The Pittsburgh Nanny Connection

EHOW..HOW TO KEEP YOUR NANNY!

2010-06-30T19:50:00.000-07:00

I have been doing Nanny research lately and have noticed a lot of nanny/family communication problems, I found these on Ehow and thought they were great!

Share your expectations with the nanny. Be realistic about the care the nanny is to provide. Share your childcare ideals and allow the nanny to administer her own style.

Step

Compensate the nanny well. Nannies must make a living wage, and this varies by city and by the nannies' duties. Underpaid nannies find higher paying jobs elsewhere.

Step

Treat the nanny with respect. Just as you expect the nanny to be punctual, you must also return home at the agreed time.

Step

Stick to the terms of the initial contract. This formal agreement should include terms for hours, duties, compensation, vacation and benefits. Review the contract periodically.

Step

Tell your nanny you appreciate all that she does, and acknowledge the challenges she faces. All professionals seek positive feedback, including nannies.

Step

Ask the nanny for his opinion regarding childcare matters occasionally. You may or may not take her advice, but soliciting her advice will let her know that she is an important and valued figure in your life and the life of your child.

Nanny vs. Daycare (Nanny wins in my book)

2010-02-03T07:54:00.000-08:00

Choosing the right childcare for your children is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. There is so much to consider in making the right choice for you and your children.

1. Yes, at daycare your child will socially interact with other children of all different ages, but keep in mind you will not know these children or their back rounds. A nanny can just as easily take your child to play dates with children & families you know and feel comfortable with.

2. Daycare centers don't call in sick, but when your child gets sick at daycare where do they go? You will have to leave your job and take your child home to tend to him/her. If you had a nanny the nanny would be taking care of your child in the comfort of their own home. I can't think of a better place to recover from an illness then in my own home.

3. At daycare your child will definitely get a chance to build their immune system and so will you. Bringing home all the germs, lice, & sickness will not only cause you to find a replacement babysitter while your child recovers. You too will be missing your daily job to recover.

4. The cost of daycare is much cheaper then the cost of a nanny. In the long run you will be saving with a nanny. A daycare charges per child while a nanny charges per hour.

More advantages of a in home childcare provider:

5. Daycare does not bathe your children or clean up their messy rooms. Daycare also do not do your children's laundry or make fresh meals and snacks. ( This could make the extra cost's of a nanny seem more reasonable to you)

6. A nanny can bring your child to appointments and daily activities.

7. A nanny will run errands for you and tidy up the house.

These are just a few there are hundreds of websites out their battling the same topic. Go to a search engine and search this topic you will amazed to find all the different opinions on this subject. I hope this helped you see how great in home childcare can be.

The germiest places in your home.

2010-01-16T07:31:00.000-08:00

When it comes to cleaning your house, you don't have to go overboard. Just concentrate on the common spots where germs lurk and follow these housecleaning tips for a healthier home.

Yes, your house might look a whole lot cleaner if you shooed all the dust bunnies out the door (and barred them from ever entering again!). But to keep your home healthy and reduce your family’s chances of getting sick, you’re better off jettisoning germs than banishing bunnies. Here’s a list of the germiest places in the house — and the best ways to keep these extra-dirty spots clean.

Germiest Places in the Kitchen
The kitchen — the room where you prepare and eat your food — is one of the most important places to keep well scrubbed. Bacteria are responsible for more than 75 million cases of food-borne illnesses a year — and these types of infections can be more serious for your little ones because their immune systems aren’t as strong as yours. So concentrate on food-prep surfaces, but don’t forget that pretty much anywhere hands go, germs go too. The bacteria that could be in the raw chicken you’re cutting up for tonight’s stir-fry can spread easily once you wipe your hands on the dish towel and then use that same towel to wipe up the counter and kitchen table. So here’s how to stay vigilant:

Wash your hands often. It’s your best line of defense against food-borne bacteria.
Keep counters clear of often-handled objects like keys and you-don’t-know-where-that’s-been items, like grocery bags (unload groceries from the floor instead).
Wipe down surfaces regularly with soapy water or disinfectant wipes. On your wipe-down to-do list: countertops, faucets, refrigerator and oven handles, cabinet knobs, light switches, and the telephone. Be extra-super-scrupulous when you're handling raw meat, fish, eggs, and poultry — all of which harbor dangerous bacteria like salmonella.
Stop sponges from spreading germs that you just cleaned up. Replace them regularly (at least once a month), and wash them thoroughly with soap after using. You can also toss them in the dishwasher or zap them in the microwave (make sure they’re damp first) for 30 seconds. Launder kitchen rags and towels in the washing machine with hot water and a bit of bleach.

