Regards,
Nanny in North Jersey
Sunday
Salary Advice Please
Hello, everyone. I am hoping for salary advice. I am a professional nanny with 9+ years of experience and a Bachelor's degree geared toward working with special needs children, many certifications, references, etc. I'm wondering what a fair, yearly full-time salary would like like for two 6.5 year old autistic children. This includes before and after care, light housekeeping, laundry, meal prep driving to and from school, activities etc. It will be in the Bergen county area and includes vacation and sick pay. Roughly 7:30-6:30Monday through Friday. I have only worked for hourly rates and the family will be arriving from out of the country and asked what a fair salary might look like. Any advice would be appreciated, thank you!
Regards,
Nanny in North Jersey
Regards,
Nanny in North Jersey
Today's Rant from a Nanny/Babysitter
So I had a funny situation with babysitting this weekend. There is one family I babysit for that is only date nights. Only sometimes date night is til 3 am on a Tuesday.
Anyway, they have normal day care/ nannying IDK what for their 3 year old normally during the week. I was hired because I specifically don’t care how late they stay out. I have insomnia anyway and the kids asleep the whole time, so I just write and watch TV etc.
When they hired me the MB balked at my normal rate and since it had very little actually babysitting and was so close to my house I settled for a $17 an hour rate she usually pays $15 I guess. The problem is after the first couple of visits they would show up at 3 or 4 in the morning, hand me a pile of cash and put me in an Uber, and it was less that my usual rate (in fact maybe actually a mistake, I just really doubt it)
Anyway since i usually only sat for them once a month and I didn’t want to burn any bridges I would just let it go. I’ve said things to Moms who I have issue with in the past and especially if it’s just an occasional thing you’ll never hear from them again. Some Moms need to be told that it isn’t ok to book a sitter for anytime they might possibly need you and then cancel at the last minute as needed. I mean once or twice because of an emergency--- I’m not going around shaking down people for money, but when you’re pretty much trying to have someone on call (like booking me for a week and only needing an afternoon, but only pay them when you absolutely need them…it's disrespectful to the point that it bothers me to even have to point it out.
And I totally understand how somebody would think it’s a lot of money to pay someone who barely sees your kids and catches up with the Kardashians (they know this, it's late, they’re asleep I’m not like secretly neglectful), but like, my rates are my rates and not everyone is going to be cool with the coming home at 3 am on Tuesdays. Surge pricing or whatever..
Anyway recently I started sitting for them a bit more often. Their kid is seriously one of the best behaved I’ve even encountered, and so cute and sweet. But they kept shorting me my already reduced rate and sometimes only having be over for like 3 hours or less with no warning and I’m just not in the business of having my Friday nights booked for that little money. I told her one time 3 hours is the minimum, but that’s really with my normal rate and usually at the very least 4 hours.
Anyway now she pays me via venmo, so they’re a receipt and I can pay taxes and everything’s on the up and up which is great. She booked me for this Friday, and I assumed it was going to be a late night and that even with her extra reduced rate I would be coming up with enough money to feel better about not having a fun Friday night, but sure enough her husband comes home 2.5 hours later, acts like this is a good thing and puts me in an Uber saying his wife will Venmo me.
So kinda pissed off I went home and went to sleep only to wake up to no payment from her. So I sent her a request via Venmo, and since I got booked for a Friday night for something that if I knew how little I would be making I would have never even agreed to--I sent her my rate, not my actual rate, the rate we agreed to but she only sometimes actually pays. (Which by the way when you’re only there for 3 hours is like a 5 dollar difference. And she doesn’t pay it for a a couple hours. I had to send her a reminder, and when I did she sent me a text message that I found really insulting.
Accusing me of being dishonest and trying to sneakily overcharge her or something, and empathizing that I was only there for 2.5 hours like that’s a good thing, and charging her a fee, and to be careful this never happens in the future.
I responded telling her the rate we agreed on was $17. I did not mention that she’s the one who hasn’t been paying what they should, or that when dragging people out for money that isn’t worth the trip, giving pointers for “moving forward” is kinda ridiculous-- especially when I have to remind you to even pay me at all. I’m somehow more annoyed by this text message than by her gradually not paying me what probably adds up for a couple hundred dollars. I’m
I’m even more mad that she straight up ignored my text.I tried to be as polite about it as I could, especially I’ll probably never hear from her ever again. It’s fine of course. I’m sure I’m perfectly replaceable too. Maybe if they settle for someone younger, with no experience, who is irresponsible or something they’ll even be able to get their rate down to $10 or something. It's a relief really. I am very aware there are people who had much harder jobs than me and get paid a lot less than I am complaining about getting.
I know it’s partially my fault for not saying something a lot time ago, or to keep going over there, especially if it annoyed me enough to write this much about it The normal family I work for during the week never ever messes up my paycheck, and they treat me nicely, the pay me a lot more. Their children are much more of a handful and I do a lot for them, and thankfully I never have to worry if someone’s going to short me all the time. I don’t want to be in a position where I have to choose between the two bad options not saying anything and letting people walk all over you (me) or having to call someone at 4 am when I finally get home from their home because they “forgot” to my pay my full rate. I am tired of feeling like I’m somehow not entitled to money for what I do--- even if it is sitting around watching TV in someone’s house, I’m actually making it possible for parents with a toddler to stay out til 3 am on a Tuesday without judgement. I have sympathy for parents who complain that childcare isn’t affordable, but what these parents use me for is a luxury and just like everything else in New York, more expensive than most other places.
I remember she reached out to me to babysit on New Years, and I lied and said I couldn’t because I just didn’t want to have to have a conversation with her about how much I would have to charge, I just didn’t want to hear someone trying to haggle with me or something. I’m a good babysitter, but I’m not a charity. I am pretty sure the only way to get what you know what you’re worth is to ask for it I am going to try and start doing that.
Anyway, they have normal day care/ nannying IDK what for their 3 year old normally during the week. I was hired because I specifically don’t care how late they stay out. I have insomnia anyway and the kids asleep the whole time, so I just write and watch TV etc.
When they hired me the MB balked at my normal rate and since it had very little actually babysitting and was so close to my house I settled for a $17 an hour rate she usually pays $15 I guess. The problem is after the first couple of visits they would show up at 3 or 4 in the morning, hand me a pile of cash and put me in an Uber, and it was less that my usual rate (in fact maybe actually a mistake, I just really doubt it)
Anyway since i usually only sat for them once a month and I didn’t want to burn any bridges I would just let it go. I’ve said things to Moms who I have issue with in the past and especially if it’s just an occasional thing you’ll never hear from them again. Some Moms need to be told that it isn’t ok to book a sitter for anytime they might possibly need you and then cancel at the last minute as needed. I mean once or twice because of an emergency--- I’m not going around shaking down people for money, but when you’re pretty much trying to have someone on call (like booking me for a week and only needing an afternoon, but only pay them when you absolutely need them…it's disrespectful to the point that it bothers me to even have to point it out.
And I totally understand how somebody would think it’s a lot of money to pay someone who barely sees your kids and catches up with the Kardashians (they know this, it's late, they’re asleep I’m not like secretly neglectful), but like, my rates are my rates and not everyone is going to be cool with the coming home at 3 am on Tuesdays. Surge pricing or whatever..
Anyway recently I started sitting for them a bit more often. Their kid is seriously one of the best behaved I’ve even encountered, and so cute and sweet. But they kept shorting me my already reduced rate and sometimes only having be over for like 3 hours or less with no warning and I’m just not in the business of having my Friday nights booked for that little money. I told her one time 3 hours is the minimum, but that’s really with my normal rate and usually at the very least 4 hours.
Anyway now she pays me via venmo, so they’re a receipt and I can pay taxes and everything’s on the up and up which is great. She booked me for this Friday, and I assumed it was going to be a late night and that even with her extra reduced rate I would be coming up with enough money to feel better about not having a fun Friday night, but sure enough her husband comes home 2.5 hours later, acts like this is a good thing and puts me in an Uber saying his wife will Venmo me.
So kinda pissed off I went home and went to sleep only to wake up to no payment from her. So I sent her a request via Venmo, and since I got booked for a Friday night for something that if I knew how little I would be making I would have never even agreed to--I sent her my rate, not my actual rate, the rate we agreed to but she only sometimes actually pays. (Which by the way when you’re only there for 3 hours is like a 5 dollar difference. And she doesn’t pay it for a a couple hours. I had to send her a reminder, and when I did she sent me a text message that I found really insulting.
Accusing me of being dishonest and trying to sneakily overcharge her or something, and empathizing that I was only there for 2.5 hours like that’s a good thing, and charging her a fee, and to be careful this never happens in the future.
