10 Fire Dangers Commonly Involving Kids

Few words strike fear in a parent’s heart like “fire.” There are many different ways for children to inadvertently start or be injured in a fire, and the potential for destruction is so great that the mere mention of fire can set off a panic among parents. Here are 10 of the most common dangers of fire in relation to children.

1. Matches and Lighters – Most children have a natural curiosity about fire that is paired with a limited understanding of the dangers that are typically associated with it. Access to matches or lighters can present a very real fire hazard as that curiosity takes hold.
2. Attempts at Cooking – Many appliances and gadgets in the kitchen produce heat; from the stove to the toaster, there are several opportunities for a child to accidentally set a kitchen fire in their attempts to cook.
3. Burning Candles and Horseplay – Kids, especially when there are more than one in the room, have a tendency to spontaneously burst into spirited play. However, rough-housing in a room with a lit candle can lead to serious problems. Should the candle be knocked to the floor or a flammable object fall into its wick, a small fire can quickly become a large blaze.
4. Campfires – Camping is a part of childhood for many, and sitting around campfires is a cherished part of the experience. When proper caution is exercised, the potential for a devastating fire injury is reduced; be sure that kids have a good knowledge of campfire safety before sending them off into the great outdoors.
5. Unattended Fireplaces – There are few things as homey as a crackling fireplace on a cold day, but leaving the fire unattended in a house with children can easily lead to injury and property damage. Curious kids might be tempted to throw things into the fire or engage in other unsafe behavior in the absence of an adult.
6. Hairstyling Appliances – Older kids that are beginning to use heated hairstyling appliances like curling irons and straighteners can create a fire hazard by placing the appliance on a flammable surface or forgetting to unplug it when they’re finished.
7. Lamps – When messy kids throw clothing over a lamp, or those with a penchant for decorating deliberately place scarves over lampshades, they are inadvertently creating a fire hazard in their own bedrooms.
8. Overloading Electrical Outlets – As more and more of the modern child’s entertainment comes from electronic gaming and computer devices, there may not be enough outlets in the room to accommodate everything. This can cause kids to overload outlets with surge protectors and the like, which can pose a serious fire risk.
9. Flammable Substances – The moment that a kid understands what flammable liquid is and the noticeable effect it has on an already-burning fire, curiosity can take hold and lead to very serious trouble. Educating kids about the dangers and repercussions of playing with fire is the best way to prevent this risky behavior.
10. Smoking – Despite the many programs aimed at keeping kids away from smoking, there will always be a few that insist on sneaking cigarettes. The need for secrecy paired with a limited understanding of fire safety make cigarette-related fires among the most common.

Kids are never too young to start learning about fire safety and prevention; this ongoing lesson could be one that saves their life. Additionally, if you have concerns that your child has an unhealthy fixation or obsession with fire, there are programs through your local fire department that can point you in the right direction to get help.

 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by  Tina Marconi. I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

http://www.babysitters.net/blog/10-fire-dangers-commonly-involving-kids/ 

5 Spanish Songs Kids Should Know

There are a wide variety of methods for teaching children to speak a second language, but classic children’s songs in the chosen tongue tend to feature prominently in the curriculum of most. Whether you’re fortunate enough to have a nanny or childcare provider that’s fluent in Spanish and can teach your children these songs, or you’re learning them yourself in order to pass them along, here are five of the classic Spanish-language children’s songs that your kids should know.
1. Los Colores (Colors in Spanish)
Verde, verde son los arbolitos,
verde, verde sus hojitas son.
Por eso yo quiero todo lo que es verde, verde, verde, verde es mi color.
Amarillo es el color del trigo,
amarillo mis patitos son.
Por eso yo quiero todo lo amarillo, como el tibio rayito de sol.
Rosa, rosa son todas mis cosas,
rosa, rosa mis vestidos son.
Por eso yo quiero todo lo que es rosa, como rama de durazno en flor.
Rojo, rojo es mi sombrerito,
rojo, rojo el botón en flor.
Por eso yo quiero todo lo que es rojo, rojo, rojo, es mi corazón.
El celeste es el color del cielo,
celestitos tus ojitos son,
Por eso yo quiero todo lo celeste, por que es el color de la ilusión.
Blanca, blanca es la nube viajera,
blancos, blancos mis dientitos son.
Por eso yo quiero todo lo que es blanco, como suave copo de algodón.
2. Los Pollitos Dicen (The Little Chicks Say)
Los pollitos dicen pío, pío, pío
cuando tienen hambre, cuando tienen frío.
La gallina busca el maíz y el trigo
Les da la comida y les presta abrigo.
Bajo sus dos alas, acurrucaditos,
hasta el otro dia
duérmen los pollitos.
3. Columbian Happy Birthday Song
cumpleaños feliz
te deseamos a ti
que los cumplas feliz (felices)
cumpleaños feliz.
Que los cumpla feliz,
que los vuelva a cumplir,
que los siga cumpliendo,
Hasta el año 3000.
4. Dos Elefantes (Spanish Counting Song)
Un elefante se balanceaba
sobre la tela de una araña,
como veía que resistía
fue a llamar a otro elefante.
Dos elefantes se balanceaban,
sobre la tela de una araña,
como veían que resistía
fueron a llamar a otro elefante.
Tres elefantes…
Cuatro elefantes…
5. Pin Pon (Mexican Action Song)
Pin Pon es un muñeco
muy guapo de cartón,
se lava su carita
con agua y con jabón
Se desenreda el pelo
con peine de marfil,
y aunque se da estirones
no llora ni hace así.
Cuando le dan la sopa
no ensucia el delantal
pues come con cuidado
parece un colegial
Apenas las estrellas
comienzan a salir
Pin Pon se va a la cama
y se acuesta a dormir
Pin Pon dame la mano
con un fuerte apretón,
pues quiero ser tu amigo
Pin Pon Pin Pon Pin Pon
PIN-PON
These are just a sampling of the most popular traditional Spanish-language children’s songs; there are a treasure trove of additional songs to be found. Daycare centers and preschools with a strong Spanish program can help your children learn even more of these great ditties, which teach basic counting, color recognition, and celebrate milestones, all while increasing little ones’ grasp of a second language.

P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Paul Taylor. I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

 http://www.babysittingjobs.com/blog/5-spanish-songs-kids-should-know/

Is the Bedtime Story a Dying Art

Storytelling used to be the only way families could pass on knowledge from generation to generation.  There were no books or computers to keep track of information.  Those born in 2012 are looking at the possible extinction of the paper book in their lifetime.  E-readers are so compact and can hold so much information that they are much easier and more convenient to hold and take along.  Will this change bring back the art of the bedtime story, or further help to get rid of it?

It’s not that children aren’t getting bedtime stories. They are, but they are stories read from a book.  With millions of books available it’s often easier to grab one of those than to come up with you own story.  According to Rick Polito, creator of Shake-N-tell, by reading books to our kids we are showing them how to be consumers and not creators.  Though reading books is very important in helping children learn to read, hearing original stories helps them learn to imagine.

Kids enjoy stories that are about things that have happened in their family.  You could call these stories non-fiction.  Tell your children about adventures you had when you were young.  Let them know how you spent your days.  In the days before computers and massively complicated video games kids actually played outside and made mud pies.  Use your stories as a jumping off point.  If you were once chased by a bumble bee, put yourself in the character of the bumble bee and tell the story from that perspective.

