parents – Page 6 – Nannyjob blog

Rainy Day Activities – Turning Gloom into Bloom

Rainy days don’t have to be gloomy, especially when it comes to kids! With some creativity, a little imagination, and a sprinkle of fun, you can turn those gloomy days into a time of joy and excitement. Here’s a guide for nannies, parents, and child carers to embrace rainy days and make them bloom with creativity.

1. Indoor Camping Adventure:

Set up a tent with blankets and cushions right in the living room. Create a fake campfire and gather around it for storytelling, songs, and s’mores made in the oven.

2. Craft Time:

Grab some paper, glue, scissors, and colors. Let the kids create their very own rainy day art, or perhaps some beautiful homemade cards for friends and family.

3. Kitchen Science Experiments:

Rainy days are perfect for scientific exploration. Try making homemade slime or a volcano eruption. Kids can learn science in a hands-on and fun way.

4. Movie Marathon:

Create a movie theater experience at home. Show a series of their favorite animated films, complete with popcorn and cozy blankets.

5. Dance Party:

Turn up the music and have a dance-off. It’s a fantastic way to get the kids moving and grooving even when stuck inside.

6. Indoor Obstacle Course:

Set up a mini obstacle course using pillows, chairs, and tables. Time each other and have a laugh as you navigate through.

7. Reading Time:

Create a cozy reading nook and explore new worlds together through books. Allow children to pick their favorite stories, and don’t forget to add some sound effects for extra fun!

Conclusion:

Rainy days don’t have to dampen the fun. With a little creativity, they can be transformed into an opportunity for learning, bonding, and joy.

So the next time raindrops hit the window, just remember: gloom can indeed turn into bloom. Happy rainy day adventures!

Travelling with nanny during summer holidays

School’s out! Summer is finally here and if you’re planning a trip abroad this year, whether you’re planning to take your nanny with you or not, you might be wondering where your nanny fits in…

Holidays with your nanny

I’m not planning to take my nanny on holiday with me, do I still need to pay them?

You may have agreed in your contract to split holiday entitlement, for example 50/50. This would mean that 50% of your nanny’s holiday they can choose when to take it, and the other 50% is for you to decide. In this case, you may have agreed for your nanny to take their holiday whilst you’re away, but you will still need to administer holiday pay.

If you have not agreed to this, and your nanny is not due to take holiday while you are away, you will need to pay your nanny in full as they are available and willing to work.

I’m taking my nanny on holiday with me, will this holiday be deducted from their holiday allowance?

If your nanny is going on holiday with you to provide childcare, they are therefore working, and this won’t affect their holiday allowance. If your nanny ends up working longer hours while on holiday, you may need to compensate your nanny by providing overtime pay or giving them additional time off in lieu.

What should I discuss with my nanny before we go on holiday?

There are a few things you should discuss before you go on holiday with your nanny, this may include…

The rate of pay, some employers may wish to enhance their nanny’s pay and can do so at their discretion.
Accommodation, we recommend that the nanny has a private room in order to give them the appropriate downtime.
Hours of work and days off, we suggest you discuss this in advance of your holiday so you can set expectations and avoid any future disputes.
It’s also worth clarifying details such as whether the nanny will be coming out for day trips with you, will be eating with you, whether or not they’re expected to do chores, etc.

Discussing these things in advance will help you avoid any uncertainty or awkwardness while you’re away!

This blog was written in collaboration with Nannytax, the award-winning and UK leading nanny payroll experts with over 25 years experience.

Discover more about Nannytax here.

Navigating the Waves of Childhood Friendships: A Guide for Nannies and Childcarers

As nannies and childcarers, we play an essential role in guiding children through the ebbs and flows of friendship. Children’s friendships are an integral part of their development and well-being. Understanding how these relationships evolve and how best to support children through their social challenges is crucial.

The Evolution of Friendships

Friendships can vary drastically depending on a child’s age and developmental stage:

Toddlers: Friendships at this age are largely based on proximity and shared activities. It’s not unusual for toddlers to engage in what is termed as ‘parallel play’, where they play alongside each other rather than directly with each other.

