using a large sponge and a small kiddie pool enjoy a game that's cooling and fun! The kiddie pool is the net and the water loaded sponge is the ball. Because everyone can be around the perimeter of the pool you can play with any number of children. The goal is to keep the sponge going and keep the water splashing. Slipping into the pool from time to time will happen so I filled the pool with only a few inches of water. Because this can become very active make sure an adult is keeping an eye on the action.

Water Obstacle Course
We didn't have a pool in our backyard but we did have several kiddie pools. So we set them up around the yard. In each pool was a different activity - fill the bucket, scoop and poor, sponge toss, floating ducks. You can come up a with several options for different ages or different levels of difficulty. Children will enjoy the cool off along with the active play. Ask them to come up with different skills - they'll get a chance to show off their creativity.

Mixed-Age Play

2011-07-18T14:23:00.001-05:00

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.

Lilian Katz, director of the Educational Resource Information Clearinghouse, said, “The more competent kids teach younger children, and the younger kids can learn by example.” She cites that younger children often engage in more complex activities than they might otherwise.

When the oldest child I cared for was four, and her sister was one, we played dramatic play on a daily basis. Their favorite thing was to be the Ingalls family. The youngest girl learned about pioneer life in this way. In fact, they went to a Laura Ingalls Festival at a bookstore. Most of the children there were schoolage, and the teacher asked questions about pioneer life. Mary, then 2, raised her hand and knew the answers. If she had played with children her age, it would not have been at this same level of play.

Socially, there are benefits as well. Children can become less competitive, because they learn to tolerate different ranges of ability.

As a nanny, it is easy to plan the same activities for mixed ages; the younger children just need more help and guidance, which the older children and nanny can provide. For an example, older chidren can cut, glue, etc. for an art project, while the younger child needs an adult to cut things out for them.

What if your child (or the child you are caring for) does not have a sibling? They can still benefit by being involved in mixed aged playgroups and playdates.

Escape to the Parks

2011-07-15T09:00:00.004-05:00

Three Rivers Park district is a vast and varied park system in the metro area. The parks and trails are calling, and so are the special events that are planned throughout the year. You can also search for specific activities for any interest. Check out their website to plan your next great adventure!
http://www.threeriversparks.org/

Make It Project: Using Resources Wisely

2011-07-13T14:58:00.001-05:00

by Becky Kavanagh

I enjoy projects that allow you to recycle items and also be creative. Here's one idea that is nanny tested and child approved. Enjoy!

Block Party

Children love building and creating. You don't need fancy commercial block sets to have fun building. One year for Christmas I decided to make a block set for all the children to share and enjoy. They loved this set so much they wore them out.

You'll need a variety of sizes of cardboard boxes. Food boxes work wonderfully (cereal, rice, oatmeal, crackers, snack size boxes, pasta, etc.).
Contact paper with a simple pattern. While you can buy contact paper with lots of color and prints, I was looking for something that would make a nice wall. Contact paper is wonderful because it allows these boxes to be sturdy and durable through all types of play.
Tape the ends of the boxes securely shut and stabilize any corners.
Cover each box with contact paper. I used a gift wrapping technique to get clean ends without too much bulk so the box could stand up well on any side.
I secured a large box - one from a refrigerator, large appliance size works best. Cut it down to a manageable size so that all the smaller boxes have a home inside that large box. Cover that with contact as well. I put their names on the large box in permanent marker and also used fun stickers to decorate.
Start building!

Summer Safety Tips

2011-07-11T09:00:00.001-05:00

By Becky Kavanagh

Sun and Heat

Cumulative sun damage can come from both UVA and UVB rays. Choosing a sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or more is recommended. Apply 20 to 30 minutes before exposure and reapplying frequently, especially after time in the water, is strongly recommended. Don’t rely on the use of waterproof sunscreen to keep working for you after water play – to be safe simply reapply.
Wear clothing that is light weight, but also provides good coverage on exposed skin. This is especially important for infants and toddlers. Hats with brims or visors that shade the face (and neck if possible) are important summer “equipment.” We can all benefit from smart summer clothing choices. Avoid prolonged exposure during peak sun hours of 10 AM to 4 PM. When playing outdoors make sure shade is available to everyone.
Good hydration is vital at all times but especially true during the summer. Offer children drinks before heading out to play and plan on several drink breaks while outdoors. Serving beverages at moderate temperature promotes greater fluid intake. Fruits, vegetables, soups and popsicles have high water content which can supplement fluid intake.

Insects

Wearing protective clothing, especially in areas that are bushy, wood or wet will help to limit use of insect repellents. The most effective repellent contains DEET, but should not exceed 10% of ingredients. There are other options such as peppermint oil, vinegar and citronella oil. Whatever repellent you choose children under 2 months should not have repellent on their skin. There are options for repelling insects outdoors other than using a repellent on the skin.
Bright colors, sweet drinks and food attract bees and wasps. When out at summer activities be aware of areas where bees congregate in large numbers (trash containers, food and drink stands, etc.) and avoid those area if possible. If a sting should occur remove the stinger by a gentle scrape of your fingernail or a credit card immediately. Apply a cool compress or ice to minimize the pain and swelling. Localized redness, some swelling and pain at the site are “normal” reactions. Some individuals have swelling beyond the site, but are not considered an adverse reaction. If you are uncertain call a health care professional. Watch for signs of allergic reaction which may include; difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face/mouth/throat, wheezing or difficulty swallowing, restlessness and anxiety, rapid pulse, dizziness or sharp drop in blood pressure. Seek immediate medical attention. Self-care kits are carried by those who have allergic reactions to stings.