Germiest Places in the Bathroom
While the kitchen takes first place as the germiest place in the house, the bathroom also gets its share of bacteria — especially if anyone in the household is sick. Plus, the warmth and dampness of this room make it a prime breeding ground for mold and mildew (which can exacerbate allergies and make you sick), as well as bacteria. So keep the bathroom shipshape by taking the following steps:

Keep surfaces clean and disinfected to reduce the spread of germs. As in the kitchen, think about the places hands (little ones and big ones) tend to touch — faucets, knobs, handles, switches — and concentrate your cleaning efforts on those areas. Pay special attention to the toilet handle since everyone touches that before they’ve washed their hands (yuck!).
Remove mold by cleaning tiles and shower curtains with a bleach solution (not when your children are around, of course).

Housecleaning Tips for Kids’ Rooms and the Playroom
All parents know that little ones don’t like to share much of anything — except, of course, their germs, which they’re more than happy to pass around. While you can’t follow your kids around with hand sanitizer or disinfecting wipes (much as you’d like to), you can try these simple rules and routines for cleaning the germiest places in the rooms children spend the most time: their bedroom and the playroom.

Wipe down the changing table every few days with mild soap and water. For those times when soap and water isn’t up to the job — when your baby is sick or has just had a massive poop explosion — use a disinfectant wipe to clean the surface. It’s also a good idea to use a pad with a removable cover that you can throw in the laundry regularly to wash the germs away.
Have kids wash hands before and after they play with toys (plus when they use the bathroom, eat, blow their noses, come in from outside, play with a pet…the list goes on!).
Tackle playroom surfaces with a disinfecting wipe or cleanser regularly — even when the kids are healthy (toy boxes, drawer handles, and the like are all potential homes to cold- and flu-causing viruses).
Give toys a bath, too. Hard plastic toys can go in the dishwasher (put little ones in a mesh bag). Stuffed animals can take a spin through the washing machine or you can put them in plastic bags and keep them in the freezer overnight (to get rid of dust mites that can exacerbate — or cause — allergies).

Pray for the people of Haiti.

2010-01-13T08:01:00.000-08:00

Officials: Quake levels most of capital

28 min

The powerful Haitian earthquake has destroyed most of the capital city of Port-au-Prince, Haitian authorities said Wednesday. A top envoy called it a "major catastrophe" and Haiti's first lady, Elisabeth Debrosse Delatour, reported that "most of Port-au-Prince is destroyed."

FULL STORY

Feedback

The Little Gym

2010-01-09T06:25:00.000-08:00

So today I decided to write about The Little Gym because I think it is a great place for kids.

In my Nannying days I nannied for twin 4 year old. We went to the little gym every Friday for ballet and gymnastics. The kids absolutely loved it. Not just the twins every kid their loved it. I mean of course there was an occasional meltdown but with 4 year old kids what do you expect. The instructors at The Little Gym are so creative and the kids were always so excited to see what the teachers would come up with next. That is why I am endorsing The Little Gym on my blog. I think it is a great place for kids to interact and learn. So if you haven't already been to The Little Gym or checked it out please visit their website.

This is the Pittsburgh Location:

http://www.thelittlegym.com/pittsburghsouthhillspa/Pages/default.aspx

Happy New Year!

2010-01-05T15:55:00.000-08:00

Happy New year from The Pittsburgh Nanny Connection. It is officially 2010! I hope everyones dreams come true in the new year.

We are still looking for on call babysitters so please if you love children and caring for them. goto www.yournannyconnection.com

Here is a video of my baby for you all to enjoy, because I sure enjoyed making it.

GOBBLE GOBBLE

2009-11-27T20:42:00.001-08:00

HOPE EVERYONE ENJOYED THANKSGIVING!

MY LITTLE MAN SURE DID!

Babysitting tips!

2009-11-17T07:41:00.000-08:00

Babysitters can get swept away in the tide of events and end up forgetting to ask something vital. Using a babysitting checklist is a good aid in remembering all the things to ask or know. Some of these are vital health and safety concerns, whereas others are there to ease your mind or make babysitting more fun. Feel free to add or remove items to this checklist, there may be special rules or circumstances

Contact Numbers
It is absolutely essential to have all the important contact numbers. Make sure mobile numbers for the parents, as well as the phone for where you are babysitting are all written down in a convenient place. Always ensure to have a backup contact number for a relative who lives close in case the parents can not be gotton hold of.

