Child Passenger Safety

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.

Sensory Bottles for Infants and Toddlers

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

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

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

Make Snack Time Fun

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

Back-to-School Projects

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

Long Term Nanny / Family Relationships

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

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

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

Mutual Respect: A Two-Way Street

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

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