The Official Blog of Morningside Nannies
Houston is chock-full of taste-tempting restaurants, so choosing one that the entire family will enjoy is definitely doable. Whether you and the kids have a taste for Tex-Mex, Asian, pizza or burgers, you will find something to excite the taste buds. For families on the go that like good food but may not have the time or inclination to hang out in a restaurant, check out these kid-friendly take-out hotspots.
This fast food restaurant sports a menu that’s quite a departure from the standard burger and fries fare. For kids that love seafood, and many do, check out 7 Spice Seafood Kitchen. Even Louisiana natives sing the praises of this Cajun jewel in the Houston area.
With a variety of eats and lots of treats, this restaurant offers superb dining whether you have time for a sit-down or need to be on the run. The Cheesecake Factory has a few locations scattered around the Houston area, so you are sure to find nearby. Some folks find it to be a little pricey, but the extensive menu can be blessing for parents with pick eaters in tow.
If you are into texting, you’ll appreciate the weekly deals that Sonic offers. The kids will love watching the food being delivered by wait-staff on roller skates. This restaurant is truly kid-friendly, offering such fare as corn dogs, chicken nuggets, hot dogs and a variety of drinks that will knock their socks off.
A kid friendly restaurant that offers a great selection including riblets, salsa and chips, Red Robin is well known for its wide selection of gourmet burgers. Whether your kids enjoy basic burgers or have more adventurous tastes, they will find something delicious at Red Robin.
Chicken lovers will truly enjoy the fare at Wings N More. It’s a family oriented restaurant that serves all kinds of chicken wings as well as shrimp, chicken tenders, salads and wraps and more. For something different try their hand breaded pickle chips or perhaps an order of their delicious curly fries.
A winner of the James Beard Award for Excellence and listed on Houston’s Urban Spoon as one of Houston’s top take out restaurants, Americas is one of the best Latin restaurants around. Their plantain chips come highly rated, as does their range of dessert offerings. It’s a family-friendly place that’s ideal for take-out or dine-in service, and is sure to become one of your go-to spots for high-quality eats.
If you’re looking for comfort food, this is where you need to go. Natachee’s was voted one of Houston’s Best by Houston Press. They even serve breakfast all day. With onion rings to die for and signature punch drinks, along with homemade burgers and other good stuff, Natachee’s is worth the trip regardless of whether you get the food to go or have time to hang out and let the kids enjoy playing in their sandbox.
For the young carnivores in your family, try Churrascos. It’s a steakhouse that specializes in Latin American food and seafood. The plantain appetizer is a favorite with patrons, and the steak frequently receives rave reviews. If you are planning a special occasion for your kids and don’t mind spending a little cash, consider take out from Churrascos. Mom and Dad will also appreciate the upscale flavors of this special restaurant.
With a five out of five fork rating on eats.com, Star Pizza is one of the top take out places in Houston when it comes to pizza. The prices are reasonable, and they offer a whole wheat crust as well as thin crust and deep dish choices. Your kids may love the cheese pizza, but you might enjoy ordering one of their exciting signature dishes for take out.
When you think of fast food, you probably think of burgers, sandwiches, wraps and such. This Asian restaurant serves up tasty food that’s easy on your wallet and your schedule. For kids who have a hankering for Asian flavors, Pie Wei is one of the best bets for your money. The food here is fresh, and orders are made as they come in. Service is fast and friendly, just what you want when you have hungry kids in tow.
No matter what your kids are craving, there is a restaurant ready to meet the need. Houston has dozens of places to choose from. You might even try broadening your children’s culinary horizons by trying something different and take out means you don’t have to worry about embarrassing rejections at the restaurant. A “no thank you” helping at home could turn into a future favorite food so don’t be afraid to experiment.
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When it comes to hiring household help, many parents aren’t sure where the responsibilities of a nanny end and a housekeeper begin. The misunderstanding of the role of a nanny can result in expectations that can’t realistically or safely be met. Gaining a better understanding into what is reasonable and what is not can ensure that children cared for by nannies receive the highest quality of care and that the safety of the children is never compromised.
A nanny is hired to provide attentive and personalized care to the family’s children. In addition to caring for the children’s physical, emotional, social and intellectual well-being, nannies are also responsible for undertaking all tasks related to providing that care. This includes doing the children’s laundry, keeping the children’s areas neat and clean, preparing meals for the children, cleaning up after themselves and the children, and leaving the family’s home in the same condition as it was when they arrived. These tasks are referred to as “light housekeeping” and this phrase is most often the reason behind a misunderstanding of the typical housekeeping responsibilities of a nanny.