The Babysitting Address
Make sure you have the address of where you will be babysitting. Although many modern call centers will instantly have the address from which a call is made, this will not be the case for everyone for whom you might wish to call for service (if only for pizza). Emergency services may also ask the name of the closest major road or intersection to help them should they have difficulty finding the address.

Know the Neighbors
Ask the child’s parents for a neighbor's details so they can help you in an emergency. The parents should make certain that the neighbor will be in when you are babysitting, but remind them. Having people nearby that can help should something go wrong is very important. Make sure you only go to these neighbors, as you don’t know what the other people who live nearby are like at all, and knocking on a strangers door is never a good idea so be careful.

Allergies
Check if the children have any allergies and, of course, avoid at all costs. Some allergies can be life threatening; so always be careful. Ask if there is anything you should do if a child comes into contact with an allergen, as you should always be prepared.

Medical Conditions
You should never give drugs to a child unless explicitly asked to by the child’s parents. If a child feels unwell, seems to be developing a cold or flu, and you think they might need a pain reliever, then phone the parents to make sure you are allowed to do so - even if the child tells you its fine. Ask the parents if the children are unable to have certain medical treatments or drugs, such as penicillin as medical personal will need to know this information instantly in an emergency.

Other Stuff
You will also want to know bedtimes, allowed snacks, allowed games and activities, and any rules governing behavior and misbehavior. Many children have a bedtime ritual, knowing this ritual will go a long way to keeping them comfortable and happy. Finally, you will want to know where the parents are going and when they are expected to return.

This babysitting checklist should ensure that you are always prepared an emergency and equipped with the knowledge to calmly deal with a situation should it arise.

http://www.babysittingtips.net

2009-11-14T06:50:00.001-08:00

Cute Babies - Click here for another funny movie.

5 Common Babysitting Blunders...

2009-11-13T08:27:00.000-08:00

Not paying your new babysitter for the few extra hours she spent beforehand getting to know your baby and her routine, says Kerstin Potter, director of the early-childhood education program at Harcum College, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
Hiring a friend's child to babysit, and then not outlining your rules and expectations. "Even if it's the daughter of a friend, make sure that you are in agreement about her duties," says Angelina Newbury, babysitting instructor at the Women and Infants Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island.
Lingering around instead of cheerfully kissing your little one goodbye and leaving the house. When you get where you're going, call home to check that everything is all right, Potter advises.
Not leaving all the phone numbers your new sitter may need. And remember to include all your cell phone numbers.
Not giving a small tip to your babysitter when she does a great job. Reliable, caring babysitters are priceless. You want to hold on to the ones you and baby trust.

From Parenting Magazine Online

Hide and seek! more important than you think!

2009-11-12T08:50:00.000-08:00

Development

Baby Milestones: Hide-and-Seek

Make this classic game even more enjoyable for your child

By Mindy Berry Walker, Babytalk

You hide a toy behind your back, and your baby peeks around your waist to find it -- it's a simple game that's fun and teaches object permanence, the realization that items still exist even when they can't be seen. Researchers at the University of Washington, in Seattle, found that 9-month-olds could find a toy that was partially hidden under a cloth, and by 10 months, the majority could find a fully hidden toy if sound clues, like a beep, were given. Offer your baby lots of opportunities to seek and -- success! -- find.

Rotate toys. Swap containers of toys every week or so. "Babies stop exploring when they think they know everything that's in the pile," says study author M. Keith Moore. But if your little player hasn't seen those stacking rings for a while, he'll enjoy them -- and learn from them -- that much more.

Resist playing cleanup wizard. "Instead of putting away the toys every night, leave some playthings on the floor where your baby played with them, so he can learn the next day, 'Oh, it's still there,'" says Moore. He'll realize that an object doesn't move unless he does the hefting.

Spice up your peekaboo. Hide a stuffed animal under a blanket and move it all around. Your baby will love watching the toy try to escape, and squeal when it does.

Have a birthday boy or girl? check out these cakes!

2009-11-12T08:32:00.001-08:00

http://www.parenting.com/activity-parties-gallery/Activities-Parties/31-Awesome-Birthday-Cake-Designs/3/

Awesome cakes! Step by Step Recipes.

