British summertime is often unpredictable when it comes to the weather. It’s not unheard of to experience rain, sun, wind and even snow all in the same day. That’s why we’ve put together our top summer holiday activities for kids that you can do, no matter the weather.
British summertime is often unpredictable when it comes to the weather. It’s not unheard of to experience rain, sun, wind and even snow all in the same day. That’s why we’ve put together our top summer holiday activities for kids that you can do, no matter the weather.
Continue reading “Perfect Summer Holiday Activities for Children”
There’s no denying that first lung full of fresh air you take after having your baby. Only mothers understand the feeling as the sun comes up after the birth and seeing the most beautiful sunrise of all time. Suddenly nature is 100 x more beautiful than it has ever been, and your precious bundle of joy is a product of that.
There’s no denying that first lung full of fresh air you take after having your baby. Only mothers understand the feeling as the sun comes up after the birth and seeing the most beautiful sunrise of all time. Suddenly nature is 100 x more beautiful than it has ever been, and your precious bundle of joy is a product of that.
However there is one subject that isn’t talked about enough. After the birth of a new baby few would care to admit that they aren’t finding the joy in everyday life as they used to.
Some couples may have tried hard to conceive, and all they ever wanted was this bouncing bundle of joy but now the baby is born they find themselves crying on a daily basis and finding it difficult to cope with everyday life.
Women need to understand that postnatal depression is not a sign of failure. There are many contributing factors that would be challenging at any stage of life, yet after a baby these factors are compounded into a short space of time leaving your body and mind exhausted and prone to mental health issues.
After the birth of a baby a woman will experience the baby blues. Hormones will crash and the new mother may feel teary and emotional, yet when these symptoms persist past the first week it is time to have a chat with the doctor.
These symptoms can be prolonged due to the nature of bringing a baby into the world. Your body is exhausted and most probably very sore, your mind will feel like it has permanent PMT, if breastfeeding your hormones will not be the same as prenatally, and sleep may seem like a luxury you can’t afford.
You may look at your new baby with its tiny fingers and toes, its button nose and gurgles and think, “how could anyone be depressed with such a wonderful gift,” yet that is the time when you need help the most.
Postnatal depression is not easily fixed by the individual. A doctor’s advice, even medication, is required to overcome it, yet most women are loathing admitting they are not coping as well as they envisaged.
It is worth noting that one in ten women will suffer from postnatal depression, so you are not alone, and you are not the first person your doctor has seen about it. Your doctor will ask questions, he will be sympathetic and decide the best course of action for you.
Overall it is best to nip postnatal depression in the bud early. As soon as you see the signs, ask for help, the sooner you are on the road to recovery, the sooner you can enjoy your new life as a mummy.
Being a parent is tough! Being a nanny is tough! Working in a nursery is tough! Raising a child is one of the most rewarding, but also one of the most challenging things you could ever do. The trouble with constantly taking care of the needs of your child or young charges is that it’s easy to push aside your own which can quickly lead to burnout that can affect both you and your children.
Try these top tips to help you take care of and re-energise yourself:
Continue reading “Childcare is Tough! Stay Energised with These Top Tips!”
The topic of gender stereotyping with regards to children has been gaining a lot of traction in the news and online. You’ve probably already seen at least one article, video or news feature on this topic.
But what is it?
Gender stereotyping is associating certain expectations or ideals depending upon someone’s gender. In relation to children, this could be that typically, girls should like the colour pink and should play with dolls and kitchen sets, whereas boys should like the colour blue and should be more physical in their play, making mess or playing with action figures and video games.
Continue reading “Gender Stereotyping – What Is It and How to Avoid It”
Hiring a nanny means finding someone who you can entrust your children to all through the day. As you will be opening your home to the nanny, it is extremely important that you don’t make mistakes that mean you’ll end up regretting hiring her. If you wish to successfully hire a nanny, all you need to do is follow these simple steps.