I responded telling her the rate we agreed on was $17. I did not mention that she’s the one who hasn’t been paying what they should, or that when dragging people out for money that isn’t worth the trip, giving pointers for “moving forward” is kinda ridiculous-- especially when I have to remind you to even pay me at all. I’m somehow more annoyed by this text message than by her gradually not paying me what probably adds up for a couple hundred dollars. I’m
I’m even more mad that she straight up ignored my text.I tried to be as polite about it as I could, especially I’ll probably never hear from her ever again. It’s fine of course. I’m sure I’m perfectly replaceable too. Maybe if they settle for someone younger, with no experience, who is irresponsible or something they’ll even be able to get their rate down to $10 or something. It's a relief really. I am very aware there are people who had much harder jobs than me and get paid a lot less than I am complaining about getting.
I know it’s partially my fault for not saying something a lot time ago, or to keep going over there, especially if it annoyed me enough to write this much about it The normal family I work for during the week never ever messes up my paycheck, and they treat me nicely, the pay me a lot more. Their children are much more of a handful and I do a lot for them, and thankfully I never have to worry if someone’s going to short me all the time. I don’t want to be in a position where I have to choose between the two bad options not saying anything and letting people walk all over you (me) or having to call someone at 4 am when I finally get home from their home because they “forgot” to my pay my full rate. I am tired of feeling like I’m somehow not entitled to money for what I do--- even if it is sitting around watching TV in someone’s house, I’m actually making it possible for parents with a toddler to stay out til 3 am on a Tuesday without judgement. I have sympathy for parents who complain that childcare isn’t affordable, but what these parents use me for is a luxury and just like everything else in New York, more expensive than most other places.
I remember she reached out to me to babysit on New Years, and I lied and said I couldn’t because I just didn’t want to have to have a conversation with her about how much I would have to charge, I just didn’t want to hear someone trying to haggle with me or something. I’m a good babysitter, but I’m not a charity. I am pretty sure the only way to get what you know what you’re worth is to ask for it I am going to try and start doing that.
I saw your baby's nurse
have observed an incompetent baby nurse doing the following things at her current job:
1)Washes baby's clothes and linens using a highly perfumed detergent when infant has extreme eczema.
2) First purees foods given at 5 months included broccoli, spinach, carrots, mangoes, and strawberries. (These foods are known to cause allergic reactions, nitrate poisoning, gas, and diarrhea).
3) Baby was constantly kept in "containers" like bumbo seats, swings, and exasaucers preventing them from reaching milestones. Baby was not sitting independently by 8.5 months, and not crawling by 10 months.
4)Baby placed in car seat with with large puffy jacket on.
5) Baby Nurse confessed to only taking in 300 calories a day; while drinking up to 9 cups of coffee a day, while not sleeping more than a couple hours a day, while going on long walks with baby( in major city) in the heat.
6) Baby Nurse disrespects Kosher Household and employers by bringing in pork, unkosher meats, and eating off the wrong plates.
7) Practices in-home medical care illegally without required state license.
8) Infant sometime rides on lap of Baby Nurse in car (without car seat) on icy and snowy roads in busy major city.
9)Baby Nurse leaves baby ALONE in crib in a high rise apartment to do laundry in the basement of building.
10) Baby Nurse breaches confidentiality of current and future employers by gossiping to friends about them.
11) Doesn’t feed the baby anything but formula and puree foods past babies first birthday, Occasionally will feed baby Cheerios, but will claim baby doesn’t have teeth to eat table food. Baby is never allowed to self feed food, except cheerios in order not to get dirty.
12) Baby's room is always messy and disorganized- to a dangerous degree for the crawling and curious baby.
13) Baby Nurse never cuddles, sings to, or rocks young infant. Baby never gets hardly ever gets nurturing tactile love in it's early life.
14) Baby Nurse snitches (mostly lies and sensitive topics) to employers and to other household staff, about other household staff. Since BN has been employed in home, ALL the household staff have admitted to being lied about, or snitched too by BN. Household is in turmoil, and Baby Nurse is HATED by most of the staff. At least one other staff members has fallen into clinical depression since the hiring of the Baby Nurse.
15) Baby nurse microwaves baby purees in plastic containers, as well as serves baby with plastic bowels and utensils. She often puts hot baby food straight into fridge without it cooling down first.
16) Has completely stocked baby nursery with soft plastic toys, mostly those that are loud and flashy. This clearly demonstrates no knowledge on infant cognitive and physical development.
17) Baby Nurse keeps nursery and other areas freezing. Baby's lips often turn blue and seems extremely uncomfortable.
18)Baby was put in a high chair months before he was able to sit unassisted. Baby was slouching into pelvis while fed.
19) Baby Nurse will only play or pay attention to baby when someone "important" is present or near. Baby is often ignored being put to play in crib, exasaucer, or playpen while baby nurse drinks coffee and surfs the internet.
20) The only time the baby is out is during self serving errands and calorie burning walks. Often sibling is told not to touch baby.
This Baby Nurse often works in a US major city. She claimes she earns up to $ 700-1000 a day for expert skills.
1)Washes baby's clothes and linens using a highly perfumed detergent when infant has extreme eczema.
2) First purees foods given at 5 months included broccoli, spinach, carrots, mangoes, and strawberries. (These foods are known to cause allergic reactions, nitrate poisoning, gas, and diarrhea).
3) Baby was constantly kept in "containers" like bumbo seats, swings, and exasaucers preventing them from reaching milestones. Baby was not sitting independently by 8.5 months, and not crawling by 10 months.
4)Baby placed in car seat with with large puffy jacket on.
5) Baby Nurse confessed to only taking in 300 calories a day; while drinking up to 9 cups of coffee a day, while not sleeping more than a couple hours a day, while going on long walks with baby( in major city) in the heat.
6) Baby Nurse disrespects Kosher Household and employers by bringing in pork, unkosher meats, and eating off the wrong plates.
7) Practices in-home medical care illegally without required state license.
8) Infant sometime rides on lap of Baby Nurse in car (without car seat) on icy and snowy roads in busy major city.
9)Baby Nurse leaves baby ALONE in crib in a high rise apartment to do laundry in the basement of building.
10) Baby Nurse breaches confidentiality of current and future employers by gossiping to friends about them.
11) Doesn’t feed the baby anything but formula and puree foods past babies first birthday, Occasionally will feed baby Cheerios, but will claim baby doesn’t have teeth to eat table food. Baby is never allowed to self feed food, except cheerios in order not to get dirty.
12) Baby's room is always messy and disorganized- to a dangerous degree for the crawling and curious baby.
13) Baby Nurse never cuddles, sings to, or rocks young infant. Baby never gets hardly ever gets nurturing tactile love in it's early life.
14) Baby Nurse snitches (mostly lies and sensitive topics) to employers and to other household staff, about other household staff. Since BN has been employed in home, ALL the household staff have admitted to being lied about, or snitched too by BN. Household is in turmoil, and Baby Nurse is HATED by most of the staff. At least one other staff members has fallen into clinical depression since the hiring of the Baby Nurse.
15) Baby nurse microwaves baby purees in plastic containers, as well as serves baby with plastic bowels and utensils. She often puts hot baby food straight into fridge without it cooling down first.
16) Has completely stocked baby nursery with soft plastic toys, mostly those that are loud and flashy. This clearly demonstrates no knowledge on infant cognitive and physical development.
17) Baby Nurse keeps nursery and other areas freezing. Baby's lips often turn blue and seems extremely uncomfortable.
18)Baby was put in a high chair months before he was able to sit unassisted. Baby was slouching into pelvis while fed.
19) Baby Nurse will only play or pay attention to baby when someone "important" is present or near. Baby is often ignored being put to play in crib, exasaucer, or playpen while baby nurse drinks coffee and surfs the internet.
20) The only time the baby is out is during self serving errands and calorie burning walks. Often sibling is told not to touch baby.
This Baby Nurse often works in a US major city. She claimes she earns up to $ 700-1000 a day for expert skills.
Responding to nannys that are moms
I think Leigh has a great idea with this and I would
like to hear from other moms who are nannys as well.I could use the support for sure.
I am a mother and a nanny and I really love my job but I know a lot of family's that won't hire a nanny that is a mother too bc they are afraid their nanny will be too exhausted or most are women who are only doing it bc they need money and watching kids is all they know. I've been on many interviews where I wasn't sure how they would react once I told them I had children of my own. They seem confused..."why would you leave your kids with someone else to watch my kids and get paid?" Well bc it's like any job really? If I went to work at an office I would be doing the same thing? I really enjoy children, yes it's exhausting and it seems like its all I do from the time I wake up to the time I fall asleep. Yes I prepare 2 dinners each night....give your kids baths and my kids when I get home. I have felt guilty and conflicted at times when I am cuddling your child at the time and not mine, or while I'm taking yours to the park and a picnic while my kids are not with me. but at the end of the day I have to remember it's my job.
like to hear from other moms who are nannys as well.I could use the support for sure.
