Finding Work/Life Balance as a Full-Time Nanny

January 8, 2014

After a full day of chasing toddlers, rocking babies to sleep and ensuring homework is complete, it can be exhausting to even think about having a social life as a full-time nanny. However, in order to maintain optimal mental and physical health, it’s important to find a work/life balance.

“Nannies are often hired to provide families more work/life balance and securing a job will have a lot to do with a nanny’s positive attitude, her flexibility and her willingness to help the family however needed,” says Dr. Alicia Clark, Washington, D.C.-based clinical psychologist. “Often, the best nannies are caretakers through and through, and daily think of others’ needs ahead of their own.”

Although this is an important quality to have when caring for children, as their needs are immediate and meeting them is fully consuming, Clark warns that full-time nannies can face burnout if they do not devote time to themselves. “Days are long and needs keep coming, and the opportunity to stretch in caretaking is ever present,” she says. “The same people who easily think of others first can sometimes struggle to think about themselves enough, not remembering to care for themselves in their off time.”

This ultimately can lead to an imbalance between work and life, leaving you feeling overly fatigued, irritable and even burned out. Avoid the negative effects to your emotional and physical health by scheduling some “me” time that you deserve.

Time is of the Essence

Structuring time is probably the most important element of protecting balance, says Clark. “Full-time nannies can be expected to be available at all times, but this is a recipe for burnout,” she says. “Having a schedule that you can count on is key to being able to take care of yourself in your off time.”

Clarify a schedule with your employer and ask that they abide by it unless notice is given in special circumstances. “A nanny needs to know when she can make plans for herself and needs to be vigilant about negotiating a schedule that allows for ‘me’ time,” says Clark. “Like with any job, look to have a portion of every day’s waking time free for yourself and ideally two full days per week off.”

If this is not possible, Clark suggests negotiating for paid vacation time or blocks of time you can claim for yourself. “Once a schedule is negotiated, a nanny needs to work hard to maintain time boundaries,” she says. “She needs to be on time, if not early to work, and be finished with her tasks at the end of work so she can leave on time. Maintaining a schedule is the cornerstone of finding balance between work and leisure.”

Finding Your Passion

Even though you may be exhausted when that ‘me’ time arrives, it’s important to follow your passions and pursue your interests and hobbies versus vegging on the couch for a two-day movie marathon.

Sports Psychologist Dr. Shannon Reece recommends using your ‘me’ time as a period of time in which you relax and do something you enjoy. The key is finding the activity that works for you.

Here are a few suggestions to get you moving toward self-fulfillment during your off time:

• Group Exercise: You don’t have to join a gym to get in your daily workouts. Enlist the help of friends and family by forming a walking or running group. The social interaction with adults will help stimulate your brain and the exercise will stimulate your body.
• Find Nature: If you’ve been cooped up in your employer’s home all week with a sniffling child or a tantrum-throwing toddler, some fresh air may do you some good on your off days. Take a hike or ride your bike through wooded trails. You just might conjure up some creative ideas for outdoor play with the kiddos when you head back to work.
• Meditate: What better way to find yourself than to become immersed in a soothing, relaxing environment? Allow yourself time to be at peace with your thoughts, stretch and practice yoga poses, or enjoy some pampering at a nearby day spa to refresh your mind and body.
• Be a Kid: Even though you are deemed the ‘grown up’ on the job, there’s nothing wrong with acting like a kid on your days off. Break out your favorite video games or challenge your friends to an interactive online game. The challenge and competition may be just what you need to get re-energized for the work week.
• Get Away: Treat yourself to some new scenery with a leisurely drive or a stay at a bed and breakfast out of town. Bring a book to keep you company or invite some friends to join you on your weekend getaway.

Regardless of how you choose to spend your ‘me’ time, the important thing is that you take the time to care for yourself. Doing so ensures that you are energized to provide the best care for the children who rely on you when you are on the job.

Posted in Uncategorized | 7 Comments

Continuing Education: Classes Nannies Can Take to Improve Their Craft

January 6, 2014

Going back to school can be quite an adventure, especially while balancing the demands of a nanny job. By choosing classes that can help improve your craft as a childcare provider, however, you can enhance your mind and your skills at the same time.

As an adult returning to the classroom, you have a distinct advantage.

“For all their responsibilities, adults tend to deeply understand the value of education as it relates to an improved quality of life, says Lynette Hazelton of the District 1199C Training & Upgrading Fund in Philadelphia, Pa. “Consequently, they are more serious students less concerned with enhancing their social life and less concerned about the opinion of peers, which allows a teacher to focus more deeply on the material at hand.”

Choosing classes that will help you personally and professionally takes careful consideration, but in the end they can provide you with the tools you need to perfect your skills and provide the best care for your children. So pack your book bag and prepare for the learning experience of a lifetime.

Refresher Courses

Many colleges offer continuing education courses that may apply directly to your career as a nanny.

Brush up on your skills with the following courses at a community college or community center:

• CPR and First Aid: These certifications can prepare you for emergency situations and make you more employable and appealing to potential employers.
• Water Safety: When caring for young children, it’s likely a trip to the community pool, lake or even ocean will be in store. Invest in courses on lifeguarding so you are prepared to provide the best care when wading with little ones.
• Newborn Care: Caring for a newborn is both rewarding and challenging. If you have limited experience, a childcare class in infant care will help you learn the tricks of the trade.
• Cooking Classes: You don’t have to be a top chef to have a successful career as a nanny, but your knowledge of cooking and nutrition will surely enhance your job and make you more appealing to potential employers. Beyond colleges and community centers, cooking and nutrition classes are typically offered at health food stores and culinary schools.
• Fitness Training: Keeping yourself in shape, as well as the children you care for, can boost not only your health, but also the wellbeing of the family you care for on a daily basis as well. Learn how to stay active, healthy, stretched and toned so you can pass on this valuable information to the children in your care.
• Discipline Classes: Promoting positive discipline is a challenge for both parents and nannies. Pick up a few tricks while attending parenting classes and seminars focused on discipline strategies for all ages.

Even though you may already have your degree, refresher courses offer the skill boost you may need, says Dr. Michael Provitera, Florida-based former professor and author of “Mastering Self-Motivation.”

