Quitting Your Nanny Job

We have all been there....  Looking for a way to leave our family but cannot come up with the best way to go~  From Seaside's perspective, we would never want our candidates to blow off work for fear of confrontation especially if its a new job as it makes EVERYONE in the process look unprofessional.  We prefer a notice delivered with kindness.  I found this great new "Nanny Magazine" online and thought I would share it with you as it also seems to have great content for our field of expertise!

I also thought that the history was important to share as well, you can read about this Nanny Magazine here.

The Legal Review by Breedlove and Associates - Employment Taxes

A Complimentary Resource from © 2014 Breedlove & Associates, LLC. Breedlove & Associates

When it comes to taxes, the tiniest of details can be the difference between smooth sailing and a giant headache. With the back-to-school hiring rush in full swing, now is a great time to familiarize yourself with a few household employment details (also known as the "nanny taxes," although the payroll, tax and labor laws apply to all types of domestic workers employed by a family). This particular household employment case highlights how a family's personal income tax return became much more complicated after the wrong tax returns were filed.

The Mistake

The Richmond family hired a nanny last year and utilized a local CPA to handle their tax return filings. The CPA made all the family's quarterly state tax payments on their behalf and prepared their year-end documents, but also made quarterly federal tax payments for the family using Form 941.

The Law

The use of Form 941 is for remitting federal quarterly tax payments for commercial businesses. But household employers are not commercial businesses, and according to IRS Publication 926, they should make estimated tax payments using the federal 1040 Estimated Payment schedule. The only exceptions to this rule are if the family already owns a business as a sole proprietor or if they operate a for-profit farm. These estimated payments cover the Social Security & Medicare (FICA) and federal income taxes withheld from an employee as well as the employer's share of FICA and federal unemployment insurance taxes. The taxes are remitted to the IRS in mid-April, mid-June, mid-September and mid-January using Form 1040-ES.

The Mess

When the Richmond's CPA filed their personal income tax return and Schedule H this year, the IRS showed the family owed additional taxes coincidentally equaling the amount of the taxes they sent in on their 941 returns. The family contacted the IRS and an agent informed them of their error in using Form 941. Unfortunately, the Richmonds were already past the 1st quarter of 2014 when they spoke to the agent and their CPA had filed another Form 941 on their behalf. 

The Outcome

The family ultimately had to file amended 941 returns for all of 2013 and the 1st quarter of 2014 with instructions to transfer those tax payments to their personal taxes using their Social Security number. This allowed the Richmonds to amend their 2013 personal income tax return and get on the 1040 Estimated Payment schedule for the rest of the 2014. While ultimately the family's CPA had all the family's payroll and tax information correct from the beginning, the mistake of filing a Form 941 instead of Form 1040-ES resulted in hours of additional work and a frustrated client. 

Household employment is a highly-nuanced section of the tax code with numerous exceptions and exemptions that don't apply to commercial enterprises. The state and federal complexities, combined with the unique labor law obligations, can create risk for families and liability for their advisors. That's why we were created as a comprehensive "nanny tax" specialist. Founded in 1992, we provide families in all 50 states with an affordable, "no-work, no-worry" solution to household employment payroll, tax and HR obligations.

Quick Tax Facts:

$1,900: Annual wage threshold for Social Security & Medicare (FICA) reporting in 2014

$1,000: Quarterly wage threshold for Unemployment reporting (some state thresholds are lower)

$2,500: Total childcare tax breaks available for families

1.5: Overtime rate of pay when work exceeds 40 hours

$0.56: Federal mileage reimbursement rate in 2014

$7.25: Federal minimum wage (some state rates are higher)

$2: Approximate daily cost to have HomePay by Breedlove handle all payroll and tax compliance duties with no work and no worry.

Last Minute Baking Ideas for Kids!

Great Blog for Cooking and Baking with Your Children!

I have not seen such cute ideas in a while!  This Blog is great, as it accesses many different ideas from all over the web.

Happy Valentines Day!!

Museum Month in San Diego! 

Cant think of something to do with your kids for Valentine’s Day? 