Playgrounds

Not all playgrounds are created equal. Check for age appropriate equipment and safe ground cover. Wood chips and absorbent surfacing are best. Sand or loose gravel can seem soft but can become compacted after a rain or over time. Older playgrounds should be checked for loose bolts, bars that turn, curved ladder rungs and swing chains that have spaces between links. Previewing a park before your trip is wise so that you can make an informed playground decision. Being aware of the playground location is also important. Sometimes the playground appears safe but the surrounding environment is not appropriate.

Accident Prevention

• Biking, rollerblading or scooters – wear correct fitting, safety approved helmets and protective gear.
• Water safety – constant supervision is needed by adults who have swimming and CPR skills. Be sure that floatation devices are approved and appropriate for the child.
• Window screens – make sure that screens are secure and in good condition. Remember screens do not stop falls.
• Outdoor play – supervise all play outdoors. Avoid playing in the garage without constant supervision as typical garages are full of potential hazards.

REMINDER ABOUT KEEPING BUSINESS AND HOUSEHOLD PAYROLL SEPARATE

2011-07-09T09:00:00.002-05:00

Here's a good reminder from our friends at Breedlove & Associates. If you have questions remember that Breedlove will be happy to answer them. See their phone and website information at the end of this article.

We've had several families call recently after having made the mistake of putting their nanny on the company payroll. Understandably, they've been VERY frustrated after making a well-intentioned mistake that -- with just a little guidance -- would have been easy to prevent.

Here's a quick reminder of the law so it doesn't happen to any of you:

Business owners should manage their household employee's payroll separately from that of their company's employees. The logic is that businesses are allowed to take tax deductions on their business payroll expense. It is illegal for a company to take tax deductions on payroll expenses for any worker who is not a direct contributor to the success of the business. (The IRS has ruled definitively that nannies and other personal employees are not considered "direct contributors").

As a result, the family should pay the nanny through their personal bank account and file household employment tax returns. At that point, they are eligible for tax breaks on their personal income tax return using the childcare tax breaks.

In addition to incorrect reporting and illegal tax deduction issues, there are related problems with group health insurance. Insurance providers generally do not allow personal employees to be included on a company's group insurance policy. As a result, the insurance company may deny all of the nanny's medical claims.

If you have any questions about this topic, please give us a call at 888-BREEDLOVE (888-273-3356) or visit http://www.breedlove-online.com/. We're here to help.

Invest in Nanny Screening - Worth Every Penny

2011-07-07T09:00:00.001-05:00

By Becky Kavanagh

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.

When these same families finally experience working with a full service agency that is knowledgeable and equipped to work on their behalf these families are amazed at the difference. A professional, experienced agency is going to customize the search for each family based on their unique needs and expectations. They see the investment as one that really makes sense in the long term.

Nannies also tell us that using online services or working with families on their own is a challenging and sometimes a nerve racking experience. There is vulnerability for all parties, but it is especially felt by nanny candidates. While families should be understandably concerned with inviting a stranger into their home for an interview, nannies are equally concerned for their safety when meeting a family that is unknown to them. Using an agency brings the valuable sense of security to both parties throughout the process. Veteran agencies will be able to help nannies find the best positions because they are dedicated to finding the best match to the nanny’s skills and experience.

"I'm Bored!"

2011-07-05T09:00:00.002-05:00

It’s catching. Boredom is catching. Jeremy complained so regularly about being bored that his parents became bored with hearing about it. Ellie’s fifth grade class insisted that their lessons were boring so frequently that their teacher got bored with kids who want to be entertained full time. Jerry repeated why his job was boring so often that his wife got bored hearing about it. She described how boring her daily commute was so regularly that Jerry got bored hearing about that. Yes, boredom can be catching. And it can become a debilitating habit.

Boredom is a super tool to use when you want to avoid responsibility or manipulate others.

Charlie, 14, appeared to believe that boredom relieved him of responsibility and allowed him to blame others for his misconduct. Charlie and his friends had done minor damage to a neighbor’s home. The homeowner, instead of calling the police, had challenged the boys to think of a way to make amends. They decided each of them would do two hours of yard work as restitution. That was okay with the homeowner, but while the others were pulling weeds and picking up sticks, Charlie was wandering around, humming. When the homeowner asked why he had left his job he said he couldn’t do it because it was boring, and he went home. His mother, it was reported, commiserated with him because the homeowner was just trying to get free yard work and should have paid him. Bad news - boredom used as a crutch for failure and condoned by a parent whose intent may have been good. But, the impact of her overindulgence does not bode well for this boy.

Boredom Can Be Positive

Too bad for Charlie, because boredom can be such a helpful sign to people at any age. It is a signal for us to take action. It says: Look around. What can I learn? How can I make this an enjoyable experience? Get up and do something Why do I get myself stuck in this situation again and again? Have I made boredom a habit? Time to get creative!

How Much Is Enough Boredom?

Charlie’s mom let him use boredom to become irresponsible. Danny’s mom has a different approach. She welcomes boredom. When Danny says he’s bored, she says things like: Great – this is your opportunity to do something you have been wanting or needing to do. Do you want to help me sweep the garage? How long are you going to feel bored before you do something about it?

Is this a good time for you to do some day dreaming? Do you have a book or a project that isn’t finished? Shall we tell each other stories? Think of four things you could do and come tell me about them.