“The advantage of going back to school as an adult is that you bring experience,” says Provitera. “At the undergraduate level, you can apply your coursework to the job and vice versa.”

Early Childhood Education

Continuing your education can also keep your skill set from aging, according to Hazelton. “We stress that learning is a lifelong pursuit and adults must make continuous investments in their own learning,” she says.

Whether you are seeking a degree or looking to learn more about changes in the childcare industry, early childhood education programs can offer nannies experience and knowledge they can put to use right away.

As you browse through college catalogs, consider the following courses, often found in early childhood education programs:

• Introduction to Early Childhood Education
• Language and Literacy Education
• Child Development
• Child Nutrition, Health and Safety
• Child and Society
• Principles of Early Care
• Family and Teacher Interactions
• Special Education
• Educational Psychology

As you seek out courses and college programs to further your education, consider the cost, convenience and flexibility of scheduling before enrolling. Depending on your location, many hospitals, community centers and health food stores offer seminars and workshops focused on early childhood education. For the degree-seeker, consider the pros and cons between community colleges and four-year universities.

“In general terms, community colleges probably still offer the best bang for the buck and they have a long history of dealing with the non-traditional student,” says Hazelton. “However, for adults willing to investigate carefully, an increasing number of colleges are catering to this non-traditional demographic because that is where the growth is. To attract adults, they are redesigning very attractive, flexible programs.”

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

How Nannies Can Teach Children Healthy Habits

December 30, 2013

When a full day involves digging in the dirt, climbing through a jungle gym and running through the sprinkler at the park or at home, it’s likely the children in your care are exposed to germs at every turn. As a child, routine activities such as washing hands regularly and covering your mouth when coughing are not always second nature.

Healthy habits can be taught, though, and can become part of your child’s daily routine. From necessary dental care and sanitizing to preventing body odor and maintaining personal hygiene, with some instructions and a positive example, you can teach your children to brush off the dirt and live a healthy lifestyle.

Educate and Demonstrate

Even though personal hygiene is a priority for adults, for many children, it is not. If your child is unwilling to take a bath, wash her hair, brush her teeth or cleanse her hands when prompted, it’s time to step in and teach the benefits of healthy habits.

You can educate your child about personal hygiene by providing examples he or she can relate to on a daily basis. For example, discuss what causes body odor and explore how uncomfortable it can be to stand next to someone who doesn’t smell clean.

According to Women’s and Children’s Health Network, children who reach puberty struggle more with body odor, as the sweat glands under the arms are in full production. Talk to your child about how body odor can be prevented and show him or her how to apply deodorant and properly cleanse your body in the shower. Children are often self-conscious about their bodies, so it’s important to instill the need to smell clean and fresh by showering often, especially after rigorous activity, to avoid foul smells.

Lessons about personal hygiene should also include discussions and activities surrounding germs. Germs are everywhere and your child may not realize that sharing drinks, touching railings and even shaking hands with others can transport unwanted germs onto their body. Discuss how germs can carry diseases and contribute to common colds and ailments.

According to Elena Selivan, board certified health and wellness coach in Boston, fungus is one of the many concerns when it comes to hygiene. “It is highly contagious and easily transfers from one person to another,” she says. “You can pick up an infection on the floor in a shared shower or locker room, at a public pool, from contaminated surfaces such as gym mats, exercise equipment, towels, combs, shoes and other personal items.”

Children can avoid picking up bacteria, germs and fungus by changing out of sweaty clothes right away, wearing shoes in public areas and washing hands regularly.

When teaching about personal hygiene, cater the message to the child’s activities. Does he play soccer and notice areas where his body produces sweat? Does she walk barefoot when entering the locker room at the pool? A child may understand more about cleanliness when he or she can relate the information to daily activities. Get creative, too, with flash cards or matching games to help your child learn about germs, hygiene and even healthy eating habits.

Set the Example

Whether you realize it or not, the children in your care are watching your every move. If they see you washing your hands before a meal, brushing your teeth after each meal and wiping off counters on a regular basis, it’s likely they will be more obliged to follow suit.

According to Selivan, it is more of a parent or nanny’s responsibility to take care of a toddler or young child’s hygiene, however, they can learn through modeled behavior.

“We have to help and encourage them with flossing, brushing their teeth, washing and brushing hair, taking a bath, washing hands before a meal and after coming home from outside and using hand sanitizer when at a public facility,” she says. “With toddlers, it is all about setting an example, helping and being consistent.”

As your children get older and recognize the help you have provided and the example you have set, the responsibility of personal hygiene and healthy habits is transferred to the child. “With teens, it is a bit different,” says Selivan. “One has to hope by that age they have in fact developed strong personal hygiene habits. All parents and nannies can do is reinforce them.”

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

100 Ways to Show You Child He’s Loved

December 26, 2013

Has your child brushed off your attempts to hold his hand or asked you not to kiss him in public? If so, take heart. There are at least 98 other ways to show him he’s loved.