Lucky for you, Macy’s is presenting Museum Month from

 February 1st to the 28th. Museum Month will allow you to save half-off regular admission prices for most museums in the San Diego area, but you must visit a Macy’s Department store to receive the half-off passes before attending the museums. Don't forget to show your children that Valentine’s Day is also a a great day to demonstrate how much you love and appreciate them in your lives too.

For more information and details on this event check out the awesome San Diego Museum Council website and the San Diego webpage:

http://www.sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/events/item/73-museummonth/

http://www.sandiego.org/members/museums/san-diego-museum-council/events/museum-month-half-off-admission.aspx 

Communication is Key for a Successful Nanny/Family Relationship

CELL PHONES for OPEN COMMUNICATION?  

When is ENOUGH ENOUGH?

As a nanny for many years and now as a woman in my 40's, I see how things have changed in the world and within our profession. Cell phones are usually a big "no-no" in the course of our day when we are working with our charges, but cell phones are also essential for communication with our parents, especially if we are nannying for a set of parents that work out of the house. 

However, cell phones, overbearing parents and nannies that need some sense of autonomy can be a big problem when combined all together.  I am not saying either one of the characters on this stage are at fault, but its a great piece to be looked at and considered from both nanny and parent perspective.  

I felt that this was crucial to share.  It is upsetting to read and you can only imagine how the mother felt with the tone and delivery of this from her newly hired nanny.  From a nanny perspective, I think we have all felt this angry at one time or another with the parents we work for, but to actually write and carry out a note such as this is not nice, it is unproductive and it shows the nanny has no couth or maturity.  This could have been handled in a way in which didn't upset anyone if the nanny just sat down with the mother and had a dialogue.

If you have any comments, please email them to us at info@seasidestaffingcompany.com.

Enjoy~

Dear Mom,

I'm VERY upset today. When I checked my phone and saw 5 missed calls and 4 missed text messages from you, I got a little worried. I thought something had happened. The reason I didn't answer your calls and messages was because my ringer was turned off because I was using my phone as white noise for the baby so she could sleep peacefully and so that the toddler didn't keep waking her up every few seconds. He was already acting out and making noise on purpose and she was having a very difficult time sleeping between his banging and her stuffy nose/binky falling out problem.

After an hour or so, I realized I had forgotten my ringer and rushed to my phone to see your barrage of calls and texts. Ok, so I forgot about Gymboree. It was an honest mistake and to tell you the truth, there is *No Way* I can keep track of all the information you give me and all the notes you have for me all day everyday. Your communication style is crazy, excessive and completely unacceptable! You email, call and text me non-stop! You HAVE to understand and respect the fact that I am busy with your young children and that they require my full attention at ALL times.

I feel like I focus on YOU more than your children, and that's crazy to me. I am not the type of nanny who likes to be on my phone all day, texting and emailing and answering calls. I feel like I work in an office and not as a nanny. You have to understand that when you take so much of my time, you distract me and keep me from being able to focus, be organized and do all the things you want done before I leave at 5 pm, including caring for and entertaining your children. I feel frazzled and unable to think when you bombard me with your emails, calls and texts.

You are HIGHLY controlling and bossy and I just can't work with that. Also, you don't need to remind me over and over of things we talked about, agreed on and signed on in the contract, like watering the plants. There was no reason for you to email me about that, it was redundant.

You also have to understand that I am a 32 year-old woman and I don't want to be treated like a child. I have my own style and a lot of creativity, but you make me feel very stupid and incompetent, especially when you try to explain how every child-related item works. I think you're forgetting that I have been doing this for close to 10 years!

I expect my employers to treat me with respect and to understand how important my job is and that it can be difficult at times, especially with multiple children. The way you speak (your tone) in your emails is like a boss/slave type of relationship. For ex: "tomorrow, I'm going to have you do this and this and also I'm going to have you do this", as if I have no choice! I would prefer if you said "Nanny, would you mind doing this for me tomorrow? I understand you're very busy with my children and if you don't get to it, it's no big deal".

I also want to let you know that it is highly unprofessional and unacceptable for you to be contacting me at any time that I am not at work. It's not ok for you to text, call or email me after 5 pm, on the weekends (like last Saturday morning at 7:30!) and when I am on vacation. You were trying to work out the training schedule with me while I was on vacation and that is just plain crazy! I am not on call for you 24/7 and I have other things going on in my life that you have to respect. I need my life and my nanny position to be happy and positive and you really stress me out.