It seems that it’s easier and quicker to just grab a book at bedtime.  Parents are tired and want to sit down, put their feet up and relax a little before going to bed.  Keep in mind that your kids are only young once and if you make up stories for them at bedtime it is likely that they will do the same for their children.

Telling and sharing stories puts a personal spin on them.  There’s something about hearing stories that connects the teller and the listener.  Watch how differently your child looks at you when you read them a story versus when you tell them a story.  There are no pictures to look at because you are creating pictures with your words in their imaginations.  The stories are more interactive because the kids can ask questions about the characters.  When you read a book it’s not really possible to get into the author’s head.  Kids really like being able to find out the “back story” and will be that much more drawn in.  If you can help your kids use their imaginations they will be more prepared for all of the writing they will do in school.  Teachers ask the kids daily, to write a page about … fill in the blank.  If you have laid the ground work with your kids in story telling they will have no trouble writing these stories in school.

Then there are those people that say they can’t come up with their own stories.  They say that they are just not good at it.  You know the saying, “There’s an app for that!”  Well there is and it’s free.  It’s called Shake-N-Tell.  This application helps by providing the bones of a story and lets you use your imagination to embellish the details of the story.  The kids can help tell the story too.  Even if you don’t use it as a bedtime tool it would be a fun way to make a long car ride go by faster.

The creator of this application, Rick Polito, is a newspaper reporter turned stay-at-home dad and it occurred to him after talking with some of his friends that this application might help those people that are tired from a long day and are unable to come up with their own stories.  He wanted to give people the tools to create their own stories and possibly jump start their imaginations and get them to create their own after a while.

Give storytelling a try with your kids tonight and watch their imaginations grow.

 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication byCarol Watson. I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

 http://www.nationalnannies.com/blog/is-the-bedtime-story-a-dying-art/

Top 10 Parent Concerns About Hiring a Nanny

Today’s unstable economy almost demands that all families be two-working-parent households, which creates an enormous need for quality, capable childcare. New parents on the verge of returning to work,  as well as those that are considering a shift from daycare to in-home childcare, are faced with the often daunting task of finding and hiring a nanny to care for their children in their home. Regardless of how appealing the idea of having a nanny may be, there are still plenty of concerns that the majority of parents have.

1. Nanny Tax Compliance – CNN reported in 2004 that the compliance rate for families and nannies regarding tax laws was less than 13%, meaning that roughly 87% of families that employ domestic workers do so illegally. The penalties for being discovered are quite steep, with interest rates and back taxes adding up to a significant chunk of change. More nannies are beginning to understand the importance of being paid legally, and are unlikely to accept posts that require them to evade taxes. The laws that govern nanny taxes are very complex, which is a deterrent for many families that would otherwise be compliant; fortunately, there are services and specially-designed software available to help parents pay their childcare providers legally.
2. Qualifications – Every parent in search of a nanny dreams that they’ll find one with an advanced degree in child development and years of experience, but the truth is that those nannies can be difficult to come by. It’s not uncommon for parents to become disillusioned soon after beginning their nanny search when they discover how many individuals without education or nanny experience apply for nanny positions, leaving them concerned about the level of care a more accessible candidate may provide.
3. Lack of Regulation – Daycare centers have their drawbacks, but properly licensed ones are almost always regulated by impartial state agencies that ensure the environment is as safe as possible, and that workers are reasonably competent. As yet, the nanny industry has no such set of regulations, making it easy for almost anyone to apply for a post.
4. Disciplinary Styles – Disciplinary tactics can be a contentious, hot-button issue between couples; worries about the stance of a stranger can be enough to make a parent worry themselves to distraction. Concerns that a nanny might be too harsh, or even physically punish their child, has contributed to the rise in nanny cam usage.
5. Criminal Background – The advent of the Internet has simplified the process of running a background check on a prospective employee dramatically; before the web made ordering searches possible, parents were often forced to rely on the word of a nanny and her references alone. Still, parents worry about a nanny’s potential criminal history until those reports come in.
6. Questionable Driving Record – Parents that don’t expect their nanny to transport the children and aren’t planning to require her to run any errands outside the home may choose to save their time and money from being spent on a check for moving violations. Those that do have these expectations, however, may find themselves in a sea of worry regarding their new nanny’s ability to transport their children safely.
7. Eligibility For Employment – In areas with a large immigrant population, employers must confirm that any nanny candidate is legally allowed to accept work in the United States, which may be a challenge if the bulk of the domestic worker hiring pool is made up of those seeking to work illegally.
8. Insurance Requirements – In addition to any contributions to health insurance premiums that an employer may choose to make, many states require that nannies be covered under a worker’s compensation and disability policy.
9. The Children Might Love Her More – Despite the unlikelihood of a child coming to love his nanny more than his parents, it’s a very real concern for some. Terms like “mommy guilt” and “nanny jealousy” are so common that they’ve become part of the childcare provider lexicon, and can be difficult to combat.
10. Negotiating a Salary Package – Hiring a nanny requires parents to undertake the sometimes harrowing process of negotiating a compensation package that meets the needs and expectations of both parties; additionally, drafting a written nanny contract can also be quite tedious.

Despite the concerns and occasional problems finding and securing a competent and qualified nanny, most families that employ a private childcare provider are loath to consider any other options due to the exceptional level of one-one-one care and personalized attention that their children can receive from in-home care.
 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by  Jessica Jackson.  I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:


 http://www.nannyagencies.net/blog/top-10-parent-concerns-about-hiring-a-nanny/

10 Clothing Basics to Buy for a Mix and Match Kid’s Wardrobe

Back to school time is the prime time to go through your child’s existing wardrobe and figure out what still fits and what’s no longer an option. It’s also the perfect time to clean out the closets and the drawers and get ready to add some new and fun pieces to her wardrobe.  Before you invest in new clothes, though, take inventory of what your child still has that fits.  Either take pictures of these pieces or make yourself a list prior to going shopping so you don’t double up on the same items.  To maximize her wardrobe, you will want to buy pieces that coordinate with the ones that she already has.