Determine the Type of Nanny You Want To Hire
Generally, there are two types of nannies: live in and live out. Live-in nannies, as the name implies, are child-caregivers who stay with you in your house. If you are looking for someone who can take care of your children all through the day and sometimes through the night, or your work / life hours are often changeable and you need different hours each week you you might consider hiring a live-in nanny. On the other hand, if you are simply trying to balance your work and personal life, you might prefer a live-out nanny. Remember that a live-in Nanny will need her own space, ideally a bedroom with an en-suite and she will need to be able to use the house a bit like her own on her time off so if you don’t like the thought of someone being there in your family time this may not be for you. Like regular employees, live-out nannies have specific working hours during the day. Nannies of each type provide different benefits. In essence, what seems to be the advantage of one proves to be a disadvantage of the other, and vice versa.
Before the Interview Process
Write a detailed job description including the duties that you want the nanny to take up. Remember though that the more chores you give the nanny, the less time she’ll spend looking after your children. You could ask some of your friends, neighbours or family for essential pointers on what to look for in a nanny.
During the Interview
You can conduct two to three interviews before you hire a nanny. Do not let your children get involved during the first interview. During this phase, you are still figuring out whether or not you move to the second interview. Ask vital questions related to the resume and discuss with the applicant your expectations, as well as your children’s personalities. Make sure that the applicant can provide references from previous employers.
Calling previous clients to ask about her performance is vital before hiring the nanny. Do not hire a nanny without investigating her background and work experience. Ask about previous traffic accidents, driving under the influence, or any criminal offences. You may also want to check her work visa, passport, driving license, criminal record, etc. If you are using the services of a nanny agency, you need to make sure that they have already verified the candidate’s DBS.
If you decide you are interested in pursuing the applicant, you may now want to conduct subsequent interviews that include your whole family. Always maintain a comfortable level of communication so that you can easily spot potential problems before you hire a nanny.
Do not commit to hire a nanny until you’ve had the opportunity to investigate her records. If everything goes well, detail a written agreement with the nanny and make sure the contract includes the nanny’s duties, terms of employment, wages, taxes and insurance.
Anyone can become a nanny, but how to be a good nanny is a totally different story. If you want to impress your employer then you have to be able to demonstrate the qualities of good nannies. Here are some tips for fulfilling the role of a good nanny.
Anyone can become a nanny, but how to be a good nanny is a totally different story. If you want to impress your employer then you have to be able to demonstrate the qualities of good nannies. Here are some tips for fulfilling the role of a good nanny.
Be Respectful and Well-Mannered
If you offer a full time nanny service, the chances are you will be living in an environment that could be radically different from what you are accustomed to. If you have a different religion, or are from a different race, have different values or culture, will you be able to adapt to and respect their environment? You may have a distinct child rearing philosophy that deviates from that of your employer. If so, are you willing to adapt and follow child rearing rules set by the parents?
If you are a live-out nanny, make sure to let your employers know about emergency absences immediately so they can make alternative arrangements. A good nanny is respectful and realises that parents rely on her punctuality so they can go to work without any delays.
Be Playful and Creative
Encourage the children to be as active as possible. Find something fun and productive to distract them from spending long hours in front of the television. You may take them to the park or museums, read to them, or get them involved in artistic activities. If you are playful and creative you will be a real asset and prove to be a good nanny to the family.
Keep Children Safe All the Time
Always make safety a priority when you are in charge of the overall wellness of the children. You may not be aware of it but your employer will be keeping out an eye on you all the time. Holding the child’s hand while crossing the street, closing the gate, and fastening the child in the car seat are just a few instances where you will be keenly observed by your employer. So if you want to know how to become a good nanny, the answer is straight and simple, treat the children as if they are your own.
Maintain Open Lines of Communication
Your employers need you to openly communicate with them as this is the only way for both parties to catch up. You need to understand that they will be interested in what the children have been up to the whole day. Open communication will also keep your employers up-to-date of any problems. On another note, you need to know how you can communicate with them easily as concerns may arise any time of the day.
It is extremely important to remember that a nanny plays a vital role in nurturing a child. So if you want to know how to become a good nanny, think like a parent wondering how to be a good parent and you won’t go far wrong.
With summer definitely peeping around the corner, we have already seen some glorious, hot days but how do you keep cool when it’s so hot? Here are some of our top tips
With summer definitely peeping around the corner, we have already seen some glorious, hot days but how do you keep cool when it’s so hot? Here are some of our top tips
1. Drink plenty
Hot weather can lead to dehydration really quickly so avoid caffeinated, fizzy or very sugary drinks. Make water more interesting by adding a squeeze of lemon, lime or orange, summery berries, some bruised mint leaves or flavoured ice cubes.