****Please take this as my 2 weeks notice****. I meant to cc your husband on this, but I don't have his email so please feel free to forward this to him.

Alanis Morrisette and her Nanny "Woa's"

I have seen so many, SO MANY posts coming in through my "google alert page about Alanis and her nanny issues, as her nanny decided that after working 12 hour days and "feeling" like she was held captive/hostage, and that she wasn't treated properly, seems a bit difficult for me to wrap my head around...

The reason I say this is because first, the media loves information like this.  It encompasses a scandalous story, hyped up with ridiculous falsities and makes the public think that this poor person was taken advantage of and that a celebrity like Alanis Morrisette should pay some serious retribution for the way she treated her nanny...

Well, here is the thing we do not know yet...  Where did Alanis get her nanny from?  What Agency did Alanis go through?  How were this nanny's references checked and was there a nanny/family contractual agreement?  Was the nanny paid on the books or in cash?  What were the nanny's expectations of this position when she entered into the agreement?  Why did this nanny not communicate with her employer that she was uncomfortable?  What actually was the agreement?  If Alanis took the extra precautions with her lawyers and a nanny agency (as we are assuming that as well) why wasn't she given the proper information as to how to hire a employee in the state of California, and that all nannies are considered domestic employees and are paid with a W2?

There is just too much nonsense with media stories such as this and it makes me crazy because the media just gives the public enough information to get spun up and usually makes the victim look like sad sort that had been taken advantage of turned into a hero for suing the pop star, but yet, we really do not have enough information to truly hold anyone accountable for the absolute truth in what happened and why it got to this point.

One of my MOST Favorite Blogs

.....for Creative Ideas for Children

Sunhats and Welliboots has been a brilliant blog that I have been following over the last few years.  You can find wonderful and creative ideas for children that really allow exploration and discovery.  If you like cutting edge creativity for children and imaginary things that can become realistic, you will love this blog!

AWESOME!

Home Made Apple Moon Sand!

Perfect idea for 

18-mo. to 4 years of age! 

And what a GREAT and creative blog to follow!

So You want to Be a Professional Nanny?

So, You Want To Be A Professional Nanny?

If you are thinking about working as a nanny, here are a few tips for you to think about before beginning in this field as a career. It is not that simple to just get matched with a family and start a new position. There are many things to consider.

Here are some tips to help you transition into a new job, working for a family that will eventually have you as part of their lives, as you will become an integral part of theirs.

Keep your boundaries. You are not entering into a household to become your potential employers best friend. If you are a professional, you will remember there is a fine line between caring for your families, keeping your charges safe and over-stepping your boundaries. Keep your personal life your own!

You need to have some experience in the household of another family, other than your own. Many mothers that decide they want to get into being a nanny is wonderful, but remember there is a huge difference between working in someone’s home and raising your own child. 

Parents want to know you are a self-starter, knowledgeable, and are motivated to offer suggestions, however you will have to be adaptable to all types of families and be able to read the family and adapt accordingly.

As some parents are open to suggestion, some are not. Some stay at home mothers (SAHM) do not want you to be the other mother, but more of a team player, following her rules and helping her when she needs it.

Some parents will look to the nanny for a gentle word of reassurance that they are doing things the right way, or perhaps look to the nanny for direction, but you will only know what type of needs you will have to fulfill for your families once you have been there a few weeks and you can read and follow your new family’s lead.

Most families and or nanny agencies with good reputations will not hire a caregiver that has not had some sort of experience in childcare. They prefer to see a resume with “professional nanny” all over it. The “runner up” resume would be a preschool teacher, with nanny experience, and/or babysitting experience. Credentialed teachers are also great, however many teachers with a credential or a degree and the ability to land teaching positions in school districts usually cannot commit for a year, unless they are just getting into the field of teaching and need a supplemental income.  Many families are looking for continuity of care, so a year is a minimal requirement in which you should sign a contract with your new family.