1. Jeans are a must.  Jeans are a wardrobe staple that match just about everything, so having a few pairs on hand is never a bad thing. Colored jeans are all the rage right now, so make sure to pick up at least one pair of those.  Stick to a few pairs of basic blue jeans as well so that they can be mixed and matched with tops.
2. Leggings are great for girls. For girls, leggings are a must wear item.  They can be paired with a cute dress or a long shirt, or they can be worn under a shorter skirt.  Choose basic colors like navy, black, and white when buying leggings so that you can mix and match them easily.
3. A basic white shirt goes with everything.  For both boys and girls, buying a basic white shirt is a closet staple. The white shirt doesn’t have to be a plain t-shirt though, and you can buy girls a pretty blouse and boys a white button-down or polo.  Make sure to use bleach when you wash these because a bright white shirt looks great, but a dingy gray one does not.
4. Underwear and socks are very important.  As kids grow it’s often overlooked if they need bigger underwear or new socks.  See how your child’s are fitting and assess if she needs some new ones.
5. A jacket or hoodie will allow kids to layer.  Fall is an especially tricky time to dress for the weather since it frequently changes throughout the day, so putting your kids in layers will help them stay comfortable all day long.  If it’s a little cool in the morning when he walks to school a jacket or hoodie will keep him warm, but you don’t want to dress him in a sweatshirt because by afternoon it will have warmed up and he will be hot.  Sometimes the air conditioning in schools can seem too cold to some so having a way to keep the chill off will make your child more comfortable.
6. Tennis shoes are a must for gym class.  Kids don’t necessarily need the latest and greatest brand name shoes, but they do need shoes that fit well and allow them to move quickly with ease.  Whatever your budget, it’s important that the shoes fit and support her growing feet.
7. Boys will need a pair of nicer slacks.  Sometimes schools will take the kids on a field trip to see a play or musical and ask that they dress up for the event.  Having a pair of dress slacks that can be paired with the basic white shirt that you’ve already bought will give them an easy option when they need to look a little nicer.
8. Girls may need a dress.  This dress does not have to be overly frilly and full of ruffles, but it shouldn’t be too casual either.  Find something comfortable that would be age appropriate for your girl.
9. Dress shoes are needed.  To go with the boys’ dress pants and with the girls’ dress a pair of dress shoes is needed.  Unlike the tennis shoes that will most likely be worn almost every day, the dress shoes can be inexpensive if they aren’t going to be worn frequently.  Buy something very basic, like a black or brown shoe that can be worn with most colors.
10. A winter coat is a must in most climates.  Some areas of the country will use this more often than others, but most areas will need a winter coat at some point during the year.  How heavy the coat is will be determined by where you live.  If you have almost six months of winter, like in the Midwest and Northern states, you will want to get a coat that is heavy or has several separate layers. Warmer climates may only need a light parka.

Buying clothes in basic colors can extend her wardrobe and increase her ability to mix and match her clothes.  Adding a hoodie to an outfit will change the entire look of an outfit.  Having shirts that can be worn with jeans, leggings, or a skirt will give her the versatility to make different looks throughout the year.  While these are just the basics, you should also plan to pick up a few special items for picture day or other times when she wants to look especially nice.

 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Tina Marconi.  I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:


http://www.babysitters.net/blog/10-clothing-basics-to-buy-for-a-mix-and-match-kid%E2%80%99s-wardrobe/

Biggest Myths About Nanny Care

A lot of people are confused about what exactly nanny care is. Most people form their opinions about nannies and what their job entails through TV, movies, and fiction, and those notions are often pretty far removed from the truth. Here’s a look at some of the myths and realities of in-home childcare.
Being a nanny isn’t a real job. Working as a nanny is like working in any other job. The nanny is legally required to pay taxes, she receives a W-2 at the end of the year, she’s entitled to workers compensation if she’s hurt on the job and she can receive unemployment benefits if she’s fired from the job. It’s standard in the nanny industry for full-time nannies to get two weeks of paid vacation each year, paid federal holidays, and yearly bonuses. Plus nanny jobs are often the highest paid childcare providers in the United States when compared with daycare workers and preschool teachers.
Being a nanny is something pretty much anyone can do. Technically this is true since there are no legal requirements for working as a nanny; however providing quality in-home childcare requires experience, training, a specialized skill set, and specific personality traits.
Nannies don’t just babysit the children they care for, and they do far more than just provide custodial care; they keep a child safe and entertained. They care for the whole child, meaning every day they focus on providing for a child’s physical, emotional, social, and educational development. They also provide household support by handling many of the tasks related to children such as meal preparation, laundry, and organization.
When you look at what it takes to provide consistent, quality childcare and effective support to the parents, it’s easy to see that it takes a special person to be a successful nanny.
A nanny must wear a uniform, live with their employers, be available 24/7, cook, clean, sew, and do whatever else their family needs. Movies, television shows, and books have given us a lot of different models of what a nanny is and what she does. Unfortunately, most of them don’t reflect the real job of a modern nanny. Most nannies don’t wear a uniform to work. Those that do can usually be seen in khakis and a polo shirt rather than a matronly dress. The majority of nannies don’t live with their employers. They have their own homes and their own lives. While some executive positions require a nanny to be available whenever the family needs help, most nannies work a regular schedule of 8 to 12 hours a day, 5 days a week. And the standard job description of a nanny only includes child-related tasks, like cooking healthy meals for the children, doing the kids’ laundry, and keeping the play room clean. Some nannies take on additional duties, but they’re paid extra for it.
Nanny employers are rich, shallow, uninvolved parents who don’t want to deal with their own children. While a few parents may fit that description, the overwhelming majority of parents that choose nanny care do so because they want the very best care for their children. While they have the financial advantage of being able to afford a nanny, they still face the same challenges other parents face; parenting is hard even if you have a devoted caregiver at home. Nanny employers are actively involved in their children’s lives, they worry about being a good enough parent, and they struggle to fill all their life roles: parent, child, spouse, employee, friend, neighbor, and community member.
Nannies have to pass a criminal background check to work with children. There are no legal requirements for a nanny to pass any type of background check, criminal or otherwise, before working as a nanny. The majority of nanny placement agencies perform a comprehensive background check before placing a nanny and many parents run a check before hiring a nanny on their own. Unfortunately, there isn’t an industry standard for background checks so it’s up to parents to wade through the information available and figure out what checks are necessary.
The state of California has implemented TrustLine, a state-wide verification system that requires childcare providers to be cleared through a fingerprint check of records at the California Department of Justice. Nanny placement agencies that place nannies in CA are required to register their placed nannies with TrustLine. However nannies who find work outside of an agency (e.g. Care.com, online classifieds, word of mouth) are not required to be registered with TrustLine.
Nannies have basic safety and child development training. Actually, there are no training requirements for working as a nanny. While they of course should be, nannies don’t even have to have CPR / first aid certifications to secure a position. That’s why parents must talk about training during the interview process. Find out what type of training your potential nanny currently has and what she’s committed to doing once on the job. Training is the key to being a quality caregiver.
Nannies and nanny employers don’t always resemble the people depicted in TV shows, movies, and books. However the realities of the nanny profession are just as interesting.

 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Kathleen Crislip.  I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

http://www.nannycare.org/blog/biggest-myths-about-nanny-care/

How to Teach Your Child to Tie Their Shoes Without Bunny Ears

Tying your shoes is something that most people do almost every day, often without even thinking about it, but with the invention of Velcro shoes some parents are putting off teaching their children how to tie their shoes.  However tying shoes is a necessary lesson that can be taught when a child is young.  If your child can handle a pair of scissors and successfully cut paper then she has the dexterity to tie her own shoes.  Kids should have the ability to tie their shoes between the ages of 3 and 6.

The easiest way to start teaching your child to tie her shoes is to get a couple of adult shoes out to practice on, one for you and one for her.  On her shoe it might make the teaching process easier if you re-lace her shoe with a white lace in which you have taken a marker and colored half of the lace.  That way you can refer to the white lace and to the colored lace instead of trying to explain right and left to her.

If your child’s dominant hand is the same as yours, sit side by side with her to teach her.  If your child has the opposite dominant hand, then sit across from her.  This will ensure that you are not teaching her backwards.

