Posts Tagged ‘South Florida babysitters’
5 Fun Ways to Make Your Easter Egg Hunt Exciting for Kids
Wanting to make your next Easter Egg Hunt fun for the kids? Check out these five ways to make your next hunt something the kids will enjoy!
- Glow-in-the-Dark Easter Egg Hunt: Paint the Easter eggs with glow-in-the-dark paint and hide them in a dark room or outside at
night. Give each child a flashlight to help them find the eggs.
- Puzzle Piece Easter Egg Hunt: Hide puzzle pieces inside each Easter egg and challenge the kids to find all the pieces and put the puzzle together.
- Scavenger Hunt Easter Egg Hunt: Create a series of clues or riddles that lead the kids from one egg to the next until they find all the eggs.
- Color-Coded Easter Egg Hunt: Assign each child a specific color of egg to find, and only hide that color egg in their designated area. This makes the hunt more challenging and competitive.
- Treasure Map Easter Egg Hunt: Draw a treasure map with clues that lead the kids to the hidden Easter eggs. Kids will love following the map and finding the treasure at the end.
These are just a few fun ways to make Easter egg hunting more exciting and engaging for kids. Be creative and have fun!
The professionals at TLC Family Care personally assist nannies, babysitters and families in St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, Miami and Orlando to find the right childcare arrangement. Our mission is to provide a safe and personalized approach for families and caregivers to connect with each other that is not an internet search. TLC has worked with families, nannies, sitters, newborn care providers, and tutors for over 35 years and looks forward to working with you! To find great nanny and babysitting jobs visit us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or Call 314-725-5660.
Creatively Entertain Kids At Home
When hiring a babysitter to supervise their kids, parents don’t want someone to come over and watch TV. They want a sitter who will interact and play with the kids. If you do a good job and you and the kids have fun the parents will request you back next time.
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from series learning. But for children, play is series learning. Play is the work of childhood.” Fred Rogers
Here are a few ideas you can do next time you are babysitting.
- Play dress up: collect fun hats, jewelry, clothing and props for the “dress-up box.”
- Play cards and board games: don’t forget favorites like Hi Ho Cherry-O, Old Maid, Go Fish, Checkers, etc.
- Have a puppet show: make puppets out of lunch sacks and construction paper.
- Dance: turn up the tunes from Sesame Street, Radio Disney, and Wee-Sing for a toe-tapping good time.
- Make jewelry using yarn and a variety of pasta shapes. You can paint them too.
- Paint a shirt, hat or tote bag using fabric paint.
- Have a treasure hunt hide things around the yard or house and have the children find them.
- Make musical instruments use spoons, pots and pans, paper towel rolls, paper plates and dried beans… and MARCH!
- Build a “fort” using boxes and old blankets.
- Make homemade holiday cards cards will all be more special when made by the little ones.
The professionals at TLC Family Care personally assist nannies, babysitters and families in St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, Miami and Orlando to find the right childcare arrangement. Our mission is to provide a safe and personalized approach for families and caregivers to connect with each other that is not an internet search. TLC has worked with families, nannies, sitters, newborn care providers, and tutors for over 35 years and looks forward to working with you! To find great nanny and babysitting jobs visit us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or Call 314-725-5660.
Top 5 Nanny Sites You Should Be Following
The nanny world is full of resources and information for nannies, parents and agencies. We’ve pulled together 5 of our favorites that we think you should be checking out for the information they provide.
- Nanny Magazine. This is the only publication for nannies featuring advice, industry news, insights and inspiration. They offer free articles and a subscription with subscriber only content.
- International Nanny Association. The longest running nanny organization serving the in-home child care industry, INA bring together all aspects of this industry – nannies, newborn care specialists, parents, agencies, training programs and service providers. With Recommended Practices for Nannies to the INA Nanny Credential Exam, the INA has it covered. Check out their resources for Parents and their annual conference, happening May 2023 in Orlando.
- Sproutable provides continuing education for nannies and parents including Positive Discipline, and guidance from newborn to teens.
- Nanny Care Hub. NCH is the site of industry advocate and veteran nanny Lora Brawley. Check out the blog of General information, Parenting and Nanny Life.
- Practically Perfect Podcast. The musings of two veteran nannies, Lora Brawley and Sue Downey, they bring hot topics in the industry straight to listeners everywhere.