I am a mother and a nanny and I really love my job but I know a lot of family's that won't hire a nanny that is a mother too bc they are afraid their nanny will be too exhausted or most are women who are only doing it bc they need money and watching kids is all they know. I've been on many interviews where I wasn't sure how they would react once I told them I had children of my own. They seem confused..."why would you leave your kids with someone else to watch my kids and get paid?" Well bc it's like any job really? If I went to work at an office I would be doing the same thing? I really enjoy children, yes it's exhausting and it seems like its all I do from the time I wake up to the time I fall asleep. Yes I prepare 2 dinners each night....give your kids baths and my kids when I get home. I have felt guilty and conflicted at times when I am cuddling your child at the time and not mine, or while I'm taking yours to the park and a picnic while my kids are not with me. but at the end of the day I have to remember it's my job.
I always make sure my weekends are reserved for my family and if my boss wants a date night on a weekend it cannot conflict which my kids schedule. I honestly know I'm lucky bc I have read some stories about Women from other countries that are nannies here in America, who have had to leave their children behind. Only to send them money to survive.One woman said "I feel so guilty when I'm eating,bc I don't know if my child will eat today." that broke my heart. I hope employers read this and realize hiring a nanny is a big responsibility. Someones livelihood is in your hands. Think before you hire or let someone go. I am a mother, a nanny, a hard working woman.
Saturday
The Best Mother In The World
A recent post from a NANNY who is also a MOTHER hit home recently - how very difficult it is for them - the potential for criticism while working to their bones for not only their own children but their charges - we will have Ops from both sides of the coin chiming in over the weekend
Friday
Different Stages of Different Ages - Ideas!
Looking for ideas to help a 2 year old who is somewhat behind the other 2 year olds in my class. I know that every child develops at a different pace, however, this child is clearly not as advanced as the other 2 year olds, and I'd like suggestions on how to help him.
The other 2 year olds:
Are able to put on their own snow pants and boots
Can pull up and down their pants for the most part during diaper/potty time
Are trying to put on their own shoes
Are able to follow simple directions, along with two step directions : "when I say your name, go find your name at the table", "please take off your things and bring them to the closet when you are done" (we do this after we come in from outside and have one teacher in the closet showing them where their cubbies are), "go to the sink and wash your face and hands". They even understand getting a paper towel, turning on the water, and wiping their face with wet paper towel.
Can use their words if someone is bothering them, and can verbalize how they feel for the most part
Can understand, for the most part, if a friend doesn't like something they are doing, etc.
Of course they are two, and still learning, and they are so stinking cute. It's a work in progress, and everyday they are growing and learning.
What has been observed with this child:
Takes 20 minutes to put on and take off snow pants. We have up to 11 other kids depending on the day, and everyone else can dress themselves for the most part. This child sits there and doesn't move. By the time everyone else is dressed, this child is getting started, and needs someone to dress him.
Cannot even put on shoes, doesn't even try; just sits there, like he is waiting for someone to help him
Is very sidetracked by what is going on around him when attempting self help skills, such as getting dressed, washing hands and face, etc.
Has difficulty following simple directions: a few weeks ago, children were asked to find their names at the table, and sit down for lunch. Everyone was sitting down eating. This child was wandering around the tables for fifteen minutes like he didn't know what was going on, after being told what he needed to do several times. One of us had to guide him to his spot, which was the only one left at the table with a plate of food. We were surprised that he couldn't figure out what was going on, and what everyone else was doing.
Lack of social skills: he will go up to another child and take whatever they are playing with, or reading. Last week an older child (almost three) asked this child to please move out of her way so she could get through. This child just stood there and didn't move. The other child repeated what she asked again, a little bit louder this time, and he still didn't move. Finally, I walked over to them and gently moved him over so she could get through. Yesterday this child took a book from someone and kept holding on to it, before I explained to him he couldn't do that, as it was her choice of book. I asked him to give it back, and he couldn't grasp what I was asking him. I encouraged the child to use her words and take the book back, which she did with my help.
When I do hand over hand for self help skills, he jerks his hands away. I'm wondering if he has no fine motor skills, such as grasping and dexterity. Today after snack time, I told him to go to the sink and wash his face. He went over to the sink, then walked away. I explained the process: get a paper towel, run it under water and wipe the face. He got a paper towel and threw it in the garbage. I reminded him again how to wash his face. Finally, after the fourth time, I did hand over hand through the entire process, and he stiffened his hands and arms like he doesn't want to learn, and wants me to do it for him.
It's almost as if he wants everything done for him, and we are thinking that's the case at home. From what my director said, this child has always been like this, even in the 1 year old room. I started counting to ten, stating "let's see if you can get dressed before I get to ten". It seems to work, yet I also wonder if there could be a speech and comprehension delay that is preventing him from trying and understanding.
He is a mid-November birthday, hitting two and a half in mid-may. My director wants to wait until he is in our room for a few months before she says anything to the parents. I want to try a few things before that happens. Any ideas?
The other 2 year olds:
Are able to put on their own snow pants and boots
Can pull up and down their pants for the most part during diaper/potty time
Are trying to put on their own shoes
Are able to follow simple directions, along with two step directions : "when I say your name, go find your name at the table", "please take off your things and bring them to the closet when you are done" (we do this after we come in from outside and have one teacher in the closet showing them where their cubbies are), "go to the sink and wash your face and hands". They even understand getting a paper towel, turning on the water, and wiping their face with wet paper towel.
Can use their words if someone is bothering them, and can verbalize how they feel for the most part
Can understand, for the most part, if a friend doesn't like something they are doing, etc.
Of course they are two, and still learning, and they are so stinking cute. It's a work in progress, and everyday they are growing and learning.
What has been observed with this child:
Takes 20 minutes to put on and take off snow pants. We have up to 11 other kids depending on the day, and everyone else can dress themselves for the most part. This child sits there and doesn't move. By the time everyone else is dressed, this child is getting started, and needs someone to dress him.
Cannot even put on shoes, doesn't even try; just sits there, like he is waiting for someone to help him
Is very sidetracked by what is going on around him when attempting self help skills, such as getting dressed, washing hands and face, etc.
Has difficulty following simple directions: a few weeks ago, children were asked to find their names at the table, and sit down for lunch. Everyone was sitting down eating. This child was wandering around the tables for fifteen minutes like he didn't know what was going on, after being told what he needed to do several times. One of us had to guide him to his spot, which was the only one left at the table with a plate of food. We were surprised that he couldn't figure out what was going on, and what everyone else was doing.
Lack of social skills: he will go up to another child and take whatever they are playing with, or reading. Last week an older child (almost three) asked this child to please move out of her way so she could get through. This child just stood there and didn't move. The other child repeated what she asked again, a little bit louder this time, and he still didn't move. Finally, I walked over to them and gently moved him over so she could get through. Yesterday this child took a book from someone and kept holding on to it, before I explained to him he couldn't do that, as it was her choice of book. I asked him to give it back, and he couldn't grasp what I was asking him. I encouraged the child to use her words and take the book back, which she did with my help.
When I do hand over hand for self help skills, he jerks his hands away. I'm wondering if he has no fine motor skills, such as grasping and dexterity. Today after snack time, I told him to go to the sink and wash his face. He went over to the sink, then walked away. I explained the process: get a paper towel, run it under water and wipe the face. He got a paper towel and threw it in the garbage. I reminded him again how to wash his face. Finally, after the fourth time, I did hand over hand through the entire process, and he stiffened his hands and arms like he doesn't want to learn, and wants me to do it for him.
It's almost as if he wants everything done for him, and we are thinking that's the case at home. From what my director said, this child has always been like this, even in the 1 year old room. I started counting to ten, stating "let's see if you can get dressed before I get to ten". It seems to work, yet I also wonder if there could be a speech and comprehension delay that is preventing him from trying and understanding.
He is a mid-November birthday, hitting two and a half in mid-may. My director wants to wait until he is in our room for a few months before she says anything to the parents. I want to try a few things before that happens. Any ideas?
Thursday
Miss Annie's Etitquette Hour
We have a new reader! We welcome Miss Annie!!
Miss Annie has graciously agreed to answer our etiquette/manners questions.
Do you have a question for Miss Annie?
We will post questions as they come in, or you can ask in the comments!
Here is a link to her site!!
Gracious Me Academy - Miss Annie Presents Etiquette Books - AnnaMarie Martinez Minter - GraciousMeAcademy.com
Miss Annie has graciously agreed to answer our etiquette/manners questions.
Do you have a question for Miss Annie?
We will post questions as they come in, or you can ask in the comments!
Here is a link to her site!!
Gracious Me Academy - Miss Annie Presents Etiquette Books - AnnaMarie Martinez Minter - GraciousMeAcademy.com
A Prize Puzzle...
This weeks prize - calming hibiscus tea and SCORE!! Nanny reader Mishaun just donated a TON of mardi gras beads for our Nannies Love Kids Club - a special prize to the 1st person who tells us what land mass these beads form
A mom needs advice from our readers
Sunday
SALUTE - " COMMON SENSE MEDIA!" google it
This is a great resource suggested by great nanny madison to judge the appropriateness of movies books and much more for every age group. Any more suggestions on tools to know age appropriate activities?
