Grandparents – Page 10 – Nannyjob blog

Unlocking the Secrets of School Age Development: A Comprehensive Guide for Nannies and Child Carers

The transition from preschool to school age marks a significant milestone in a child’s life. This period, which typically spans from ages 6 to 12, sees significant developmental changes across cognitive, physical, social, and emotional domains. Understanding these changes is crucial for nannies and child carers to provide the appropriate guidance, encouragement, and support during this transformative phase.

Cognitive Development

School-age children’s cognitive skills develop at a rapid pace. They start thinking logically about concrete events and gradually move towards more abstract thinking. They can solve problems, categorize items based on more than one feature, and understand the concept of conservation (that quantity does not change with alteration in shape). Reading, writing, and math skills become more refined, and their curiosity about the world around them grows.

Physical Development

Physically, school-age children gain better control over their bodies. Their coordination improves, and they engage in complex physical activities like cycling, swimming, or playing a team sport. Fine motor skills also improve, enabling them to do intricate tasks such as writing neatly or creating detailed artwork.

Language Development

Their language skills see significant improvement. School-aged children understand complex sentences, can use a broad vocabulary, and can communicate effectively with adults and peers. They also start to grasp metaphors and jokes.

Social and Emotional Development

Socially and emotionally, school-aged children start to form more complex friendships, learn to cooperate, and understand the importance of rules and fairness. They also develop a stronger sense of self and begin to understand more complex emotions. Empathy becomes more refined, and they become more sensitive to others’ feelings and perspectives.

How Can Nannies Support School Age Children’s Development?

As a nanny, you play an important role in this stage of a child’s development. For cognitive development, engage them in stimulating conversations, ask thought-provoking questions, and involve them in decision-making processes. Provide educational games and activities that enhance their problem-solving skills.

To support physical development, encourage participation in physical activities and sports. This not only helps them develop physical skills but also fosters teamwork and cooperation.

Reading to them and with them is an excellent way to support language development. Help them broaden their vocabulary by introducing new words and explaining their meanings.

For social and emotional development, provide opportunities for them to interact with peers. Support their friendships and help them navigate social challenges. Encourage them to express their feelings and validate their emotions.

The school-age years are a period of constant learning and exploration. As a nanny, you have a unique opportunity to influence and shape a child’s development during this stage. Remember, your understanding, patience, and guidance are invaluable tools that contribute to their growth and success during these formative years.

Ensuring Children’s Safety: A Comprehensive Guide for Nannies

Children’s safety is a paramount concern for parents, nannies, and caregivers alike. From ensuring a safe home environment, managing food preparation, administering first aid, and even monitoring online activities – each facet of a child’s life presents unique safety considerations

First Aid Knowledge

As a nanny, being equipped with first aid knowledge is not just an asset – it’s a must. Familiarize yourself with basic procedures such as CPR, dealing with choking incidents, treating cuts and bruises, and handling allergic reactions. Attend accredited First Aid courses, and keep your certification up-to-date.

Safe Food Preparation

Food safety is critical, especially with younger children prone to foodborne illnesses. Wash hands before handling food, ensure ingredients are fresh and properly stored, and maintain clean kitchen surfaces. Be aware of any food allergies the child may have and adjust meal preparations accordingly.

A Safe Home Environment

Keep an eye out for potential hazards within the home. Childproof the house by securing loose cords, placing safety gates where necessary, and ensuring harmful substances are out of reach. Regularly inspect toys for broken parts that could pose a choking risk.

Online Safety

In our digital age, online safety has become an increasing concern. As a nanny, part of your role might involve managing children’s internet use. Discuss online safety rules with the children and their parents, ensure privacy settings are appropriately set, and always monitor children’s online activities to safeguard them from potential digital threats.

Remember, safety is not a one-time checklist, but a continual process of vigilance, education, and communication with both parents and children. What safety measures do you implement in your nanny role? Let’s discuss and learn from each other.