The professionals at TLC Family Care personally assist nannies, babysitters and families in St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, Miami and Orlando to find the right childcare arrangement. Our mission is to provide a safe and personalized approach for families and caregivers to connect with each other that is not an internet search. TLC has worked with families, nannies, sitters, newborn care providers, and tutors for over 35 years and looks forward to working with you! To find great nanny and babysitting jobs visit us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or Call 314-725-5660.
Tips on Finding a Nanny
Almost all busy, working parents need a nanny to take care of their child and, sometimes, their household chores. Finding a nanny is not an easy thing to do. TLC is here to help navigate hiring a nanny. Before you start your search, here are some tips to get you ready:
When finding a nanny, you need to identify the number of hours that you will require the nanny to work. If you are that busy and if your schedule frequently changes, you should make sure that you will inform your nanny beforehand if you need her to stay with your child overtime so that she can make the necessary adjustments in her personal life. The nanny may feel taken advantage of if you are constantly requiring her to work more than the hours you agreed upon when you hired her.
It is important that you decide on the pay right from the start. Consider the amount that you can afford before finding a nanny. Be sure to take into consideration taxes, overtime, and overall costs associated with having a third person in your household. Ask people you know who have nannies how much pay they provide so you have a realistic basis. Live-in nannies get pay plus room and board. Some families allow nannies the use of a car and other perks such as gym membership, paid vacations and educational stipend.
When finding a nanny, you also need to consider the fact that you will become an employer so you need to take care of completing all of the necessary legal employment documents required by the government and pay all necessary taxes, Medicare and social security. Both you and your nanny will have to pay certain taxes. TLC can recommend a tax service to help you in your nanny employment.
In finding a nanny, it is important that you and the nanny are in the same page when it comes to disciplining your child so make sure to discuss with your prospects what is acceptable and what is not and be sure that all of your terms are understood. Also discuss goals for your child, educational aspects, and whether your nanny can take the child/children places outside the home – library, play groups, parks, zoo, etc.
Nannies require time off like any regular employee. At the same time, make sure to pay your nanny for overtime work or of you asked her to work during her supposed time off. If there is a need for the nanny to travel along with you and your family, you should cover all of her expenses plus her regular pay.
All the items we’ve discussed should be laid out in a work agreement signed by both the parents and the nanny.
When you make an offer that shows a prospective nanny that you respect their profession and value their services enough to give them honest pay and good working schedule, then finding a nanny should come easy.
TLC can help when it comes time to hire your nanny. We meet each caregiver prior to placing them, and work with you and the nanny to find the best fit. Give us a call and find out how we can help you find the best caregiver for your family.
The professionals at TLC Family Care personally assist nannies, babysitters and families in St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, Miami and Orlando to find the right childcare arrangement. Our mission is to provide a safe and personalized approach for families and caregivers to connect with each other that is not an internet search. TLC has worked with families, nannies, sitters, newborn care providers, and tutors for over 35 years and looks forward to working with you! To find great nanny and babysitting jobs visit us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or Call 314-725-5660.
Gifts to Give Your Nanny this Christmas
It is not too late to find a great gift for your nanny or babysitter. Your nanny takes care of your precious kids. It is time to give her something to let her know how much you appreciate her.
Below find our Top 10 for 2022 when it comes to Nanny Gifts!
- Holiday Bonus
- Homemade gifts from the kids
- Extra paid time off
- Membership to a gym or club she enjoys
- Monthly Allowance toward Health Insurance
- Entertainment tickets (movie passes, concert tickets, sporting events)
- Updated phone, I-pad, computer
- Reimbursement for continuing education or seminar expenses
- Items from the Nanny Tees, AliceJoy Creations Etsy Shop, My Nanny Gift, or Nanny Years shops.
- Gift Cards – favorite store, Amazon, local bookstore, coffee shop, spa!
You can check out our Pinterest boards for cute craft ideas the kids can make too!
The professionals at TLC Family Care personally assist nannies, babysitters and families in St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, Miami and Orlando to find the right childcare arrangement. Our mission is to provide a safe and personalized approach for families and caregivers to connect with each other that is not an internet search. TLC has worked with families, nannies, sitters, newborn care providers, and tutors for over 35 years and looks forward to working with you! To find great nanny and babysitting jobs visit us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or Call 314-725-5660.
Making the Holidays more Meaningful
With the holidays looking much different than years past, families are getting creative in how their holidays will be spent this year. We have put together some ideas on how you can make the holidays more meaningful for all.