Follow the family’s rules. If mom says no sugar, it means no sugar. If she asks you to slather the child in sunscreen, 4 times in one hour, or sit in the shade all day, or be the primary person getting up from any dinner because their child has to get up and go to the bathroom, don’t think twice, just do it!  Remember nannies are in the “service Industry”, just like working in a restaurant.  The client/customer is always right and whatever you can do to help the client/customer experience be a positive one, you go the extra mile.

Be open and communicative. Tell the parents what their child did that day. If the child got in trouble in school or received a time out or any other type of disciplinary action, tell the parents!  Always be honest in every way when it comes to your parents and their children.  If you have trouble with any type of verbal or written communication, this might not be the right industry to be working in.

Use your cell phone only when communication with the parents unless they say it is ok otherwise. There is nothing more annoying than a nanny on her phone and not paying attention to her charges.  Isn’t this just common knowledge?

Arrive on time every day without any excuses!!  Essentially if you are on time, you are late! Be there 5 minutes beforehand!  Traffic and drinking the night before are not acceptable! Honestly, be responsible.  If you know the traffic is going to be bad, get out of the house a half hour earlier! No employer of any type likes his or her nanny to be late, as it causes a huge “domino effect”! When you are late, the working parents will be late. This will cause problems for the parent’s position and you will be out of a job.

When the family needs privacy, give it to them and do not expect to be included in every moment of their lives. Respect their boundaries, especially if you travel with them.

Do not ask for a loan under any circumstances. This makes you look very irresponsible and that you cannot manage your money. Ask your own family before you ask your employer!

And lastly, keep your skills updated and fresh. Gather what the “cutting edge curriculum is all about and take a child development courses whenever possible. Surfing the web for ages and stages of infants through toddlers will also give you new ideas and information. While learning, you can make suggestions, but always follow the mother’s parenting style.

Most of all have fun and teach your charges, as every opportunity is a time to learn something new!

Beautiful New Children's Book! A MUST READ! Written by Ileana Katzenelson and Illustrated by Yael Sela and Sean Brown

Bimbambu is the moving story of a bird of many colors who shares his feathers with other animals in order for them to knit an article of clothing for themselves so that hey can be protected during the winter months. As time goes by, having barely any feathers left, Bimbambu begins to fear that he will freeze. Just as he finds himself thinking that things couldn't get worse, he encounters true friends and realizes the value of helping others.It is ideal story for children ages 3-8.  

Written by Ileana Katzenelson and illustrated by Yael Sela and Sean Brown

You can find it here on AMAZON:

My Opinion Of What New Mom's Need For Their New Baby!

NEWBIE CHECK LIST

Crib
 Fitted Crib Sheets

4)
 Kids Pottery Barn makes soft yummy ones and they are great quality

Newborn Car Seat
:

Graco for newbie because the care seat can usually clip from stroller frame into back facing car seat once the baby can sit face forward, BRITTAX!

Stroller (s)


NEWBIE STROLLER: 

Anything she is lying down in.  There are many, many strollers to chose from, I just think it is a personal choice as well as a financial one.  Strollers can get very pricey!  I think the Mc Claren for umbrella stroller (throw in the trunk, fold up and take to Seaworld) However, you will need a BOB single stroller for daily walks in the neighborhood.  Then you might have to buy various other ones for other things…  you will see!

Sling or Baby Carrier:


Baby Bjorn for sure!!    www.babybjorn.com

Wraps are also awesome!

Diaper Bag:

You will get one if not three from your shower, however, I never use a diaper bag because they are incredibly cumbersome and not that important.  Just use your favorite backpack and make sure its stocked with these essential items:

Diapers

Diaper crème

Empty and clean bottle

Enough powder formula to make up 8 0z of formula (if needed)

Wipes in a plastic bag

Paper Changing Pad liner for changing in a restroom or the car

Extra swaddle

Extra bib

Extra pair of socks

Extra outfit/onesie

Snacks

Pacifier

Toys and some cardboard books

Newborn
 Diapers:

PAMPERS Swaddlers (yellow packaging) they fit the best and they DO NOT LEAK.  (Huggies leak in a horrible way, especially if the baby has a soft BM or a very loose one!) You will rapidly go through these and be onto size 2 and then to size three in roughly 6 months, however from size three, it usually remains that size for a LONG time, most likely until they are out of diapers.  You can never have enough.