Creative Activities for Kids: Inspiration for Nannies

As nannies, we’re always on the lookout for fresh, fun, and educational activities to engage the children we look after. Not only do these activities help us keep the kids entertained, but they also play a crucial role in their cognitive development, enhancing creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving skills.

So, whether you’re looking for some new ideas to break the routine or seeking inspiration for your next playful adventure, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a small guide to help you inspire your young charges and foster a love of learning and exploration.

1. Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

Taking the kids outdoors is a great way to spark their interest in nature and the world around them. A nature-themed scavenger hunt in your backyard or local park is an exciting activity. Create a list of items for the children to find, like a feather, a leaf of a specific shape, or a particular flower. This not only keeps them physically active but also encourages them to observe and explore their surroundings.

2. Arts and Crafts

Crafts are an excellent way to keep little hands busy while fostering creativity and fine motor skills. This could involve anything from painting with watercolours, making collages with old magazines, or creating homemade playdough. The possibilities are endless, and the resulting artworks can be keepsakes that parents will treasure.

3. Indoor Games

Rainy days needn’t be boring. Indoor games can provide endless entertainment. From classic games like charades and Simon says to building blanket forts or setting up an indoor treasure hunt, there’s a myriad of ways to keep the kids happy and engaged indoors.

4. Storytelling and Role Play

Invent a story with the children, taking turns to add to the narrative. This not only fosters creativity but also helps in building their language skills. Dressing up and role-playing parts of the story can add to the fun and make the experience more interactive and enjoyable.

5. Cooking and Baking

Involving children in simple cooking or baking activities can be a delightful experience. Making their own sandwiches, decorating cupcakes, or assisting in making dinner not only teaches them valuable life skills but also introduces them to the joy of cooking.

While these are some suggestions, the world of child-friendly activities is limitless. However, as a community of experienced and dedicated nannies, we know that some of the best ideas come from you. We invite you to share your favourite activities that have been a hit with the kids you look after. Let’s continue to learn from and inspire each other, fostering a space where creativity and curiosity can thrive in the hearts of the children we care for.

Leave a comment below with your go-to activities!

Balancing the Budget: Nanny Tips for the School Summer Holidays

School summer holidays can be an exciting but challenging time for nannies, as they need to find ways to keep children entertained and engaged without breaking the bank. With six weeks of no school, the money can seem to evaporate quickly. But fear not! We have compiled a list of tips and ideas for nannies in the UK to help you stretch your budget and make the most of those summer days without emptying your wallet.

Plan:

Make a schedule of activities for each week, considering the interests of the children you’re caring for. This will help you prioritise your spending and avoid last-minute, costly decisions.

Utilise Local Libraries:

Local libraries often offer free or low-cost activities and events during the school holidays. From storytelling sessions to craft workshops, there’s bound to be something for every age group.

Explore the Great Outdoors:

Nature provides endless opportunities for fun and learning. Take advantage of local parks, woodlands, and beaches for picnics, nature walks, or scavenger hunts.

Go on a Bike Ride:

Cycling is a fantastic way to explore your local area while keeping children active. You can plan a route that includes a fun destination, like a park or a playground.

Visit Free Museums and Galleries:

Many museums and galleries across the UK offer free entry. They provide a fantastic opportunity to educate children on history, art, and culture in an engaging way.

Check for Vouchers and Discounts:

Keep an eye out for vouchers and discounts on family attractions, available in newspapers, magazines, or online.

Get Creative at Home:

Set up DIY craft stations or organize a home-based baking day. These activities can be both educational and fun, without costing a fortune.

Arrange Playdates:

Teaming up with other nannies or families can help keep costs down by splitting the expenses for outings or activities.

Utilise Community Events:

Check your local community centre or council website for information on free or low-cost events happening during the holidays.

Practice Mindful Spending:

Prioritise experiences over material items and focus on creating lasting memories rather than accumulating stuff.

With careful planning and creativity, nannies can make the most of the school summer holidays while sticking to a budget. By exploring free and low-cost activities, you’ll be able to provide a fun, educational, and engaging experience for the children in your care.

