FIVE TIPS TO HELP TRANSITION FROM NANNY TO HOUSE MANAGER

~ Kristen DeCamp

Sweat the small stuff. Notice the details.  

Check that all light bulbs are working. Dust for cobwebs. Clean behind the appliances. And if you do nothing else, make sure that there is plenty of toilet paper! You may be in charge of a multi-million dollar estate with monumental responsibilities, but nobody cares how busy you are when your boss is left with an empty roll of toilet paper. When he has to choose between using his very expensive organic towel or his hand to finish the job, someone is getting fired!

Prepare to have rich hobbies. 

Your employers may enjoy exotic travel, expensive wine and whiskey, art, high-end vehicles, or may have an agrarian bent.  You need to make these passions your own in order to serve your employers tastes. Find online enthusiasts, forums, and advice from experts.  Passionate people love to share their successes and failures. Their expertise will make you look like a rock star!!

                  Read what your employer’s read. Watch what they watch. 

When you immerse yourself in someone’s home, you need to see the world through their eyes in order to best serve them.  This principle applies to everyone you know. This insight will make you far more intuitive to your employer’s tastes, likes and dislikes.

Never go to your employer with a problem without having at least one or two solutions.

Nobody likes drama or chaos.  Your job is to solve problems.  Save your employer time by doing the research and developing a plan of action. They did not hire you to complain, they hired you to save them time and bring a sense of calm to their home.

There is going to come a time where you could see your employer naked. 

This is not something in the formal job description, but how you handle the three seconds afterwards can greatly impact your Christmas Bonus! The only acceptable response to this embarrassing situation is to say, “Hey, you’ve been working out haven’t you?”

Kristen DeCamp is a leading expert in the domestic staffing industry. Her knowledge base and skill set are unmatched. Kristen began her career as a nanny many years ago and gracefully morphed into a full-time house manager. Currently, she serves as Chief of Staff for her principal, overseeing multiple estates and their staff.

Parental Bias When Hiring a Nanny

Parental Bias When Hiring a Nanny

As Dara Green has been in this industry for over 30 years, she has been witness to many scenarios and have listened to many parents’ preferences when regarding hiring a nanny.  From an agency perspective we have to follow the parents’ wishes in their descriptions of what type of nanny they are looking for. However, parents generate a multitude of biased perspectives during this process.

When Ms. Green was teaching preschool she had the very high honor of working with one of the most beloved and professional preschool teachers that she had ever met.  In fact, the teacher was so highly sought after by parents, that the school had to create a wait list just for children to be able to get into her 2 year-old classroom!

 That being said, now as a professional in the field and placing nannies in private homes for over 11 years, Ms. Green knows when she sees a good nanny and when she doesn't. She says," We do not discriminate as a placement agency as it is clearly not how this company operates. We truly do not see age, race, color, size or gender. We feel either you “have it” with kids, or you don’t!"  

As a company, when parents come to us in search of the perfect nanny, we must call into question their definition of “perfect”. We can ask our clients to leave their views at the door and to step in with an open mind, but when it comes down to it, it is nearly impossible to rid our minds of predispositions.  

In today’s world of self-empowerment and breaking down barriers, it may seem hard to believe that bias can still be seen as a common theme. To clarify, a bias is defined as a particular tendency, trend, inclination, feeling, or opinion, especially one that is preconceived or unreasoned. Bias can be reflected in a variety of ways such as in our culture, society, and of course our personal views.

So, where did these predisposed ideas of what a nanny should be come from? To unveil the true reasoning behind this parental bias, we must first look to the culture and society that surrounds us. Here in sunny San Diego, California we are at one of the major epicenters of modern culture. By simply stepping out into the streets of the county, it is clear to see that people of this area are upheld to higher standards. Whether it may be from the type of fashions, technology, or to the way people interact, everything is done in the latest and greatest way. But, if everything is so modern, then why are parents in this society not keeping an open mind while searching for a nanny?

Maybe this parental bias is rooted within the time frame and ways the child's parents and their parents were raised.  In previous generations, it is common knowledge that gender roles in society were different than today. Traditionally, the women and men were apart of this “separate spheres” ideology. While the men worked and participated in the business world, the women would raise children and take care of the household. In modern life, the idea of working women, and women taking the role as breadwinners, clashes with this traditional idea. The pattern seems consistent with the traditional view, that families desire women nannies to be at home with their children when mom and dad are both at work.  In addition, men taking positions as nannies and teachers goes against the traditional view.