Whatever your approach, remember that children need to learn that boredom doesn’t need to be catching and that it shouldn’t become a habit. They need to understand that feeling bored is a signal that they have an opportunity. And children deserve to have parents who are NOT entertainment machines. You can read more about the results of doing things for children that they should be doing for themselves in the How Much Is Enough? book by Jean Illsley Clarke Ph.D., Connie Dawson Ph.D., and David J. Bredehoft Ph.D.
This article appears here from http://www.overindulgence.info/.

2011-07-01T09:00:00.001-05:00

Nannies from the Heartland

wishes you

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

July 4th Ideas!

2011-06-29T09:00:00.001-05:00

You know I love Family Fun magazine and website as great resources for ideas on crafts, recipes and other family friendly information. Here are three links below to that give you some exciting ideas for July 4th which feature photos and step-by-step directions. Enjoy!
Becky

Crafts: http://familyfun.go.com/4th-of-july/4th-of-july-crafts/
Recipes: http://familyfun.go.com/4th-of-july/4th-of-july-recipes/patriotic-recipes-pg-904147/
Party Ideas: http://familyfun.go.com/4th-of-july/4th-of-july-party/

IRS Mileage Reimbursement Increases as of July1

2011-06-27T09:00:00.002-05:00

The IRS has announced an increase in the mileage reimbursement beginning July 1, 2011 through to the end of the year. In recognition of recent gasoline price increases, the IRS made this special adjustment for the final months of 2011. The IRS normally updates the mileage rates once a year in the fall for the next calendar year.
For more information the link below will bring you to the article on the IRS website.
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=240903,00.html?portlet=6

Wanted: Nanny Plus . . .

2011-06-24T09:00:00.012-05:00

When Families Need More Than Child Care
by Becky Kavanagh

     It's a challenge when families want more than a highly qualified experienced child care provider. They want a nanny who can be a household manager, a nanny who can be a housekeeper, a nanny who can be a personal assistant - they want a nanny who wear a number of hats and still take great care of their children.
     Busy families need reliable help on a number of fronts so it's not surprising that they look to their nanny for some of this help. Most experienced nannies have the skills needed to assist with some household duties along with caring for children. This becomes part of the normal nanny routine - children's laundry, children's meals, keep kitchen clean and tidy, dishes, organize and pick-up toys, maintain children's bedroom areas, sweep kitchen floor after meals, vacuum playroom, etc. There are nannies who have developed other skills over the years that allow them to include additional duties to help their employer family.

Nannies who care for school age children may also add some household management to their responsibilities. Household management can include: arranging and supervising house repairs or maintenance, running errands for the family, organizing beyond children's spaces, vehicle maintenance, grocery shopping and the like. These nanny/household managers usually can also be available to volunteer at school on a regular basis or on special occasions.
     Sometimes families could use a nanny/housekeeper. Duties are centered more on cleaning, organizing and maintaining the home, along with shopping and preparing family meals. Typically the nanny that can incorporate the housekeeping duties while also being a great child care provider works with families who have school age children.
     When families need someone who can take on the role of nanny/personal assistant, they want excellent child care along with someone who can do some household management plus some handle organizing parent's personal items as well. This might include correspondence, paying bills, tracking calendars, gift purchases, travel arrangements or other more personal requests.
      All of the specialized nanny or nanny plus positions described above work best if the children in the home are in school. The type of child care for these older children focuses more on guiding them and providing support before and after school. While they are in school the nanny can then take on the other responsibilities the family has requested. When the children are at home the nanny can refocus on their needs.
     Seems pretty clear right? It can be or it can be a little muddy. Here's what I mean.

     A family with young children at home hire a nanny. Everyone is happy with the work agreement that outlines the child care focus and defines other duties (keep kitchen clean, children's laundry, organize toys, etc.) that relate directly to the children. Time goes by and the family is having a hard time keeping up on other household or even personal related tasks. They see that their nanny is managing not only great care of their children but getting the non-child care work done as well, so it's natural they ask her if she can do a few other small things for them. She sees they are struggling and she wants to be of service so she agrees to add to her "to do" list.
     I need to take a break here to just say what most nannies already know - nannies want to help, be of service, they are nurtures and are often willing to go above and beyond if they possibly can. They may not be skilled or comfortable negotiating job parameters. They may be great at talking with parents about their children's successes and challenges, but less comfortable talking about non-child care duties.
    Back to our example . . . so the nanny has added these new duties and coping fairly well. Parents are still feeling a little overwhelmed so they ask for a few more things to be added on. Now our nanny is struggling to get the "to do" list done while still being that great caregiver. She's starting to wonder if she can handle all of this extra. She may even be wondering if she's appreciated for the effort. Months go by and the stress is starting to show. She's reluctant to talk with the family, she's not sure how to tell them she can't handle everything. This once happy, fulfilled nanny who felt she was making a difference for the family is now thinking that she's not sure about this job anymore.

     So where did it all go wrong? The answer is lack of open communication. Everyone needs to feel free to talk about all aspects of the job including additional or changes in duties. Best practice is to sit down together and discuss changes of any kind. If there are young children (infants, toddlers or preschoolers) at home this may not be the best time to add more duties to the nanny's list - everyone needs to be honest about this. If the non-child related duties are esential to the family they should have been clear about this prior to hiring a nanny.
     If everyone agrees to additional responsibilities is there a provision for evaluating how things are going? Will the changes effect the quality of care for the children? What is the appropriate additional compensation for additional responsibilities? What if the extras don't get done because a child is sick or needs more attention on a given day? I suggest a trial period on any additional responsibilities that are being added so that everyone can evaluate how it's going. When nannies and families can come together to talk honestly about the realities of the work load and responsibilities then there is potential for longevity in the relationship.