Summer 2023 Fun activities!

As summer 2023 approaches and the days grow longer, it’s the perfect time to start planning outdoor activities with your children. With lots of long weekends on the horizon and the long summer holidays looming, many parents and caregivers may wonder how to fill those sunny days. Here are our top suggestions to keep kids entertained and engaged in the great outdoors:

Nature Drawing 🌳🎨

Explore your local park, garden, or nearby woodland with sketchpads in hand. Encourage children to draw what they see, from flowers and trees to insects and animals. This activity not only sparks creativity but also teaches them about nature while providing artwork to display at home.

Backyard Olympics 🏃‍♀️🥇

Inspired by the excitement of professional competitions, host your own Olympic-style games in the backyard or at a park. Let the kids choose events like races, long jumps, or beanbag tosses. They’ll enjoy creating signs, leader boards, and even making their own medals.

Teddy Bear Picnic 🧸🍉

A teddy bear picnic is perfect for including friends, whether they’re playmates or stuffed animals. Set up a shady spot with picnic tables or blankets and personalise the event with invitations and place cards for each special guest. You can also make simple teddy bear ears and paint noses to help children feel more like their cuddly companions.

Cycling Adventure 🚴‍♂️🌄

If you don’t have bikes rent or look out for second hand ones and plan a family cycling trip on a designated route or at a local park. If you have younger children, get bikes with child seats so everyone can participate.

Embrace the warm weather and make lasting memories with your children this summer 2023. Share your fun and inexpensive summer plans here! ☀️🌻 #Summer2023 #FamilyFun #OutdoorActivities #MakingMemories

Top Tips from Nannies

When you have a child, no one teaches you how to parent, you might be lucky and have family and friends with children or you may have read books on parenting tips, but it can still be a minefield of trial and error! One of the great things if you employ a nanny is that they have years of practice and are experts in childcare. They have tried and tested methods to help establish positive behaviour, excellent manners, and good routines.

We asked some of our nannies what their top tips were to help parents from those early years:

It’s okay to let your baby cry.

If you are a first-time parent you can feel anxious and unsure when your baby cries. Particularly in the early days when you aren’t sure why they are crying, and you are tired and feeling out of your depth. But a crying baby is normal, they are also feeling anxious and unsure, and a lot of the time just want to be held close and feel safe. Nannies recommend you trust your instinct, if you feel they need feeding, changing, cuddling, or rocking to sleep go with it, you will soon learn, it just takes a little while.

You Don’t Need to Buy All of the Baby Products

You’ve just found out you are expecting, you are excited and the first thing you want to do is rush out and buy every baby product you can from Activity mats to Cuddly Zebras! All and hug expense and often just left to be forgotten in a cupboard somewhere. Stick to the basics, if you have friends or family who have had children see what they might be getting rid of and ask them what their must have item was and what was a waste of money. In the first few months your baby really will sleep and feed, so they don’t need much!

What happens when it comes to weaning?

When your baby is ready to wean you need to give them a varied, healthy diet. Just because they don’t like bananas on the first try doesn’t mean they won’t like it on the second or third try. As their taste buds develop and change they will almost certainly learn to love foods they initially rejected.

When you have been out at work all day and you and your child are tired, mealtimes can become a bit of a battle ground and are often rushed to get bath and bedtimes out of the way. However, this doesn’t give a healthy message around food and it’s important that children learn to sit the table and enjoy their meal and allow them time to relax and digest it before they must get on with the next activity. Think about when you most enjoy food, it almost certainly is when you are relaxed and able to really think about what you are eating and not when you are rushing about and eating on the go.

Routines

Routines don’t need to be regimented and should have some flexibility in them. Children need some guidance and structure to their day as it provides security and a good foundation for them to build on, but it doesn’t need to be so strict that there isn’t room for fun, or changes to help an exhausted parent or child feel life is a drag!