Giving Back
One of the best ways to make the holidays more meaningful is to give back. Make baked goods or a meal for someone in need, or just to let someone know you’re thinking of them. Donate winter clothing and toiletries to a local shelter. Buy gift cards for first responders and essential workers to purchase meals at local restaurants. Adopt a local family hit hard this year, and purchase gifts and groceries.
Get Creative
Set up a family craft night and everyone make holiday decorations for the tree and around the house or make for others as gifts. How about a family gingerbread house making contest? Make holiday cards for essential workers and senior citizens who can’t be with their families this year. Make someone’s holiday special letting them know you are thinking of them.
Holiday Traditions
Create new holiday traditions this year! Maybe a family scavenger hunt? Or how about a family sing-along via Zoom? Have each family member write down what they are thankful for this year and place on the tree. On Christmas morning, everyone reads their contribution.
Family connection
We may not be able to be with extended family in-person this year, but we can still be together. Set up Zoom calls or Facebook video chat. Set up games you can play from afar. Have your children interview their grandparents and get to know more about when they were children and share memories of holidays they remember. Record and write these down to share in years to come. Place photos of family members who cannot be with you on the tree, around the table, or make a festive display.
Celebrate a Different Culture
Consider celebrating another culture this holiday season. Research how other cultures celebrate the holidays – traditions, foods, songs, language, and clothing. Embrace one, or more different cultures into your holiday celebrations this year.
Furry & Feathered Friends
Decorate the outdoors with handmade bird feeders made of seeds, pinecones, and peanut butter. How about a garland of popcorn and apple and orange slices? Set out apples and carrots for other wildlife to enjoy a holiday feast
Record Your Memories
Take all the photos and video you have taken this year and create a holiday greeting for friends and loved ones. Let each family member make a special message for loved ones and share. Email to friends and family to enjoy and encourage them to do the same.
While the holidays will be different this year, new and exciting traditions and memories can be made. Happy Holidays from all of us here at TLC Family Care.
The Benefits of Nanny Care
Our guest blog comes from Sue Downey, Nannypalooza
Happy National Nanny Recognition Week. It is a week of celebrating in the nanny community. Last year I wrote a blog post about what NNRW means to me. I love celebrating nanny care. It has been a great career for me and the community of nannies means quite a great deal to me.
But NNRW is also a great opportunity for us and I am not sure we are doing enough to capitalize on it. The nanny industry as a whole has changed immensely in the past few years. Big sites like Care dot come have increased not only our visibility but also have made having a nanny something that even more families desire. There are more and more nannies across the U.S., and not just in the big East and West coast cities where they have been for decades. It is not uncommon to find families looking for nannies in cities like St. Louis, Cincinnati and Dallas. It is not only for the ultra wealthy families anymore either. Certainly, having a nanny is more expensive than other forms of child care, but more and more upper middle class families see the benefit and decide to make the sacrifice necessary.
Read more benefits of Nanny Care by Sue.
The professionals at TLC Family Care personally assist nannies, babysitters and families in St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, Miami and Orlando to find the right childcare arrangement. Our mission is to provide a safe and personalized approach for families and caregivers to connect with each other that is not an internet search. TLC has worked with families, nannies, sitters, newborn care providers, and tutors for over 35 years and looks forward to working with you! To find great nanny and babysitting jobs visit us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or Call 314-725-5660.
Should You Consider an After School Nanny?
Back to school is right around the corner. Have you considered your child care needs?
Thanks to HomeWork Solutions for this insight into hiring an after school nanny.
Your children are in elementary school full time and you and your partner are working full time. After school childcare is a priority. Your son wants to participate in an after-school computer program once a week, and your daughter wants to play fall soccer. Mom and dad have demanding jobs, and just getting a healthy dinner together can be a major challenge. You wonder, are there after school nannies?
Yes, many families turn to after school nanny care.
While there are certainly candidates looking for long term part time nanny positions, families find it can be challenging to hire reliable part time help. You don’t want to hire a part time nanny who is working for you until a full time opportunity comes along. Experts agree, the more hours offered the better, and the more competitive the pay the better.
Many families look to college students but be aware their availability may change semester to semester.
You will still need coverage for school closures, teacher work days and when child is sick – the after school nanny may or may not be flexible enough to help here.
The professionals at TLC Family Care personally assist nannies, babysitters and families in St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, Miami and Orlando to find the right childcare arrangement. Our mission is to provide a safe and personalized approach for families and caregivers to connect with each other that is not an internet search. TLC has worked with families, nannies, sitters, newborn care providers, and tutors for over 35 years and looks forward to working with you! To find great nanny and babysitting jobs visit us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or Call 314-725-5660.