Summer Science Projects

2011-06-22T09:00:00.005-05:00

Summer is a great time for bringing out science projects. Here are a few that will energize your budding scientist! Enjoy!

Bubbles

1. Mix 8 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid in 1 quart of water in a shallow pan.
2. Blow through a straw as you move it slowly across the top of the liquid.
3. When you've made a bubble, touch it gently with a wet finger. What happens? Touch another bubble with a dry finger. What happens?
4. Look at the bubbles. How many colors do you see? What do the colors remind you of?

Creepy Crawlies!

1. Search for bugs: in sidewalk cracks, on lights, on animals, or on plants.
2. Tell your child the names of the bugs you found. Did you find: ants, spiders, fleas, moths, flies, ladybugs?
3. Ask your child how the bugs are alike or different. Explain the difference between an insect and a spider (insects have six legs, spiders have eight), for example.
4. Watch ants in an anthill or around some spilled food. Explain that when an ant finds food, it runs back to the hill to "tell" the others. As it runs, it leaves a trail that other ants in the hill can smell. The ants find the food by smelling their way along the trail.

Make Your Own Cloud

Rather than tell your children how clouds are formed when warm and cold air meet, show them. Here's a way for children to see it all up close! This is an adult child activity. There's a match involved, so a grownup is imperative.
What You Need:
• glass jar
• piece of black paper but to fit halfway up around the jar
• tape
• hot tap water
• match
• ice cubes in a plastic bag
What You Do:
Tape the piece of black paper around the bottom half of the jar. Fill the jar to the top with hot water. Leave it for about a minute. Then pour out all but an inch of the water.
Have an adult light the match and hold it over the jar opening for a few seconds. Drop the match in the water. Then quickly put the plastic bag of ice cubes over the top of the jar.
Questions to ask your child:
What happened to the air in the jar?
What did the ice cubes do?
What else did you notice?
So what happened? The warm water and the match heated the air inside the jar. The warm, wet air rose up to the top of the jar and ran into the cold air just below the ice cubes. When the warm, wet air met the cold wet air, they created a cloud of water droplets. Instant cloud!

My First Rocket

What You Need to Know
Rocket-like devices were demonstrated about 360 B.C. By the Greek mathematician and scientist Archytas. So while some form of a rocket has been in existence for many years, the science of how a rocket works was first described by the British scientist Sir Isaac Newton in 1687. Newton stated three important scientific principles that govern the motion of all objects, whether on Earth or in space.
What You Need:
• 6 feet (1.8 m) of string
• 4-inch (10 cm) piece of drinking straw
• 2 chairs
• 9-inch (23 cm) round balloon
• spring clothespin
• transparent tape
What You Do
1. Thread the string through the straw
2. Tie the ends of the string to the backs of the chairs
3. Position the chairs so that the string between them is as tight as possible
4. Inflate the balloon. Twist the open end of the balloon and secure it with the clothespin
5. Move the straw to one end of the string
6. Tape the inflated balloon to the straw
7. Remove the clothespin from the balloon
What Happened
The straw with the attached balloon quickly moves across the string. The movement stops at the end of the string or when the forces acting on the balloon are balanced.
Why?
When the inflated balloon is closed, the air inside pushes equally in all directions. The balloon doesn't move because all the forces are balanced. When the balloon is open, the action-reaction pair of forces opposite the balloon's opening is unbalanced. One force is the walls of the balloon pushing on the gas inside the balloon. This force pushes the gas out of the balloon's opening. The other force is the gas pushing on the balloon's wall opposite the opening. This force pushes the balloon in the direction opposite the opening.

Minnesota State Parks - I Can Camp Program

2011-06-20T11:39:00.000-05:00

Do you want to take your family camping, but aren't sure that you have the knowledge or equipment you need? Check out the I Can Camp program offered by Minnesota State Parks! These overnight workshops will give you the skills and confidence to enjoy camping as a family. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/can_camp.html

Experienced instructors are onsite the entire time to give hands-on instruction and lead fun activities. Your family will also enjoy plenty of free time for hiking, swimming, fishing, geocaching, biking, or just relaxing in the great outdoors.

Each two-night workshop is only $55 per family and most of the camping gear is provided, including tents, air mattresses, and cooking equipment. There is also a one-night option at $35.

I loved taking my nanny charges camping over the years. This kind of experience is a wonderful skill builder! Their love of outdoors was enhanced by these kinds of experiences.
Becky

2011-06-18T09:00:00.002-05:00

Father's Day Ideas

2011-06-13T10:17:00.001-05:00

Are you looking for some fun crafts and gifts for Father's Day? Check out these websites for some fun ideas.
http://familyfun.go.com/fathers-day/
http://www.makingfriends.com/dad.htm
http://crafts.kaboose.com/

Fitness Party

2011-06-09T13:21:00.001-05:00

Being Active is Fun!

by Becky Kavanagh

Several years ago Family Fun Magazine had a great article about encouraging healthy fun. The Fitness Party was their focus. Of course, I tweaked it to meet our needs but the essentials are all here. The following is how we hosted our own party!

