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/

How to Keep Baby Cool in the Summer Without AC

Staying cool during the summer isn’t just a desire for babies, it’s a necessity. Babies who become overheated can suffer terrible consequences, ranging from heat exhaustion to heatstroke. While babies can’t exactly tell you when they are hot, there are signs that can indicate your baby is overheating. Some signs that indicate overheating include your baby being extremely thirsty, tired, and having skin that is cool and moist.

Overheating is one of the leading causes of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) according to the National Sleep Foundation.  When babies are too warm they sleep deeper, which can lead to trouble. For this reason, it’s important not to overdress your baby for sleep. When she is sleeping in her crib and there is no air conditioning in her room, putting her in a onesie or a pair of light pajamas is best.  You’ll also want to have a fan running in her room to circulate the air, but make sure that the fan isn’t blowing directly on her. To cool the air that the fan is blowing you can put a pan of ice water in front of it.

A good rule of thumb is to dress your baby like you are comfortably dressed, plus one layer. If you are comfortable wearing shorts and a T-shirt then put her in that as well, plus a onesie underneath.  If you’re burning up and have a pair of shorts on, leaving your baby just in her diaper may be appropriate.  Try to avoid synthetic fabrics when dressing her as they tend to trap the heat and moisture in instead of allowing her skin to breathe.

If you are going to be going outside with your baby then dress her in lightweight cotton long pants, long sleeves, and a floppy hat.  Keep her in the shade and preferably somewhere she can feel a breeze.  It’s better to keep her skin covered than to use sunscreen on a very young infant.  If you must use sunscreen, apply it conservatively and only to the areas of skin that are exposed. You’ll also want to avoid being outside between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m because the sun’s rays are the most damaging during these times.

On hot days holding your baby can cause her to become too hot. Your body is warm against hers and she can overheat from being held close to you.  If you must use a baby carrier, make sure it’s a lightweight nylon or mesh one and not something heavy like denim.  You want to use breathable fabrics wherever possible.

It’s also essential to keep babies hydrated when it’s hot outside.  Babies sweat too, and in warmer weather you need to make sure that you are giving her plenty of fluids.  Infants over six months of age can be given water to help keep them hydrated.

Water play can be a good option for those babies that are able to sit up on their own.  Never leave your baby unattended during water play or a bath.  Babies love to splash in the water.  Taking her to a covered baby pool will also help to keep her cool.  If these things are not an option, putting a cool wash cloth on your baby from time to time throughout the day will help keep her cool.

If it just seems too hot both in your home and outside and you fear that your baby is too warm it’s a good idea to go hang out in a public place with air conditioning.  The library or the mall can offer convenient, cool choices.

If you feel like your baby is becoming sick from the heat, contact her healthcare provider. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are serious conditions that warrant medical attention.

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

 http://www.summernannyjobs.com/blog/how-to-keep-baby-cool-in-the-summer-without-ac/

Employment Rights All Nannies Need to Know

Since nannies work in the private homes of their employers it’s often mistakenly assumed that they are not protected by labor and tax laws. While not all labor and tax laws apply to household employers because they employ less than the minimum number of employees required before they kick in, many of them do.

According to the International Nanny Association, all nannies, whether they are legally authorized to accept employment in the United States or not, are protected by these 10 basic employment rights.

1. Nannies must be paid for every hour that they work. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, whether live-in or live-out, nannies must be paid for each hour that they work.

2. Nannies are entitled to be paid minimum wage. All nannies are entitled to be paid at the state or federal minimum wage rate, whichever rate is higher.

3. Live-out nannies, and some live-in nannies, are entitled to overtime pay. Live-out nannies are entitled to be paid overtime at the rate of 1.5 times their hourly base rate for all hours worked over 40 in a seven day period. Live-in nannies, in some states, are also entitled to be paid overtime.

4. Nannies must receive a W-2 form at the end of each year. Nannies are not independent contractors; they are employees of the families for whom they work. Nannies who earn more than $1,800 per calendar year (2012 threshold) must be given a form W-2 and not a form 1099.

5. Nanny employers are required to withhold payroll deductions. These deductions include Social Security and Medicare and state taxes. Income taxes and other benefits, such as contributions to health insurance premiums, may be withheld if the nanny and employer agree.

6. Nannies are entitled to be paid regularly. Each state determines the maximum number of days between payroll dates and the maximum delay an employer may place on a nanny’s periodic payroll. Some states even dictate the frequency in which nannies must be paid. The employer must keep accurate payroll records, including the dates and hours worked, for three years.

7. Nanny employers are required to have Workers’ Compensation policies in states that require it. Workers’ Compensation provides financial assistance to nannies who are hurt on the job. Most states require nanny employers to have a Worker’s Compensation policy, though not all of them do.

8. Nanny employers are entitled to work in an environment free from abuse. Federal and state laws protect nannies from physical and sexual abuse by their employers.

9. Nanny employers cannot confiscate a nanny’s passport or any other identifying documentation. Nanny employers cannot take and keep a nanny’s passport, Social Security card, work permit, or driver’s license.

10. Nanny employers are not allowed to retaliate against nannies from workplace grievances by turning them into immigration. If a nanny files a claim for unpaid wages or abuse, an employer may not turn their nanny in for an immigration violation. The Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration & Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) has written rules that prohibit their interference in labor disputes.

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

 http://www.4nannies.com/employment-rights-all-nannies-need-to-know/