Ears Covered !!!!!
From Nanny Kristen!! (A Featured Good Nanny)
I love to take my charges to the movies and my MB approves so we have much fun! We just saw "Daddy's Home " and I have good and bad news - it was hilarious from an adult point of view, but from a kid point of view the movie had too much adult content - curse words and content that will take away their innocence. I had to cover their ears more than once, I needed four hands !! The website said pg but it was really pg13. I would not take any child under 15 years to see it.
I also was not completely happy with the new STAR WARS movie either - it was bloody and scared my younger charge.
Any advice on movies - good or bad would be very helpful!
I love to take my charges to the movies and my MB approves so we have much fun! We just saw "Daddy's Home " and I have good and bad news - it was hilarious from an adult point of view, but from a kid point of view the movie had too much adult content - curse words and content that will take away their innocence. I had to cover their ears more than once, I needed four hands !! The website said pg but it was really pg13. I would not take any child under 15 years to see it.
I also was not completely happy with the new STAR WARS movie either - it was bloody and scared my younger charge.
Any advice on movies - good or bad would be very helpful!
Friday
More Nanny advice please
I work Mon-Fri hourly. my boss decides she didn't need me Monday. shouldn't I still get paid my normal 8 hours for that day? She pays me for holidays, she didn't need me Martin Luther king day. I assume I'm getting paid for that holiday even though it's not a major holiday. she insists we agreed on major holidays. well it's Friday and my boss said no pay for Monday. they have never not needed me. what to do in this situation? I feel like if I take off I don't get paid,if they don't need me I still should get paid.they know this is my only income. please I need advice. I feel like either it was a miscommunication or a manipulation to not have to pay me for a day since the whole family was home and they didn't want anyone else there. I've been here a year,no contract. ugh that was my mistake.
Nanny seeking advice
Hello. Nanny here.. Seeking advice from other nannies out there. So the family I nanny for, the mom will always ask me to do things for her(understandable, I have no problem) but she keeps adding more and more on. And her excuse is always "I have no time". I'm usually here 8:30-5:30. When I get here she goes to the gym from 8:30-10. She is married and the husband works from home sometimes.. As does the mom. Anyway, it's really starting to bother me when she asks me to do X amount of things and uses the excuse of not having time.
Do you think I should bring up to her, I don't understand how she doesn't have time to errands when she CHOOSES to workout? She puts working out a priority over things she should instead be getting done.
Please let me know! :) thank you all.
Do you think I should bring up to her, I don't understand how she doesn't have time to errands when she CHOOSES to workout? She puts working out a priority over things she should instead be getting done.
Please let me know! :) thank you all.
Am I being jacked? ( Socializing with NF)
I have been with this family for 8 months and I am really happy, I think I love the kids so much I am letting myself be taken advantage of ! The boy is 7 and the little girl is 5. There have been 4 times where the parents invite me to an event of the kids as a "guest" but it does not always turn out that way. One event was a birthday party where many of the kids knew me and I could not rest for a moment - I thought I would get to just hang out with the little girl, no pressure, and kick back, but no, the other parents were constantly asking me to help with the little girl's friends.
I was proud to come and see the boy receive an award, as I feel I help teach him but it took an hour to get to the ceremony and parking was not cheap, and my own family members were needing me for things.
I went to a wedding with their posse and --- I was somehow maneuvered into the kids room!!
But it makes me worry - if I turn down these invitations will it risk my job, will the kids be sad, and If I have a convo about money - do I charge my same nanny rate? I charge them $15 p/h per day for 30 per week in Dallas suburb area. I am very happy with them otherwise.
I was proud to come and see the boy receive an award, as I feel I help teach him but it took an hour to get to the ceremony and parking was not cheap, and my own family members were needing me for things.
I went to a wedding with their posse and --- I was somehow maneuvered into the kids room!!
But it makes me worry - if I turn down these invitations will it risk my job, will the kids be sad, and If I have a convo about money - do I charge my same nanny rate? I charge them $15 p/h per day for 30 per week in Dallas suburb area. I am very happy with them otherwise.
Not A Bad Idea - My Charge and I Have Fun Journal
While getting craft ideas from fellow nannies, one nanny - Amanda- gave the following idea - buying a cheap notebook and then decorate it with all sorts of things - ribbons, stickers and more - and then keep a creative journal of all the fun things you do with your charges on a daily basis. Wow, that is not a bad idea - not only will you have fun and teach your charges but - the notebook should be a constant witness about how fun you are with the kids. Join our ISYN Nannies Love Kids Club - we send out fun free things/crafts/stickers etc - next on the list will be "calming" hibiscus tea and mardi gras beads ! - just email us at ISYN with an address, while supplies last ;)
Does anyone do a journal like this already? send a pic!
What similar idea gets the kids having fun but ALSO makes YOU look good?
Does anyone do a journal like this already? send a pic!
What similar idea gets the kids having fun but ALSO makes YOU look good?
Thursday
Featured Comment !
Lynette Weiss said...
I think we've all seen enough requests/"shout outs" from parents who want everything a parent would/should do, all from that ONE person whom they seem to refer to as a "nanny," and all for 10.00 or 12.00 an hour: Full-time housekeeper, cook, laundress, chauffeur, errand runner, dog walker, pooper scooper, bed maker and linen changer, closet organizer, refrigerator cleaner and, ooops, almost forgot-- child care duties, i.e. teacher, playmate, toy washer and cleaner-upper, snack-maker, bath-giver, diaper changer, play-date hostess, etc etc etc.
And, while the above type of "job description" seems to be popping up all over the place, there are other requests that baffle the mind, just the same. For example, look at this one posted recently on one of the usual places; I am posting it just as it was printed:
$10.00 per hour
4 children (Preschool, Elementary)
I am a mother of 4 kids it can be hectic i need someone who is patient,very responsible, ten years of experience and over, caring and understanding , i want reassurance that my kids are in good and safe hands because i am a crazy mother and i will react in a very hostile way!!!!!
Want to apply to this job?
And then, there is this other one that was also posted on one of those usual places:
$6.00-10.00/hr.
Luna Just turned one. All I need is someone to tend to her basic needs. She will Entertain Herself and Put herself to sleep.
The first one is scary; the second one is just, well, sad.
I think we've all seen enough requests/"shout outs" from parents who want everything a parent would/should do, all from that ONE person whom they seem to refer to as a "nanny," and all for 10.00 or 12.00 an hour: Full-time housekeeper, cook, laundress, chauffeur, errand runner, dog walker, pooper scooper, bed maker and linen changer, closet organizer, refrigerator cleaner and, ooops, almost forgot-- child care duties, i.e. teacher, playmate, toy washer and cleaner-upper, snack-maker, bath-giver, diaper changer, play-date hostess, etc etc etc.
And, while the above type of "job description" seems to be popping up all over the place, there are other requests that baffle the mind, just the same. For example, look at this one posted recently on one of the usual places; I am posting it just as it was printed:
$10.00 per hour
4 children (Preschool, Elementary)
I am a mother of 4 kids it can be hectic i need someone who is patient,very responsible, ten years of experience and over, caring and understanding , i want reassurance that my kids are in good and safe hands because i am a crazy mother and i will react in a very hostile way!!!!!
Want to apply to this job?
And then, there is this other one that was also posted on one of those usual places:
$6.00-10.00/hr.
Luna Just turned one. All I need is someone to tend to her basic needs. She will Entertain Herself and Put herself to sleep.
The first one is scary; the second one is just, well, sad.
Wednesday
Need Advice on a new family.
I need some advice on a new family.
First a behavior question. I am nannying for a fairly new family. I began working for them last October, and I have been dealing with new/odd behavior from the two year old ever since.
The main part of my job is caring for a one year old girl twice a week. However, the last 3-4 hours of the day the two year old girl is also there. Ever since I arrived, she has been very sensitive to me being around.
For example, the first day I worked for the family, I was playing kitchen with the 2YO. She was making some pretend cookies for her dolls, and I asked her if she would make some for me. She just stared at me. So trying to play around, I did a poochie lip and sad face while saying “puweeese.” She started bawling… She seemed to not understand that I was just playing around. It look me 5 minutes to calm her down and make her understand that I was “pretend sad.” This is a completely new situation for me. I have never nannied such a sensitive child.
Since the 2YO is so sensitive, I have a hard time knowing how to deal with her behavior problems. I have tried doing fun things with her, such as decorating cookies or doing projects. These seem to help her warm up to me temporarily. However, she will just randomly seem to snap and get really sad and refuse to obey me or even look at me. For example, a couple of days ago I was making her dinner, and I asked her if she wanted some milk. She just looked at me and yelled “don’t say my name!” It was so weird and out of the blue.