• Read a book. Organic Baby Resource explains that reading to kids, even infants, is a way to connect and bond with your child.
• Say “I love you”. Fatherhood points out that it’s important to tell your kids that you love them every day, even if it’s just over the phone or in a text.
• Cuddle. Parenting says that cuddling can improve a child’s mood, health and confidence, as well as show your love.
• Make his favorite meal. Getting the whole family together for dinner to find out about the highs and lows of the day can show love and bring the family closer, says For the Love of Food.
• Send a note in his lunch. According to Everyday Truth, something as simple as a note in his lunch can remind him that he is loved and that there’s somebody who cares.
• Surprise him with a gift just because. Pressie Port encourages gift giving. Gifts are a great way to let people know that you care about them.
• Bring him breakfast in bed on his birthday. Life as Mom describes breakfast in bed as a meal fit for royalty, and you want to make your child feel like a prince on his birthday.
• Hold his hand on a walk. Touch is an important way of showing love for kids of all ages, explains Urban Next.
• Listen intently to him. CC Parenting explains that a kid gains self-esteem when you listen to his thoughts and dreams.
• Send him a card in the mail. According to Think Link, the thrill of receiving a card in the mail just to tell him that he is loved is a joy he will remember his whole life.
• Display a photo of just the two of you. Simple Kids explains that displaying photos of your kids is a budget-friendly way to show your love.
• Play a game that he wants to play. Wiki How explains that letting your child have a choice empowers him and can make him feel special.
• Make a fort and have a picnic inside. Scholastic says that building a fort is the “purest form of imaginative play.” Once he has built the fort, you can bring in the picnic.
• Take a day off just to spend with him. Spending time with your child will give him a chance to talk to you about what’s going on in his life, says CHCI.
• Attend performances or games that he’s in. Well discusses how kids want their parents to watch them perform or win a game.
• Talk about what he did that day during supper. According to Personal Branding Blog, talking at a family dinner can produce successful executives, entrepreneurs and more.
• Sit on the floor and play with his toys together. Rage Against the Minivan explains that time spent in play allows you to really connect with your child.
• Make bath time special. Bath time not only allows time to play with your child, but the playtime allows your child to become more confident, says UK Mums.
• Let him overhear you bragging about him to someone. Examiner explains how special kids feel when they hear you brag about them, whether they are two years old or 20.
• Bake cookies and share them. Baking with your kids gives you a chance to bond and tell stories while the kids learn useful skills, says Twinkle Darling.
• Surprise him with an after school treat. The Kitchn suggests sharing a treat with your child to make him feel special. This may also lead to more special time in the kitchen.
• Massage his back at bedtime. Massage Therapy explains that massages help kids learn healthy views of touch and can help them grow up to be confident adults.
• Be there to pick him up after he falls. You can allow your child to spread his wings and grow by trying and failing, according to Bible.
• Let him have a pet. A pet can become a child’s best friend, and help him feel better when he is unhappy, explains Family.
• Get messy with your child. Voices believes this bonding with your child can help him become a well-adjusted adult who is able to share love.
• Laugh with him. Kids Health points out that laughing with your child is a way to connect, and can also make him smarter and better able to handle the challenges of life.
• Encourage his dreams. Positively Positive explains how important it can be to a child to have you listen to what his dreams are and not push him into what your dreams are for him.
• Always take your child’s call when you are at work. Raising Children shares that children have a better self-image when they feel valued.
• Keep your promises. iMom explains that when you don’t keep your promises your child learns that he can’t trust you and doesn’t feel respected or treasured.
• Save all of the notes, cards and pictures that your child makes for you. Your child puts a lot of himself into his work, and when he gives you something it’s like giving you a piece of himself. By saving it you are honoring him, explains Barnes and Noble.
• See the world through your child’s eyes. Child Development Info says that seeing the world as your child does allows you to encourage him to be a child and enjoy it.
• Show him you love him in sign language across a crowded room. Super Nanny explains that telling a child that you love him in many forms helps to build self-esteem.
• Tell him stories from your life. The NY Times writes that kids who know stories about where they come from have better self-esteem, happiness and perceived control over their life.
• Avoid sarcasm. The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) warns that children often don’t understand sarcastic remarks.
• Sing to him. Every time you sing, you are making memories with your child that make him feel safe, says Simple Kids.
• Welcome him home in a special way that he will remember. Belief Net explains that making greetings memorable is one way to show your child affection and love.
• Give lots of hugs. Canton Rep notes that kids need to feel the unconditional love of a parent in order to grow and trust.
• Find out what he is interested in. Any time that you can nurture your child you are making his hippocampus larger, which will help him fight off depression and other brain illnesses in the future, notes The Chart.
• Show love and caring during times of stress. Family Share points out that it’s simple to show love when times are going well, but it’s even more important to show love when times are not going well.
• Give your child a comforting scrunch when they need to tackle something hard. Parenting Made Practical explains that to show a child unconditional love you have to show love even when they don’t do their chores, miss curfew or make a mistake.
• Smile at him. According to Child, Youth and Family, a smile not only tells your child that you love him, but it also lets him know that you enjoy being with him.
• Don’t stay angry and carry it into other things. Sometimes it’s easy to carry a negative reaction into your interactions with others or with him; however, according to The Idea Room, this isn’t healthy.
• Comfort your child when he cries. Raise Smart Kids explains that children who are nurtured are more intelligent and able to handle stress better.
• Take your child on a date. According to Babble, a child who feels loved can grow stronger and reach higher.
• Tell your athlete you love to watch him play. The Post Game explains that telling your child that you love to watch him play is the best way to show love.
• Stop what you are doing to help. With busy lives it’s hard to spend as much time as you want with your child, but sometimes you can show your love by dropping what you are doing to help, says Disney Baby.
• Pray with your child. According to In the Dog House, nothing will bring you closer than praying for and with your child.
• Discipline don’t Punish. Psychology Today explains the difference between disciplining your child and punishing him.
• Be the bigger person. Kids learn by modeling, and Dr. Laura explains that sometimes the oldest person in an argument has to stop and agree to disagree to show that character matters more than winning an argument.
• Let your teen get to know you as a person. Parent Further explains that it’s important to make sure that you transition from mom to advisor and person as your child gets older.
