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

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

Exercise for Moms!!

Looking to get fit with other moms? If you’re a local in the San Diego Area, check out FIT4MOM San Diego, they have awesome deals for group classes. 

For more details visit their website at:

https://fit4mom-sandiego.frontdeskhq.com/categories/16

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!!

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!

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.

MANNY??!

7 Reasons to Hire a Manny September 9, 2012 By lewis Leave a Comment Celebrities like Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow have contributed heavily to the rise in visibility of the “manny,” or male nanny, since they began to publicly praise the ones who have cared for their own children. While male nannies were once a trend largely adopted by Hollywood’s upper crust, the trend has started trickling down into the realm of everyday families. There are a variety of reasons why you might want to consider a manny to meet your childcare needs; here are seven of the most common.

Providing a Male Role Model – Single working mothers or families headed by two women may prefer a male nanny over his female counterparts, simply to provide a strong male role model that may be otherwise missing from a child’s life. By hiring a qualified and capable manny, you’ll be ensuring that your sons have a positive role model and that your daughters benefit from the presence of a male figure in her life. Your Child Has Special Needs – Kids with special needs, especially those with mobility problems, may benefit from having a male nanny whose physical strength allows him to more easily move and maneuver around wheelchairs or other bulky specialized equipment. Some children that have developmental disorders such as an autism spectrum disorder or Down’s syndrome may even feel more comfortable with a male childcare provider, depending upon their individual preferences. If you know that your special needs child is more secure and happier in the presence of men than women, hiring a manny is a great way to ensure that those needs are met. Safety and Security – Generalizations aside, intruders, kidnappers and other predators may be less likely to make an attempt on a child whose caregiver is male, even if that manny isn’t particularly large or muscular. Parents with security concerns or worries about the safety of their home and children while they’re away may feel more comfortable knowing that their manny serves as a crime deterrent simply by doing his job. He’s the Most Qualified Applicant For the Job – If you’ve interviewed a dozen nannies and none fit the bill, but have encountered a manny with impeccable references, a strong work history, and plenty of experience, the reasons to hire him far outweigh any societal concerns that might move you to opt for a less-qualified female applicant. You’re Not Interested in Traditional Gender Stereotypes – Some socially progressive families may hire a manny simply to underscore the flippant attitude about traditional gender roles; other families may just be utterly disinterested with such things. If you fall into either camp and you’ve managed to find a manny who fits the bill, hiring him might be the wisest choice you’ve ever made. In addition to providing your children with quality childcare, you’re also providing them with a household where such things are of no concern; rather than growing up with a stilted worldview, your children will be able to accept non-traditional gender roles and careers in a way that their peers may have find difficult to grasp. Your Boys Are Exceptionally Into Contact Sports – Though there are definitely a high number of athletic, physically active nannies in the hiring pool, a manny may be more suited to your needs if you have children that are looking for a constant teammate and coach who loves male dominated sports. For families with older boys who participate heavily in contact sports, having a practice partner or someone to help lug the gear into the boys dressing room can be an added bonus. You Have a Child With Behavioral Problems – Because men can often project an air of authority with little effort, some kids that have behavioral problems may find it more difficult to challenge a male nanny and are thus inspired to exert more self-control than they might under the care of a traditional female nanny. While this certainly isn’t always the case, it may be worth a try if you’re struggling with your child’s behavior. Gwyneth and Madonna may have been among the first to put mannies in the eye of the paparazzi, but they definitely didn’t start the trend. Even sitcoms have seen their share of iconic mannies: Who’s the Boss and Charles in Charge centered around the daily lives of their manny protagonists, and even the sitcom juggernaut Friends got in on the manny action briefly, with Freddie Prinze, Jr. making a cameo. Olivia Lewis

10 Things a Nanny Will Never Tell You

This was sent to me this morning from gonannies.com, which I thought was worth posting for my audience to read, as it conveys a lot of good information to parents when having a nanny help you in the care of your children and your family. RESPECT if the key word here, as if there is respect and its mutual there is a high probability your relationship will and can last forever. Here are 10 THINGS YOUR NANNY WILL NEVER TELL YOU...

Its worth the read!