Neighborhood Invitations

We made our own invitations to our Fitness Party for all the neighborhood children in and around the ages I was caring for. I also asked a couple of older children if they'd like to help run the event with me - they were 12 and 14. They wanted to be involved but didn't want to be considered a "kid." Our invitations were simple - made from colored construction paper and colorful stickers they included date, time (start and end), how to RSVP, what to wear, sunscreen reminder, etc. We hand delivered them so we could explain a little more about what to expect or answer any questions.

Preparing
After invitations have been distributed and before the event gather all the equipment needed for each activity. We also gave out as a favor a water bottle to each child with their name on it. They weren't fancy and I wrote the names on in permanent marker including Fitness Party and the date as well. We then used these bottles throughout the day. I had a water station set up for everyone to fill up their bottle. We also had a snack break after all the events were over with fruit kabobs, whole grain crackers and a frozen yogurt cone. I think planning this for a morning rather then the afternoon when it gets too warm for everyone is best. Our party was from 9 AM to 10:30 AM. Also, depending on the number of children participating you may need or want to split into smaller groups to work through all the activity stations to limit wait time at each station and keep things moving.

Activities

Stretching Time - Start by spending a few moments with simple stretching motions like reach to the sky, touch toes, lean to right and left. This was led by our two "helper" children. They actually put them through a nice stretch before we got started with the main events.

Hula Hoop Whoop - This is a multi-functional station which starts with each person getting a hoop and giving it a spin around their waist/hips. There is a learning curve for those who are not hula hoop professionals so give everyone several tries. We had 5 hoops going at once here so you'll need some space. Next place hoops end to end (example: OOOOO). Children line up and take turns jumping from hoop to hoop. They get back in line and the second time around it is hop like a frog, next time it's walk like an elephant, etc. If you give the children the chance they'll come up with several ideas of their own.

Beanbag Toss-o-Rama - This station a great throwing activity. I like beanbags over balls just because they are often easier for young ones to toss successfully and don't take off rolling away from you. I made a target laid out on the lawn on a large tarp using painters tape in a simple grid. I had made enough beanbags so there was minimal waiting. My "helpers" encouraged everyone to try and hit every target area.
Mega Hopscotch - Rather than play a game of hopscotch we opted for a mega hopscotch course for everyone to try out several times. The course twisted and turned over our entire driveway. The course needs a little prep but once you have it down on the pavement you only need keep participants in line. Older children should one foot hop where indicated while younger ones can jump onto squares.

Knock 'em Down, Stand 'em Up - You will need a couple dozen small size cone markers. We had some for marking off our backyard soccer games and then I got a more at a discount store. They were packaged by the dozen. I've also seen them offered online in bulk. We found lots of uses for these cones over the years. For this event you place the cones in a random pattern over a large section of the yard - half the cones are standing upright and the other half on their sides. Split your group into two teams - one team will be knocking over upright cones and the other team is taking the knocked cones to place them upright. Children are instructed to run to the cone, bend over to use their hands rather than kick over the cone with their feet. This game is timed and I used a whistle to start them and then a whistle to stop them. This is a crowd-pleaser.

Obstacle Course - This was our final event and everyone cheered each other on to success. We laid out the course using hula hoops, beanbags, cones and the naturally occurring features of the yard (trees, swing set, etc.). Plan a course that includes running, jumping, over, under and through options if possible. We made a tunnel using a our tarp over the backs of a couple of benches which was great for crawling. While everyone was taking a water break . . . don't forget to encourage water breaks between each station . . . my helpers and I set out the obstacles according to a plan I had formulated previously. Then each child had their turn to run the course and cheer on their friends. Each child was offered two runs at the course.

We ended our party with a fresh and healthy snack bar. Everyone took home their water bottle as a souvenir. This kind of special party has so many options that can be offered and planned. We were able to use many of these activities for playdates or birthday parties. You might want to plan several Fitness Days throughout the spring and summer months. We'd love to hear your ideas or experiences with a Fitness Party or other special homemade activity - send us a comment!

Summer Scheduling: Keeping the Balance!

2011-06-06T13:16:00.001-05:00

Keeping the Balance!
by Becky Kavanagh

Summer schedules are usually full of fun exciting outings, activities and events. I confess I love the variety that comes with the spring/summer season, but I also believe that keeping an eye on balance is a good idea. Just like the school year it can be easy to overload the schedule and overwhelm the children . . . not to mention overloading yourself. So when making plans remember that downtime to just hang out and really play is important. Spending time outdoors in the early morning before the heat and humidity hit is a great way to start the day. Depending on the age, stage and temperament of the children you'll want to consider how often you plan an outing or special event away from home. In my experience it's fun to have several at home activities that are special events unto themselves, sprinkle in some playdates with school friends to add variety, a fun outing and you have a balanced approach to the summer schedule.