Diaper Disposal:

DAKOR and make sure you buy the boxes of liners also.  They should be on the same shelf.  Also buy several boxes of the blue diaper disposable bags for the stinky ones!

Baby Wipes
:

Sensitive Wipes (white packaging with green writing)

Baby Facecloths:

(12-15)
 Baby cloth diapers and bibs are really all you need, but you know someone will get you a huge supply for the shower as well!  These are tiny little wash cloths that I have always found to take up space in the drawer, because I never used them…  again, the thin “cloth diapers or Burp rags” are the best, I believe you can find at target in a  package of 3.

Baby Sleepers/PJ’s:

(8)
 They can sleep in the rompers that you buy, just buy more of them…  Also when the baby gets older (3-6 months) the GAP has the BEST PJ’s!

SLEEP SACKS!  Get two that are light-weight for summer and two that are fleecy for the colder months

Onsies or Rompers:

I prefer at least (10), however my favorites are from PETITE BATEAU.  However, they are very expensive.  You can get them at Sweet Pea in the Flower Hill Mall on Via de la Valle. 

Baby Outfits: (2-4) for photos or special occasions the first few weeks.  :)

You will get plenty from your friends, half of which will never make it onto the baby!  These are not really necessary, but you will want some…  The gap had AWESOME stuff for the baby…  just make sure its cotton and washed before you put it on the baby with DREFT!

Baby Socks 
Gap

Scratch Mittens:

(1-2)
 these are fine and you should have a pair or two, however, if you trim her nails from the beginning, you will not need these.  However its important she has no sharp edges on her nails, I can show you how to trim her nails…  many people are nervous about cutting their skin, but you won’t if you do it with confidence!  

Swaddling Blankets: (10) NORDSTROMS


Receiving Blankets: (6)  NORDSTROMS


Newborn Cap: (1-2)


Hooded Bath Towel

Baby Formula: (Even if planning to breastfeed)


YES!  Enfamil Lipil pink label, liquid in can, NOT THE POWDER!! Its better because the baby will not ingest any extra air bubbles by swallowing the foam the powder creates. Besides I am a stickler for measuring out and having bottle already made up in advance!  It is always a good thing to have a packet of powder in your baby bag, at all times.  Make sure you always pay attention to dates on the packaging.

Bibs:  (10 tiny ones) Get the ones that have VELCRO!!  The snaps can be tricky when you can only get it on with one hand!  Remember that you become awesome at doing things ONE HANDED!  You also what to be as quick and effective when the baby is SCREAMING because she is hungry and its ripping your heart out while you are trying to get her bottle ready to feed her!

Baby Shampoo
 and Soap:

Johnson and Johnson or Mustella…

Baby Wash


Johnson and Johnson are great for when the baby is older (6 months) but believe it or not, a regular Dove Bar is what the doctor recommended when they are teeny tiny. Mustella is also a great product, but the smell used to get to me after a while.  Again, it’s a preference thing and also see what the Dr. recommends.

Baby Lotion/Oil:


Aquaphor on hand at all times!  Great for extremely dry skin! Aveeno is fine, but make sure she has no allergies!  Johnson and Johnson CORN STARCH

Diaper cream
 DESITIN (original)

Tiny Nail Clipper and an emory board

Baby Brush and Comb


Pacifier
(s):  I do not recommend them, unless they are having a problem with their sucking reflex, they are an outside source for soothing, and babies should be able to self soothe, if needed. 

Baby Tub:  Basic little blue one that they have at Babies R Us, it has the “sit up” option for when the baby sit up on her own.

Baby Swing:


This is a personal preference and usually you will get one for your shower as well.  I like the newer ones that allows you to swing the baby both horizontal and vertical and had the little birdies and butterflies above.  You can get these anywhere, however, Kidsland is also a great place to get all types of baby products. 

Baby Bouncing Chair
:

Start with the vibrating bouncy chair that she will use until she starts moving (3 months) and gets too big.  Then she spends time in her swing and her upright walker that you can prop her into at around 6 months, when she is sturdy enough.  Lastly,  a “bouncy” apparatus that she can jump up and down with.  While it is a lot of fun, it is really good for muscle building and coordination.