Step 1: Cross the laces and tuck one lace underneath the other lace and pull both laces tight to the shoe.

Step 2: Make a loop out of one of the laces.  While holding that loop tightly in one hand, use the other hand to wrap the straight lace around the loop.  Show her how to tuck the straight lace through the hole beneath the loop that she is holding.  Let go of the loop.

Step 3: Take a loop in each hand and pull tight.  Adjust the loops until they are about the same.

Step 4: Take a loop in each hand and cross them, just like she did at the beginning with the laces.  She will tuck one loop under the other and pull tight.  Now she has double tied her shoes and they shouldn’t come untied.

Step 5: Practice, practice, practice!

Allow your child to practice with you and patiently help her perfect her skills.  This lesson could take as little as 45 minutes or it could take several days, depending on how quickly your child picks up on the technique.  Make the process fun and your child will want to keep practicing.  If you get upset with her then she won’t want to continue practicing because it will no longer be fun.

Once she has mastered tying the big shoe let her practice on her own little shoe.  This will be harder because the laces will be much shorter.  After she has gotten good at tying her shoe with it off her foot, show her how to loosen the laces and put her shoe on and then tighten up the laces and tie her shoe.  She can sit and practice this skill on her own at this point.  Make sure that you lavish her with praise every step of the way.  Soon you will be able to have her put her own shoes on and tie them herself.  This is a huge accomplishment for her and one she should be proud of.

 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Meghan Welker.  I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

 http://www.babysitting.net/blog/how-to-teach-your-child-to-tie-their-shoes-without-bunny-ears/

How to Show Your Nanny Appreciation Without Spending a Dime

Many nanny employers deeply appreciate the commitment and dedication that their nanny gives to their family, and would love to dish out lavish bonuses and expensive gifts as a token of their appreciation, but simply don’t have a budget to allow for that after paying their nanny.
The good news is that it doesn’t take an additional financial investment to show you’re nanny that you truly appreciate her. A few kind words, a moment of your time, or a handmade gift will go a long way in showing your nanny that you genuinely care for and appreciate her.
When considering how to show your nanny you appreciate her, first evaluate how the kids can help.  Whether it’s posing for a photo, stamping their footprints on a card or having the children help to prepare her a special meal, children of any age can help to show their nanny that she is loved.  The children’s age and skill level will determine what role they can play in doing something special for their nanny. Older kids may choose to write a poem or give an independent gift while younger children may prefer to do something together.
Second, choose a budget friendly project.  Handmade scrapbooks with photos of the nanny and children together are grand tokens of appreciation. Older children can make or decorate frames that can hold a favorite photo. They can also write letters to their nanny to thank her for helping to care for them. Families can bake cookies or make a meal together to express their appreciation. The project you decide on can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. A tech-savvy dad may enjoy putting together a slideshow made from photos of the children and the nanny. A mom who enjoys knitting may have the children help pick out yarn for a scarf she’ll then knit.
If you don’t have time to tackle a huge project, consider doing a thank you jar. Take a clear jar and put a slit in the cover. Each time you think of something your nanny has done that you appreciate, write it on a slip of paper and put it in the jar.  Once the jar is filled up, give her your collection of thanks. Children can also add contributions and help to decorate the jar with paint or stickers.
Lastly, after you’ve chosen a project, prepare to give it to her. If the children are old enough, they’ll likely want to enjoy giving their nanny a gift. If you’re hosting a dinner for her, have them make invitations and help to set the table. If you’re giving a card, leave it somewhere where she’ll discover it, such as on top of the children’s dresser or in her nanny log book. The unexpected thank you is what makes giving the token of appreciation special.
If a project seems like too much work, simply writing a handmade thank you card for no specific reason or having the children greet the nanny at the door and then sing her a favorite song she taught them will be cherished expressions of gratitude.
When nannies feel like their work is appreciated, they become more vested in their position. Since nannies work independently, there’s typically no employer around to give daily feedback or to notice the level of care she puts into completing even the most mundane job tasks, like loading the dishwasher or folding the kids laundry.
While it would be normal to show your nanny appreciation for something she’s done above and beyond the call of duty, showing appreciation just because you are grateful of the role she plays in your family will go a long way to boost confidence, morale, job commitment, and performance.
 P. .S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Anne Laurie . I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission


 http://www.gonannies.com/blog/2012/08/19/how-to-show-your-nanny-appreciation-without-spending-a-dime/

Tips for Dealing with Separation Anxiety in Children

Few things tug at a parent’s heartstrings like the cries and pleas of a child in the throes of a separation anxiety attack; still, they are a normal (if distressing) part of childhood development. With proper coping strategies and plenty of love, the worst of your child’s anxieties can be managed until he’s older, at which point most children tend to outgrow their fears of being separated from a parent or familiar adult.
Managing your child’s separation anxiety and helping her to cope with the necessary but painful routine of parting is a matter of being patient, for the most part. Keeping your composure and maintaining a grip on your patience is absolutely necessary in order for you to successfully employ other management techniques.

• Establish a Goodbye Ritual – Sharing a special goodbye ritual with your little one is both comforting and reassuring to her, letting her know that staying at school, daycare, or under the care of a nanny is a new part of her routine. Because structure and repetition are so important to young children, establishing a ritual that accompanies every separation can help normalize that separation, making it less stressful for her over time.
• Stay Calm – Kids react to the emotional state of a parent or loved one, so allowing yourself to become overly emotional or anxious in her presence is likely to only exacerbate the anxiety and fear that she’s already feeling. Maintain your composure as best you can, saving the emotional moments for a time when you’re out of her sight.
• Don’t Hover or Linger – While it might seem that your hysterical child will never calm down after you leave, childcare providers will almost always reassure you that their emotional state will improve dramatically once you’re gone. Lingering around and hovering over her will only prolong the process, stretching out both her suffering and your own.
• Speak with Caregivers and Teachers – Experienced childcare providers and preschool or kindergarten teachers are well-versed in reassuring both hysterical children and their concerned parents, so don’t hesitate to speak with them about how your child is adjusting. When normal separation anxiety is particularly difficult for a child to shake, or persists after a significant adjustment period, these people are your best allies in combating your little one’s fears and helping her learn to cope with separation in a calm, healthy way.
• Resist the Temptation to Sneak Away – It can be very tempting to wait until your child is distracted and slip quietly from the room, but this may not be the most productive method of dealing with her separation anxiety. Looking up to find you inexplicably gone, without any sort of a goodbye, can lead to a panic that she’s been abandoned or, at the very least, to feel that she can’t always trust that you’ll be where you should be.
• Communicate With Your Child – You can help prepare your child for preschool, kindergarten, or childcare by talking about the upcoming change, practicing separation on a small scale, and answering any questions that she has. These methods can be very effective in preventing the worst of her anxiety before it starts, and maintaining that open line of communication as she adjusts to her new environment and has new experiences is vital.
• Be Firm and Consistent – Don’t waver or bring your child home after a particularly bad outburst, as it sends the message that a tantrum will yield the desired result of either leaving daycare or school with you or sending your nanny home, rather than being separated. Focus on maintaining a firm but gentle demeanor, and a strong grip on your resolve.
• Know When Separation Anxiety Indicates Something More Serious – While separation anxiety is a very natural, normal part of growing up for many children, there are times when it could indicate something more serious. If a previously happy, well-adjusted child begins to regress and show signs of anxiety again, or if existing anxiety is severe and does not lessen with time, you should contact your pediatrician or medical provider for advice.