I tried one out myself, a little more challenging then I thought but the outcome is amazing! Any Child would love to help you make these cakes. A great idea for any occasion.

www.yournannyconnection.com

HELP US SERVE THOSE WHO SERVE US!

2009-11-11T06:08:00.000-08:00

Your Gift Will Deliver a Touch of Home to A Lonely Soldier Overseas

On patrol at the Front: it’s lonely... desolate... and still far too dangerous for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's difficult, too, for the families and kids they've left behind. So, at the USO, we have a mission... To make sure all 170,000 of these courageous men and women – who are risking their lives every day, for us – know they have not been forgotten.

Without your support - their mission may fail. Please give as generously as you can. On behalf of those we serve, Thank You!

https://www.uso.org/donate/custom.aspx?id=644&

http://www.anysoldier.com/

Finding the right nanny for your family..

2009-11-10T18:15:00.000-08:00

Choosing the Right Nanny
Finding the right nanny for your family requires patience and perseverance. Remember that one of the most important factors in choosing a nanny is finding a candidate who is a good match to your family. Evaluating your family’s needs and preferences provides essential information for hiring the right caregiver.

Things to Consider
Does the nanny seem to really love and connect with children?

Does she/he love being a nanny?

Does the nanny communicate well with children?

Does she/he use appropriate language and get down on their eye level?

Do the children respond well to the nanny?

Can the nanny describe clearly a philosophy on discipline?

Is it consistent with your own views?

Is the nanny trained in Infant/Child First Aid and CPR?

Is she/he knowledgeable concerning children’s health issues including common childhood illnesses?

Does the nanny demonstrate an understanding of children’s developmental stages- especially the stages your children are in and are moving toward?

Can the nanny give examples of age appropriate activities that he or she will do with your children?

Do these activities meet the emotional, social, intellectual and physical needs of your children?

Can the nanny outline a typical day’s schedule for you that will meet these needs?

Does the nanny have relevant child care experience?

Will the nanny follow your parenting guidelines? Will you respect and appreciate her professional opinions?

Can the nanny address the safety issues that are involved with caring for your children?

Can the nanny provide the kind of atmosphere you want your children to be in on a daily basis?

Does the nanny have the ability to plan and prepare nutritious, balanced snacks and meals? Is the nanny reliable, responsible, nurturing and professional?

Does the nanny display the kind of maturity needed to do the job you are asking of him/her?

Do you match expectations in regards to salary, hours, job duties and other basics?

Has there been a complete background and employment screening? This should include a criminal background check, driving records check, reference screenings and sexual offender registry searches as well as any other screening you choose.

Have you disclosed all relevant information to the nanny about your family and what you are looking for in a caregiver?

Does the nanny seem comfortable with all that you have shared?

Compatibility

your family’s level of organization and neatness

the level of involvement you need in the children’s schedules

your need for flexibility

both the nanny’s and your family’s need for privacy

sense of humor

communication style

In general - do you feel comfortable with each other?
Trust your instincts. The nanny and family relationship is very complicated. Don’t downplay the importance of good chemistry. Keep searching until you find a candidate that “feels right”.

Limiting Snack Attacks

2009-11-09T18:35:00.000-08:00

Children who snack throughout the day tend not to have a balanced diet, so encouraging your child to limit snacks in favor of a main meal is healthy, as well as making mealtimes less stressful.

This sounds great in theory, but if you’ve just emptied your child’s dinner, untouched, into the trash, it’s tempting to fall back on snacks later just so they eat something.

If this sounds familiar, you need to find the middle ground by offering a limited choice of nutritional snacks throughout the day.

How to limit your child’s snacks

Decorate an empty box or use a kitchen jar. Put the child’s name on it and use multiple boxes or jars if you have more than one child. Leave it somewhere accessible.
Involve your child in choosing a selection of snacks at the supermarket or bake some of your own.
Keep the snacks healthy. Children will enjoy the reward ritual of the snack jar as much as the snacks themselves, they don't need to be full of sugar!
Put a selection of two or three snacks (or more, depending on how filling they are and how old your child is) in the jar, and give your child control over when they eat them.
Use the snack box throughout the day and allow your child to choose when to take something out, except during the hour before mealtimes.
Once the snacks are gone for the day, don’t replace them. Refill the box or jar together the next day.
Be consistent about what’s in the box and what they’re allowed (for example, they can’t choose chocolate bars but they can have chocolate chip cookies or cereal bars).

Healthy snack ideas for kids

dried apricots
raisins
currents
goji berries
dried cranberries