Here's a sample of what I mean:

Day 1
    AM outdoor play in the yard: swings, sandbox, tubs of water, mini-soccer game, tag, obstacle course, etc.
    Provide plenty of opportunities for fluids, rest and shade during outdoor play
    Lunch - picnic on the deck under the umbrella
    Rest time - naps for those that nap and quiet activities for others, our rest times started with reading books
    Afternoon snack followed by a summer craft or art time.
Day 2
    Morning playdate with school friends - I liked to host playdates and provide some structured activities for the children that needed it or general parameters for those that didn't, but we always tried to include outdoor time.
    Lunch with friends before they head home
    Rest routine as above - often after playdates I found those that usually don't nap fell asleep for a short time
    Afternoon snack
    Water play / Sidewalk chalk / Walk around the neighborhood
Day 3
     Pack lunch and head out to local park, zoo or museum.
     Picnic lunch
     Home as close to regular rest time as possible
     Afternoon snack
     Activity to follow up on our morning outing - if we went to the zoo we might continue to enjoy animal fun with books, magazines, painting, drawing, dough sculptures, etc.
Day 4
     Outdoor play in the morning
     Library Visit
     Lunch out - this was a day for enjoying either another fun picnic lunch or lunch out at one of our favorite spots. We didn't go to the same place too often so going out to eat was a treat not an expectation. They were often excited about another picnic day.
     Home for rest and book time
     Snack time
     Bug Hunt - fun activity around the yard or neighborhood; we'd observe, record and draw the bugs we met along the way. Equipped with hats, sunscreen and plenty of water we had many fun afternoons hunting.
Day 5
     Beach Day - after breakfast we'd pack our things for a day at the beach. This often included our rest time. We'd have blankets/towels, umbrella for shade, plenty of sunscreen, all the fun equipment for water/sand play, snacks / lunch, etc. Sometimes we'd head to the beach through lunch and then home for rest time.

Basically the week would include: one day with a playdate, one day with a special outing, a beach or water day, two or three days with a special activity such as art, craft, science, cooking, etc. Each day we'd try to maintain the routine of meals, rest time and snack time - even if we were out of the house. Freeplay, reading, games, music, drama, conversation and imagination are part of each day. Younger children may need more planned structure in their day while older children need guidance and opportunities to make choices. As the children were older school agers there would be camps and classes included in the mix. Providing enough downtime for each child is important to enjoying a fun and balanced summer!

Need some tips about where to go and what to do? The links below will bring you to websites that have lists plus links to more information on family and child friendly activities or events.
http://minneapolis.about.com/od/familieschildren/tp/freekidsactivities.htm
http://gocitykids.parentsconnect.com/region/minneapolis-st-paul-mn-usa
http://www.examiner.com/water-in-minneapolis/top-10-free-activities-for-summer-fun-the-twin-cities
http://minneapolis.about.com/od/familieschildren/Family_Friendly_Activities_and_Education_in_the_Twin_Cities.htm
http://www.befamilyonline.com/ArticleView.aspx?ArticleID=127

Home Safety

2011-06-03T09:00:00.001-05:00

June is Home Safety month. Check out this website for childproofing your home at a variety of ages, home safety checklists, safety basics by age, product recalls and so much more. You may find a little check around the house will pay off in peace of mind.

http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-spotlight/childproofing-your-home/

Finishing the Hire

2011-05-31T14:32:00.001-05:00

This article came to us from our friends at Breedlove and Associates, experts in nanny related tax information and more. Nannies from the Heartland provides all our clients with information about their role as an employer including tax information and we always include information on resources such as Breedlove and Associates with all our client families.

Finishing the Hire

Every year, thousands of families make the same household hiring mistake. After being consumed for weeks -- sometimes months -- with the tasks of finding the ideal nanny and vetting her, they fail to "finish" the hiring process by taking care of the financial and legal aspects of employment.

The main culprits are procrastination and misinformation. Many families think they can "just handle it next April" with their tax return. Others make plans to "take care of it in a few weeks, after we're sure she's going to work out" -- and then, of course, are very slow about getting around to it.

Unfortunately, these well-intended families often have to pay dearly for their negligence, as even small oversights can quickly turn into big, expensive problems. This case illustrates one of those situations and dramatizes why, in the employment world, problem-prevention is much smarter than problem-resolution.

The Mistake

A family in Minnesota hired a nanny to care for their two young children in January of 2010. Exhausted from a prolonged search and vetting process -- and feeling the need to quickly re-focus on their recently-neglected careers -- the family hastily got her situated with the kids and went back to work.

"Deep down, we knew there was some nanny tax paperwork and some HR things we needed to do, but I needed to get back to work and I figured we could deal with it all later."

The family paid her the agreed-upon wage amount of $570 per week (38 hours/week @ $15/hour). They did not withhold any taxes from the employee's pay nor did they pay any employer taxes. Fourteen months later, in March of 2011, they sat down with their accountant and divulged that they had paid $29,000 in wages to a nanny during the 2010 tax year.

The Law

Federal and state law requires that household employers fulfill a very specific list of requirements:

Obtain state and federal tax IDs as household employers
File a New Hire Report with the state
Get the employee to fill out Form W-4 and withhold taxes from the employee's pay in accordance with the employee's selections. In addition to income taxes, Social Security & Medicare taxes (collectively known as "FICA") should be withheld
File quarterly state employment tax returns and remit all state taxes (the employee's state withholdings as well as the employer's state taxes)
File 1040-ES four times per year and remit all federal employment taxes (the employee's federal withholdings as well as the employer's federal taxes)
Provide the employee with Form W-2 itemizing wages paid and taxes withheld during the previous calendar year. The W-2 should be mailed to the employee by the end of January
File W-2 Copy A with the Social Security Administration by the end of February
File Schedule H along with the federal income tax return by April 15th
Adhere to employment laws

The Mess

After meeting with their CPA in March, they realized they had to clean up two key mistakes:

Since they didn't withhold FICA from the employee's pay, their options were to try to collect them from the nanny in arrears (more than $2,200 in 2010 - plus another $400 in the first 3 months of 2011) or cover the taxes for her.
Since they hadn't made any state employment tax filings, they needed to file delinquent returns for each quarter and pay back taxes plus penalties and interest to the state of Minnesota.