Talk and Listen to each other

This applies to parents as well as children. As we have said before, life can be busy and them seems little time to sit and chat or really listen to what the other person is saying. How often are you multi-tasking as your child tells you about their day or an issue they are having? You might miss something important that they are saying. Find time to sit down and really talk to them and if you find yourself have a shouting match with your child or partner, stop, take time out and then return to the conversation when you are both calm and can have a constructive conversation.

Don’t jump through hoops to make you child happy.

Parental Guilt is rife, many parents work long hours to pay the bills and keep a roof over their family’s head and they feel guilty because they can’t always be there for their children so they shower them with gifts and agree to things (like getting a dog!) when it’s not really what they can afford or cope with. It’s important for children to learn early on that No means No and that throwing a tantrum and being rude will not get them any further. Establishing the difference between a child’s needs and a child’s wants is hugely important and will help teach your child the difference top. Also picking up after your child because it’s easier and quicker and saves an argument does not help them develop and grow. They need to learn to be independent and do things for themselves as they reach the appropriate stages/.

Parenting is tough, whether you are a staying at home parent or go out to work, it comes with its challenges. No two families are the same and what is important to one may be less important to another. Following your instincts, doing what works for your family and your household is the most important thing and trusting your ability as a parent and if all else fails ask the Nanny!

Being a good enough parent in the 21st century

This article examines some of the challenges facing parents in the twenty first century and suggests ways in which we can steer a middle ground, providing our children with a loving upbringing while making time for ourselves as well.

Parents under pressure

The byword these days is “pressure”: pressure to be a top parent, pressure to have your children do well at everything. Parents who can afford to do so attend baby yoga and music classes with their newborns. Primary school children attend extra tutorial classes to have the edge on their classmates or simply because working parents cannot spare the time to give the extra help needed.

Parents matter too

And while it is a good thing that there are more activities for children from babyhood upwards, it also puts parents under pressure to have their children do as much as everyone else’s. The Irish writer Adam Brophy makes an interesting point in a newspaper article entitled “It’s not just about the kids, we matter too”, when he says: “When did we come to the conclusion that the development of our children’s skill set was the be-all of our existence? What message does it send to drive them from one class or training session to another when all we can manage is to spark the car’s ignition?” It’s not a point of view that we hear voiced very often but doesn’t it strike a chord with many of us?

Previous generations didn’t do as much worrying about their children’s academic or sporting achievements. People didn’t have as much disposal income as parents today and moreover, children weren’t given as much importance as they are now. Twenty-first century parents would find it difficult to envisage a world where children were expected to be “seen and not heard”. Needless to say that particular perspective on raising children isn’t one we’re advocating, however, it’s worth reflecting on the fact that as we have become better off as a society, we are giving a lot more to our children, both in emotional and material terms and often feeling under greater pressure as a result.

The extreme focus on early childhood

A recent conference at the University of Kent examined what organisers called “the extreme focus on early childhood”. Academics argued that parents of babies and toddlers, mothers in particular, are subject to ridiculous levels of pressures to “get things right” which leads to “unwarranted anxieties and guild”. Led by John Bruer, author of The Myth of the First Three Years, they said claims of the importance of parental connection in the early years have been hyped and that social policy focusing on the parent-child bond is “a waste of resources”. Parents, and especially mothers, will more than likely welcome the fact that they need not feel guilty about having to leave their child in the care of someone else while they work; nor will they “fail” to give their child a head start if they don’t sign up for various baby and toddler classes.

UNICEF study

When a recent UNICEF study found that British parents tended to overload their children with material goods to make up for not spending enough time with them, the journalist and broadcaster Mariella Fostrupp wrote in The Observer: “No offence to Unicef but a UK riddled with shopaholic parents trying to assuage their consciences with expensive toys for their unloved children is one I don’t recognise. Most people I see are struggling to pay their utility bills let alone splash out on Xboxes. The vast majority are simply battling to make ends meet”. And she rubbished the notion that our consumer culture was to blame for parents’ neglect of their children in this way: “Our entire financial system is built on our ability to work and consume to keep the economy afloat. And now we’re in the wrong for buying the odd toy for our kids?”