Kids that suffer from separation anxiety rarely require the attention of a medical professional, though those that do may have an underlying anxiety disorder than manifests as a profound fear of being separated from a parent or loved one. Be sure to let your pediatrician know exactly what’s going on with your child, especially if her behavior is regressing; reverting to immature habits can be a sign of abuse, and should be taken seriously.
P. .S. This post was  proposed to me for publication byPatricia Salway . I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission

 http://www.liveoutnanny.com/blog/tips-for-dealing-with-separation-anxiety-in-children/

30 Blogs for Creating a Safe Sleep Environment

New parents like to think of their baby’s nursery as her safe haven, and that her sleep will always be peaceful and free from danger. This is, however, not always the case. While sleeping might seem like a risk-free activity for a baby, the truth is that there are some factors that parents and caregivers must take into consideration in order to protect the safety and well-being of the precious little one in their care.
The internet is home to what seems like an endless stream of blogs, many of which are dedicated solely to parenting and childcare topics. These blogs can be a treasure trove of valuable information on sleep safety; here are 30 that feature sleep safety and related posts very prominently.
Crib Safety
During the first few months of her life, your baby will spend a significant portion of her time sleeping in her crib. Because this small space makes up so much of her world during this period, it’s important that you educate yourself as thoroughly as possible on how to keep it safe and secure for her.

1. New Crib Safety Standards
2. Baby Crib Safety: Frequently Asked Questions
3. Choosing a Crib: Crib Safety 101
4. New Crib Safety Guidelines: What Parents Need to Know
5. Choosing a Safe Modern Crib

SIDS
Few things are as terrifying to a parent as the idea of SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. While the exact cause of SIDS is still unknown, the number of unexplained infant deaths has dropped considerably since 1992, when the American Academy of Pediatrics released findings that babies who sleep on their backs tend to be at a lower risk than infants who regularly sleep on their stomachs.

1. Preventing SIDS
2. How to Prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and Avoid the Development of Flat Head Syndrome
3. How to Prevent SIDS
4. 10 Tips for Preventing SIDS
5. Preventing SIDS Requires More Than Putting Them Back-to-Sleep

Pacifier Use
For such a small piece of rubber and plastic, pacifiers sure have been known to drum up a lot of controversy. Parents and caregivers who find the devices to be valuable comfort objects sing their praises, while others swear that they affect the formation of a baby’s mouth and increase her risk of needing expensive orthodontia as she gets older. Recently, however, studies linking pacifier use to safer sleep and a reduced risk of SIDS have brought the binky back to the forefront of parenting debates.

1. The Great Pacifier Debate
2. Pacifiers Protect Against SIDS, But What About Breastfeeding?
3. Pacifier Use and SIDS
4. What’s Wrong with Pacifiers?
5. Should You Use a Pacifier? The Pros and Cons of Pacifiers

Nursery Safety
The safety of your little one’s nursery can affect not only how safe she is when she sleeps, but also how safe she’ll be as she gets older and spends more alert time in her room. Creating a secure environment for your new baby to grow and learn is a popular topic for bloggers; these posts cover the spectrum of opinion and personal experiences.

1. Tips For Choosing Safe Paints For a Nursery
2. A Checklist For Creating a Safe Nursery
3. How to Create a Safe & Non-toxic Nursery for Your Baby
4. Rest Easy, Baby: The Secrets of a Safe Nursery
5. Creating a Safe Nursery for Baby

Sleep Routine
Establishing a safe sleeping routine for your baby requires that you make sure that how and where she sleeps are both in accordance with safety guidelines, regardless of what time it is or how much sleep you’ve missed out on.

1. Baby Sleep Basics
2. How Room-Sharing Affects Your Baby’s Sleep
3. Getting Baby on a Sleep Schedule
4. Bedtime Routines: The Key to Sound Baby Sleep!
5. Safer Sleep for Babies: New Guidelines

Bedding and Bumpers
Despite the American Academy of Pediatrics’ strong stance on soft bedding, plush toys, and crib bumpers, some parents insist on using these items for their baby’s comfort. Crib bumpers, in particular, have been banned by the city of Chicago, but are fiercely defended by parents who feel that they protect a baby’s head from injury.

1. Baby Bedding and Safety
2. Bumping Bumpers?
3. New AAP Safe Sleep Guidelines: Bid Bye Bye to Crib Bumpers
4. Chicago’s Crib Bumper Ban — and What to Do with Your Bumpers
5. Crib Bumpers — Yay or Nay?

While the web can be a vast sea of useful and accurate information, no blog post replaces the professional opinion of your pediatrician or family doctor. Be sure to consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your child’s routine in order to ensure that all advice you’ve received is accurate and medically sound.
 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Sara Dawkins  I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

 http://www.nannypro.com/blog/30-blogs-for-creating-a-safe-sleep-environment/

30 Blogs Full of Kid-Friendly Crock-Pot Recipes

The Crock-pot is a lifesaver for parents who want to get a good meal on the table but just don’t have the time to prepare one after work. You can’t go wrong with the simplicity of adding everything to the Crock-pot before you run off to work and being able to return home after to the delicious smell of a home cooked meal and dinner that’s ready to be served.  These 30 blogs have the working family in mind and have tons of kid-friendly Crock-pot recipes for you to choose from.

