Posts Tagged ‘St. Louis babysitting agency’
Summer Safety Tips for Children with Special Needs
Summertime safety is a big concern for most parents, simply because many children get long breaks from school and are either home all day or with a caregiver. During the school year, it’s comforting to know your child is safe in a classroom with a competent teacher, but during summer months, it can be difficult not to worry. When your child has special needs, that worry is magnified tenfold.
It takes a little planning, but it is possible to have a relatively stress-free summer along with your child. With some preparation, communication, and careful planning, you can figure out a way for your child to be safe and have fun at the same time. Here are some of the best tips.
Summer Nanny
If your child will be with a nanny during the day, it’s important to maintain communication with them at all times and let them know what to expect at the beginning of each day. If they’ll be taking your child outside the home–to a park or playground, for instance–you might consider making a visit there first to check out the equipment and to see what sort of surfaces there are. Playgrounds with mulch are much preferable to those with gravel or concrete.
Keep a contact list for the nanny with detailed instructions on what they need to tell a first responder about your child’s medical needs should an accident occur. This includes any allergies, your child’s official diagnosis, and any medications they are taking.
Make sure to communicate to the nanny that being well-rested is important when they are spending time with your child. The benefits of a good night’s sleep are invaluable, whereas too little sleep could negatively affect their ability to function rationally and quickly.
Outdoor safety
Teaching your child how to be safe outside is imperative for summer months, and this includes water and pedestrian safety. Educating them about crosswalks, how to look both ways for vehicles, holding hands before crossing, and staying away from parked cars will go a long way in giving you peace of mind when they aren’t with you.
For water safety, consider enrolling your child in a swim class. Many children on the autism spectrum love the feel of water, so it’s especially important to teach your child how to stay safe when swimming. Always drain kids’ pools after use and consider installing motion sensors near in-ground or large above-ground pools if you have a child who wanders.
Always have your child use a helmet and knee/elbow pads when they are using any equipment that moves, such as a bike, scooter, or roller skates. Make sure the helmet and pads fit well and are in good shape.
Watch the heat index
Many children with special needs have a decreased tolerance for heat, so it’s important to follow the weather reports and prepare. Dehydration can occur quickly and with little warning, but some signs to look for are headache, nausea, cramps, dry mouth, irritability, fatigue, and few trips to the bathroom. Urine will be dark in color. If your child has any of these symptoms, get them into a cool, shady spot immediately and give them water to drink. A cool washcloth on the back of the neck can help if one is available.
Summer can bring lots of things to think about, but with a little bit of planning and good communication, you can make it a fun time for everyone involved.
TLC for Kids has caregivers who have experience working with children who have special needs. To learn more about TLC for Kids visit the website at tlcforkids.com
Thank you to our guest writer Sean Morris!
Sean Morris is a former social worker turned stay-at-home dad. He knows what it’s like to juggle family and career. He did it for years until deciding to become a stay-at-home dad after the birth of his son. Though he loved his career in social work, he has found this additional time with his kids to be the most rewarding experience of his life. He began writing for LearnFit.org to share his experiences and to help guide anyone struggling to find the best path for their life, career, and/or 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.
Summer and Vacation Scheduling with a Nanny
Our guest post today comes from HomeWork Solutions.
Most nannies and their employers have a very informal work relationship, without any formal written agreement. The work and pay related details that most employers take for granted – Paid Time Off (sick/vacation/personal) and vacation scheduling – are gray clouds over the nanny’s head. Many wonder, and are afraid to ask, will I be
paid?
Most nanny employers have established rules in their workplace – paid holidays, a paid vacation policy, and colleagues to share the work load when one is absent. Nannies often have none of these things formalized.
As a rule of thumb, the full time nanny should be paid for any regularly scheduled day when she is available to work and the family, for any reason, decides they don’t need her. This includes holidays such as the 4th of July as well as the family’s beach week. The full time nanny should have an agreed number of Paid Time Off (PTO) or flex days available to her and reasonable latitude to schedule her personal vacation, etc. She may have some scheduling limitations, agreed to in advance, as to the timing and duration of vacation time, but should have reasonable discretion in the matter.
Continue reading for information on part-time and summer nannies.
Summer Nannies Are Here
When Spring Break hits parents start thinking about summer and summer childcare.
TLC for Kids can help you with your summer childcare needs. We have wonderful nannies that are interested in securing work for the summer. Hiring a nanny is the best option for Atlanta, Nashville, Memphis, Chicago, Charlotte, Florida and St. Louis families’, whether you are looking for full-time or part-time childcare.
Hiring a summer nanny from TLC is like having your very own camp counselor! Summer nannies will schedule fun parent approved outings for the kids like going to the amusement park, swimming, museum, bowling, play groups, the zoo and more. TLC summer nannies will also do tutoring over the summer so that your kids are on track for their upcoming school year.
Since we have so many nannies available, we are able to offer our registered clients substantial savings on a summer placement. Give me a call to discuss discounts for full-time, part-time, and long term temp (up to two months) placements.