A good enough parent

To conclude, parents can only do their best. And to borrow the paediatrician Donald Winnicott’s phrase, being a “good enough” parent really is “good enough”. Rather than placing undue pressure on ourselves – and our children – to “get it right”, we can be good parents by spending time with them and allowing them room to develop their own interests. And by the same token we need to allow time for ourselves – as individuals and as partners in a relationship. That’s a topic for another day!

Blue Monday

Today is Blue Monday, supposedly one of the most depressing days of the year, based on the weather, debt, time since Christmas, lack of motivation and many other factors. Undoubtedly, we probably all feel a little low at this time of year for a whole host of reasons. But for those people that genuinely suffer with depression every single day Blue Monday is just another day to them.

Depression in adults is a condition we’re all familiar with. Most adults have at some point felt mildly depressed and a surprising proportion of the population has suffered from clinical depression, whether treated or not. Although there is still a huge stigma around saying that someone as an individual is or has been depressed, it’s no longer the hidden condition it once was. Depression in children and teenagers, on the other hand, is much less widely acknowledged but potentially very serious.

What on earth do children have to be depressed about?

We may cast our minds back to the halcyon days of our own childhood and wonder what there is to become stressed and depressed about but firstly childhood was never that simple and secondly today’s children are facing an infinitely more complex world with shifting social norms, advancing technology and mounting media pressure. In Hollywood everyone is popular, rich and happy, the guy always gets the girl and we all live happily ever after. This can set up dangerous expectations for real life and if children can gorge on this constructed reality, they can end up feeling like they’ll never be good enough. If we’re honest with ourselves we were all anxious about school and schoolwork, keeping up with our friends and living up to parental expectations and today’s children are no different, even though the challenges they face are. It becomes more complicated when children become adolescents because the maelstrom of hormones, which leads to tears, tantrums, rage and rebellion, can mask depression – it all gets put down simply to being a teenager. It’s especially important at this time to watch out for anything out of the ordinary which continues over a lengthy period as it may point to a deeper issue.

How can I spot depression?

Knowing what is normal for your child or charge is key, and that can only be achieved by keeping the lines of communication open. It’s difficult when your efforts are met with angry rejection but keep letting them know you’re listening and do genuinely listen to what they say even if it seems insignificant to you. A constant refusal to communicate may be a sign that something is troubling them, but they don’t know how to talk to you about it. In this case be guided by your instincts and you may need to seek professional help along with your child. Although it may feel like a betrayal at the time, a child will get over that faster than untreated depression.

Surely my child is too young to be depressed.

In fact, depression can hit children as young as 2 or 3 years old so there’s no such thing as too young. The number rises sharply in adolescence, with girls twice as likely to suffer as boys at this point. Rest assured, depression in very young children is likely to be the result of physical or emotional trauma and rarely manifests in healthy children with a secure attachment to their parents. Children who are at risk of depression, be it from chronic illness or emotional disturbances in their life, are likely to be offered additional help, perhaps in the form of play therapy or counselling.

That said, although depression in children is rare it’s important to remember that it does still exist and shouldn’t be discounted because of age.

How can I prevent depression?

There is no one way to prevent depression but setting an example of a healthy, realistic lifestyle is a good start. Plenty of exercise and fresh air along with a good diet will help keep the brain’s chemistry in balance and ensuring plenty of time for relaxation and play is vital for relieving stress. Good communication skills lay the foundation for open and honest exchanges about emotions and will safeguard your relationship throughout the difficult teenage years. It’s never too early to talk to children, be honest with them and accept them for who they are, encourage them to express their feelings and give age-appropriate explanations for what they see in the world around them.

Get into the habit of looking for the good in life. At the end of the day encourage children to focus on the good things that have happened and consider encouraging older children who don’t want to be tucked in any more to keep a positivity journal. The act of reflecting on what has gone well prevents a spiral of negativity and a journal can be a source of encouragement when times get tough.

