Potty Training 101

Recently a nanny inquired about how to start potty training. She hadn't done this previously and was looking for some tips. I thought it might be a good idea to give you my ideas on potty training. After years working in a child care center with all ages, specifically as the lead toddler teacher, and 21+ years as a nanny I've been through this many times. However, don't forget there are lots of websites, blogs and chat rooms that discuss ideas about this very subject that can be helpful in creating your own process for toilet training children.

Remember that any type of behavioral modification takes time and requires your patience. Each child reacts differently to the process. While some catch on quickly and are successful, others may struggle and need to have more time or try again later. Comparing one child with another will just be frustrating - keep in mind each child is an individual.

Infant Care Resource

Those of you caring for newborns and young babies may be looking for a resource for information. You may find some helpful informaiton from this blog http://babycareanswers.blogspot.com. Written by Newborn Care Specialist, Cortney Gibson, there are some practical tips for caring for infants and babies.

Handprint Tulips

by Kelly Miller

Now that the baby I have been nannying for is 1-year-old, I am looking for some fun spring projects to do with him.  He loves to finger paint, so I know he will enjoy doing this easy project.

First, paint the child's forearm green (from elbow to wrist).  Stamp 3-4 "stems" on paper.  Next, make tulip "flowers" by dipping child's fingers and hand in paint (not thumb).  Keep fingers close together, and stamp on top of the stems.  Older children can add thumbprint caterpillars, butterflies, grass, etc.  Enjoy!

Encouraging Responsibility

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

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

Household Employer Facts

Our friends at Breedlove & Associates have provided the following information and we are passing it onto you. You'll find their direct contact information within this article so that you can connect with them about any questions you might have.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Most new household employers assume the "nanny tax" obligations will be expensive and tedious. They don't have to be.

As a service to you, we have partnered with Breedlove & Associates, the nation's leader in household payroll and tax compliance services. This family-owned firm specializes in helping busy families eliminate the headaches, hassles and risks of being an employer. And they can show you how to take advantage of tax breaks that can offset (sometimes even exceed) your tax costs.

Earth Day - April 22

Go Green and learn more about the Earth Day movement. Here are several links to sites with general information and ideas to get started on your Green adventure. Plus some that have crafts and activities that are child and earth friendly.
Celebrate Earth Day Everyday!




http://act.earthday.org/?gclid=CIzvl5TyhagCFQnrKgodPGdLrg
http://minneapolis.about.com/od/environment/a/earthday2008.htm
http://www.eeweek.org/
http://wilderness.org/content/kids-parents-and-teachers?gclid=CIq926zvhagCFYi8KgodNBR1qg
http://holidays.kaboose.com/earth-day/
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/earthday/
http://www.planetpals.com/earthday.html
http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/earth.html
http://www.kinderart.com/seasons/earthday.shtml

Earth Day Bars

Celebrate the planet's natural delights by baking a batch of these sweet snacks filled with a harvest of ingredients from all around the world.


Here's some background info on the tasty add-ins:

Raisins: California, the only place in the United States that harvests the grapes used to make raisins, is the world's No. 1 supplier.

Pineapple: Thailand produces approximately 20 percent of the world's pineapple crop, surpassing the Hawaiian Islands.

Brazil nuts: The complex growing environment this tree crop requires prevents it from being grown on farms. Instead, it's harvested directly from the rain forests of Brazil, Peru, and other South American countries.

Chocolate: Africa's Ivory Coast is the largest producer of cocoa beans, the ingredient that gives chocolate its unique, irresistible flavor.

Coconut: The Philippines and Indonesia are the world's leading producers of copra, or coconut meat.

Ingredients