While many nannies will not take on additional housekeeping responsibilities, others are more than willing to do whatever a family requests to secure the job. Some caregivers will be flexible and are willing to accept positions that require them to take on minimal additional housekeeping tasks if the family is a good match, like doing the family’s laundry or preparing the family’s meals, and others will gladly accept jobs that require them to take on full housekeeping tasks like mopping the floors and scrubbing the toilets, because doing so meets the needs of the family and they really want the job. Since an increase in responsibilities usually translates into an increase in wages, it should be no surprise that some nannies are eager to accept positions that require them to play this dual role.
When a nanny takes on full housekeeping responsibilities, however, is imperative that she has scheduled time to fulfill them when the children are not her primary responsibility. Nannies with children who attend school or those who have specific housekeeping hours built into their schedule are the best candidates to work as nanny / housekeeper. In these instances the caregiver’s role is dually divided, never putting her in a position to have to sacrifice the needs of the children or care of the home.
Nannies who care for infants and young children must provide constant, attentive care and the children must always be the caregiver’s first priority. Although a nanny may have some downtime when the children nap, this limited time is typically used by the caregiver to take a break, tend to child related housekeeping tasks, schedule play dates or activities, or to eat a snack or meal, all which are important in a nanny’s day.
If a nanny is required to serve as both a nanny and a housekeeper, it should always be made clear that the children are her primary responsibility and as such, the understanding should be in place that the children’s needs are to always come before the care of the home.
Parents and nannies who wish to enter into a nanny/housekeeper arrangement should clearly outline the housekeeping expectations by detailing the tasks, the frequency they must be completed and the cleaning schedule in a written work agreement. This ensures that the expectations are understood by both the parents and the caregiver and that there are no misunderstandings as to the nanny’s role.
After evaluating their expectations, many parents opt to hire a nanny and hire a housekeeper to come in periodically to do the deep cleaning. For many families, having a housekeeper come in once or twice per week ensures that he home meets their standards of cleanliness and that the care of their children is never compromised.
Morningside Nannies represents both nannies and housekeepers and can work with families to find the right solution to their childcare and home care needs. Contact a placement specialist today at (713) 526-3989 to learn more about your hiring options.
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Your little one’s special day only comes around once a year, which is why it’s so important to commemorate the occasion in style. There is an endless array of variations on the traditional birthday party theme, but almost all of them still prominently feature the birthday cake as the centerpiece of the festivities. These ten bakeries in the Houston area are known for their expertise in all things cake, and are sure to deliver in a big way for the big day.
Take the Cake is a small batch bakery in Houston that never bakes more than eight cakes at a time, which means that every morsel is given the attention and dedication it deserves. Only the freshest ingredients are used, and each birthday cake is painstakingly decorated to meet your custom theme beautifully.
Founded by a graduate of Art Institute of Houston’s culinary program and an attendee of workshops at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, Carrie Made the Cake is a bakery that not only focuses on turning out beautifully decorated cakes, but also delicious ones in distinctive flavors like Cookies & Cream, Strawberries & Cream and Tres Leches.
Billed as the creators of “edible works of art” in The Woodlands, Kiss the Cook Cakes are impressively detailed and always unique. From whimsical themes to more sophisticated ones for a discerning teenager’s party, Kiss the Cook definitely offers something for everyone.
Sparrow Cakes are detailed and creatively executed, and are made fresh to order each and every time. No matter what your chosen theme or the preferences of your pint-sized guests, you’re sure to find the perfect cake for the occasion at Sparrow Cake. If skipping the traditional sheet cake in favor of intricately decorated, trendy cupcakes is more your speed, Sparrow Cake also offers reasonable pricing for individual celebratory desserts.
With a client roster that boasts names as big as Cher, Tom Cruise, Goldie Hawn, Clint Black and Solange Knowles along with awards from the L.A. Times, Vogue and the Houston Chronicle, Julies Cakes is no stranger to custom work. No matter what your little one is in to, the staff at Julies will find a way to integrate those interests into an expertly decorated and designed, custom birthday cake.
Since the cakes at How Sweet it Is! are always made to order, it’s easy to further customized your breathtaking piece of culinary art with your child’s favorite flavors to celebrate his special day. These cakes also turn out looking like the stars of their own reality baking show competitions, so you never have to worry about the aesthetic quality of dessert.
Widely known as one of Houston’s premiere destinations for high-end, extravagantly decorated cakes, Who Made the Cake is helmed by Nadine Moon and has received The Knot’s Best of Weddings award for seven consecutive years. If you have a roomy budget and a desire to take your kids’ birthday cakes to the next level, Ms. Moon is the person to see.
