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

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

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

NANNY POACHERS ON THE PLAYGROUND AND AT PRESCHOOL

After being a nanny for as long as I have, I love finding articles that have been published that have to do with “Nanny Poaching”. Nanny poaching is a term used when one mother aggressively approaches an awesome Nanny on a playground, or at preschool drop off and starts throwing a barrage of questions about her relationship with her family and if she might toy with the idea of leaving them to work for her for maybe shorter hours and more pay.

Being an educated, highly energetic, knowledgeable childcare provider, I am easy to spot on the playground, because I am the one who genuinely LOVES what I do and it’s obvious as I am on al the equipment and playing “Barista” with my charges under the climbing apparatuses. I love my little ones, I am loyal, and I am not leaving. My children mean more to me than anything because I am not only their nanny, but I am the glue that binds the family together.

Serious, professionals will not consider leaving for we are loyal and forever interested. Some of my relationships have stemmed over 20 years with some of my charges. According to Pat Cascio, owner of Morningside Nannies in Houston, “Nannies are very loyal and cannot be stolen if they feel respected and cared about. If they feel overworked, underpaid they’re going to look elsewhere.”

This comes down to parents and nannies discussing pay and finalizing Salary requirements as well as potential benefits. As we know families must stay within their budgets, they also need to remember that Nannies need to feel secure in their positions and continuity of care for heir children will follow in a natural progression.

According to Emily Dills, owner of the Seattle Nanny Network, She says she adheres to these guidelines when it comes to her own nanny, because treating the nanny as a member of the household and not an employee is imperative. She maintains a professional boundary, while at the same time, the nanny knows and understands the value she brings into the household dynamic. Although the nanny’s job is a position of “service”, it is important to treat her respectfully as a member of the household and not an employee.

So to be an effective family in a nanny’s world, treat her with love, kindness and respect, as it’s the easiest way to keep her away from those parents that are trying to poach your nanny at preschool or the playground.

Dara B. Green
President, Seaside Nannies Inc.

Seaside Nannies Inc. was founded by Dara Green, nanny of over 25 years and preschool teacher in the San Diego community. Seaside Nannies has been created to serve the needs of each family and nanny to create relationships that last.

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.

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

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.

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