• Use positive words. She Knows explores the importance of encouragement and praise for building up your child’s self-esteem and confidence.
• Have a song that is special for just the two of you. Diapers and Daisies recommends finding a song that you both love and doing something special when you hear it.
• Set limits for your child. While it may seem counterintuitive, it’s not. Mother’s Niche explains that kids want limits and feel your love because you care enough to set them.
• Share your passion with your child. By sharing the things you love with your child you are including them in your life, explains Sixty Second Parent.
• Wake him up with a kiss. Family Share says waking up your child in a fun and positive way will make for a pleasant morning for everyone.
• Bring him a balloon. Balloons will brighten your child’s day and show that you love him, according to Babysitting.
• Play a car game. When the kids are busy you may spend a lot of time on the road. Essortment recommends that you spend that time in the car having fun with your kids to show them love.
• Love unconditionally. Make sure that your child knows that he can spread his wings and try new things, and that you’ll be there even when he messes up, says Aspire Mag.
• Take your time with the bedtime routine. Make sure to spend individual time with your kids at bedtime, urges I Can Teach My Child.
• Be there to hear him vent. Listen quietly while he shares a disappointment or trouble at school, suggests Banjar Academy.
• Share a wink. Sometimes something as small as a wink shared between you and your child is enough to make him feel loved, explains Mark Merrill.
• Stay involved in his life. As a child gets older the involvement may shift, but you need to stay connected to him to show him your love, suggests University of Florida.
• Fill his emotional gas tank. Parent Talk urges parents to do whatever it takes to make your child feel loved.
• Express love even when he is naughty. He may feel that you will stop loving him if he upsets you or does something wrong, so it’s important to show love during tough times too, indicates Child Psych Mom.
• Have a monthly family game night. By letting each child pick the game for their month they feel important and valued, explains South County Pediatrics.
• Go on a picnic with just him. Home School Encouragement recommends loading up the cooler or backpack and heading to the park for some bonding time.
• Speak calmly, even when your child irritates you. Blogging ‘Bout Boys says that showing love by staying calm in the face of challenges works.
• Show your love how he needs it. Be aware of what your child enjoys and try to show him love according to his love language, encourages Between Parent and Child.
• Encourage his interests. If he loves to play an instrument, help him get lessons, says eHow Mom.
• See the best in your child. As a parent there are times when you might not like your child very much, but Steady Mom reminds you to show them love by seeing the best parts of him.
• Be enthusiastic about what he is doing. By making him feel like the most important person in the world you are building him up and letting him feel your love, explains Parenting Healthy Children.
• Scrapbook his life. Montgomery Parents says he’ll enjoy looking at pictures and hearing stories about himself and it’ll make him feel important and loved.
• Start traditions. The traditions that you start with your child help him feel included in the fabric of the family, and he may even carry those traditions on, indicates Love Our Children USA.
• Validate his feelings. According to Greater Good, validating a child’s feelings is the key to rearing kids who are well-adjusted, resilient and happy.
• Compliment your child. Make sure that your compliments are genuine and earned, because your child will know if you are insincere, urges Chabad.
• Protect your child’s health. This may not seem like a direct way to show love, but Fox 21 News stresses the importance of showing your child that you care about his long-term well-being.
• Limit screen time. Kids may resent this on the surface, but as they grow into intelligent young adults who can use their imaginations, they will know you loved them enough to set limits, explains Newsroom UCLA.
• Write a mirror message. When you write messages of love to your child it is more lasting than simply saying the words, says Baby Zone.
• Protect him. It’s important for a child to know that you will go to the ends of the earth to protect him, according to Rachel Wojo.
• Be polite. Say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ as well as ‘I’m sorry’ to your kids and they will feel the respect that you are giving them, explains Squidoo.
• Be thankful for him. When praying at dinner, Psych Central encourages you to give thanks for your child.
• Help with homework. This kind act will show your child that you love him and are willing to spend time helping him, says Healthy Chats.
• Know what your child needs and do it. Is your child sick? Does he have a dirty diaper that needs to be changed? Fathers says you can show love by taking care of his needs.
• Remember. Whether you remember a birthday or to go to the school play, your child will remember that you were there, explains The 36^th Avenue.
• Ask don’t tell. Instead of telling your child how to do something, ask him how he would do it and allow him the time to think about it, recommends Family Corner.
• Help him learn from his mistakes. Help build your child’s self-esteem by loving him enough to help him learn through his own mistakes, urges Caring for Kids.
• Call your child by name. By using his name when you speak to him you are improving his confidence and self-esteem, which is a loving endeavor, says Ask Dr. Sears.
• Be empathetic. Baby Center encourages parents to show empathy to their kids when something happens to make them feel better without down playing their feelings.
• Praise twice as much as you criticize. Web MD urges parents to buffer criticism with praise to correct your child without tearing him down.
• Give him choices. Parents recommends allowing your child to make choices to boost his self-esteem and show him love.
• Support goal setting. Today’s Parent offers a way to improve your child’s self-esteem by setting appropriate goals that you support in a loving way.
• Break the rules once in a while. Good Men Project urges parents to show their love by letting the rules slide every once in a while, as long as it doesn’t become a habit.
• Keep him safe in the car. By making sure that you buckle him into the car you are showing him how much you love and value him, explains Northwest Ohio.
• Grand gesture. Skip whatever obligations you had for the weekend and just spend time having fun with the family, urges Awesomely Awake.
• Heat up his towel. While your child is taking a bath or shower throw a towel in the dryer to warm it up and surprise him with a comfy luxury, suggests Little Wonders Days.
• Teach him how to work. Doing everything for your child doesn’t prepare him for life, so show him love by teaching him how to work, says Troy Christian Schools.
• Make a list. Using strips of paper, list 20 reasons why you love your child and connect them into a love chain, suggests Learning Care Group.
• Give him a ‘thumbs up’. Autistic children often don’t enjoy being touched, according to My Special Education Learning Centre, so you can try to give him a smile and a ‘thumbs up’ to show him affection and love.
• Apologize when you’re wrong. Model the behavior you want your child to learn and show him that he matters to you by asking his forgiveness when you’re wrong, says Simple To Remember.
• Volunteer together. Sharing a volunteer opportunity where you let him experience the joy of helping others will show him your love, explains KD Hardy.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Staying Active as a Nanny: Finding the Sport for You