The Outcome

The CPA sent the family to Breedlove & Associates to establish tax IDs, file quarterly employment tax returns for 2010, prepare and distribute Form W-2 to the employee, file Form W-2 Copy A with the Social Security Administration and prepare Schedule H prior to the April 15th deadline.
The family opted to cover the employee's FICA taxes for 2010 and the first three months of 2011.
We petitioned to the state of Minnesota and were able to get the penalties waived for the four delinquent quarterly employment tax returns.

How It Could Have Been Avoided
If the family had "finished" the hiring process with a quick assessment of the financial and legal aspects of being a household employer, they would have realized that getting payroll setup correctly is fundamental to the relationhip -- and cannot be put off until next April or even next month. Addressing it at the time of hire would have saved this family more than $2,600.
"We rushed back to work and neglected this part (of the hiring process). I wish I had taken a few minutes to familiarize myself with the law. After reading your website and talking to you guys, I'm kicking myself. I should have run payroll scenarios for my nanny and spelled out the withholding amounts when I made her offer. You would have saved me a ton of money."

We're here to help your families avoid tax and legal mistakes, which is always a lot cheaper and easier than fixing them. A quick assessment will allow us to guide families safely past all the applicable tax and labor law issues. Whether the family joins our service or not, this 10-minute phone call will likely save them "a ton of money." For more information check out http://www.breedlove-online.com/.

2011 International Nanny Association Nanny of the Year

2011-05-27T09:00:00.001-05:00

Introducing INA's 2011 Nanny Of The Year™, Marcia Hall of Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Marcia Hall has been working with children and families for the past fifteen years. She is a Certified Professional Nanny, an INA Credentialed Nanny, a 3-time nominee for the International Nanny Association Nanny of the Year award and an ACPI Certified Coach for Families. Marcia is a graduate of the English Nanny and Governess School (1997) and of the Academy of Coaching Parents International (2010) and has served as a certified minister, children’s ministry director and foster parent. Marcia also serves as a leader of the Northshore Professional Nanny Alliance.

Marcia resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her husband Scott and their 2-yearold daughter Nadia, whom they adopted days after birth. Marcia believes that the knowledge she has gained through becoming a parent is invaluable to her career. She now understands on a deeper level the stress and emotions parents face as they make decisions and raise their children.

Marcia considers being a nanny more than a job. She views it as her calling. Every day she wakes up excited to go to work, ready to play, teach, care for and love on her charges. Marcia’s past employers describe her as “a partner in caring for our children,” “a resource for sound, solid parenting advice” and “an integral to all of our lives.”

In her years of nanny experience, Marcia has cared for children aged newborn to teen and has worked with children who have special needs. Marcia feels honored to have seen many of her charges through becoming a big brother or sister and helping instruct families who were struggling with discipline and behavioral issues.

Marcia currently nannies full-time for a family with two children, an 8-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl. She feels fortunate she’s able to have the best of both worlds, bringing her own child to work with her while making a positive difference in the life of her nanny family.

Marcia recently launched her own business, Strong Roots Family Coaching because she believes that all children are born with great potential. It's her desire to continue help children discover their gifts and help their parents find the best ways to nurture, support and encourage them through both her nanny and coaching careers.

Read Marcia's acceptance speech - http://www.nanny.org/pdf/2011_NOTY_Marcia_Hall.pdf

Nannies from the Heartland congratulates Marcia on this prestigious honor!

26th Annual Internation Nanny Association Conference

2011-05-25T09:00:00.005-05:00

by Mary O'Connor

Becky and I recently attended the 26th annual International Nanny Association (INA) conference in Tampa, Florida. It's always great to gather with colleagues, learn from peers and attend educational sessions. The heat, swimming pool and sitting on the beach on Tampa Bay was also a treat after our long winter and cold spring. I attended several sessions on social media, search engine optimization, creating online videos etc. It was a bit mind numbing at times but also energizing to learn new things and how to incorporate into our business. One of my colleagues recalled the days back in the early 90's when fax machines were the new technology! And of course, no one had email, websites or Facebook back then.

I am so proud to share with you that our own Becky Kavanagh was elected as Co President of the INA for the coming year. Congratulations to her! Becky and I both served on the INA Board and Executive Committee in past years. I know that the organization is in good hands with someone as competent and talented as Becky at the helm. Check out the conference program and lots of pictures at the INA website http://www.nanny.org/.

Nanny Salary Survey Summary

2011-05-23T11:05:00.000-05:00

The International Nanny Association (INA) annual researches nanny salaries through a survey tool. Nannies volunteer information in this confidential survey to be compiled by INA. Agencies were also asked for information pertinent to the industry. For the full survey summary check out the following link:
http://www.nanny.org/pdf/2011SalarySummaryFINAL.pdf

Is It Spring Yet?

2011-05-20T09:00:00.006-05:00

by Kelly Miller

Here is a fun game to play! Get the children outside and let them work on their observation skills. Each player gets one point for every sign of spring they find. This game is meant to be played over a period of days. To add interest have the children come up with a list of their own of "spring things" - enjoy!