2. Wear sunscreen, shades and hats
Children in particular need protecting from the sun’s rays so apply plenty of sunscreen before going outside, always wear a hat and protect your eyes with sunglasses. If you’re responsible for kitting kids out then find wide-brimmed hats and wrap-around sunglasses they like.
3. Careful in cars
Cool down cars before getting in by opening doors and windows for a few minutes. Before popping children in the car check seat covers, straps and buckles to make sure they’re not too hot. Never leave a child in the car unattended even for a very short period – they can heat up very quickly.
4. Water-play it safe
Splashing around in swimming and paddling pools is a great way to cool down, and so is water play outside, but remember a child can drown in just a few centimetres of water so keep a close eye on them whenever near water.
5. Keep the sun out the house
Closing blinds and curtains during the day will keep the house cooler. This is especially important for children’s bedrooms which should be kept between 16C and 20C.
6. Don’t be overdressed
Although it’s a good idea to ear wear long-sleeved, loose clothing to protect skin from the sun make sure that babies in particularly aren’t overdressed for the weather. Natural fibres are coolest and choose thin fabrics.
7. Pack picnics carefully
If you’re going out to the day remember that food can spoil very quickly in this heat. Make sure cool bags are kept cool with ice packs that have been well frozen beforehand. Avoid foods containing meat or egg and limit dairy too. If you usually prepare formula in advance and keep it cool, consider using ready made cartons as it’s unlikely the milk will stay below 5C when you’re out and about.
photo credit: Simon Blackley via photopin cc
Some days can just be frustrating. Your alarm doesn’t go off, you forgot to fill up the car, there’s no milk when you get to work, the children won’t nap and bicker endlessly, you finish later than planned…..As child carers we don’t have the luxury of a 5 minute break to cool off with a cuppa, we can’t lock ourselves in the loo for a quick cry and we work with people who, by definition, are unreasonable. So how do you keep your cool when everything seems to be falling around you? We asked some of our Nannies for their top tips
Some days can just be frustrating. Your alarm doesn’t go off, you forgot to fill up the car, there’s no milk when you get to work, the children won’t nap and bicker endlessly, you finish later than planned…..As child carers we don’t have the luxury of a 5 minute break to cool off with a cuppa, we can’t lock ourselves in the loo for a quick cry and we work with people who, by definition, are unreasonable. So how do you keep your cool when everything seems to be falling around you? We asked some of our Nannies for their top tips.
Sammie, Nanny, 27
I recently took up yoga and meditation. Now when I’m getting a bit stressed, I trying to do some focused breathing, or sit in a relaxing pose. The little girl I look after tries to copy me and I think it calms her down too so it’s good for when we’re both stressed out.
Emma, Childminder, 32
Whenever I feel myself getting hot and bothered, I throw my plans for the next half an hour out the window and start an activity I enjoy doing. Playdough is therapeutic for me! Then my mindees come and join in and it reminds me why I love working with children.
Hannah, Nanny, 23
The best way to get rid of stress is to smile, make funny faces and funny noises. No-one can stay cross for long. You must laugh instead.
Nina, Nanny, 35
We always put on some music and have a bit of a boogie. Sometimes I need to stomp around a bit, so I pretend it’s dancing, sometimes I just need something to lift my spirits. If all else fails, there’s always Gloria Gaynor.
Eve, Childminder, 38
If I’m cross, I talk about it with the children. I think children are very sensitive and can pick up on your mood easily so it’s important to identify it for them and say what’s happened to make you feel that way. Children can have good suggestions for making you feel better too.
Jess, Nanny, 29
Counting to 10 always works for me. Plus, it’s educational. You just keep counting until you’ve cooled off.
Patricia, Nanny, 54
I’ve learned that you must talk about what made you upset in the first place, so you don’t end up in one of ‘those’ moods with it being one of ‘those’ days. If you feel your boss has been inconsiderate, write it down and chat about it in the evening. If your charges are pushing the boundaries talk to them and to their parents. Talking means you’re not trying to cope on your own and you’re taking steps to resolve the problem.
Lucia, Childminder, 32
Learn to let go. It’s not worth working yourself up because you end up getting unhappier as the day goes on. Holding onto what went wrong only makes more things feel like they’re going wrong. Let it go as soon as it happens.