December 19, 2013

After hours of chasing after toddlers, it’s sometimes difficult to muster up the energy to have a social life, much less engage in an athletic workout. However, incorporating athletic activities into your routine may help improve your social, mental and physical well-being, thus giving you the energy and positive outlook you need to provide the best care for the children in your care. The key, though, is to find the sport that fits your personality and brings you a sense of accomplishment and fulfillmentsumo suits for sale.

Consider Your Preferences

Finding a sport that fits your style begins with an assessment of your likes and dislikes. Do you like the openness of an outdoor game or the comfort of an indoor court? Are you competitive by nature or do you enjoy a playful game for the experience? Assess your physical needs and mental strengths, too. Do you prefer to sweat from the start of a physical game to the end or prefer the breaks between slower-paced activities?

According to Shawn Simpson, certified running coach in Oklahoma, the key is to think of sports like a buffet. Sample a few before fully committing to make sure it is an activity you enjoy.

Simpson recommends asking yourself the following questions:

• When working on a project for home, work or school, do you prefer to work on teams or do you prefer to do most of the work yourself?
• If you like to work on teams, do you prefer teams where there is a clear leader who controls much of the project or do you like equal distribution of the work?
• Do you prefer for there to be a leader, do you find yourself wanting to be the leader?
• How do you like to be rewarded for your work? Do you prefer small incentives that give instant gratification or do you prefer to hold out for a larger prize at the end?

“Those questions help me determine what kind of sports a person might like,” says Simpson. “Those who prefer to work individually will be best suited for sports such as walking, running, tennis, racquetball, golf and swimming. These sports don’t rely on the participation of other teams.”

On the other hand, according to Simpson, if a person prefers a group setting where an individual is a clear leader, he or she will likely prefer to be in sports such as baseball, softball or football. “These sports have certain positions who control more of the game than others, allowing those individuals who like to lead to be a greater part of the action, and those who prefer to follow to take a secondary role,” she says.

For those who like a more equal distribution of tasks, Simpson recommends sports such as soccer, water polo, rowing and basketball, since all players have an equal opportunity to contribute to the success of the team.

Overcome the Excuses and Jump In

Too many times, when caught up in caregiving and personal obstacles, the temptation to lounge on the couch versus walking a mile can seem comforting.

According to Amy Cotta, author of Six Weeks to Skinny Jeans, the echo of the inner voice pleading “try something new” or “be adventurous” is drowned out by the stronger voice whining “you can’t” or “you’re out of shape.”

Cotta suggests finding your “why” to jump into swimming, walking, running or dribbling a ball down the court. “Your why is the antidote for the excuses of why you can’t or won’t step outside of your comfort zone and do something daring,” she says. “I can tell you from personal experience once you define your why and you move for something or something else, your life will change forever. All of a sudden, no task is too large, nothing is impossible and fear no longer rules your life.”

One of the best ways to free your mind and boost your energy is to just jump in and get active in a sport of your choice. If you need extra motivation, ask a friend to join you in your commitment to compete on a team or reach a milestone in an individual sport, such as walking, cycling or running.

According to Carrie Karkoska, certified health and wellness coach at Auburn WellBeing, sports can be the social, mental or physical boost you need to renew your self-confidence, meet new people and get in shape. “Sports are a great way to get out and meet people or to take some alone time for yourself,” she says.”

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Product Insights: Opting for Edutainment for the Holidays with Charlotte Fixler of ThinkFun

December 12, 2013

by Michelle LaRowe
Editor in Chief

Awhile back, I had the opportunity to discover ThinkFun’s Roll&Play, a super fun game designed for toddlers. To play, you roll a colored dice, choose a matching colored card and perform a simple activity on the card that is depicted in both graphics and words. I was so impressed that my youngest could engage in family game night that I became a real fan of ThinkFun and their games for the younger set.

With so much pressure on parents to choose holiday gifts that entertain, I wanted to reach out to my friends over at ThinkFun to learn about non-electronic educational gift options for kids ages eight and under. I had the chance to connect with Charlotte Fixler, a former school teacher on the ThinkFun team, who shared with me her insights for how parents can provide edutainment in their gifting choices this holiday season.

eNannySource: What age can children start playing board games? How do you know your child is ready?

Charlotte: It certainly depends on the child, but generally around age two many learners are ready to play simple games with an adult. If your child is learning to follow rules and is able to engage in other activities that have a clear goal and require focused attention (like a craft project), he or she is certainly ready to dive into simple game play!

Seeing older siblings and parents playing games can be a strong motivator for young players to want to join the fun, so take your cues from your child if he or she shows an interest and find ways to get your child involved at an appropriate level. Perhaps he or she is in charge of rolling dice, or advancing tokens. Playing on a “team” with mom or big brother can involve young players and give them a chance to experience game play and turn-taking.

eNannySource: What are your favorites for the younger set? Why?

Charlotte: Games that can be completed in short, bite-sized time chunks are ideal for younger players, as sustaining attention and interest beyond a 10 minute focused activity can be a challenge. For the very youngest players, I love the toddler game Roll & Play, which introduces children as young as 18 months to the pattern of taking turns and following directions, both important skills to master to take on more challenging games. I also love this game because it is collaborative and non-competitive, so young players grow through success and bond with parents while they play. Another favorite is Zingo!, a bingo-style matching game that works well for all ages. Matching images requires no reading, but the game builds literacy skills through play, which I love – I’m all about “sneaky learning” – slipping in the educational brain-boosting benefits while you have a blast playing!

eNannySource: Why is playing board games important? How does it enhance development?

Charlotte: So many life lessons can be drawn from learning to play – and, in my mind, learning to lose! Games provide a safe space for players to experience both success and failure, and learning to be a gracious winner and take a loss in stride are critical life skills. Games teach goal-setting, encourage thinkers to stretch their mental muscles to perform better, build strategies, look for patterns, take turns, cooperate… the list goes on and on!

eNannySource: What benefits come from playing games as a family?

Charlotte: Playing games as a family is a powerful bonding experience. Learning a new game together puts everyone on an even playing field, which is important when children are different ages and skill levels. Games also give players new ways to shine and show off previously undiscovered skills – perhaps your daughter is an expert strategizer, or your son’s spatial reasoning suddenly takes center stage – games can open up wonderful learning opportunities to celebrate one another.

Experiencing wins and losses as a family can also be powerful bonding experiences, and discussions about what it means to win and lose will open up naturally – a great time to sneak in some life lessons! While a great game is key to gathering the group together, I’ve often found that the real bonding power a game has is that it opens up discussions and encourages family members to share organically. Interestingly, therapists have shared with me over the years that giving a child a game can be a fantastic tool to get him or her to open up, as once engaged in playing, he feels more freedom to share problems or concerns weighing on his mind.

eNannySource: What should parents look for when buying games for toddlers? Preschoolers? School-age children?

Charlotte: Toddler games should be focused around skills your child is already actively building and practicing, such as colors and counting, in order to start from a comfortable learning point and build from there. I also recommend games that can be played collaboratively for very young players, so using games like dominoes or memory to play as a team or family can be a great way to introduce play patterns like taking turns, without the added layer of winning and losing.