Preschoolers: As children grow older, they start to develop more complex social relationships. Friendships become more reciprocal, involving shared interests and mutual affection.

School-age children: Friendships now involve deeper emotional connections, and children start to value trust and support in their relationships.

Navigating Friendship Challenges

Children may face various friendship hurdles. Here are some common challenges and how to navigate them:

Making Friends: Some children struggle to form friendships. As a childcarer, you can support these children by role-playing social scenarios, encouraging participation in group activities, and emphasising the importance of sharing and turn-taking.

Friendship Breakups: These are inevitable and can be very upsetting for children. It’s essential to validate their feelings, let them express their emotions and reassure them that it’s okay to feel sad or hurt. Guide them towards resolving conflicts, if possible, or help them understand that sometimes friendships change, and that’s okay too.

Cliques and Exclusion: Older children might face issues with cliques and exclusion. Encourage empathy and inclusiveness and discuss the negative impacts of excluding others.

The Power of Friendship

Despite the challenges, the power of friendship in a child’s life is immense. Friends provide companionship, emotional support, and a platform to learn social skills, empathy, and negotiation. As nannies and childcarers, fostering a supportive environment for these friendships to grow and flourish will have lasting positive effects on a child’s social and emotional development.

Remember, every child is unique, and so too is their journey with friendship. Patience, understanding, and a bit of guidance can make all the difference.

Gardening with Children: Fun Activities and Lifelong Benefits

Getting children involved in gardening is a great way to spark their curiosity, teach them about nature, and foster a sense of responsibility. Not only does gardening provide fun, engaging activities, but it also offers numerous benefits that can impact children’s development positively. Here are some fun garden activities and the benefits that come with them:

1. Planting Seeds and Growing Plants

Starting with something as small as a seed and nurturing it into a plant can be a magical process for children. This activity can teach them patience, as they wait for the seed to sprout, and responsibility, as they care for the plant by watering it regularly.

2. Creating a Vegetable Garden

Let children have their own patch in the vegetable garden. They can grow easy plants like radishes, beans, or cherry tomatoes. This activity not only gives them a sense of ownership but also can lead to discussions about healthy eating and the importance of fresh produce.

3. Making a Bug Hotel

Creating a bug hotel is a wonderful way for children to learn about the small creatures that contribute to our ecosystem. They can use materials found around the garden, such as leaves, sticks, and pinecones, to create a cozy space for insects.

4. Setting up a Bird Feeder

Setting up a bird feeder and regularly filling it with seeds can attract a variety of birds to your garden. Children can learn about different bird species while understanding the importance of caring for wildlife.

5. Creating Art with Nature

Leaves, petals, stones can all be used to create beautiful artwork. This activity encourages creativity and helps children appreciate the beauty of nature.

Benefits of Gardening with Children

Educational: Gardening can introduce children to scientific concepts like photosynthesis, the lifecycle of plants, and the roles of different insects. It also provides practical examples of mathematical concepts like counting, measuring, and recognizing shapes.
Health and Nutrition: Growing their own fruits and vegetables can make children more inclined to eat them. It also encourages a more active lifestyle, as gardening can be a form of exercise.
Boosts Mental Well-being: Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood in children. Gardening can also promote mindfulness, as children focus on tasks at hand.
Develops Life Skills: Gardening requires patience, responsibility, and problem-solving. These skills are not only applicable in gardening but also valuable in other aspects of life.

Gardening with children can be a fun, rewarding experience. It not only provides a platform for learning and development but also offers opportunities to create precious memories. So, pull on those wellies, grab a trowel, and start exploring the garden with your little ones!

The Fascinating Journey of Toddlerhood: Unraveling Key Developmental Stages

Ah, toddlerhood! That magical stage when your little bundle of joy starts exploring their surroundings and asserts their independence. Typically, toddlerhood spans the age from 1 to 3 years old and is a critical period of immense growth and development. As nannies and child carers, understanding these developmental stages can help us guide children on this exciting journey more effectively.