1. Freebies 2 Deals You can find more than kid-friendly Crock-pot recipes on this blog. You’ll also learn a method to freeze the meals ahead of time so that all you have to do is get up in the morning and dump a bag into the Crock-pot before leaving for work.
2. Justfindit4u This blog posts new kid-friendly Crock-pot recipes every Wednesday.
3. Crockpot 365 Blogger Stephanie is cooking in her Crock-pot every day for a year.  There are tons of recipes on this blog that appeal to families who have kids to please when it comes to meal time.  She has 3 kids and will tell you what her kids thought of each recipe and you can choose which ones to try from there.
4. Cookingwithmykid Great recipes abound on this site, not all for the Crock-pot, but still well worth a look.
5. Mommyskitchen An awesome blog written by a mom who uses her Crock-pot a lot in summer and winter alike.  Check out the many recipes found on this blog and get some ideas from her month of menus.
6. Just a pinch There are tons of recipes on this blog, and it’s got a great search feature on the side that allows you to search for kid-friendly recipes, Crock-pot recipes, chicken recipes and more.
7. Semi Homemade Mom Taking a little help from the store while still using her Crock-pot, this blogger has tons of great recipes with the family in mind.
8. The Farm Girl Great recipes and stories from this Idaho mom of 4.  She has lots of Crock-pot recipes – just do a search for them on her blog.
9. A Busy Mom’s Slow Cooker Adventures This working mom found that she didn’t have time to get dinner on the table with all of the things she was involved in.  So she turned to her Crock-pot for the answer and she is blogging about it.
10. Living a Changed Life  You can eat healthy while cooking meals in the Crock-pot.  Check out this blog from a lady who lost 90 pounds!
11. Ring Around the Rosies From the freezer to the Crock-pot, this blogger shows you how to make up 12 meals for the freezer during only a 2 hour naptime.  Lots of ideas to save you time and money making healthy meals for your family.
12. Get off Your Butt and Bake Tons of recipes for the Crock-pot, just do a Crock-pot search to pull them up.  Lots of other yummy recipes as well.
13. Get Crocked Did you think that Crock-pots were just for cooking dinner?  Here is a blogger that not only has lots of dinner recipes, but she has lots of breakfast Crock-pot recipes too.  How about Crock-pot cinnamon rolls?  Mmmmm.
14. Moms with Crock-pots Find a recipe for green eggs and ham for the Crock-pot on this blog.  Plus tons of cheesy Crock-pot potato recipes, as well as many others.
15. Family Fresh Meals Crock-pot recipes for everything from vegetarian stuffed peppers to Mexican Lasagna on this blog.
16. Crockin Girls These bloggers have even written and published their own cookbook!  The blog is great because you can find recipes by main ingredient.  If you’ve got some chicken you need to use up just click on chicken to pull up those recipes.
17. Six Sisters Stuff Just as you’d expect, there are 6 sisters writing this blog, and together they share Crock-pot recipes, kid’s crafts, and much more.
18. Crock-a-doodle-do This working mom with two kids tells other working moms how she gets dinner on the table every night using her Crock-pot.  You can serve up dinner each night too with her help.
19. Chef in Training There are many interesting recipes on this blog, starting with soup and ending with Honey Sesame Chicken.  Give them all a try.
20. Plain Chicken Not all of the recipes on this blog are Crock-pot recipes, but quite a few are, and the others are pretty delicious looking too.  It’s worth a gander.
21. Weight Watchers Crock-pot Recipes Trying to get back your girlish figure after having kids?  These recipes offer the perfect combination of both delicious and nutritious.  And as an added bonus, they’re all simple to make too.
22. Tasty Planner This is a great place not only to find Crock-pot recipes, but also to put together menus and create grocery lists.
23. The Lady 8 Home An insightful blog about home life, chores, and Crock-pot recipes.
24. Practical-stewardship This blogger has a slow cooker Saturday routine so there are plenty of recipes to choose from on this site.  There’s also little bits of other interesting stuff too.
25. Crystal and Co. The mommy resource is what this blogger claims to be.  She has a killer recipe for Crock-pot mac and cheese that the kids will love, plus many others you can try.
26. The Mom Initiative 10 Sanity Saving Crock-pot recipes on this blog.  Many other mom tips are here as well.
27. Blessed Beyond a Doubt This site has several Crock-pot recipes posted by this homeschooling mom.  All recipes have been taste-tested by her kids and were favorites.
28. Lynn’s Kitchen Adventures Lynn shares recipes for Crock-pots meals that her family loves.  She also has an allergy section if you need help with cooking for people with allergies.
29. Jamie Cooks it Up This blogger has posted more than a dozen different family-friendly Crock-pot recipes as well as other healthy recipes.
30. Crock-pot Ladies This isn’t just any site about Crock-pot recipes.  There’s a recipe for making sweet tomato butter in the Crock-pot, Peach vanilla butter, blueberry angel food cake. 

 P. .S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Anne Laurie . I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission

http://www.gonannies.com/blog/2012/08/16/30-blogs-full-of-kid-friendly-crock-pot-recipes/sweet treats.  If you are looking for unique recipes for your Crock-pot, this is the place to go.

How to Throw a First Birthday Party on a Budget

It’s your baby’s first birthday and you are so excited that you want to invite the world to celebrate this momentous occasion with you.  However, you don’t have the money to throw a big expensive bash.  No worries, you can still throw a smashing first birthday party on a budget.

Avoid serving meals. Many times, first birthday parties are attended mainly by family and friends.  You have two options here.  If your family traditionally gets together for birthday parties and shares a meal as well as cake you can make it a potluck.  Ask close family members to each bring a different dish and let them know you’ll supply the cake and drinks.  The other option is to hold the party at a time when a meal is not expected.  Have the party at 10 in the morning or at 2 or 3 in the afternoon.  People won’t be expecting a full meal at these times.  If the party runs into a meal time then everyone can decide if they want to chip in together and order pizza or some other form of takeout to keep the party going.  Or they may just head home to eat.  Either way, you don’t have to foot the bill to feed everyone a meal.

Look for ways to save money.  Buy your paper products in a solid color instead of buying products with cartoon characters or designs.  Your one year old isn’t going to know the difference.  Tell everyone that the party colors are based on the nursery colors and go from there.  If you do want a theme, choose a simple one like rubber duckies or nursery rhymes.  You can print out a few pictures from your computer to carry the theme through.

Make your own decorations.  Hang big tissue paper Pom-Poms at various points around the party space or use them to decorate the food table.  These are inexpensive to make and have a real wow factor.  Choose a lovely color for the table cloth and pick it up at a dollar store.

Make your own cake.  Buying a cake from a bakery is going to be much more expensive than making it yourself.  You can also make your own cupcakes. Cupcakes are simple to make and they can be topped off with a paper topper to match the party theme.  Print out small pictures of whatever the theme is and then punch or cut out the pictures.  Glue or tape them onto a toothpick.  Stick the toothpicks into the cupcakes.  Put the cupcakes on a pretty cake stand or tray and you are ready to go.

Make your own party punch. For drinks you can mix up a simple punch using a generic 2 liter bottle of Ginger Ale, a carton of sherbet in a flavor that matches the color scheme, and a big container of frozen lemonade.  Kids and adults alike love this punch.  Another option is to serve pitchers of lemonade and cucumber water.  These are refreshing and stylish.  Adding slices of lemons in the lemonade will make it seem more like party fare.

Play simple games. If you want to do games with the kids at the party go with tried and true games like musical chairs, hot potato, and freeze dancing.  Prizes from the dollar store or a box of theater candy can also work well.

Recycle for wrapping paper. Wrap presents in the comic section from the newspaper instead of fancy wrapping paper.  Or recycle a gift bag that you’ve received in the past.  Another way to stay thrifty and environmentally friendly is to make your own fabric gift bags for use year after year.  Use any fabric that you might have around the house.

Scale back on party favors. Party favors are a growing trend, but mostly for older children at kids’ only parties.  You won’t be breaking any major society rules if you don’t pass out party favors at a first birthday party.  If you want to offer something, try personalizing some candy bars.  You can print out your own message of, “Thanks for Coming to Johnny’s First Birthday”.  Then using double sided tape, attach it as a belly band around the existing candy bar wrapper.

E-mail invitations. To avoid the cost of postage for mailing out a bunch of invitations utilize the many different e-mail invitation sites.  Or make your own invitations and hand deliver them.

As you plan your child’s first birthday, keep everything in perspective and realize that your child is only one and will have many more birthdays to come.  Let him have fun running around or making a mess with a cupcake.  Make sure that you take lots of pictures or ask a friend to take them so you can be part of the fun.