For school-age children, I like to consider the underlying learning skills that games support, from literacy to math, in order to make choices that are fun while supporting important thinking skills that will benefit them in school – again, that sneaky learning! As your child gets older, expose them to different kinds of games to see where his or her interest lights up! Strategy games like chess appeal immensely to certain thinkers, while others love creative games like Pictionary, others love more active movement, and some prefer building, exercising memory or spatial challenges. Introduce games you loved as a child, like classic Go Fish or checkers, and build up your child’s play library so he or she can develop preferences and find games together that you can add to your library!

eNannySource: How can parents make games appealing to kids when they’re competing with electronic video games?

Charlotte: Sitting down to play a game with your child is a powerful togetherness tool that, in my opinion, no screen can replace. Make game time a special opportunity to remove distractions, make a point of putting the iPhone away, and focus on the activity at hand – kids will take note, and by doing this parents send a strong message that this time is sacred and important. Make games a part of your family’s routine by establishing a regular game night. Make Sunday morning a “Pancakes and Play” event, bringing a board game to the breakfast table for a special treat, or appoint a “Game Guru of the week” who chooses the Friday night family game! Make game play part of the fabric of your family’s together time and use the opportunity to open up discussions.

eNannySource: Best tips for preventing midgame meltdowns? For promoting good sportsmanship?

Charlotte: Losing is never fun, and learning to do so with grace is a difficult skill to master – in my experience, many professional athletes could use a lesson in this! Games are an ideal tool for teaching children (and grownups!) how to manage both victory and defeat. Because losing is an inevitable part of playing any competitive game, I do not recommend parents let their children win simply to prevent meltdowns. This isn’t doing your child any favors when, in the real world, he must contend with a loss and may not be equipped to manage his emotions. I recommend parents be very proactive in addressing how it feels when things don’t go your way. Acknowledge your child’s feelings of frustration and encourage her to talk about why she lost. Was it an unlucky roll of the dice, or was there a strategy her opponent used that won the game? Using defeat as an opportunity for skill building and reflection can turn a meltdown into a very positive growth opportunity! Make a “good game” handshake or high five part of the clean-up process, and encourage both winner and loser to congratulate one another on a game well played.

 

Maria Montessori once said, “Play is the child’s work.” Fortunately, Charlotte never really grew up, and play continues to be her life’s work. A former elementary school teacher, Charlotte works as Director of Communications at ThinkFun developing games to equip the problem solvers of tomorrow. Tweet about play with @charlottefixler or connect with her SmartPlay blog! 

 

Michelle’s Review:

Charlotte and the team at ThinkFun were kind enough to send over a few of their favorite games to test out with my own three- and five-year-olds.

Zingo! Sightwords: Designed for kids in preschool to grade 1: Zingo! Sightwords helps kids learn to recognize common sightwords that are popular in the English language but often tricky to spell (think “the” or “my”). My little ones were already familiar with Zingo!, so the Sightwords edition was a welcome spin on an old favorite. Since there are graphic clues for the words, the kids don’t need to recognize them before playing, making it fun for pre-readers and beginning readers alike, which means for my family everyone can play and the kids can even make it through a game on their own. Fast, fun and educational, this is one of our new family favorite games.

Swish Jr: If you’ve played the card layering game Swish, you’ll love that there is an edition that the family can play together. Designed for ages five and up, you lay out 12 transparent cards with shapes and designs. You have to rotate the cards in your head to match them up, and when you do you let everyone know you’ve got a swish. If the cards do match, you keep them and the player with the most cards at the end of the game wins. This game definitely requires some thinking (and helps boost visual and spatial thinking) and it can be frustrating for little ones at first. But once they get the hang of it and realize it’s not your typical memory matching game, it’s loads of fun. And since it comes in its own carrying pouch, it’s an easy game to take on the go.

Math Dice Jr: Roll the 12-sided target die and the five six-sided scoring die. Using addition OR subtraction, combine the scoring numbers to equal the target number, and move one space for every dice used. The first player to reach the finish line is the winner. Designed for ages six and up, younger kids can use just two dice to equal the target, but more experienced mathematicians can use three, four or more, making it a fun game that kids of varying abilities can play. In-house math whizzes can also be challenged by adding multiplication and division into the mix. If the kids aren’t yet addition and subtraction ready, they’ll still enjoy playing with the dice and reinforcing number recognition and counting concepts.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

10 Reasons to Have a Written Contract with Your Nanny

November 25, 2013

The relationship between a nanny and her employers is one that tends to be both unique and complex. Caring for your children and looking after your household while you’re away often makes your nanny feel like far more than an employee, especially if you genuinely get along and everyone in your family has forged their own bond with her. Because nanny/employer relationships can become so close, it’s not uncommon for both parties to forgo a written agreement in favor of something more personal and less rigid, a decision that can have unpleasant repercussions when all is said and done. These are 10 of the reasons why you shouldn’t throw the nanny agreement out the window, no matter how close she’s grown to your family.