Debbie, Nanny, 41
Don’t take responsibility for children’s behaviour and emotions. They’re their own person and although they need to learn to control how they feel don’t feel like you’re failing and stress yourself out because they aren’t behaving properly. Your own feelings and actions are the only thing you’re responsible for. Let them be angry if they need to.
In a competitive market a nanny who regularly refreshes and expands their skills will stand out from the crowd. Luckily a number of training providers have stepped in to fill the gap but it can still be hard to find a course that is on a date that suits you in a location that you find convenient. To help you along Nannyjob have secured discounted courses for you. Check out the courses on offer here Training for Nannies – Nannyjob
In celebration of this we’ve pulled together 3 top tips to make sure you get bang for your buck!
1. Ask About Course content
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about what is covered in the course. A good training company will be able to give you a fairly detailed breakdown of the topics you’ll encounter, which will help you decide whether the course is worth your time.
2. Check Accreditation
A course which has been accredited will have undergone a certain amount of scrutiny from the awarding body, which means you can have a measure of confidence in the delivery and assessment procedures. Some awarding bodies, such as CACHE, will also check the content of the course to ensure that it’s factual and based on best practice.
3. Get opinions
It’s rare to find a course or training provider that everyone raves about, although they do exist, and one nanny’s meat is another nanny’s poison and all that BUT if you get overwhelmingly negative reviews or the same bad points keep coming out then do take that into account.
Holidays can be a sticky topic for nannies and employers to discuss. Every employee has the right to take 5.6 weeks (28 days full time, pro rata for part time positions) holiday per year. This breaks down to 8 Bank holidays and 4 weeks of other holiday, which is how it’s been expressed for many years in nanny contracts, although with an increase in part-time positions this is no longer a good idea.
Holidays can be a sticky topic for nannies and employers to discuss. Every employee has the right to take 5.6 weeks (28 days full time, pro rata for part time positions) holiday per year. This breaks down to 8 Bank holidays and 4 weeks of other holiday, which is how it’s been expressed for many years in nanny contracts, although with an increase in part-time positions this is no longer a good idea.
Many people plan to take their most substantial holiday between June and September to benefit from the summer weather or because they are restricted by school holidays. It’s important to agree ahead of time when holidays will be so both parties have a chance to make plans, particularly as prices during school holidays can be very high. It’s not unheard of among nannies for employers to only inform their nanny of holiday plans at the very last minute, leaving the nanny with 2 weeks holiday that they’ve made no plans for.
For nannies it’s never a good idea to book a holiday without clearing it first with your employers. Employers can refuse holiday requests, although they do have to enable you to take your holiday at some point during the year. Most contracts say the holiday is 50% the employer’s choice and 50% the nanny’s but this is a custom rather than a legal right. It may be very inconvenient for you employer to find cover for you that week so communicate your plans well in advance and try to offer a couple of different dates. Your employers should appreciate the flexibility. The best case scenario is to sit down at the beginning of the school or calendar year and work out when holidays are likely. Then as plans firm up you can confirm or change holiday plans.
A common stumbling block is when employers take more holiday that they have given their nanny in the contract. There is no legal right to have more holiday than the 5.6 weeks every employee is entitled to, however it is a customary perk (and excellent compensation for working long hours) to give a nanny additional paid time off when their employer is away. If your contract explicitly states that there is more holiday then this is a contractual right. A nanny might be asked to do some jobs around the home while their charges are away, such as sorting through toys or clothes, batch cooking for the freezer, buying and naming new school uniform or spring cleaning children’s rooms. If you do request this additional work from your nanny then leave them the autonomy to decide when it’s done. They may choose to ‘work from home’ buying and naming school uniform, or spend an evening sorting clothes or cooking instead of arriving at 8am.
Finding cover for a nanny can be a problem; If it’s impossible to take time off working and you have no family support then investigate activity camps for older children, or ask your nanny if any of their friends would be interested in a week or two of extra work. Alternatively a temporary nanny will provide the same level of cover you are used to – particularly important if you need to travel for work or work long hours. You can either use an agency or search our database to find a temporary nanny.
As always, communicating with each other about your plans is vital! If you do this then there’s no reason holidays should cause any hassle!
Image © Siart | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images