She is also dealing with mommy issues right now. Once in a while she will refuse to let me put on her bib, give her milk, or something similar. Instead, she will run away and yell “No! I want mommy to (whatever it is).” I have no idea how to deal with this. I want to be sensitive to her feelings, and help her feel comfortable around me, but I also want her to know that it is not okay to yell at me. I have tried sitting down with her and explaining that I want her to tell me how she feels, but that she needs to say it in a kind way. But she just stares at me… And completely disregards what I’m saying. The mother is supportive and corrects the 2YO if she is disrespectful to me, but the mom also doesn’t believe in giving many time-outs (The 2YO has only had 2-3 in her life despite tantrums). Thus I do not feel like I can discipline the 2YO.
The other questions I have are about the job in general.
In the initial interview, when talking about wage, the mom offered $15 an hour for one child + light housecleaning. When I asked what the wage would be whenever the 2YO was around, the mom assured me that her oldest would not be around unless she was sick. But that she would pay around $20 an hour. That is more than I usually charge for two children, so I was ecstatic and surprised. The problem is that when babysitting, or when the 2YO has been around all day, the mom doesn’t consistently pay me $20 an hour.
The mom pays me at the end of each week, and has always just paid me $15 an hour no matter how much the 2YO was around. The only time she has paid me $20 an hour is twice (out of 10 times) when babysitting. Sometimes she will give me $20 an hour, and sometimes $15 an hour. There doesn’t seem to be any pattern or anything that decides which wage she pays me. I am really confused about the whole situation and I don’t know if I should mention something, or just be thankful for what I do make.
Another odd thing that I have noticed is with my paychecks. The mom normally pays me exactly what she owes. However, once in a while she will be $5-10 under what she owes. I have never mentioned it to her because I don’t view it as a huge deal, but IDK if I should.
Also, I need some advice about how to bring up a raise. In the interview the mom mentioned that since I usually charge $16 an hour for one child (+ some light housework), I could bring up a raise for discussion in a couple months. How long should I wait before bringing it up? And what is the best way to bring it up? I tend to be a more quiet non-confrontive person. So I have a really hard time bringing up issues or raises to my employers.
The last thing is that the mom recently cut my hours. I used to work Monday’s7:30-4 and Thursday 7:30-3. But after the holidays, she cut it to Monday’s 7:30-3:30 and Thursday 12:00-4:00. I am a college student, so I really count on all the funds I make to pay for rent and everything else. Because of that, I am going to have to find a job for someone else that is once a week. I don’t know if I should bring it up with her, or just keep on searching for another family that only needs me once a week.
First a behavior question. I am nannying for a fairly new family. I began working for them last October, and I have been dealing with new/odd behavior from the two year old ever since.
The main part of my job is caring for a one year old girl twice a week. However, the last 3-4 hours of the day the two year old girl is also there. Ever since I arrived, she has been very sensitive to me being around.
For example, the first day I worked for the family, I was playing kitchen with the 2YO. She was making some pretend cookies for her dolls, and I asked her if she would make some for me. She just stared at me. So trying to play around, I did a poochie lip and sad face while saying “puweeese.” She started bawling… She seemed to not understand that I was just playing around. It look me 5 minutes to calm her down and make her understand that I was “pretend sad.” This is a completely new situation for me. I have never nannied such a sensitive child.
Since the 2YO is so sensitive, I have a hard time knowing how to deal with her behavior problems. I have tried doing fun things with her, such as decorating cookies or doing projects. These seem to help her warm up to me temporarily. However, she will just randomly seem to snap and get really sad and refuse to obey me or even look at me. For example, a couple of days ago I was making her dinner, and I asked her if she wanted some milk. She just looked at me and yelled “don’t say my name!” It was so weird and out of the blue.
She is also dealing with mommy issues right now. Once in a while she will refuse to let me put on her bib, give her milk, or something similar. Instead, she will run away and yell “No! I want mommy to (whatever it is).” I have no idea how to deal with this. I want to be sensitive to her feelings, and help her feel comfortable around me, but I also want her to know that it is not okay to yell at me. I have tried sitting down with her and explaining that I want her to tell me how she feels, but that she needs to say it in a kind way. But she just stares at me… And completely disregards what I’m saying. The mother is supportive and corrects the 2YO if she is disrespectful to me, but the mom also doesn’t believe in giving many time-outs (The 2YO has only had 2-3 in her life despite tantrums). Thus I do not feel like I can discipline the 2YO.
The other questions I have are about the job in general.
In the initial interview, when talking about wage, the mom offered $15 an hour for one child + light housecleaning. When I asked what the wage would be whenever the 2YO was around, the mom assured me that her oldest would not be around unless she was sick. But that she would pay around $20 an hour. That is more than I usually charge for two children, so I was ecstatic and surprised. The problem is that when babysitting, or when the 2YO has been around all day, the mom doesn’t consistently pay me $20 an hour.
The mom pays me at the end of each week, and has always just paid me $15 an hour no matter how much the 2YO was around. The only time she has paid me $20 an hour is twice (out of 10 times) when babysitting. Sometimes she will give me $20 an hour, and sometimes $15 an hour. There doesn’t seem to be any pattern or anything that decides which wage she pays me. I am really confused about the whole situation and I don’t know if I should mention something, or just be thankful for what I do make.
Another odd thing that I have noticed is with my paychecks. The mom normally pays me exactly what she owes. However, once in a while she will be $5-10 under what she owes. I have never mentioned it to her because I don’t view it as a huge deal, but IDK if I should.
Also, I need some advice about how to bring up a raise. In the interview the mom mentioned that since I usually charge $16 an hour for one child (+ some light housework), I could bring up a raise for discussion in a couple months. How long should I wait before bringing it up? And what is the best way to bring it up? I tend to be a more quiet non-confrontive person. So I have a really hard time bringing up issues or raises to my employers.
The last thing is that the mom recently cut my hours. I used to work Monday’s7:30-4 and Thursday 7:30-3. But after the holidays, she cut it to Monday’s 7:30-3:30 and Thursday 12:00-4:00. I am a college student, so I really count on all the funds I make to pay for rent and everything else. Because of that, I am going to have to find a job for someone else that is once a week. I don’t know if I should bring it up with her, or just keep on searching for another family that only needs me once a week.
Tuesday
Bad Nanny Sighting - Kidville UES
I am reporting a nanny from the UES Kidville caring for a blonde 18-24 month boy named Alexander. They had a horrible dynamic from the start; he kept hitting her and screaming for nothing and she never calmed him down or spoke gently to him. Instead, she threatened him repeatedly, telling him she would put him in time-out and confiscating his playdough etc, which only made him scream more and become more aggressive. He screamed on and off for basically the entire class and then the nanny, two minutes before end of class - and most likely to deflect any blame from herself - announced that his tantrums were probably the result of his ear infection that hadn’t been treated yet.
There was a pregnant mom in the class who was not happy to be sitting next to a sick child and, when she moved seats, the nanny even mocked her publicly to anyone who would listen.
Aside from the fact that this little boy was sick and should have been kept home, this nanny handled the situation so terribly and only aggravated this poor little boy’s upset and frustration.
This nanny had no business being anywhere near kids.
This was posted on http://nannysightings.com/
Thanks for letting us share this information!!
New York Nanny Question...
Hello & Good morning! I am a nanny to a precious little boy who is 11.5 months old in New York City , it's been getting very cold outside and I don't feel too comfortable taking him outside to his classes ( we have to take a bus to his classes , there are none in our neighborhood ) ... The mother suggested and said she'll pay for the cab rides... would you still go outside with your charges?
I used to be a infant teacher in a daycare , we weren't permitted to take out our little ones if it was below 33° * ( if I'm not mistaken )
Just curious! It's going to be in the low 30s and High 20s this week .
Would love the feedback
Sunday
Crappy Dad Sighting in The Hollywood Hills (RANT)
by anonymous nanny
You and your little girl really charmed me and MB at 1st, you in your nice Sunday suit and your pretty 3 year old blond daughter with her pink ribbon in her hair and pretty pink dress with flowers. You were visiting my charge's neighbors and said how she had grown antsy in church and could you visit for a few minutes seeing my charge's awesome swing set, sandbox, jungle jim and many other toys in his big yard.
My little 2 year old guy tried a couple of times to join in play with your daughter but she would roughly push him down on the ground away from which ever toy she was borrowing. He got the message and would go play on other things away from her so she started following my guy around pushing him away from his OWN toys in his OWN back yard!
Your response to this was to gaze lovingly at her as if she was Mother Teresa. My guy broke my heart a few times looking right at me with a hurt quizzical look as if to say " now that's not right is it nanny?" because he has been raised correctly. Finally he only felt safe in my lap for 40 minutes until you took your pretty yet terrible girl away and I could find his mom, tell her what happened and we praised him for a long time for being such a good and patient boy! I am lucky to work with a good hearted little guy!!!
You and your little girl really charmed me and MB at 1st, you in your nice Sunday suit and your pretty 3 year old blond daughter with her pink ribbon in her hair and pretty pink dress with flowers. You were visiting my charge's neighbors and said how she had grown antsy in church and could you visit for a few minutes seeing my charge's awesome swing set, sandbox, jungle jim and many other toys in his big yard.