Click on our summer nanny parent application to start your search. If you have any questions please give us a call.
And don’t forget we have great babysitters available for weekends, days, and evenings too.
Already have a summer nanny? For each referral you send us you will earn credits toward upcoming TLC services.
Happy Spring!
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.
Give Mom the Gift of Time for Mother’s Day
Give mom something she really wants for Mother’s Day … time! Book a sitter today and give mom a much needed day of pampering, lunch and movie with a friend, or make it just the two of you 
with a delicious brunch.
Our sitters will take care of the kids while you take care of mom.
Don’t forget that TLC is here to help you with all your in-home child care needs. If you are interested in hiring a full time, part time, summer or after school nanny visit our website at tlcforkids.com.
Looking for some great ideas to make something special for mom? Check out our Pinterest full of ideas for all ages.
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.
What is a Nanny?
A nanny is a caregiver who comes to your home and cares for your children. When you hire a nanny, your children will receive one-on-one attention from an experienced caregiver in their own home environment.
We’ve listed below the different types of nannies and the placements that TLC for Kids offers.
Live-Out
The live-out caregiver typically comes to your home for a 9-10-hour day, 8 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m., five days a week. You and your live-out caregiver will arrange a set weekly schedule, with weekend care arranged separately. It is the responsibility of the nanny to provide her own transportation to and from your home. The beauty of this arrangement is that your nanny will have a life of her own when she leaves her job. This allows her to relax and rejuvenate before her morning return. The live-out nanny may cost a little more, but she is generally more independent and fulfilled with her personal life outside of the job. Live-out nannies consist of full-time, part-time, after-school and summer nannies!
Live-In
Live-in caregivers are generally on duty 10-12 hours, day five days a week, and an occasional evening. They eat meals with the family and share in the cooking and cleaning up duties. Be assured that nannies will expect most nights and weekends off unless previously arranged. Most live in nannies require a private living space, use of the family’s car, and specific hours on and off duty. You will also need to discuss visitors for the nanny and any quiet times or a curfew. Both you and your nanny may have to make concessions. It is your house and you have the right to set reasonable rules. Live in nannies can help out with emergency babysitting and depending on your personal preference can become a big part of the family. Keep in mind that your nanny does have a life beyond your job and she is not at your beck and call. While it may seem convenient and less expensive to hire a live in nanny it is harder to keep the relationship professional. It may be difficult to spending so much time together under one roof.
Shared Care
A less talked-about yet more economical alternative is shared care. This situation involves one nanny and two neighboring families. The nanny works in one home and might spend part of the day at the other home. The nanny cares for both families’ children in one home. Before you and your friend or neighbor decide to share a nanny, discuss and agree upon a philosophy for child care. You need to discuss exactly what each of you will want the caregiver to do on a day-to-day basis. And realize when hiring this nanny that she must be able to handle all types of personalities in order to please two families at once.
Family Assistant
A growing area of care is the nanny manager / family assistant. These are nannies caring typically for older children who still require care, but are in school full-time. Family assistants take on tasks helping around the house, errands, meeting with vendors, scheduling appointments, meal prep and more. They do not provide cleaning other than maintaining work areas, or in between regular visits of a cleaning person.
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.
Spring Break is Here!!!
Spring Break is a fun, and busy, time of the year! Whether you are going out of town for a warm getaway, or having a stay-cation TLC Family Care can help you with your 
Spring Break needs.
Lots of families go on vacations for Spring Break. But not every vacation is inviting for your four-legged friends. Instead of taking your family pet to a pet daycare, have a sitter come to your home. Your pet will receive the same attention as if you were home with them. And a TLC sitter can do more than just watch your pet. They can also stay at your house to keep everything safe and allow you to enjoy your vacation without worrying.
Did you know TLC sitters are available to travel with your family on vacation? Families often fill their vacation schedules with activities for the kids. But TLC for Kids recognizes parents need a vacation for themselves, too. Bringing a TLC sitter or nanny a long gives parents the flexibility to see places they are interested in, have quiet meals at adult places, and know their kids are being cared for by someone they trust and their kids are comfortable with (remember you can request your favorite sitters anytime you need a TLC nanny).
If your kids are out of school for the week, but you still have to work, don’t worry! With TLC Family Care, you can hire a nanny for the entire week. Our sitters can come to your home with activities to keep the kids entertained while they are away from school. TLC sitters also have reliable and insured forms of transportation, so the nanny can take your kids to places around the city or to and from their practices/school events.
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.
Summer of FUN in the Kitchen
HOT! That’s what it is outside for many across the country. You try and get out early in the morning with the kids, and spend your day at the pool. For many though, you’re stuck inside trying to entertain the kids.
Here are some great ideas to keep the kids busy in the kitchen …
If you’re on Pinterest, search Goop. Tons of recipes come up. I’m sure you’ll find one to please your crowd.
How about some Peanut Butter Play Dough?