Changing Pad:


Yes, it’s always nice to have a changing table, however if you do not, then the floor always works and its safe.

Changing Pad Cover

(4) Babies R’ Us, They make Terry cloth ones that wash well and have a plastic under liner.

Breast Pump:
  You can also rent them~

Pump storage bags


Breast pads


Breast Feeding Pillow
:  Yes, even if you are not breastfeeding!

Having a Boppy is so handy!!  BOPPY this is a GREAT shower gift have someone buy it for you!!

Nipple cream


Nursing bras


Bottles

(8-10)
  ADVENT (keep it uniform with bottles) you will also se her transition easier sippy cup with staying consistent.  Make sure to get different sizes (both small and larger bottles) as well as all three sizes of nipples size 1, 2, and 3.

Bottle liners
 NOT NECESSARY.

Baby Monitor


BEBE Sounds Monitor  detects motion with a pad under the crib mattress.  It can me a little annoying at first, but you get used to the clicking and it becomes part of your environment when the baby is sleeping.  YOU DO NOT NEED A VIDEO MONITOR, it will not alert you if the baby stops breathing and you will NOT be able to see it while you are look at your sleeping baby through the monitor.  If you need to see the baby while she sleeps, that is one thing, however, not effective for detecting her breathing and preventing SIDS.

Digital Thermometer


2 kinds I would have in the changing table top drawer: Head Scan thermometer, and Rectal thermometer

Mild laundry detergent DREFT!

WORKSHOP FOR SLEEP TRAINING WITH DAVIS EHRLER

WORKSHOP WITH DAVIS EHRLER!!

RELIEF FOR THE EXHAUSTED PARENT

This is an INCREDIBLE workshop, lead by an expert, whom has been taking care of San Diego parents and their children for years. It will be in held in Pacific Beach, see below for details!

I have known Davis since I started Seaside, as she came to my clients houses for a consultation on how to get the baby into a proper sleeping and eating routine.  Davis took the mom and I through a 3-hour, hands on teaching session with the baby and showed us how to be effective in creating the perfect schedule. She explained to us how sleep nourishes the BRAIN and food nourishes the BODY.  Within 3 days, my little charge at 4 months old was on a PERFECT schedule.  

As I was looking on line for some cool things to do for toddlers and parents and I stumbled upon a website that I did not know what Disney, until I had clicked on a few things~  Thank you Disney for sharing this cute little craft, I do believe Andy Warhol himself would have loved this idea!

IRRESISTIBLE IDEAS FOR PLAY BASED LEARNING

ONE OF THE BEST BLOGS OUT THERE!!  I have been following them for a very long time because the ideas they come up with for engaging children and teaching through play are incredible!!  These ladies are from Australia and they are guru's in their field.  You can also follow them on Facebook as well!

OOEY GOOEY!!!!

Staying on the theme of "Child Based Learning"  I have to send you to my friend Lisa Murphy's web site, Ooey Gooey!

WWW.OOEYGOOEY.COM 

Please visit her site, as it offers fantastic ideas for play based learning which allows the children to foster language development, self-esteem, social relationships with their peers as well as create art, just to express their feelings.

Enjoy!

Earth Friendly crafts for Preschoolers

Mrs. Goff's Pre-K Tales

https://www.facebook.com/MrsGoffsPreKTales

Ideas for inspiration!

Happy Hooligans

Happy Hooligans is in Canada and they always have the best ideas for children.  Check out some of these wonderful ideas that encompass the “whole child”.  Everything from physical activities and creative ones to sensory tables and water play!  You can also find them on Facebook!

Does Your Child Need Professional Help?

Behavioral problems are not easy to deal with as a parent, but can you imagine how your child must feel?  First hand experience, I have worked with Dr. Deborah Pontillo for the last 8 months.  I am biased, as I think she is outstanding in her field.

She is conveniently located in the Hacienda Building on High Bluff in Carmel Valley and has helped out our family dynamic in many ways.  She was highly recommended to me from a personal friend and  I have actually seen a few of my clients going in as I have been leaving, so I have a feeling she is also doing something special for those families as well.  Seek her out here at SDKIDSFIRST.COM.  She is spectacular in her field.