My little 2 year old guy tried a couple of times to join in play with your daughter but she would roughly push him down on the ground away from which ever toy she was borrowing. He got the message and would go play on other things away from her so she started following my guy around pushing him away from his OWN toys in his OWN back yard!
Your response to this was to gaze lovingly at her as if she was Mother Teresa. My guy broke my heart a few times looking right at me with a hurt quizzical look as if to say " now that's not right is it nanny?" because he has been raised correctly. Finally he only felt safe in my lap for 40 minutes until you took your pretty yet terrible girl away and I could find his mom, tell her what happened and we praised him for a long time for being such a good and patient boy! I am lucky to work with a good hearted little guy!!!
Friday
A Club 4 U!
A Club 4 U!
We have received an enthusiastic response to our give-a-way nanny fun (so far - emergen-c packets and sticker books) so we now will form a club - ISYN's Nannies <3 Kids Club , no you do not have to be a nanny, just love kids and want the best for them. We will be giving away fun things on a regular basis - we buy crazy kid stuff on sale ALL the time - and we want to thank our loyal professional posters - just email us here at ISYN with any address, personal or business, how many charges you have - 1000% private. 1st come 1st served while supplies last lol!
We have received an enthusiastic response to our give-a-way nanny fun (so far - emergen-c packets and sticker books) so we now will form a club - ISYN's Nannies <3 Kids Club , no you do not have to be a nanny, just love kids and want the best for them. We will be giving away fun things on a regular basis - we buy crazy kid stuff on sale ALL the time - and we want to thank our loyal professional posters - just email us here at ISYN with any address, personal or business, how many charges you have - 1000% private. 1st come 1st served while supplies last lol!
another Craigslist WTF!?? !?!?!
******Seeking Sitter for our little Bubba **** (lakewood)
Childcare Needed Start Immediately
Seeking a nanny near Lakewood for 1 child. We are searching for a full work day (Tuesday 7:20am-4:30pm) and a half day of (Wednesday 7:20am-12:30pm) as well as occasional potential additional days a month based on mom's work schedule. Our little baby is our world and we love our baby so very much thus please know you will be taking care of first time parents baby. Hence very protective, caring, and extremely attentive to baby and everything and everyone in his world. Our little baby just turned 1 year and he will need to be taken care at our home. We are looking for someone that can commit to spending time with our son and give him the best care possible. This will require of nanny/sitter to be involved with him and playing during waking hours. Must be CPR certified. We will ask for proof. If not must be willing to get this done before start date.
Preference given to those who love reading to kids. An interest in musical instruments. We'd like someone who enjoys arts & crafts. Some light tidying up would be part of our caregiver's responsibilities; I will leave list of task to be done during sleeping time of baby. Nanny/babysitter will not be sitting down watching TV during paid time. In fact baby does not watch any TV or Netflix etc. thus no television or devices viewing of any kind. Schedule Details: We need guarantee days. We (mom and dad) are not flexible with our dates and times we must be in office thus, our child's care needs to be committed and consistent.
Note please do NOT apply if any of the following apply to you:
1) Do not have your own transportation or guarantee reliable source of transportation
3) You are allergic to dogs (we have two small yorkies)
4) If you have children you plan to bring with you; we ONLY want your attention to be for our baby
5) You do not have references (we will be asking for references)
6) You live outside of the Lakewood/Tacoma/Puyallup (within 20minutes) area (we do not want to hire someone that lives outside the city limits)
7) You do not have a Valid ID; you must be able to provide an ID
8) You are under 18 years of age; you must be at least 18 years old.
Pay: hourly pay negotiable ($5-$7) based on experience
Days: Tuesday 7:20am-4:30pm & Wednesday 7:20am-12:30pm
Hours: 14-16 hours a week plus possibly additional hours as needed
Apply:
1) Reply to the email above
2) Resume/Experience/ description of your self (we need to know a bit about you)
3) Your full name
4) Number
5) Age
6) Availability (when can you begin)
7) Are you local to our city limits
8) Do you have reliable transportation
We will only contact perspective child care that is professional and is able to reply with all that is required.
We thank you in advance and look forward to hearing from you.
Craft Ideas from Laura V!
Laura Villarreal said...
I've raised 2 kids and will share with you some of my favorite crafts:
1. Buy a box of Popsicle sticks form the craft store and they can stack and glue them into a box shape, glue them on construction paper and make a house etc..endless possibilities.
I've raised 2 kids and will share with you some of my favorite crafts:
1. Buy a box of Popsicle sticks form the craft store and they can stack and glue them into a box shape, glue them on construction paper and make a house etc..endless possibilities.
2. Make Playdough: 2 cups of flour, 2 cups of water, 1 cup of salt, 3 TB oil, 4 te cream of tarter. If using food coloring, add to water before mixing. Add all together and cook on med. heat till sticky and gathers in big lump and pulls away from side of pan. Cool and knead out the lumps.
3. Nature collages: Save cereal boxes to save the cardboard which is gives a nice weight to support collage. Have fun gathering leaves, twigs, pebbles etc. Let your kids have fun gluing the items to their cardboard.
4. Color Wall: Buy a roll of freezer paper (butcher paper) at the groc. store sold by the aluminum foil. Roll out large sections and tape to wall. The kids will love all of this large space to draw. You can also choose a wall in their room or play room and paint it will chalkboard paint found at Lowes's or Home Depot.
5. Edible Necklaces: Using Cheerios or Fruit Loops and some string or yarn, let them string them on the string and make a necklace. Good for hand/eye coordination!
6. Sponge Painting: Buy cheap sponges and cut them into various shapes. Cut 2 small slits on the top in the center and attach a clothespin. Kids can dip these into paint and press onto construction paper and use their imagination to create art.
7. Food Art: You can use a bag of macaroni and let them glue the pieces onto paper into art etc..
8. Homemade Fans: Draw a picture on a piece of construction paper or paper. Can color both sides. Show the child how to fold the paper back and forth into a fan shape using one inch folds. Get creative. They can also make all the folds and then color possibly coloring each panel.
9. Paper Bag Vest: Make a vest from paper bag by cutting a head hole, arm holes, and a fringe at the bottom. Your child can paint and decorate the vest. When it's dry they can wear it and add to their costume collection!
10. Create a Craft Box: Save egg crates, toilet paper and paper towel rolls, magazines, ribbon and wrapping paper scraps, paper plates,pipe cleaners, etc.. You can always pull this box out and let them get creative!
** I always had 2/3 books on hand that were my "go to" books for crafts, games, rainy days etc.. Many of these ideas came from "The Preschooolers Busy Book" by Trish Kuffner
** I always had 2/3 books on hand that were my "go to" books for crafts, games, rainy days etc.. Many of these ideas came from "The Preschooolers Busy Book" by Trish Kuffner
Tuesday
24/7 baby nurse
I am in negotiations for a baby nurse position for twin boys. It would be 24/7 care for 6-8 weeks. I have only done overnight care for 8 hour shifts at $35/hour.
I would be leaving my home and my fiance for the time period and I am unsure what to charge of what kind of schedule to propose for round the clock care.
If anyone has any input that would be great. If it helps located in southern California.
I would be leaving my home and my fiance for the time period and I am unsure what to charge of what kind of schedule to propose for round the clock care.
If anyone has any input that would be great. If it helps located in southern California.
Craft time!
We have received some requests for ideas on crafts! So - we will start - our friend, Laura V at Balloon and Novelty in Stafford, Texas. Balloon and Novelty (281-240-0788) sells many fun craft ideas at her store. (you can order online as well)
I have gotten a very good reaction from kids with their "Build a Sticker Scenes" The kids create a sticker scene with a background such as Tropical Fish, Farm Animals, Santa's Workshop and Valentine's Day. Best of all - I have a bunch of Valentine's Day sticker scenes I bought on sale last year.
We will send free sticker scenes to the 1st 20 people who send an email! We are just mailing out the free Emergen-c packets and we really appreciate the kind words from the soon to be recipients !
Below are the underwater scene as well as the Valentine's one.
Dynamo Juice from Trader Joe's.
This Juice is 100% juice! Dynamo w/calcium and NO artificial Flavors from Trader Joe's.
Juice blend from five concentrates with Calcium and other added ingredients. Excellent source of Calcium, Vitamins A, C, D & E and 8 B Vitamins. (Note, this has Vitamin D, very good for the Nanny community going thru very cold weather with not much sunshine!)
We learned about this juice from the staff at Trader Joe's while discussing ISYN and the emercen'c packets. Several people have already emailed requesting one... Have you requested your yet?
Do you have a Trader Joe's near you ?
What are your favorite ways to keep healthy while caring for your charges?
Thanks for reading!