Six Back-to-School Lunchbox Ideas
It’s time for your child to head back to school. You roll your eyes, because that means coming up with a new lunch five times a week, for the rest of the school year. What’s a parent to do? Here are some ideas for creative and healthy lunchbox ideas that you can send to school with your child.
- Bento Boxes
Bento boxes are originally from Japan, and they are a very creative way to serve your child food. There are containers especially made for this purpose, or else you can simply use a variety of boxes in an assortment of sizes that you already have.
Bento box food is generally shaped to look like flowers, animals or cartoon characters. The sky is the limit as far as creativity. There are plenty of websites dedicated solely to this artistic endeavor. Check them out and make your child’s lunch fun each and every day.
- Pasta
Pasta is an easy and quick lunchbox idea. Make a batch early in the week and then load it up with various vegetables and sauces to make many different options. You can pair spaghetti noodles with green peas and Parmesan, or add broccoli and a simple yet delicious tomato sauce to pasta shells.
- Sandwiches
Sandwiches have been an old lunch standby for as long as most of us can remember, but they are not to be scoffed at. There is almost nothing you cannot add between two pieces of bread that does not automatically become delicious. From peanut butter to BLTs, sandwiches filled the lunch boxes of our own childhood and continue to do so for our children.
Keep them fresh by storing any vegetables or other moist food in a separate container, so your child can put it all together directly before consuming it. Add new tastes to expand your child’s palate and prevent boredom, such as wasabi or sriracha mayo.
- Veggie Burritos
Why not turn an old favorite into a new lunch idea for your school-age child? Veggie burritos are easy to make and easy to store. What’s not to love about that? Simply choose a type each of beans, veggies, cheese and sauce, and then wrap it up. Your child will never get tired of all the options and combinations available.
- Soup
Soup is another great lunchbox standby. With all the thermoses and container options out there, it is easy to find something to keep it in, even keeping it warm until being eaten. A broth filled with numerous kinds of vegetables such as cauliflower, carrots, broccoli, zucchini and onions is healthy and lasts well in a lunchbox. Simply add a piece of bread and a few cheese sticks for a healthy, well-rounded meal.
- Salads
Salad is a great lunch option, and it does not have to be boring. Load it up with chickpeas, nuts, seeds, and top it off with a healthy dressing for a lunch your child will thank you for. There are now salad storage containers sold even at the big box stores that have special compartments to fit all the components of the salad – even tiny squeeze bottles for the dressing.
With all the options available, there is no reason for your child to get bored with their school lunches. Thanks to a variety of storage options, your child’s lunch can safely wait for lunch break and not even go bad. Fill up your child’s lunchbox with healthy meals to keep your child fueled all day long.
The professionals at TLC Family Care personally assist nannies, babysitters and families in St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, Miami and Orlando to find the right childcare arrangement. Our mission is to provide a safe and personalized approach for families and caregivers to connect with each other that is not an internet search. TLC has worked with families, nannies, sitters, newborn care providers, and tutors for over 35 years and looks forward to working with you! To find great nanny and babysitting jobs visit us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or Call 314-725-5660.
Back to School!
Yikes! It’s August and that means back to school time. Stores have school supplies out and teachers are getting their classrooms ready. Are you ready for school to start this year?
The first thing working parents can do ensure a great school year is to line up childcare. TLC For Kids can help with all your back to school childcare needs. We can help with St. Louis after school nannies. And our temporary babysitting staff can help with days off. TLC For Kids even has emergency service that can help with last minute sick care needs..
After your lined up your childcare it’s time to get organized! Organizing means decluttering! Find the places in your house where papers gather and to through it. Anything from last school year or summer camps can be trashed. Things that you thought you were going to do this summer and didn’t can be thrown away. Then go through your kids room and do the same thing. Projects from the previous school year can be packed away or recycled to make room for things from this upcoming year.
Pull out anything you will need to start this school year. Things like your school supply list, immunization records, reading lists, and the school calendar. Review these papers and make sure you have everything you need to get the school year started on the right foot!
What are your tips for getting organized for the school year?
The professionals at TLC Family Care personally assist nannies, babysitters and families in St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, Miami and Orlando to find the right childcare arrangement. Our mission is to provide a safe and personalized approach for families and caregivers to connect with each other that is not an internet search. TLC has worked with families, nannies, sitters, newborn care providers, and tutors for over 35 years and looks forward to working with you! To find great nanny and babysitting jobs visit us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or Call 314-725-5660.