TIDE POOLS!!

Check it out here!

Tide pools are a wonderful way to teach your children about the creatures and cycles in the marine ecosystem. This fosters not only cognitive brain development but encourages language development and socialization skills.

Stimulating children’s senses is one of the most important ways of teaching children about the world that surrounds them, and here in Southern California, can you think of a better way to spend an afternoon?!

Some tips before you go: 

Wear safe and comfortable shoes - Many surfaces can be wet and slippery so it is important to have good shoes

Check the tide schedule - The best time to see tide pools are during low tide

Don’t forget to respect the wildlife - Many of the things you’ll see in tide pools are living and don’t want to be picked up or disturbed

Uh Oh...How Should I Fire My Nanny?

One of the risks with hiring a nanny is the possibility that it may not work out. It is never fun or enjoyable to let someone go, but sometimes it simply has to be done, especially if your children are involved in the equation. 

There are many reasons to fire a nanny. It's possible that the children are grown and do not need a caregiver anymore. Or perhaps the nanny has horrible work habits - always late or a frequent 'no show.' Maybe the nanny who was a wonderful nurturer of your infant does not have the energy to deal with your demanding toddler. The possibilities are endless. 

Whatever the reason may be, there is a general protocol when letting someone go. You have to be firm while also making sure to cover all the bases. 

The Nanny Network explains the process in detail but here is the general gist of it. 

When it is for practical reasons:

You may need to fire the nanny for reasons beyond her control. One of the parents may have lost their job. Perhaps your family is relocating. Your baby may be starting full time kindergarten and your needs have changed. Recognize that this will come as a blow to the nanny. Take the time to show your appreciation by writing a nice letter of recommendation. Provide ample notice to the nanny - if you know your nanny won't be needed in September when school starts, let her know a few months in advance. Provide severance pay. 

When the nanny is a disaster: 

She doesn't show up on time, parks the children in front of the TV all day, and the only food she prepares is PB and J. You have met with her to go over your expectations and nothing improves. Generally speaking, families are most comfortable delivering the bad news, effective immediately, with a week's severance in lieu of notice. Families don't want to leave their children with a nanny who is disgruntled.

When the nanny is a liability: 

She is endangering your children. You catch her failing to use the car seat or seat belts. You find drug paraphernalia in the house. She is asleep on the couch when you come home and the children are playing in the front yard. You need to act immediately. Severance is not required under these circumstances. The nanny should return your house keys and be gone immediately. This may disrupt your schedule at work for the next few days, but it has to be done.

Now of course, we hope this never happens but just in case, you will be prepared! 

A Little Reminder About Leaving Kids & Pets In Cars

DO NOT DO IT! 

There is no reason to leave a child or pet in your car for ANY period of time! On a day that is just 72 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature [inside a car] can increase by 30 to 40 degrees in an hour, and 70% of this increase occurs the first 30 minutes.  In an hour, car temperatures can reach up to 140 degrees on a 95 degree day!! 

More than 600 U.S. children have died that way since 1990, according to the nonprofit safety group Kids and Cars.  Even with the windows cracked, there is no safe amount of time to leave your child in a hot car.

The same goes for pets.  You may think you are just going to run into the grocery store and grab a few items...what happens when you see your old friend from college and start chatting?  Before you know it, 25 minutes have gone by and poor little Sparky is experiencing the beginning stages of heat stroke. 

If you see a child alone in a vehicle call 911 immediately!!  The same goes for a pet.  And always make arrangements if you have to go somewhere that the kids/pets cannot come with you. 

Stay cool this summer!! :) 

10 Things Your Nanny Wont Tell You

Thought this was an interesting article I found on 

Marketwatch, 

very interesting!  

Some of it I agree with and some of the things, I don't, but curious, what your thoughts are?  Send us a note and let us know!

info@seasidestaffingcompany.com

Don't Forget to Visit Us Online!

www.seasidestaffingcompany.com

BEST OF SAN DIEGO RANCH AND COAST MAGAZINE 2014

BEST NANNY & DOMESTIC STAFFING

6th Year In A Row!

Fun St. Patrick's Day Shamrocks!

Not only does this make such wonderful decorations but it's such a great way to celebrate the luck of the Irish with your children! Found this wonderful idea on We Know Stuff blog with  a step by step tutorial on how to involve your little one's in the creative process. Don't be afraid to get dirty, It's part of all the fun!  For more information go to their awesome page:

http://www.weknowstuff.us.com/we-know-stuff/2013/02/kids-craft-coffee-filter-shamrocks.html

this piece was a must share, enjoy.