• Establishing Overtime Parameters – One of the most common causes of disputes and difficulty in a nanny/employer relationship is uncompensated overtime, or a work-week length that seems excessive. When you create a nanny contract outlining policies and procedures regarding overtime, up to and including limits for weekly overtime, you can effectively remove the possibility of disputes borne of misunderstanding.
• Clearly Outlined Duties – Job creep can be a very real problem for nannies, and shirking of side duties can be an equally frustrating situation for employers. When the nanny’s duties are clearly communicated in a document she has reviewed and signed, there’s no room for confusion or disagreements.
• Evaluation and Salary Review Scheduling – If you plan to offer annual employment contracts pending the results of a performance evaluation or offer salary increases at specific intervals, that information should be included in your written work agreement so that there’s no confusion surrounding such delicate issues later.
• Providing a Reference Source – When you have a well-written, thorough nanny contract, both involved parties have a document to refer back to in times of confusion or dispute. This can prove to be an invaluable tool when it comes to derailing issues before they become insurmountable.
• Communicating Terms of Employment – If there are deal-breaking grounds for immediate dismissal, your nanny needs to know about them. She should also have a clear understanding of the terms of her employment, something that having access to a copy of her nanny agreement provides.
• Clarifying Mutual Expectations – When the expectations, rights and responsibilities of all involved parties are set down on paper, there’s no room for confusion or debate as the nanny/employer relationship progresses. Creating and updating a nanny contract when it’s necessary is a powerful tool for preventing turnover and aiding in constructive communication.
• Benefit Package Establishment – Though it’s not legally required for nanny employers to provide benefits to their nannies, offering benefits like paid time off is standard industry practice and can be a sticking point for professional childcare providers. Knowing what benefits she’s promised, the number of sick days she has and the amount of vacation time available to her can clarify many important points for your nanny, and a contract provides a perfect avenue for that conversation.
• Petty Cash and Reimbursement Policies – Whether you plan to reimburse your nanny for incidental expenses or provide her with a petty cash fund, including a section relevant to that issue in your nanny agreement can make the entire situation easier to understand and more practical.
• Establishing Emergency Procedures – Working together to create a nanny contract, reviewing the document and signing it helps your nanny retain the lion’s share of the relevant details. Should an emergency arise, a section that governs appropriate action and contact information can not only help her to follow the guidelines, but also to ensure that proper action is taken in such an event.
• Legal Protection – A signed nanny contract is a legally binding document, meaning that it provides both you and your nanny with some level of protection or legal recourse in a worst case scenario. Choosing to forgo the document can make legal disputes exceedingly messy, but having one in place well before they arise can help you avoid them altogether.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Expert Insights on How Working Parents Can Achieve Balance with Joanne Dougan

November 17, 2013

by Michelle LaRowe
Editor in Chief

Can working parents really have life balance? If you’re willing to adjust your perspective a little, Joanne Dougan, M.Ed and creator of Plan C Strategies, believes you can. 

eNannySource: Can working parents really achieve balance?

Joanne: Absolutely. If there is a will, there is a way, as my mother used to say.

A great place to start is to by defining what “life balance” means. There are people who see it like a scale where the two sides are equally weighted. Other people seek “quality time”, i.e. short bursts of time and attention, hoping that if they do it all they will feel balanced.  Another perspective — and the one I subscribe to – balance is about how you look at your life, and focusing on authentic life success is the goal, not the attainment of life balance.

eNannySource: What are your best tips for helping them find it?

Joanne: Begin with loving and accepting yourself. If there are things that you don’t like about yourself, love and accept yourself. If you are not able to truly love yourself, be truthful with yourself and at least one other person who is able to help you learn to love and accept yourself.

eNannySource: With all the stresses of raising children, do you think parents are able to live authentically?

Joanne: Yes. How are our children going to grow up to be authentic themselves if they are not being shown how to be real? The real stuff that is good — our talents as people that we bring to parenting — are easy. It’s the tough stuff we bring to parenting, our hurt and resentments, that is where we often find a lacking in authenticity.

For one, when I am wrong, I apologize to my kid. I let her know how it was my responsibility to have handled it differently. I tell her I recognize my behaviors/reactions and will focus on being aware of this part of my self. Not a big long story, but a moment of being humble, graceful and showing her how to handle being human, especially the yucky parts.

eNannySource: What are five steps parents can take to lead an authentic life?

Joanne: I believe strongly it is about choosing to focus on building life skills and emotional intelligence as an adult, as well as creating the family relationships that will last a lifetime.

How does one achieve this? The five steps that are the focus of my work, Plan C Strategies:

• Breathe in and breathe out. This is important because it is a way to reset whatever one’s REACTION is so that they can get to a place of ACTION.

• Small smile. This is important because it feels good. It gives you another moment to breathe in and out.

• It’s not what is happening right now, it is how I am handling it right now. This is key: take personal responsibility for how you are handling whatever is happening. It is not about finding fault, it is about observing what is going on with curiosity. What are you doing right now?

• Identify your values. We share values, even within huge differences.  Love is a great value and we all want it. Even if you are stressed out, tired, your kids are screaming or worse, the laundry/dinner/homework HAS TO BE DONE and you are completely at your wits end…to say nothing of co-parenting differences in these situations…Breathe in, breathe out…small smile….it’s not what’s happening right now, it’s how I am handling right now…I choose to focus on my value of love….

• Define values based actions. This is where authenticity shows up. If you are focusing on your value of love, what are you doing? What do you do when you are expressing LOVE? If you can’t think of anything to do, breathe in and out. Smile. Over and over and over. If someone asks you why you are just sitting there smiling, answer: I don’t know what else to do. When you know what else to do based on your value of love, do that.

eNannySource: Why is living authentically important?

Joanne: Living authentically is really about being able to handle life as it shows up. Why is this important? It’s easier to handle life than to be in crisis mode or reaction mode all the time. It creates a calmer, less anxious environment as well as a sense of personal control.

eNannySource: Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Joanne: “The art of parenting is teaching the art of living to your children.” – Elaine Heffner

This is a quote I came across when my child was young. If parents are not yet well-skilled in the art of living themselves, the most beneficial action they can take is to learn life skills and raise their own emotional intelligence. The parents will benefit themselves and their parenting experience will be authentically successful, as they will be able to teach the art of living to their children.

 

Joanne Dougan, M.Ed., was born in NYC.  From the age of 7 she rode the city bus alone to go to classes and visit friends. She had a favorite seat that was way in the back of the bus and it faced front. Next to it was a seat that was kitty corner. When people would walk up the aisle, she made eye contact and smiled. They would, if inclined, sit and start to talk. Strangers would tell her about their lives and their problems.  She knew she always wanted to be a teacher, advisor, counselor and coach.    

She is a graduate of Bard College and got a Master’s in counseling psychology from the University of Massachusetts.  She has maintained a private practice since 1988. She works in person as well as on Skype and Face Time with individuals, couples, families and small businesses — ages 10 – 100.

Her personal and professional journeys have led her to seek out the answer to what she feels is the fundamental question: what is “authentic success”?  Is emotional intelligence teachable? What are the most important life skills required to survive and thrive in our culture?  From these questions, Joanne created Plan C Strategies.

Joanne lives in the Boston area with her husband and their teenage daughter.  