For more information please visit www.youngminds.org.uk

Top 10 essential items every Nanny carries

Like every child is different, every Nanny and Manny are different, but the one thing they all have in common is that they are always prepared! Here are our top 10 essential items that every Nanny carries with them. What is your most essential item? Or What have we missed off our list?

Mobile Phone with emergency contacts in – Mum, Dad, Grandparents, Neighbour, Doctor, Dentist, whoever is on your list make sure you have a plan of action if there is an emergency!
Medical Information for each child. In the UK we have the Red Book which should contain all the vital info you need such as food allergies, medication, etc. But if you don’t have this then keep a note handy with all the details. If the child, you care for becomes ill the first questions you will be asked are ‘Is the child taking any medication’ ‘Does the child have any allergies’ Having this information to hand may save valuable time.
First Aid Kit – You can buy a ready made one or simply carry the necessary items around with you such as Plasters, antiseptic wipes, safety pins, tweezers, gauze dressings, sterile eye dressings, crepe roll bandage, triangular bandage, disposable gloves.
Tissues, wet wipes and hand sanitizer.
Sunscreen and lip balm, even the most overcast days can require some protection from the sun, always better to be safe.
Nappies (Or underwear if potty trained), Changing mat, wipes, cream disposable potty, – you never know when you might be caught out!
Change of clothing, what child hasn’t rolled in the mud or been sick and needs to be changed.
Healthy snacks – children are constantly hungry, ready prepared fruit, rice cakes, raisins, prepped veg and hummus. All great energy boosters if you have a flagging child.
Bottled Water – Great for cleaning up a messy child or for a drink break through the day.
Small toys and books, if you must queue, go on public transport of just keep a child occupied while you wait for something, having a toy or book handy will help deal with any boredom the child might feel.

SCHOOL READINESS

And just like that, the summer holidays are over! For some, sending the children back to school couldn’t come any sooner. You’ve faced the high street, waited (patiently!) with your ticket to try on new school shoes, hair has been chopped and styled, new stationary has been bought (for them and you!) and your diary is ready to go… but what about the children. Are they ready? Are they excited and prepared?

It’s easy to assume the children are also ready to go back, see their friends and fit back into the school routine. But what about their emotional readiness? What about the children who are starting at nursery or school for the first time? The ones transitioning to primary or secondary school. Even the difference in classroom, teacher or timetable can be overwhelming for a child.

Transitions work best when a child is prepared. So what can we do to prepare a child for the September ‘back to school’ time in their lives?

Firstly, talk to them. Ask them how they are feeling. Don’t just put the emotions you are feeling into their minds. Really listen to their anxieties, worries and excitements. Break down each one and show them emotional support. Not just at the start of school, but continued throughout their first few weeks, and beyond if needed. Sometimes they won’t want to talk, and that’s ok! Just being there, listening and allowing them the opportunity to open up will give them reassurance.

Another thing you can do to get them involved is with the new term shopping! If they have a say in what bag, coat and shoes they will be wearing, then they are going to show a little more enthusiasm. For young children, finding a school bag with their favourite character on is going to help massively. For older children, it’s ‘fitting in’ with peers, so they will want a say in how they look.

One of the biggest anxieties about starting at a new school can be around friends, or not knowing anyone. To prepare children for this, I always advise trying to find other children also attending the same school (try local social media groups). Planning play-dates before school starts will give them someone they are familiar with. In the first few weeks of term, plan after school tea times together too. This will really help them build on friendships and relationships with other children, and as parents and nannies, also introduce you to other families from the school.

And lastly books! Reading is something that you can do together with your child. Books can help with no end of matters, and school readiness is one of them! Pop along to your local library, find some books about going to school and read them together. Change the words to fit in with the name of your child’s school, or teachers to personalise it, and just spend some time one to one discussing everything around school.

With everything, time helps. Enjoy this period in your child’s life, support them, reassure them and allow them the time to adjust to these new beginnings.

We cover all sorts of transitions that happen in a child’s life, including school readiness in our Early Years Care and Education Course. Please contact Little Ones Training and Education on 0207 112 8057 to find out more!