You will need …
Nonstick cooking spray
Bowl
¼ cup honey
¼ cup nonfat dry milk powder
6 tablespoons peanut butter
½ cup crushed crisp rice cereal
Spray the bowl with nonstick cooking spray. Add the honey and dry milk powder to the bowl and mix well. Add the peanut butter and mix until smooth. Stir in the cereal. Use as edible modeling clay.
Note: To serve as a snack, shape the peanut butter mixture into ½ inch balls and roll in the cereal. Dip into melted chocolate if desired. Store in the refrigerator.
For some fun in the sun consider letting the kids paint with pudding, shaving cream, or colored ice cubes .
What have you tried indoors or out with the kids to keep them entertained in the kitchen when it’s hot?
TLC For Kids, Inc. has been St. Louis’ premier nanny and babysitting agency for over 30 years. TLC For Kids’ dedicated staff is ready to assist you in finding nannies, tutors, newborn care specialists, sitters and more. Reach us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or 314-725-5660
This article originally appeared on Regarding Nannies. Reprinted with permission.
Summer Reading Challenges
Summer is almost here, and with that, the kids will be out of school. The kids are thinking about pool days, riding their bikes, sleeping in and sleepovers with friends! While you may have planned your summer vacation, day camps, sleep-away camps and play-dates, don’t forget to make time for reading!
Many schools require reading over the summer, and there are plenty of opportunities to make reading fun!
Check with your local library for their summer reading list by age. Many libraries will hold contests for the most books read and award prizes!
Check with your local bookstores. Many will host guest authors and reading challenges.
Barnes & Nobel has their popular reading program where kids can earn free books! Fostering a love of reading and its rewards, the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program is popular with students in the first through sixth grades and educators throughout America. Participation is fun and an easy way for kids to earn free books. They simply read any eight books – library books, books borrowed from friends or books bought at Barnes & Noble – write about their favorite part, and bring a completed tear page to a Barnes & Noble bookstore. Children then choose their free book from a list of paperback titles.
Scholastic is challenging young readers to join them and has put together an extensive list of recommendations.
Top 10 Summer Reading Lists
On the go? Whether, plane, or auto, Tales2Go is an innovative subscription service for anyone who want instant access to over a thousand great kids’ audio stories to stream to their smart phones, and listen to anywhere, at any time. They feature the best in kids’ audio stories from leading audio publishers and award-winning storytellers.
Or check out Epic!
Boasting over 35,000 books, learning videos, quizzes and more – take the reading with you wherever you go for one low monthly price.
Happy Reading!
TLC for Kids is currently placing summer nannies in St. Louis and South Florida. If you need reliable, energetic, and professional child care this summer visit our website at tlcforkids.com Or, email us at tlc@tlcforkids.com.
Tips for traveling with a nanny this summer
Our friends at Regarding Nannies have some great advice when traveling as a nanny. 
To some, it seems like the ultimate gig. You get to travel to tropical islands and exotic foreign destinations with all of your expenses included — plus your regular salary. But while outsiders may hear “all-inclusive trip to the Jamaica,” a nanny hears “a long flight, a new location, no toys and strange food.”
Though you may actually serve sandwiches on a blanket multiple times on the trip, being a travel nanny is no picnic; it’s work. And unlike your usual set up, where the parents go to work and you’re at home in familiar territory with the kids, it’s all new, to you and your nanny family. So before you pack your bags, it’s important to prepare, communicate and set expectations that will ensure that everyone has a successful trip.
Continue reading 5 Things You Need to Know When Traveling as a Nanny
Jump on over to our Facebook page and share with us what helps you when traveling as a nanny.
TLC For Kids, Inc. has been St. Louis’ premier nanny and babysitting agency for over 30 years. TLC For Kids’ dedicated staff is ready to assist you in finding nannies, tutors, newborn care specialists, sitters and more. We serve St. Louis, Atlanta and Florida. Reach us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or 314-725-5660
Hiring Qualified Nannies with TLC for Kids
The one-on-one care that a nanny provides gives children a deep sense of self-worth and security while giving parents convenience, flexibility and peace of mind.
TLC for Kids extensive recruiting and screening process is always in motion and we always have a pool of qualified, experienced nannies. Our expert placement counselors will work with you to understand what is uniquely important to your family. This ensures that we only present you with candidates who meet YOUR desired qualifications and allows you to focus your attention on choosing that special nanny who will make a positive impact on your children and your family.
TLC only represents experienced caregivers with verifiable, good references who are warm, sensitive and alert to the needs of children. Our extensive application and interview process allows TLC and parents to carefully view the caregivers’ child care experience, education and work history, personal lifestyle and child care philosophy. Our child care questionnaires and oral interview questions help us to assess the caregiver’s knowledge of early childhood development and their ability to make decisions concerning the safety of their charges.
With TLC your nanny search can be limited to only those candidates who meet your qualifications. We look forward to helping families find the nanny that will be just the right fit for their family.
TLC For Kids, Inc. has been St. Louis’ premier nanny and babysitting agency for over 30 years. TLC For Kids’ dedicated staff is ready to assist you in finding nannies, tutors, newborn care specialists, sitters and more. Reach us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or 314-725-5660