Physical Development

During toddlerhood, children experience rapid physical growth. They transition from crawling to walking, running, and even climbing. Fine motor skills start to improve as well, with toddlers learning to use spoons, stack blocks, or turn pages in a book.

Cognitive Development

This is a stage of incredible cognitive growth as well. Toddlers begin to explore cause and effect (if I drop this toy, it makes a noise), object permanence (just because I can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s gone), and they start to solve problems (how to get a toy that’s out of reach). Their imagination also starts to blossom during this period.

Language Development

In terms of language, toddlers make great strides, moving from babbling to speaking words and eventually, short sentences. By the end of this stage, most toddlers can say around 200 words. Encourage their language skills by constantly talking, reading, and singing to them.

Social and Emotional Development

Toddlers begin to understand and express a range of emotions. They may show signs of empathy and start to play alongside other children, a precursor to more interactive play. This is also the age where they may begin to assert their independence, leading to what many call the “terrible twos”. Remember, tantrums are a normal part of toddler development. They are a toddler’s way of expressing frustration over their lack of control or inability to express their needs.

How Can Nannies Support Toddlers’ Development?

As a nanny or child carer, you play a crucial role in supporting a toddler’s development. Engage them in various physical activities to strengthen their motor skills. Nurture their curiosity by providing age-appropriate educational toys and participating in interactive play. Facilitate their language development by having regular conversations and reading to them daily.

Remember to provide a safe, loving, and stimulating environment where toddlers feel free to explore and learn. Celebrate their achievements, no matter how small they may seem, and offer comfort when they’re overwhelmed.

Toddlerhood is an enchanting yet challenging stage, full of growth, discoveries, and firsts. As nannies and child carers, our role is to guide, support, and enrich this special phase of life, setting the foundation for future development.

Remember, each child is unique and develops at their own pace, so these stages may not follow a strict timeline. What is important is to enjoy the journey and celebrate each step of the way!

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.

Respect

Ask most nannies what they want in a job and they’ll tell you that what really makes a difference is respect. But what is respecting your nanny when all is said and done? We’ve come up with R.E.S.P.E.C.T. to help you respect your nanny.

Rights
Nannies have the same employment rights as anyone else and they don’t appreciate employers trying to cut corners. They are entitled to National Minimum Wage if live out, 5.6 weeks paid holiday per year, statutory sick, maternity, paternity and adoption pay, time off for ante-natal appointments, a contract, redundancy pay, notice of the end of employment and a whole lot more.

Earnings
While nannies of course love looking after children it is their job, and they expect to be paid the correct amount, on time. If you’re not sure how much to pay your nanny and how much goes to the tax-man, think about engaging a professional payroll company to manage it for you. They’ll produce the payslips too, which help your nanny keep track of their earnings.

Space
Live in nannies especially need their space respected. Their room should be for their use only, not extra storage for you or an additional guest room when they’re away. But respecting space isn’t just about physical space – it’s also about not contacting your nanny outside work hours unless it’s an emergency and allowing them to have a personal life that you don’t know about.

Professionalism
Nannies rarely give advice unless its asked for but they may make suggestions on ways to manage behaviour or translations. Respecting your nanny’s professional knowledge and experience makes for a happy relationship. Professional nannies are also capable of getting on with the job and don’t need micro-managing. Respect your nanny’s daily routines and timescales as long as everything is accomplished.

Expenses
No-one likes being out of pocket for work and nannies are no exception. If a nanny has paid for something out of their own pocket then the respectful thing to do is pay them back promptly.

Choices (decisions)
When parents don’t respect and back-up the choices a nanny makes, children learn they don’t have to respect the nanny either. If nanny said no biscuit then respect the choice they made, even if it’s not what you would have said. If you do disagree with a choice your nanny has made, be respectful and approach them about it in private.

Time
Respecting your nanny’s hours is one of the simplest things you can do to show respect. Allow them to start work on time a be home for them to finish on time. Their finish time is the time they should be able to walk out the door, not the time you get home and start a run-down of the day.