Rustika Cafe serves Mexican and European-themed cuisine in their restaurant, also with catering services for large parties and a bakery that specializes in children’s birthday cakes, wedding cakes and desserts for special occasions. The decorating is impeccable, and the cakes themselves delicious.
If you’re looking for a cake that makes such a big impression it’s practically an addition to the guest list, your search has finally ended. Showcakes Houston offers a wide range of cakes and desserts, each more meticulously decorated than the last.
Glowing testimonials from newlyweds and the parents of happy guests of honor flood Virginia’s Cakes, making it one of the most celebrates Special occasion destinations in the area.
While almost all bakeries will have stock options available when it comes to cake decor themes, it’s wise to approach the bakery you ultimately choose a few weeks before the big event to nail down your order. This is especially important if you’re planning to order a completely customized cake that will require a bit of design time and tweaking. The earlier you begin working with a bakery, the better idea the staff there will have of exactly what you’re looking for and the best way to meet or exceed those expectations.
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When rain falls or the temperature soars, you’re not necessarily doomed to a long day of dealing with restless, cooped-up kids. Houston has much to offer in the way of indoor fun for the younger set. Indoor parks and play areas make it easy for you and your kids to be comfortable while enjoying quality time spent together or with friends. Many of these places are also suitable for parties, so you won’t have to worry about difficult weather ruining an important event.
Kids that can’t get out of the house are likely to drive you bananas, so why not let them work off some of that energy at Monkey Bizness where they get to bounce around play structures, bounce in balls and climb the walls? They also have games and interactive inflatables, along with a special section for toddlers so they can enjoy themselves without being overrun by the big kids.
Since 2005, Planet Wow has been providing fun for field trips, parties, family events and more. They have inflatable games, two large arenas for playing and two different party rooms. One of their outstanding features is their ability to serve private parties without mingling them with other partiers. If you’re considering the idea of planning a party at home but would rather not do all the work, consider hosting it at Planet Wow. No worries about weather, set-up or clean-up, just bring the kids and have fun.
This activity center gets high marks as a place for fun. For older kids who need something to keep them busy, the indoor arcade is just the ticket. You can make a day of it by eating at the family-style restaurant. As the day cools off, or the rain stops, you can always go outside and enjoy the rides and outdoor attractions including go-carting, bumper boats and the batting cages.
One place that’s been going for decades and still entertains kids while also keeping them fed is Chuck E. Cheese’s. You can sign up on their website to receive special offers. Parents and caregivers will also appreciate the hand-stamped security system they have in place to make sure that kids walk out with the same people they came in with. Most kids really enjoy Chuck E. Cheese’s, but some toddlers may get a little spooked by the large animatronic entertainers.
This indoor center boasts play areas and a learning center as well. You will find a playhouse, slides, sand box and other entertaining things to keep your little ones occupied. Don’t worry about lunch or snacks, because they also have a snack bar. Adults can entertain themselves with free Wi-Fi, and your pre-school aged child can benefit from the Preschool Prep class as she learns to develop skills in socialization and other important milestones.
If your children love bouncing around on inflatables, check out BounceU. Established by parents, this company sees to it that their facilities are clean, safe and fun for kids and adults alike. If you have something to celebrate, they have the ability to host it and make it a memorable occasion. For those who just want to bounce around without the party aspect, BounceU offers open bounce times as well.
Little kids aren’t the only ones who get cabin fever when Mother Nature isn’t cooperating. Teenagers can also become annoying when they get bored. So, take them to iT’Z, a place where they can go bowling, ride the roller coaster or literally climb the walls. They can also play video games, while those notoriously large teenage appetites are sure to appreciate the unlimited pasta and pizza buffet.
When you hear the name and associate it with kids, you probably think of a super place for kids to run wild. Stomping Grounds is all that and more. This indoor space is also a place where parents can get comfortable with a delectable latte and relax while the kids wear off energy. With 2,000 square feet of play space to run around, your kids are sure to get a good night’s sleep after a visit to Stomping Grounds. Don’t worry about dinner, since they also have a broad menu for kids and adults.
Kids love the inflatables and obstacle courses at Pump It Up. You will love the fact that they will do all the work for you if you decide to hold a party there. They also include pizza, drinks, balloons and goodie bags as part of the package. Pump It Up also has open times if you’re not in the party frame of mind. Certain locations hold classes for beefing up motor skills and enhancing social skills through their PumpStart program. Music, games and structured activities are used in these classes. The Jump-N-Art program also combines structured activities with playtime and art projects for fun and learning. They’ve won the 2012 PTPA (Parent Tested, Parent Approved) seal of approval.