You can find out more about Joanne on her LinkedIn page as well as her website www.planCstrategies.com

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Author Insights with Sarah Kovac on Parenting with a Disability

November 10, 2013

by Michelle LaRowe
Editor in Chief

Born with a rare birth defect, Sarah Kovac often uses her feet to care for her children. While it’s amazing to watch her in action (check out her YouTube channel), her disability is not what defines her. Recently I had a chance to connect with Sarah and learn a little more about her, her story and her new book, In Capable Arms. Here’s a bit of what she had to say.

eNannySource: Tell us a little bit about your condition.

Sarah: AMC (Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita) is a rare birth defect that is diagnosed when a number of the baby’s joints are stiffened and underdeveloped. AMC can affect any joint in the body, but only my shoulders, arms and hands are affected, so I often use my feet instead.

eNannySource: What is the one thing you want people to know about you?

Sarah: I’m just like you. I don’t want to be labeled or boxed in or judged by my appearance. I am a person with depth and substance like everyone else. I’m more than the interesting way I do things.

eNannySource: What is the most difficult part of parenting, practically speaking from a caregiving perspective.

Sarah: It’s been very difficult knowing how to interact with my preschooler when he’s “acting out.” He can physically overpower me, so it’s a struggle on the rare occasion he does have a meltdown, especially in public. I’m not able to scoop him up and carry him to the car to cool down. I have to really work on getting him to listen because he wants to. It’s not always possible.

eNannySource: Have people been concerned about your parenting abilities? How do you handle it?

Sarah: Sure, people have expressed concern. We only ever see people using their hands to care for children. The thought that I can do just as good a job with my feet is a little difficult for some to wrap their minds around, and I don’t blame them. Sometimes it bothers me. I mean, it’s nobody’s business how I care for my children, as long as they’re safe. But I try to remember that as humans, as community creatures, it’s in our nature to care for one another, and that’s a good thing. Sometimes the most loving thing I can do is swallow my pride and let someone help me, just to ease their anxiety. It feels good to help, so I try to allow people to do that (sometimes!).

eNannySource: What’s your best advice for other women with disabilities who want to have children?

Sarah: You are the expert on your abilities. The only one who knows whether you can care for a child is you. Don’t let others tell you what you can and can’t do. At the same time, be honest with yourself. There are certainly things you can’t do without help. That’s true for everyone. But for a person with a physical disability, it’s very important to be aware of those things when a child is in your care.

eNannySource: Tell us about your book.

Sarah:  In Capable Arms is a part memoir, part confession. It took me a long time to be able to talk about my life with a disability; to discuss my struggles and even share the little triumphs I experience along the way. This book is sort of the big reveal of the life I’ve carefully hidden away for the past 30 years. It chronicles my journey through depression and suicidal thoughts to self-acceptance and even beyond that, into a life of fulfillment despite living in an imperfect body and an imperfect world. Readers can answer journaling prompts and travel with me as they are invited to explore their own past and become inspired about their future.

 

Sarah Kovac is a wife, mother, speaker and author of the book In Capable Arms. You can find out more about Sarah at www. SarahKovac.com. Her book is available on her site, at bookstores and online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. 

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Product Insights with Michael McConnell and Kelly McConnell of Prince Lionheart

November 5, 2013

by Michelle LaRowe
Editor in Chief

Michael McConnell and Kelly McConnell are second generation owners and operators of Prince Lionheart, a leading manufacturer of baby products worldwide. Recently I had a chance to connect with them and learn a little more about their brand, their mission and some of their newest products.

eNannySource: How important is the organization of a baby’s changing table?

Kelly: 3am is not the time to be putting your in-the-dark radar to the test. When you have to change a baby as often as babies have to be changed, you want to have everything you need at your fingertips and in the right spot.

eNannySource: Tell us your favorite features of the Diaper Depot.

Kelly: Our newest depot, the 2-in-1 diaperDEPOT, is like a 2-for-1 sale. You can have a really big station where you need it most, or you can split it up and double your diaper changing real estate. Hang it, stack it, split it, take it—make it your own.

eNannySource: Baby wipe warmers. Necessity or luxury?

Kelly: Do we wash our faces with cold water? No. We use warm water to keep our pores open. It’s the same for a warm wipe. It gives baby’s bottom a cleaner clean. They’re also a lot more likely to stay asleep through a warm wipe diaper change than a cold one, and sleep for baby means sleep for us.

eNannySource: Is the combination of moisture and heat safe?

Kelly: It is with our patented everFRESH system. We designed it to be anti-microbial, non-browning and moisture retentive. That means no icky germs or wipes, just happy bottoms.

eNannySource: How are the wipes kept from growing mildew?

Kelly: Wipes come pre-treated so that they won’t grow bacteria, so it is our job to make sure that our wipeWARMERs aren’t the cause of little microbes. We make our WARMERs with an EPA approved anti-microbial. We put it in the warmer itself, the warming pillow and in the pillowcase that separates the wipes and the pillow.

eNannySource: Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Kelly: We’re a family serving families for 40 years now. Every product we make is inspired by our lives with kids. We think that’s the most important part of our company; if we’re making products for us and our kids, you can be sure they’re perfect for you and yours.

 

About Price Lionheart

There’s the flawless parenting you see on TV, and then there’s reality. In our company, we focus on the reality by creating products based off our lives as parents. 40 years and going strong—Bath & Potty, Nursery, Travel, Home, & Play. Prince Lionheart has been family-owned, family-operated and family-inspired since 1973. To learn more about Prince Lionheart visit www.princelionheart.com.

Michelle’s Review of the Diaper Depot

I’m naturally inclined towards anything that promotes safety, order and organization. For me, the Prince Lionheart modular Diaper Depot is an organized mom’s dream product. You can configure the Diaper Depot in more than six ways, which allows you to easily fit it into any space you want. You can even hang it. It holds everything you’d need for a diaper change, which means there’s no temptation to leave the baby alone on the changing surface in the middle of the night (which you should never do anyways, but overtired moms have been known to do it). It’s easy to clean and even has handles, should you want to transport it from room to room. For moms who are looking to add a little organization to the changing table area, this is a product you’ll want.

 

Prince Lionheart provided sample products at no cost for this review. 

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment ← Older posts Newer posts →