Another question for parents, why isn’t there a larger demand for male nannies? Well, men are believed to have a different style of parenting and working with children. It is seen that they promote risk-taking and independence. Often times, fathers are given little to no credit for their children’s upbringing. This correlates with our society and culture’s views, like men and women's roles in society. If women can be successful in the business world, couldn’t men be successful in the childcare world too?

Also, could it be possible that parents hold a bias against an overweight nanny?

Believe it or not, we have experienced cases like this, so yes indeed it is true. A concern that runs through parents’ minds is could an overweight nanny be able to keep up with the hustle and bustle of my two-year-old child? This may seem like a silly question, but it is an actually common concern.

Commonly, parents hold a bias about the age of the nanny that they are searching for. A 21 year old may be young, fun, and may easily relate with the kids, but do they have enough life experience to look after my children? Or, at the other end of the spectrum, would a 65 year old be able to keep up? The great part about going through a trusted nanny agency is that it really takes this concern out of the question. By meeting with nannies that have gone through multiple interviews, responsibility and ability have already been evaluated and approved.

Overall, avoiding parental bias when hiring a nanny may just be next to impossible. Although our modern society and culture in San Diego push against males, the overweight, and the young being involved in childcare, we can try to take into account the root of the ideas and use those as a base to evolve into an open viewpoint while involved in the nanny search.

~Sara Luckham
Social Media Specialist
Seaside Staffing Company

FALL FUN

Can you believe that fall is already upon us? It seems that every year it is here before we know it. Fall is such a beautiful time of the year, spent by enjoying football games carving pumpkins, and sipping cider with your loved ones by your side, and of course not yet having to stress about the hustle and bustle of the holidays that are approaching (Yikes!).

One of the most fun things about fall is the family activities and crafts. Although there is a never-ending list of possibilities for fall fun, here are a few that are worth setting aside the time to do.

1. Pumpkin Patch

Of course! What would fall be without a visit to the pumpkin patch? If you’re looking for a great time with the kids, this is the place to go. If you’re local to San Diego, the Bates Nut Farm is outstanding. Located in the Valley Center, this pumpkin patch is a way above average and worth the drive. The weekends are full of fun activities, but of course, more crowded. This place has it all, from tractor rides, to food trucks, and farm animals for the kids. Squeezing in a visit to the pumpkin patch is a must!

2. Ghost Tour

If your kids are past the pumpkin-picking stage and looking for a little more spooky Halloween tradition, a ghost tour is perfect! Located in Old Town, San Diego, this tour is filled with history of the area twisted with chilling details.

2754 2754 Calhoun St San Diego, CA 92110 (at Wallace St Old Town)

3. Apple Picking

Put on your favorite boots, grab the kids, and hop on the road! Typically, apple picking in Southern California is usually limited to the grocery store, but plucking a beautiful and juicy apple off of a tree brings a certain satisfaction that the grocery store shelves simply cannot supply. This is must-do of fall activities! A highly recommended place to go is the Volcan Valley Apple Farm located in Julian, California. It is definitely worth the drive!

1284 Julian Orchards Dr. Julian, CA 92036

4. Football Games!

Whether it be the Chargers or San Diego State, spending a fall night cheering on your favorite team is sure to be packed with fun. Friday night-lights with the family will be something that you won’t want to miss! Be sure to grab tickets online.

~Sarah Luckham,
Social Media Specialist, Seaside Staffing Company 2015

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

31 Ideas for Summer Fun!

With the holiday weekend behind us, there is only about a month of summer left.  But a month can seem like fooooorever when the kids are home all day in this hot San Diego weather we have been having.  It is so important to keep the kids entertained with crafts, outdoor play, neighborhood friends but most of all keep their minds engaged and BUSY!

Here is a simple list of '31 days of summer fun' thanks to "Let Me Start By Saying" to use as a basic guide for ideas!  We love these creative projects and ideas for kids of any age and they truly are a great way to get the family up and moving together!

Day 1
Start summer scrapbooks! Prepare to cherish these memories forever! Celebrate by treating your kids to whatever they want at the ice cream truck!

Day 2
Neighborhood scavenger huuuuunt!

Day 3
Handmade apology notes to neighbors whose gardens were trampled/gnomes toppled by your kids during neighborhood scavenger hunt!

Day 4
Recycle everything kids collected during neighborhood scavenger hunt as punishment for fighting over who actually won the scavenger hunt because everything has to be a contest to them!

Day 5
Visit local farm for berry picking! Make your own juice and ice pops from fruit you picked! Calmly tell the kids "No" when they hear the ice cream truck, because you just made cold treats!

Day 6
Make your own stain-remover to save the clothes worn while working with the fresh fruit! Teach the art of folding and putting away clean laundry!