 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Barbara Williams.  I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

 http://www.findababysitter.org/blog/how-to-throw-a-first-birthday-party-on-a-budget/

How to Remove Stains from Baby Clothes

Whether you’re looking to get a bit more mileage out of a few favorite articles of clothing, passing along outgrown items to a friend or relative with a new baby, or trying to bring second-hand clothes back to serviceable condition, it doesn’t take too many forays into a restoration project to learn that babies can stain their clothes in impressive and persistent ways. Even infants, who seem to do little more than eat and sleep, can create messes in delicate clothes require series attention when it comes to removing them. The trick to removing most stains successfully is to treat each type of stain with the proper substances; these hints can help you restore your baby’s clothes to all of their adorable former glory.

• Protein-Based Stains – Formula, breast milk, diaper leaks and spit-up stains are considered protein-based stains, and are fairly easy to remove. Enzyme cleaners and stain pre-treatments are recommended for protein based stains; applying them by rubbing with a soft-bristled brush is exceptionally effective. Because the enzymes digest the protein base of the stain, they’re particularly useful for such purposes. Soaking clothes in cold water after treating for a few hours before laundering boosts effectiveness even further, but be sure that all traces of the stain are removed before items are dried. Repeat the process if necessary.
• Oil or Grease Stains – Solvent-based stain removal products and pre-treaters are the best option for greasy or oily stains; liquid dish soap is also effective. Work pre-treater or dish detergent into the stain and rub gently, then launder in the hottest water that is suitable for the fabric. Because oily stains tend to be particularly stubborn, you should always inspect the stained area before drying, and reapply solvents or detergents before washing a second time. Greasy stains that have been exposed to the heat of your dryer will almost always set, becoming all but impossible to remove completely. Before applying pre-treatments to oily stains left by diaper rash ointment, lotion, or petroleum jelly, douse the area liberally with cornstarch or baby powder. After the powder has set for fifteen to twenty minutes, briskly scrape or brush with a soft-bristled laundry brush. The cornstarch will absorb much of the oily base, making it easier for solvents to penetrate the remainder.
• Fruit and Vegetable Stains – Berries, brightly colored fruits, and vegetables are all healthy choices for a baby’s diet as he graduates to solid foods; they can also, however, create some of the most stubborn food stains known to man. Removing these stains almost always requires immediate attention as well as the right pre-treating substance for the job. Enzyme and surfactant combination treatments typically work well, followed by soaking the garment in cold water and then laundering as usual. As with almost all other stains, be sure to reapply treatment as needed before drying to avoid setting the stain and making removal even more difficult.
• Yellowing and Storage Discoloration Stains – Heirloom clothing like christening gowns and other antiques may be stored for years between uses, and also tend to be white or very lightly colored. Over time these pale fabrics can become yellowish and dingy; removing storage and age discoloration can be difficult, but is also a priority for garments that are intended to be worn on special days and for special occasions. To restore aging white clothing to a like-new gleam, it may be necessary to think outside of the box a bit. Oxygen cleaners are great commercial options, but denture tablets are also reported to work wonders on gentle fabrics. Mixing a half cup of white vinegar and a half cup of salt in a bucket of water, adding the garment, and stirring for at least thirty minutes is also an effective, if exhausting, method. Launder as you normally would, but be advised that delicate special occasion clothing may not hold up well to machine washing.
• Blood Stains – No one wants to think of their baby’s clothing being stained by blood, but unfortunately learning to crawl and later to walk can be dangerous business. Enzyme cleaners are usually effective for blood stains, but peroxide tends to be a more effective method and has the added bonus of not resorting to harsh industrial chemicals. Dab the area with peroxide and allow it to set for a minute or so before soaking the garment in cold water, then toss in with the rest of your baby’s laundry.

Because your baby’s skin is so sensitive, it’s best to launder them in fragrance-free detergent that contains no dyes or potential allergens; it may not be necessary to opt for more expensive specialty brands, however. Gentle detergents marketed towards adults with allergies or skin sensitivity should do the job just as well.

 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Hannah Anderson. I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:
 http://www.fulltimenanny.com/blog/how-to-remove-stains-from-baby-clothes/

Teaching Children Problem Solving Skills

One of the best set of skills you can teach a child is effective problem solving skills. These skills will be used and built on throughout a child’s life. They will help her ask for what she wants and needs, set healthy boundaries, and find creative solutions to big and small challenges. Here are some key things you can do to put your child on the problem solving path.

Give her the vocabulary to describe the problem and talk about her feelings. One of the first steps in problem solving is being able to define the problem, including telling the other person how you feel. When children are young you are able to guess at how they may be feeling in different circumstances and verbalize their feelings for them. For example, when an infant struggles to reach a toy that’s out of reach you can say, “You’re frustrated that you can’t reach the toy.” When a toddler begins to cry after a favorite truck is taken away by a playmate you can say, “It makes you angry when Sam takes your truck away from you without asking first.” When a preschooler gets ignored by a group of kids on the playground you can say, “I bet you feel sad when other kids don’t give you the chance to play with them.” As children get older, they will be able to describe the situation they’re facing and how they feel about it. This is the first step in working towards a solution.

Give her choices from an early age. Kids that have strong problem solving skills think in terms of options. When you ask your child if she’d rather wear shorts or a skirt to school, if she’d like eggs, waffles, or yogurt for breakfast, or if she’d like to go to the park before or after she finishes her homework, you’re showing her that there are many answers to most questions. Instead of simply telling her what her next move should be, you’re encouraging her to think about the pros and cons of each choice and then make the choice that best meets the needs of situation. So when she’s faced with a problem she’s more likely to think about the possibilities that are available and not simply look to you or another person to solve the problem for her.

Practice problem solving in calm situations. Problem solving is a learned skill. Like other skills, the more kids practice it the better they become at it. Offering children ongoing opportunities to solve problems that don’t have a strong emotional charge is an effective way to teach them the process of assessing the situation, coming up with possible solutions, and deciding on the best approach. The good news is that your child brings you lots of non-emotionally charged problems throughout the day, although they may not look like problems on the surface. They usually look like “How do I do that?” questions. For example, your preschooler may say, “I want to bring my pony collection to show and tell tomorrow but I can’t find it.” Instead of asking her when she last played with it or suggesting she look in the black bin in the play room say, “You want to bring your collection to school but you don’t know where it is. Hum, what ideas do you have to solve that problem?” Kids love to come up with creative ideas that they can act on. Maybe she’ll make a map of where she played yesterday, maybe she’ll search each room from right to left or maybe she’ll ask her older sister if she’s seen it. The ideas she comes up with are less important than the process she’s learning to use.

Talk in positive language. Attitude means a lot when it comes to solving problems. When children are surrounded by positive talk it becomes a habit for them too. They look to the possibilities of a situation rather than the obstacles or limitations.

Model problem solving skills in your own life. Like most things, the best way to teach great problem solving skills is to model them for your child. Instead of figuring things out in your head, talk through even the smallest problems that you face throughout the day. This will give your child a good feel for the process, help her understand how brainstorming works, and show her that if Solution A doesn’t work out, you move onto Solution B then Solution C. By modeling this type of behavior you can teach her how to solve problems with a positive attitude.

Kids that have good problem solving skills are well equipped to deal with the problems that regularly come up in everyday life. Armed with a positive attitude and a solid understanding of the process, they can successfully tackle the challenges that they may face.