Juice blend from five concentrates with Calcium and other added ingredients. Excellent source of Calcium, Vitamins A, C, D & E and 8 B Vitamins. (Note, this has Vitamin D, very good for the Nanny community going thru very cold weather with not much sunshine!)
We learned about this juice from the staff at Trader Joe's while discussing ISYN and the emercen'c packets. Several people have already emailed requesting one... Have you requested your yet?
Do you have a Trader Joe's near you ?
What are your favorite ways to keep healthy while caring for your charges?
Thanks for reading!
Sunday
Nuky Nuky! by "D"
It was a relaxing vacation. I was off for the better part of two weeks from my full time job and I did nothing but something called nothing during my vacation. The new year came around and I realized I had to work my weekend job. Let me tell you, it was hard getting up to be at M and DB's house at 715a on a Saturday morning. The kids were excited to see me, and it was the first time in six months that we didn't watch "Frozen" (my voice teacher says my cover of "Let It Go" isn't that bad, just not belted and sung lightly). Of course there was our three: Peppa, Paw Patrol and Bubble Guppies, plus Family Feud which the kids like. It was too cold to go outside-A is almost 3 and P is 18 months. I use our states DHFS childcare center regulation for being outside: 20* and above for under 2 years of age, and 0* and above for over 2 years of age. It was 25* with a windchill of 18*, so we didn't go outside. Maybe I should say screw the DHFS rules as a nanny, but hey, you don't want the little ones to get cold. We were inside all day, but we had fun. A long day, as I was done at 630p, even longer followed by grocery shopping after work.
Sunday was a little shorter, and once Sunday came around, I was back in "adult mode", and going back into my routine of working twelve days on between two jobs and two days off. A had a meltdown about something, and when she has these moments, I ignore her by telling her in a calm voice she needs to use words, because I cannot understand her when she cries. I go on about the morning, clearing breakfast dishes, sorting clothes, playing with P, etc. while she melts down. Sometimes she tries to kick or slap me, not because she is a mean child, but because she, as a preschooler, wants to test the limits. When she does this, I give her three warnings before putting her in her "spot", followed by the timer for 2:45 minutes. I still ignore her, and when she is done we discuss why she was upset and and the nice way to handle things. This works with her and everything is cool. She is a sweet, funny, charming child whom I love with all my heart.
I don't know what caused the meltdown. She kicked me, and I placed her in her spot, where she was screaming because she knew she made a bad choice. The next thing I know, P is having a meltdown as well, for what, I don't know. I'm keeping an eye on him so he doesn't fall and hurt himself, and while he is screaming, he's asking for a nuk. It's a guess where he learned to ask for a nuk during a temper tantrum, isn't it? I ignore him too, as I think the meltdown started largely because A started one. I have never had a toddler ask for nuk during a temper tantrum.
After a few minutes, everything was calm. We went outside, explored snow and ice and had fun. We ate lunch, took a nap and nobody had anymore meltdowns. I mentioned something to DB about his meltdown and I mentioned that he asked for a nuk during that time. DB tells me they give him a nuk to calm him down when he's upset. They are a sweet couple, yet sometimes I think they need to rethink their parenting.
When baby comes in July, A will be 3 years and 4 months, and P will be 2. Will nuks be given as a soothing calming during meltdowns and nap? I feel as though by giving a nuk on demand to calm down, nothing is being learned, such as self-soothing or regulation.
Personally, I want to throw the nuks out. I have to remember they are not my kids, yet I have free run of house when I am there. I'm considering stopping use of the nuk during nap for P, just to see what happens, because my feeling is that once baby comes, it will be harder for him to give up the nuk.
If nuks are given out for comfort, nannies should get naps, lovies and chocolate in their work agreements.
Our lives as nannies....but we love it.
Sunday was a little shorter, and once Sunday came around, I was back in "adult mode", and going back into my routine of working twelve days on between two jobs and two days off. A had a meltdown about something, and when she has these moments, I ignore her by telling her in a calm voice she needs to use words, because I cannot understand her when she cries. I go on about the morning, clearing breakfast dishes, sorting clothes, playing with P, etc. while she melts down. Sometimes she tries to kick or slap me, not because she is a mean child, but because she, as a preschooler, wants to test the limits. When she does this, I give her three warnings before putting her in her "spot", followed by the timer for 2:45 minutes. I still ignore her, and when she is done we discuss why she was upset and and the nice way to handle things. This works with her and everything is cool. She is a sweet, funny, charming child whom I love with all my heart.
I don't know what caused the meltdown. She kicked me, and I placed her in her spot, where she was screaming because she knew she made a bad choice. The next thing I know, P is having a meltdown as well, for what, I don't know. I'm keeping an eye on him so he doesn't fall and hurt himself, and while he is screaming, he's asking for a nuk. It's a guess where he learned to ask for a nuk during a temper tantrum, isn't it? I ignore him too, as I think the meltdown started largely because A started one. I have never had a toddler ask for nuk during a temper tantrum.
After a few minutes, everything was calm. We went outside, explored snow and ice and had fun. We ate lunch, took a nap and nobody had anymore meltdowns. I mentioned something to DB about his meltdown and I mentioned that he asked for a nuk during that time. DB tells me they give him a nuk to calm him down when he's upset. They are a sweet couple, yet sometimes I think they need to rethink their parenting.
When baby comes in July, A will be 3 years and 4 months, and P will be 2. Will nuks be given as a soothing calming during meltdowns and nap? I feel as though by giving a nuk on demand to calm down, nothing is being learned, such as self-soothing or regulation.
Personally, I want to throw the nuks out. I have to remember they are not my kids, yet I have free run of house when I am there. I'm considering stopping use of the nuk during nap for P, just to see what happens, because my feeling is that once baby comes, it will be harder for him to give up the nuk.
If nuks are given out for comfort, nannies should get naps, lovies and chocolate in their work agreements.
Our lives as nannies....but we love it.
Now or Never...
I have worked with my current family for about a year in half. They have one 22 month old and trying for another baby. I am very blessed with the family I work for.
My husband and I plan to adopted (our first) baby/toddler by end of year. I would like to continuing working. When and how is a good time to bring it up.
My husband and I plan to adopted (our first) baby/toddler by end of year. I would like to continuing working. When and how is a good time to bring it up.
Saturday
Fun and Easy Snacks from our reader Jaxx!!
Magic wands:
Heat oven to 375
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
Cut 2 tortillas into 3/4-inch-wide strips
Bake for 2 minutes
Flip over
Bake for another 1-2 minutes
Use a pastry brush to lightly coat each baked wand with melted butter
Sprinkle on some colored sugar
Complements of the Disney cook book
Here is a fun treat for a party! Or just because!
Funfetti dip:
Heat oven to 375
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
Cut 2 tortillas into 3/4-inch-wide strips
Bake for 2 minutes
Flip over
Bake for another 1-2 minutes
Use a pastry brush to lightly coat each baked wand with melted butter
Sprinkle on some colored sugar
Complements of the Disney cook book
Here is a fun treat for a party! Or just because!
Funfetti dip:
1 box confetti cake mix
2 cups cool whip
2 cups vanilla Greek yogurt
Mix together and eat with teddy grahams or graham crackers
Keep refrigerated
2 cups cool whip
2 cups vanilla Greek yogurt
Mix together and eat with teddy grahams or graham crackers
Keep refrigerated
Winter Boots
No matter if you are a preschool teacher trying to get 20 children dressed for outdoor play or if you are a nanny of children all different ages, you will read this and see yourself( if you live in the cold and snowy areas).
My principal emailed this to me:
winter boots:
Johnny asked for help and she could see why.
With her pulling and pushing, the boots didn't want to go on.
When the second boot was on, she was out of breath.
She almost whimpered when little Johnny said, "teacher/nanny they are on the wrong feet."
she looked and sure enough, they were. It wasn't any easier pulling the boots off than putting them on. She managed to keep her cool as they worked together to get the boots back on-this time the right feet.
Little Johnny then announced, 'these aren't my boots!"
she bit her tongue rather than scream, "why didn't you say the before!?"like she wanted to. Once again she struggled to help him pull his boots off.
He then said , "these aren't my boots. My mom made me wear them!"
she didn't know if she should laugh or cry. She mustered up the grace to wrestle the boots back onto his feet again. She said "now where are your mittens?"
little Johnny said, " i stuffed them in the toes of my boots......
My principal emailed this to me:
winter boots:
Johnny asked for help and she could see why.
With her pulling and pushing, the boots didn't want to go on.
When the second boot was on, she was out of breath.
She almost whimpered when little Johnny said, "teacher/nanny they are on the wrong feet."
she looked and sure enough, they were. It wasn't any easier pulling the boots off than putting them on. She managed to keep her cool as they worked together to get the boots back on-this time the right feet.
Little Johnny then announced, 'these aren't my boots!"
she bit her tongue rather than scream, "why didn't you say the before!?"like she wanted to. Once again she struggled to help him pull his boots off.