This incredibly inspiring piece was written by a very special friend of mine that I have been so blessed to have in my life for over 25 years.  I had to share, enjoy.

the tantrums are hard. they are hard for me, but so much harder for him.

so i am honored, as his mother, to sit with him, calmly, and hold the space for his hurt. i allow him to feel it all. as long as it takes for him to “feel beddah” when the hurt passes. and it always does. some sessions take 10 minutes, others take 30 — but it doesn’t matter to me.

i am chosen to be the person in his life to teach him about the dharma. about the first noble truth; that there is suffering and gratefully, an end to it.

i hold the space for him with compassion and lovingkindness. there are no lectures or scoldings when he feels these big feelings — what message would that send to him? that he isn’t allowed to feel uncomfortable? that i can’t accept his discomfort? what would he eventually do with those feelings? i dare not even guess…

i will do my best to accept this boy exactly as he is, no matter how he is feeling. i will do my best to be absolutely present for his joys and his sorrows. i will be as emotionally available for his wins as i will be for his losses, and life will promise to bring him both.

i love this boy so, so much and i will continue to thank him for trusting me to hold him. every-single-day.

xo

 

Gardening with Children

I stumbled upon this cute idea on how to involve children in growing something from ground up and educating them about responsibility and the basic life cycles. This activity is for children ages 2 and up and as usual, it is important to always monitor them when they are experiencing things they are not familiar with. Enjoy this great way of bonding with your little one. 

For more information and details visit their awesome website : 

http://www.parents.com/fun/arts-crafts/kid/fun-for-little-ones/#page=12

DEAR NANNY... (get your tissues)

One of the nannies in the company emailed me a link to The Huffing Post Parents page. I started reading this story and immediately I could empathize with all those poor new mothers that feel terrified when they have to go back to work and have hired a nanny to care for their brand new bundle of joy. As you read through this note, to a nanny~ from a mother, pay attention to the sentiments of this beautiful piece as it sheds light on why we love what we do.

DEAR NANNY... (get your tissues)

Child Development and Pets

Benefits of Having a Pet!

Those of us that have had the incredible pleasure and responsibility of owing a dog, know how much children gravitate towards them when they see them around. If you are thinking about getting a pup for your little boy or girl know that the pros outweigh the cons. According to the she knows website they said that “Walking a dog or running in the yard and throwing a ball are great ways to exercise the dog as well as for children to get away from sedentary indoor activities and move around.” They also mentioned that “Children are more prone to approach and interact with another child who is playing with a pet. In this way, a pet can be the bridge between a less socially outgoing child and other potential playmates.” Children also receive great cognitive benefits by encouraging them to read about their favorite animals (she knows). Although children receive an immense amount of benefits, we all know that at the end of the day the overall responsibility falls on the parents and it should be a decision made by both. But don’t forget that at the end of the day they are going to be a new member of the family and a lovely companion for your little one. 

For more information visit their awesome website at:

 http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/2212/kids-and-pets

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!

SENSORY MOTOR PLAY!

WHAT FUN!

PBS had a great article I read on sensory motor activities and how it helps children's develop in multiple ways.  Many people outside the field of Early Childhood Education just think this would be painting~  but painting with your feet with a friend actually fosters many things such as language development, social-emotional growth, cognitive processing, creativity, gross and fine motor development, as well as all the 5 senses are all heightened!  

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!

WHAT MAKES A NANNY AGENCY A “GOOD ONE”?

I am always asked “How is your agency different?” and I always reply, “Where do I start?!”  I think there are many things to consider when you are looking for an agency that can best suit your specific family needs. Each family is different and that is why families have choices in working with a reputable agencies, take the stress off the parents and feel comfortable in the process.  The best place to start would be gathering information from every avenue, from online data bases to high end boutique agencies and everything in between.  Start asking every question you can think of and take notes.  

CALL AND COMPARE

Local nanny referral agencies can be found in publications, online, and in the local yellow pages. 

One of the best ways to be referred to a local nanny or domestic staffing agency is by someone who has already used their service and had a positive experience. Just because you have seen a nanny agency’s advertising all over the place, do not assume they are the best in town. Professional nanny agencies should take the time to invest in a dialogue with you, so that you feel comfortable, leaving you with all questions answered. 

ASK QUESTIONS

Ask the agency representative questions regarding their background and philosophy in connecting Nannies and Families within the community! 

Make sure their answers resonate with your own thoughts on the matter. 

Be detailed in your requests about the company, and ask about the clients and nannies that use their service.

For example, who are the nanny agency owners and what are their backgrounds in? 

How did they get involved in the industry?

What are their personal credentials as well as their agencies?