P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by  Maureen Denard. I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

 http://www.findananny.net/blog/teaching-children-problem-solving-skills/

How to Stop Siblings From Fighting

Sibling fighting, while inevitable, can turn your household into what feels like a war zone. Your children bickering, teasing, poking, and all around annoying each other can seem like an endless stress cycle. There are, however, some ways that you can lessen sibling fighting and create a more peaceful, cooperative environment.
Set strong, clear boundaries for acceptable behavior and stick to them. Sibling fighting is one of those challenging behaviors that can quickly wear you down, so it’s hard to stick to your guns about what behavior is okay and what is not. But when it comes to getting to better behavior, consistency is the key.
A family meeting is the perfect opportunity to get everyone together and set the ground rules for how family members should treat each other. Everyone, both children and adults, should have a say in the rules. When your children are part of creating the rules they’re much more likely to follow them. Talk about what respectful language looks like, what type of touching is welcomed (e.g. hugging, tickling) and what type is not allowed (e.g. hitting, poking), and how they’re going to solve disputes. When the rules have been agreed on by everyone, outline what will happen if those rules aren’t followed. Then write them down and include visual cues to help kids remember.
Teach your children problem solving skills. Giving your kids the tools they need to solve their own problems will really pay off in the home environment. Children fight most often when they don’t feel they have better options. They get angry, frustrated, impatient, or hurt and they lash out. When you give your children the tools to talk about how they feel, to think about how others think and feel about a situation, and to come up with solutions that work for everyone involved, you’re giving them the power to stop fighting and start cooperating.
Help your children understand the different perspectives of their siblings. Children think everyone sees things the same way they do. They need help understanding that others often see and feel things very differently. What’s funny to one child may feel like hurtful bullying to his brother. What’s no big deal to one child may be a huge deal to his sister. What seems like a logical solution to one child may seem completely unfair to her sister. Help children express how they feel to their siblings in respectful language (e.g. “It hurts my feelings when you say I’m a klutz”, “I don’t want to share my new game with you because it’s my favorite toy and I’m afraid you’ll break it”). Help children process what’s been shared with them and encourage them to try and see things from the other perspective (e.g. “Can you think of a time when someone called you a name and, instead of it being funny, it hurt your feelings?”, “Can you imagine how hard it would be for you to share your favorite game if you were afraid it would get broken and you wouldn’t be able to play with it anymore?”). Seeing things through another person’s eyes builds empathy and increases sensitivity to what others feel and need. That’s a great way to help siblings stop fighting and start supporting each other.
Don’t take sides. Finding ways to solve the problem, not assigning blame, is the best way to move past an issue. When you try and figure out who did what and who did it first you get stuck in the past. When you start from where you are and work on ways to move forward, you take charge of the future. You rarely have all of the information to know who’s really at fault anyway. You may see your middle child push your older child as they walk into the room but it may be in response to something the older child did in the other room. Only they know the full story and they each see it through their own eyes.
Focus on what you want them to do instead of what you don’t want them to do. It’s easy to talk about what you don’t want: don’t hit, don’t push, don’t hog the TV, don’t grab his toys, don’t tease. It’s harder, but so much more productive, to talk about what you do want: use your words instead of your hands, decide together on a TV program, ask when you want a turn with a toy, talk respectfully. Not only does positive language change the overall tone of a situation, it teaches children to focus on what they’re doing right instead of what they’re doing wrong. Kids who feel good about themselves are much more likely to follow rules and treat others kindly and fairly.
Sibling fighting is typical and can’t be avoided completely. However you can get to a place where your children get along more often than they fight, and where they truly enjoy being around each other.

P. .S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Anne Laurie . I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission.

 http://www.gonannies.com/blog/2012/08/15/how-to-stop-siblings-from-fighting/

8 Reasons to Keep Your Live-In Nanny Out of a Spousal Dispute

When someone lives in your home and cares for your children they’re automatically privy to more sensitive information about your marriage than a center-based childcare provider; in some cases, they may be more well-informed about the state of your union than some of your friends and family members. While it can be almost impossible to keep these details completely private from your live-in nanny, there are several reasons why you and your spouse should make every effort to keep her as far removed from the fray as possible.

1. Eliminating “Slip of the Tongue” Possibilities – All it takes is one unguarded moment, and the proverbial cat can be let out of the bag regarding your marital strife in front of your children. The less your nanny knows about disputes and difficulties, the less she can accidentally pass on to your children, who may panic at the idea of separation or divorce.
2. Keeping Her Neutral – In any conflict it’s human nature to choose sides. Your nanny may not be able to stay neutral if she knows the details of an argument, forming a sympathetic alliance with one partner and silently blaming the other. The tension and discomfort created by all of this animosity can not only affect your nanny’s relationship with both of her employers, but can have the effect of throwing fuel on an already-raging fire, escalating the argument between you and your spouse to an even higher level.
3. Avoiding Burn Out – Caring for children and living in one room of a home belonging to someone else are stressful in and of themselves; doing so when a marital war rages under the same roof can turn the situation into a pressure cooker for your nanny, contributing to an early and potentially nasty case of burn out.
4. To Keep Her From Leaving – One of the most common reasons for a nanny to abandon an otherwise ideal post is excessive fighting between her employers. Living in the home of two relative strangers who do little but fight isn’t appealing to anyone, especially if divorce is a looming inevitability. Rather than stick around through the arduous process and deal with the fallout, your nanny may opt to take another post altogether.
5. Keeping Distractions to a Minimum – Your nanny’s sole purpose in your home and on your payroll is to care for your children. She’s not there to offer marriage counseling, advice, or to hold your hand while you fight with your spouse. Shouldering the burden of adult problems in addition to her responsibilities to your children may be more than she can handle, and can leave her distracted, which is the last state of mind you want for the person responsible for ensuring the safety and happiness of your kids.
6. Preventing Gossip – Few people can resist a particularly juicy bit of gossip, and your nanny is no exception. If the idea of her sharing the details of your marital discord with her friends and fellow nannies around the park’s water fountain is upsetting, it’s wise to keep those details to yourself. Even when you know that your nanny could provide information you’re seeking or a fresh perspective on the behavior of your spouse, you should avoid dragging her into the middle of the altercation at all costs.
7. Maintaining Professionalism – Giving your nanny instructions or discussing habits and behavior that you don’t agree with is difficult to do when she’s held your hand through a nasty row or been witness to the humiliating things that spouses can say to one another in the heat of battle; in the interest of maintaining your professional relationship it’s essential to keep your personal problems as private as possible.
8. Keeping Boundaries in Place – Your nanny wants and needs clearly-drawn boundaries just as much as you do; in some cases, perhaps even more. She wants her off time to be respected as just that, her private space to be held sacred, and not to be thrown into the middle of a family fight.

Whether you’re having an occasional and temporary disagreement with your spouse, or more serious fights that threaten separation or divorce, it’s absolutely imperative that you keep your nanny out of your relationship. Not only for her sake, but for that of your marriage as well; introducing a third party and her opinions to an already volatile situation will almost always make it worse, rather than improving it.

 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by  Molly Cunningham . I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:



 http://www.liveinnanny.com/blog/8-reasons-to-keep-your-live-in-nanny-out-of-a-spousal-dispute/