Day 7
Break out the stickers, markers and glitter to add the first week's activities to the scrapbook!

Day 8
Remove/black out all incriminating evidence the kids put in the first week's entries in their scrapbooks!

Day 9
Nature walk! Forget to bring enough water, so agree to buy stuff at ice cream truck even though you're a little surprised to see one out there in nature!

Day 10
Pajama day while you all recover from poison ivy contracted during nature walk!

Day 11
Look up at-home science experiments & try some at home! Turn up the radio when you hear the ice cream truck approaching!

Day 12
Look up Sew-Your-Own Eye Patch online and everyone can make one for the kid whose eye was damaged during the "At-Home Volcano" incident yesterday!

Day 13
Make your own chalk, then decorate driveway, then calm crying kids when passing summer rainstorm washes it all off the driveway before dinner!

Day 14
Use remaining homemade sidewalk chalk to decorate this week's page in scrapbooks!

Day 15
Make tie-dye shirts for the whole family. Let them use their own money at the ice cream truck when it comes by as you bring the shirts outside to dry.

Day 16
Field trip to the mall to buy everyone in the house new white underwear and T-shirts because the tie-dye stuff turned everything you washed last night a blotchy pink.

Day 17
Open summer care packages from Grandma filled with toys, books and other activities.

Day 18
Dump bins full of toys into garbage bags and bring them to a donation center since the kids prefer to play with empty boxes rather than the toys, books and other activities inside them.

Day 19
Beach day! Of course there's no way to avoid the ice cream truck out there!

Day 20
Spend the day cleaning sand out of car, garage, mudroom, hallway, kitchen, laundry room, 10 towels, six swimsuits, three changes of clothes per kid, the closet, living room and bedrooms.

Day 21
Break out the scrapbooks again for updating. Search house for a couple pencils and a sticker you got at the grocery store yesterday, since the art supplies have gone missing.

Day 22
Print out kid-friendly recipes, then go to Farmer's Market for ingredients. Spend the day in the AC teaching them to cook.

Day 23
Order in pizza while the kids clean out the fridge: at least two of them woke with a snotty summer cold, and you just know all the food they made yesterday is seasoned with infectious boogers.

Day 24
Go to Target with gift cards your kids have collected from birthdays. Let them buy whatever shutuppery they want. Discreetly flip off the ice cream truck as you pass it on the highway (IS IT STALKING YOU???).

Day 25
Take the kids to the park. Leave park after 400 rounds of "It's too hot," "I don't like my sandals" and "I want snack -- no, not THAT snack," and toss them all into the playroom while you hide, rocking in a corner.

Day 26
Turn on sprinklers. Drink while kids ruin the lawn. Stare at ice cream truck with the burning hellfire of eternal hate when it stops at the edge of your lawn, causing your kids to freak the freak out until you give in.

Day 27
Spend the day at the movie theater. Feed your pain over how long this month has been with Junior Mints and popcorn.

Day 28
Remember it's scrapbook day. Go back to bed while kids do... whatever. I just don't care anymore.

Day 29
Watch TV all day. On separate TVs. Egg the ice cream truck when it dares drive down your street again.

Day 30
Dig out all the iPads you hid four weeks ago. As long as the game is free, allow kids to "buy" as many as they want as long as they stay quiet.

Day 31
Pay whatever it takes to get all your kids in camp until the first day of school.

Helicopter Parenting: Not A Pretty View

A nanny used the term "Helicopter Parenting" to describe one of the mothers she worked with. (She was letting me know the "types of personalities" that she is comfortable working with.) So I just thought the term was so "well coined" I decided I would look it up. 

Turns out, this style of parenting is more common than we think! Unfortunately, it tends to lead to some serious social issues for the child in the future.

I found this on Parents.com and I thought it was worth posting. The video at the end is also great, as defines the 4 different types of parenting styles that we bring our children up with.

What type of parenting style are you??

http://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/what-is-helicopter-parenting/

Talk About Mommies & Babies...

Read all about our own Momma Gorilla at the San Diego Zoo reunited with her baby after a C section and a pneumonia scare...  Look how precious!

www.seasidestaffingcompany.com

OUR BEAUTIFUL NEW WEBSITE IS UP AND LIVE!

www.seasidestaffingcompany.com

Seaside Staffing Company specializes in placing only proficient candidates of the highest caliber in private households. We are a boutique domestic staffing agency that has been taking care of Southern California's families for over 10 years. As experts in the field, we are known for our philosophy of service, knowledge and accessibility. We focus on the security and privacy of our clients' most valuable assets.

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

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.