How have they gained their reputation? 

How do they stay in tune with their industry? 

Do they attend the INA conference and network with one another for the better of their community? 

Are they involved in the community in other ways? 

What larger affiliations are they associated with (APNA and INA)? 

Are they child centered?

Are they knowledgeable about making sure the nanny candidates are aware of the specific ages and stages of the child’s development, so the candidates the agency sends over are appropriate? 

What are the minimum requirements of the agency’s nannies and what skill sets should they have? 

Are the nannies required to be CPR/First Aid Certified?

Can they help answer questions about taxes and payroll?  If they cannot, can they direct you to the appropriate resources that are known in the industry to help with taxes, such as Breedlove and GTM?

HOW DOES IT WORK?

What is the general modus operandi of the nanny agency regarding their interviewing process? 

How does the agency screen their candidates? 

How do they screen their prospective clients/families? 

If the agency has online forms be sure to find out if they also have face-to-face interviews as well. 

Does the agency ask a nanny for a resume? 

Are the nannies required to supply the agency with references, if so what kind? 

This actually might include references for both parties in the process.

The agency should be concerned with connecting a nanny and family based on not just skill set and knowledge base, but demographic, longevity at positions, comments from the references in which the agency spoke with, and personality!

SAFETY & “IN HOUSE” VISITS: 

Ask if the agency does an “In House” visit.  This is a crucial part of the process in finding the most appropriate match, making both the nanny and family experience a positive one, as well as this approach initiates a quick and accurate placement for both nanny and family.

An agency representative will visit the home to assess the family’s own, personal family dynamic, as each family is unique!

The “over the phone” process is a typical scenario when using a nanny agency, however it is usually worth a little more money (if the agency fee is a slightly higher one) if a representative can come into the family home to see the children in their home environment. 

This is also a sure way to guarantee the nanny’s safety. 

BACKGROUND CHECKS?

The nanny agency you decide to work with should offer background checks. 

This should include the minimum of, a Social Security trace, leading to every county the candidate has lived in, and a County Criminal check in every county they have ever resided in. 

The background check should also include a Department of Motor Vehicle report.

Some agencies will also offer a drug screening, sometimes at an extra cost to the client, including consent from the nanny, depending on what state they reside in. 

All states have different laws.  Please make sure to check with the Department of Social Services in your state. 

FEES?

What are the agency’s fees and why? 

Why do some agencies ask for a percentage of the nannies salary vs. flat rate nanny agencies?  (Remember that location and demographic of where you live may have an impact.)

Does the agency require the nanny pay them as well? 

Sometimes a percentage of the hours worked by the nanny are paid to the agency.

Many times, the fee schedule of the agency can also dictate what level of service you can expect. 

For families, ask if the nanny agency charges an upfront, non-refundable retainer and what is it for. 

Does the retainer get rolled into the final agency fee or is it extra? 

What are the benefits to both for you and your family’s budget for choosing an agency that charges “one month’s nanny salary” vs. a “percentage” vs. a “flat rate” agency? 

Many agencies that charge flat rates are very appealing to the wallet, however they might be so inundated with clients, that they might not be able to give you the personalized service that both nanny and client deserve. 

Remember this should be a very intimate process in which can take time, so give your self several weeks ahead to find the perfect nanny for your family. 

GUARANTEE?

What are the agency’s policies with their guarantee?

Note that because an agency offers a longer guarantee on their placement, does not mean anything.  This is a fabulous marketing tool to get your business. 

Agencies that take the time upfront to make sure the nanny is a perfect match for the client ahead of time, their guarantee really does not have to be longer than 3 months, as a nanny or a parent will know if the fit is not comfortable within 3 weeks!

If the nanny that is hired decided to leave within a certain time frame, does the agency replace the nanny for no charge? 

How are the nannies secured within their positions? Nannies need to know they are supported by the agency and if their positions are secure with a contract. 

As nannies are required to make a commitment to the family in whom they are placed with, nannies also need to know there are always open lines of communication and a commitment from the family that employs them. 

This is assured within a nanny agency that is supportive of contractual documents that are offered as part of the agency process!   Ask and see if the agency uses a nanny/family work agreement to help foster open lines of communication as both nanny and family have responsibilities to one another.

Using a nanny agency that has a good reputation in the community is a great place to start the agency process, so do your research!  The questions I have mentioned will hopefully help insure that your nanny/ family partnership will be as efficient, productive and successful as possible: as we all wish for happy homes, nannies, families and of course… happy children!

 Written by, Dara B. Green, Nanny over 25 years, Preschool Teacher, Nanny Agency Owner