-the sounds of spring: peepers, frogs and toads

-thunder
-music from an open car window
-a woodpecker
-a bird signing
-a plant emerging from the ground
-a bud on a tree or bush
-a flower in bloom
-a mushroom
-sap oozing from a tree
-a dog or cat shedding
-a brightly colored bird
-a salamander
-a newborn animal
-a turtle sunning on a log
-a baby out in a stroller
-a screen where a window used to be
-laundry hanging out to dry
-bathing suits in a shop window
-someone in-line skating or skateboarding

Scarfed Potatoes!

2011-05-18T09:00:00.002-05:00

by Kelly Miller

My daughter and I were at the library recently, and we found a unique craft book: Kid Made Modern by Todd Oldham. Oldham states his book is inspired by mid-century modern design. We immediately went home and started planning activities.

Scarfed Potatoes was perfect for us. "It's easy to make a potato printed tube scarf out of a cut up t-shirt printed with Marimekko inspired geometric patterns, " Oldham states. And he is right!

Supplies: XXL white t-shirt, potato, fabric paint, scissors, knife

1. Make a stamp by cutting potato in half, and then slice a square stamp form into the cut face. Remove the side pieces away from the square form by slicing inward along the side.
2. Cut across the t-shirt just under the sleeve and cut off the hem (you will have a rectangle shape of fabric). Slide a piece of cardboard or foil inside the shirt to prevent the ink from going through to the other side.
3. Hold the round end of the stamp, place stamp onto fabric paint and stamp your pattern on the fabric. Follow washing directions on your fabric paint.

This book is worth reserving at the library. Other fun projects include making your own building blocks and making a purse out of an envelope and duct tape.

Bonding and Relationships

2011-05-09T09:00:00.003-05:00

by Becky Kavanagh

Parents sometimes are concerned at the depth of the bond their child has with their nanny. They shouldn't be. The most important bond that children have is with their parents . . . it's number one! Everyone else is taking a back seat.

That being said there is good evidence that bonding with other adults is important to children's growth and development. Primary caregivers such as nannies are a good example. This bond supports and encourages emotional development, self-esteem and serves as ground work for building other relationships. Particularly in the young child (0-5), a consistent circle of primary adults are critical. First and foremost are the parents, followed by nanny or caregiver, then grandparents and other adult family members, and finally other consistent adult family friends. Each adult has their role to play in encouraging emotional balance for the child.

Each relationship the child forms with a significant adult is unique and specific. If you observe closely you'll see baby react differently to each individual. Parents are sometimes torn about how pleased their baby or toddler is to see the nanny - they begin to think that maybe their child is favoring the nanny. It couldn't be farther from the truth. While they are happy to see their caregiver coming they are IN LOVE with their parents! They will grow to love their nanny as another special person in their lives, someone they can count on - this is healthy and to be expected.

Parents who expect and encourage these other adult relationships with their child will see the benefits. Children who have experienced not only the love and support of their parents but other adults as well will have better coping skills in all types of situations, confidence and a strong self image.

2011-05-06T09:35:00.000-05:00

Science is Cool!

2011-05-04T09:00:00.001-05:00

I totally believe science is cool and young children are wonderful scientists - they are experimenters! Feed their curiosity and developing interests by providing great science activities. Here are some wonderful websites that have lots of different types of science experiences. Give them a try and enjoy! Becky

http://pbskids.org/zoom/activities/sci/
http://portal.acs.org/portal/acs/corg/content?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=PP_TRANSITIONMAIN&node_id=878&use_sec=false&sec_url_var=region1&__uuid=9d32010e-f0d1-48e7-ad94-c097d2ead409
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/activities/funscience/
http://www.tryscience.org/parents/se_1.html
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/
http://www.kids-science-experiments.com/
http://www.surfnetkids.com/science_experiments.htm
http://www.biglearning.com/big-learning-science-activities.htm

Coping with Difficult Times

2011-05-02T09:00:00.001-05:00

By Becky Kavanagh

Difficult times for children can include personal issues but also world situations. They hear about earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, flooding, protests, government transitions, terrorist attacks and more. Whether these are close to home or on the evening news, our children feel the loss and pain of these tragedies. Children are trying to cope on different levels and they are looking to the adults in their lives for stability, security and perspective.

Keep lines of communication open and be ready to listen. Hear their concerns, fears, observations and questions. While we may want to downplay their fears and concerns we should respect their feelings. Answer questions honestly and clearly while providing support and reassurance. You may need to ask some leading questions to help them verbalize. “Tell me more about that” is great statement to encourage sharing. Children who are showing distress but not talking about it may need your gentle guidance to conversation.

It is appropriate to let children know your feelings about these tragedies so they realize that their feelings are normal. Share your coping strategies with them. What do you do to address your fears? Help them see that society has changed to address uncertainty and make their lives safer. For example, talk about tightened airport security, review what your child's school has done to improve safety and security, and help them to see that they have a role to play in their own neighborhood and community. If you are in an area that is not prone to some types of natural disasters like hurricanes or earthquakes, let them know that the risks are low. If you are in a higher risk area, remind them about how your community is prepared.

Children may want to learn more about situations and how they can help. Participate with them in this endeavor. You may discover ways to take action that will help process concerns and refocus toward a positive outcome. We know how it feels if we are able to make a difference in the lives of others and children also appreciate being able to participate in a constructive way.

We all hear and see the news reports, multiple repeat stories, as well as reviews of disasters or tragedies. It is hard enough for us, as adults, to manage all the exposure. Children really struggle with too much information, so limiting exposure is important. When children are young we can do this quite easily, but for school age children this can be difficult. Maintaining regular routines and normal expectations while considering others allows children to feel supported and secure on a daily basis.