The Ultimate Responsibility: Checking Your Nanny’s Identity, References, and Right to Work

When hiring a nanny, it’s essential to verify their identity, qualifications, and references thoroughly. As an employer, you have the responsibility to ensure they have the right to work in the UK and are suitable for taking care of your children and home. This article provides an up-to-date guide on the necessary checks you should conduct before hiring a nanny.

The Right to Work Check your prospective nanny’s passport, national identity card, or other proof of nationality to ensure their right to work in the UK. Be aware that some foreign nationals may have limitations on their work permits or visas, so seek specialist advice if needed.
Qualifications and Certificates Ask to see original certificates for any qualifications your nanny has obtained. Verify the authenticity of these documents by contacting the awarding body. If your nanny is OFSTED registered, ask to see their registration certificate, proof of common core skills, First Aid certificate, and public liability insurance.
References Request both written references and contact information from your nanny’s previous employers. Be prepared to ask specific questions related to their past performance and how they interacted with the children they cared for.

By diligently checking your nanny’s identity, references, and right to work, you can be confident that they are a suitable and trustworthy individual to care for your children. Remember, as an employer, it’s your ultimate responsibility to ensure your nanny is the right fit for your family.

Creating the perfect nanny job ad

Writing an advertisement to recruit a nanny can be a daunting task but we’ve broken it down into 3 easy steps.

Be honest

The first thing to do is to be honest with yourself about what you really need your nanny to do and how much you can afford. You should think about what you as a person are like to work for and what expectations you have of your children and their behaviour. Your nanny needs to be on the same wavelength as you so don’t advertise for someone open, chatty and relaxed if you’d rather have someone who keeps the relationship entirely professional and follows any routine to the letter. Are you happy for a nanny to bring their own child with them? Don’ t wait until the question is asked before thinking through scenarios as you’re more likely to feel pressured into saying yes to something you aren’t comfortable with.

Be realistic

Do you really need someone with a PhD and 30 years experience? Can you pay what they will ask? Can your nanny do everything in your job description within the time available? We hate to say it but nannies are superhuman so if you can’t achieve what you’re asking in a day then don’t expect your nanny to. You will probably need to make some concessions so be clear from the start what your ‘essential’ and ‘desireable’ criteria are.

Be specific

Give plenty of detail in your job ad. Nannies will rarely apply to a job with an unspecified salary, but if you don’t want to commit to a figure then give a range rather than just putting ‘negotiable’. If you know that as a teacher you will be at work late at least 3 times a term and need your nanny to babysit then state that upfront. When driving is an essential part of the job be clear that you need a driver and whether you will provide a car or expect the nanny to use your own. Sharing the rough daily routine will help candidates get a feel for the pace of life in your family and stating an expected job duration will help nannies make up their mind about whether your needs fit with theirs.

How to Lose Your Nanny in 10 Days: What Not to Do

If you have a nanny and want to keep them, avoid these 10 mistakes that could quickly lead to them walking out the door:

Ignore paperwork 📄Sign a contract before your nanny starts, and ensure you have their bank details, National Insurance number, and P45. Clear arrangements in writing are essential.

2. Skip the thank you 🙏Express gratitude for your nanny’s hard work. A simple thank you goes a long way.

3. Break your promises 💔Trust and respect are essential. Stick to your agreements to maintain a strong relationship.

4. Limit personal space 🚷Your home is your nanny’s workplace. Help them feel comfortable and avoid petty restrictions.

5. Be late without notice ⏰Unexpected lateness happens, but inform your nanny as soon as possible. They have plans too!

6. Neglect the kitty 💰Reimburse your nanny for expenses or provide a kitty for day-to-day spending.

7. Leave critical notes 📝Give constructive criticism face-to-face and offer suggestions for improvement.

8. Overstep boundaries with chores 🧽Nannies focus on the children, not your bathroom. Avoid asking for unrelated cleaning tasks.

9. Hover while they work 🚁Let your nanny work without feeling judged. They’ll be more relaxed, and the children will benefit.

10. Don’t pay them 💸Your nanny is a professional and expects to be paid. Non-payment is a breach of contract.

Remember, a good relationship with your nanny requires mutual respect and understanding.