He then said , "these aren't my boots. My mom made me wear them!"
she didn't know if she should laugh or cry. She mustered up the grace to wrestle the boots back onto his feet again. She said "now where are your mittens?"
little Johnny said, " i stuffed them in the toes of my boots......
Thursday
FREE Gift to Readers/Posters ( help with colds/hydration)
From an idea from admin SS and an anonymous poster: Emergen-C and Electrolyte Enhanced Water have proven very effective in helping immune systems in extreme heat and cold. EC in particular tastes good, has no sugar and more minerals and vitamins to count here.
We will send a free packet of Emergen - C to the 1st 50 of you guys who email us with your address, it can be a business address and we will not keep the addresses, it's not advertising - just to do something helpful.
We will send a free packet of Emergen - C to the 1st 50 of you guys who email us with your address, it can be a business address and we will not keep the addresses, it's not advertising - just to do something helpful.
Colorado Nannies Beware
A MB with the initials NL is going thru about 1 live in nanny per month, kicking them out when they find out she is dishonest, trying not to pay ;(
Wednesday
Life in the day of a young toddler's nanny
5:00 am Wake up and feel like crap and can barely breathe out of your nose
6:00am Take Dayquail, get dress and head out into 20° weather
7:00 arrive at NF home. MB is at the gym
7:15-7:30 DB gives basically no detail about toddler's night(sleep training has begun but C has been teething since 5 months and its impossible)
7:30-8 change diaper...give C milk while she does every animal sound you give(proud nanny! She's 14 months and knows 10 animal sounds)
8-8:30 MB is home and gives all of C's information from last night( no sleep of course, only a three hour stretch)
8:30-9 bounce C to sleep since this is the only way to get her to sleep
9-9:15 cough your brains out and wake up C :(
9:45-10:15 you finally lay C down and head downstairs to wash sippy cups
10:15-10:35 bounce C back to sleep
12:30-1 lunch time! C doesn't want to eat anything but hummus and cheese(yum!) MB works from home so she suggests yogurt
1-3 play, read and watch the itsy bitsy spider about a million times
3-3:30 bounce C to sleep while she cries her brains out and you sneeze yours out(still can't breathe)
3:30-4:30 clean and sanitize playroom since toddler L from yesterday but her mouth on everything
4:30-MB says you can go home early since you aren't feeling well :)
6:00am Take Dayquail, get dress and head out into 20° weather
7:00 arrive at NF home. MB is at the gym
7:15-7:30 DB gives basically no detail about toddler's night(sleep training has begun but C has been teething since 5 months and its impossible)
7:30-8 change diaper...give C milk while she does every animal sound you give(proud nanny! She's 14 months and knows 10 animal sounds)
8-8:30 MB is home and gives all of C's information from last night( no sleep of course, only a three hour stretch)
8:30-9 bounce C to sleep since this is the only way to get her to sleep
9-9:15 cough your brains out and wake up C :(
9:45-10:15 you finally lay C down and head downstairs to wash sippy cups
10:15-10:35 bounce C back to sleep
12:30-1 lunch time! C doesn't want to eat anything but hummus and cheese(yum!) MB works from home so she suggests yogurt
1-3 play, read and watch the itsy bitsy spider about a million times
3-3:30 bounce C to sleep while she cries her brains out and you sneeze yours out(still can't breathe)
3:30-4:30 clean and sanitize playroom since toddler L from yesterday but her mouth on everything
4:30-MB says you can go home early since you aren't feeling well :)
Tuesday
Insurance Question
What health insurance provider do you use? Why is it great? Please list your State.
Wintertime Blues
This summer me and the twins went to the zoo at least once a week until it got to be too cold, we live in Wisconsin. It was so much fun (my boyfriend actually got upset because I went with them every week but didn't go with him, oops!) Their mom ended up buying a pass for the children's museum and I was so excited! She wanted to find something for us to do for the winter months so we wouldn't be cooped up! I love our children's museum and we have already used it enough for it to have paid for itself :) I have also started taking them to story time on Thursdays and they seems really enjoy that!
It's only the End of December and I'm already dreading the next few months. I am allowed to drive the girls, and have no problem doing so. But I do not want to go to the museum or story time if the weather conditions are bad. I am not going to put the girls in unnecessary risk in a Wisconsin winter. I know I can make it, I did it last year! I love to do crafts with the girls, but you can only make so many of them! Also, I am willing to bring my snow boots and play in the snow with them, but they only want to be outside for a short time since it's so cold out. Does anyone else live in an area that gets really cold and snowy? What do you do for fun? The girls I watch are 2 and we live near a bigger city, but live in the suburbs around it with not a lot to walk to in winter time.
It's only the End of December and I'm already dreading the next few months. I am allowed to drive the girls, and have no problem doing so. But I do not want to go to the museum or story time if the weather conditions are bad. I am not going to put the girls in unnecessary risk in a Wisconsin winter. I know I can make it, I did it last year! I love to do crafts with the girls, but you can only make so many of them! Also, I am willing to bring my snow boots and play in the snow with them, but they only want to be outside for a short time since it's so cold out. Does anyone else live in an area that gets really cold and snowy? What do you do for fun? The girls I watch are 2 and we live near a bigger city, but live in the suburbs around it with not a lot to walk to in winter time.
Survey - Legal Issues
Have you ever had any legal issues with your families and how did you handle your situation?
Two More Bonuses
* Bonus this year (2015): $50
* Your weekly salary: $20-30/hour (full time nanny, part time nanny share)
* Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus: $50 to the movies, chocolates
* Length of time you have worked for the Family: One month, only as needed. Full time starts in a few weeks.
* City, State and Country where you live: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
* Additional comments: The family is beautifully nice to me. I just moved here from the US, and they have been so helpful and wonderful to me! It's 11 month old twins, plus a one year old nanny share.
* Bonus this year (2015): $1,000
* Your weekly salary: Full time- $1250/week (52 weeks per year) plus cash for extra hours worked
* Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus: Gift from kids costing approx $100- 2 weeks off ( I get about 6-7 weeks vacation per year with at least two weeks off over Christmas)
* Length of time you have worked for the Family: 3 years
* City, State and Country where you live: MetroWest Boston MA
* Additional comments: I am expecting my first baby and will remain employed by this family at my full salary after a 3 month leave
* Your weekly salary: $20-30/hour (full time nanny, part time nanny share)
* Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus: $50 to the movies, chocolates
* Length of time you have worked for the Family: One month, only as needed. Full time starts in a few weeks.
* City, State and Country where you live: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
* Additional comments: The family is beautifully nice to me. I just moved here from the US, and they have been so helpful and wonderful to me! It's 11 month old twins, plus a one year old nanny share.
* Bonus this year (2015): $1,000
* Your weekly salary: Full time- $1250/week (52 weeks per year) plus cash for extra hours worked
* Any supplementary gifts aside from the Bonus: Gift from kids costing approx $100- 2 weeks off ( I get about 6-7 weeks vacation per year with at least two weeks off over Christmas)
* Length of time you have worked for the Family: 3 years
* City, State and Country where you live: MetroWest Boston MA
* Additional comments: I am expecting my first baby and will remain employed by this family at my full salary after a 3 month leave
Monday
Question...Am I Wrong?
I've been working for this one family for 3 years now. The children are 6 and 4 and their dad has never once said anything about wanting cameras till this past week,he got them and set them up today. He told me about them right away but I still feel like its a invasion of my privacy even though I knew about them. Am I in the wrong?
Friday
Bad Parent Report
Date : Dec 30 2015 app 1pm
Location : Walmart @ Fry and Little York, Houston Tx
From V. E. a concerned father
Dear Walmart Bad Parents:
I saw you and your family passing these around, just laughing and sharing in the holiday merriment. I could not tell what you were saying. Maybe you were sharing family stories. You all appear to be a close knit family from the oldest looking to the toddler in the grocery basket. All were having a grand time, laughing and smiling, passing around those grapes. I am not sure why you did not purchase them. I am not sure what the price per pound was, but since you had eaten half of them, then they should not have cost that much, right? You had your own 50% off sale going on but instead of purchasing them you left them at the register.
That translates into theft. As a dad, I teach myself the opposite of these values I just witnessed. Hopefully you understand why I was looking at you like you did something wrong - because you did!
Location : Walmart @ Fry and Little York, Houston Tx
From V. E. a concerned father
Dear Walmart Bad Parents:
I saw you and your family passing these around, just laughing and sharing in the holiday merriment. I could not tell what you were saying. Maybe you were sharing family stories. You all appear to be a close knit family from the oldest looking to the toddler in the grocery basket. All were having a grand time, laughing and smiling, passing around those grapes. I am not sure why you did not purchase them. I am not sure what the price per pound was, but since you had eaten half of them, then they should not have cost that much, right? You had your own 50% off sale going on but instead of purchasing them you left them at the register.
That translates into theft. As a dad, I teach myself the opposite of these values I just witnessed. Hopefully you understand why I was looking at you like you did something wrong - because you did!
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