Slap some clean socks on the little ones and make the trek to Wonderwild to have a great time. You can party here, or visit during the weekdays. Fun for little and big kids alike, there’s a ton of stuff to do at Wonderwild. You can purchase a membership, which gives you come-and-go privileges and extended play hours. 16,000 square feet of fun should be enough to keep your toddler and older kids busy for a while.
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Few things are as essential for childcare providers, in terms of certifications and training, as CPR certification. The ability to properly manage and handle an emergency situation is absolutely imperative for a nanny, which is why proper training in life-saving techniques is so important. Most parents won’t even consider hiring a nanny that isn’t CPR-certified, so keeping your certification current is one of the keys to employability. These 10 locations in the Houston area offer CPR classes and certification.
When it comes to CPR training, the American Red Cross is one of the most recognizable and trusted names. The Houston chapter of the American Red Cross is located at 2700 Southwest Freeway in Houston, TX 77098. They can be reached by phone at (713) 526-8300.
Community Health Education Services in Spring, Texas is an American Heart Association Preferred Provider Training Center, offering training and certification in CPR, First Aid, Basic Life Support and other life-saving skills. CHES is located at 22730 Lain Road in Spring, TX 77379 and can be reached by phone at (281) 379-6022.
Classes at Houston CPR & Safety are taught by licensed medical professionals, and cover everything from infant, child and adult CPR, to anger management and childhood obesity prevention. Houston CPR & Safety is located at 9800 Centre Parkway #660 in Houston, TX 77036 and can be reached by phone at (832) 368-2165.
Texas Healthcare Training Center is accredited through the American Heart Association as offers an intensive program aimed at healthcare providers but available to the public. They also offer a money-back satisfaction guarantee and are located at 10909 Sabo Road Suite 115 in Houston, TX 77089. THTC can be contacted by phone at (832) 544-6866.
There are chapters of Sav-A-Heart serving Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin and the Houston area, all dedicated to teaching CPR to the general public. The organization is a Preferred American Heart Association Training Center, and has a Houston location at 8522 Hunters Village Drive in Humble, Texas 77346. Phone numbers for the Humble/Houston area chapter are (281) 812-7523 and (281) 682-9391.
The CPR program at A&G Wellness Center is fully accredited by the American Heart Association, and is billed as an “energetic, entertaining and inexpensive” alternative to traditional CPR classes. For more information and to set an appointment, contact A&G Wellness Center at The Corner Stone North Building at 3303 FM 1960 West, Suite 350, Houston, TX 77068 or call (281) 893-8290.
Sugar Land area nannies can pursue their CPR certification or renewal at Imperial CPR Training Center, which offers classes for infant, child and adult resuscitation techniques. Imperial CPR Training Center is located at 1111 Highway 6, Suite 220 in Sugar Land, Texas 77478. Imperial CPR Training Center also offers childcare classes for interested parties, and can be contacted by telephone at (713) 894-5906.
The YMCA community centers offer a wide range of classes and courses, including periodic CPR classes. CPR courses are held on a regular basis at the Houston Texans YMCA center, which is located at 5202 Griggs Road in Houston, TX 77021 and can be reached by phone at (731) 748-5405.
Wee Care Services offers CPR and life-saving skill training targeted directly at childcare providers in the Houston area. Located at 703 East Walker Street in League City, TX 77573, Wee Care Services can be contacted by phone at (281) 316-2533.
RC Health Services is an American Heart Association Training Center that serves Houston, Austin, San Antonio and Dallas and provides comprehensive training in CPR, First Aid, BLS, ACLS, and PALS. The Pearland office is located at 1801 Country Place Parkway Suite 107 in Pearland, TX 77584 and can be reached by phone at (281) 416-5939.
Knowing the facilities in your area that offer CPR training courses will allow you to maintain current certifications, as it’s important to periodically refresh your CPR knowledge. As with any skills, your ability to successfully resuscitate an incapacitated person will decrease over time if you aren’t actively using those skills. Since the last thing you want is hands-on “practice” because your skills are desperately needed, you’ll have to renew your knowledge on a regular basis. Ideally, you’ll never have to use your CPR training. Still, it’s far better to have such skills and never need them than it is to find yourself in an emergency situation with no clear idea about how to proceed.
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“My boss left all the dirty dishes from the weekend in the sink for me to wash.”
“My nanny refuses to empty the garbage when it’s full because doing so is not in her contact.”
“My boss says she’s going to be home at 6, but never shows up till 7.”
On any given day, these snippets of conversation can be heard around the water cooler at work and around the swings at the playground.
When it comes to nannies and parents, it’s often the little things that are the source of biggest frustrations. Establishing a relationship where common courtesy is always extended will help to foster a lasting relationship built on mutual respect.
So what are some of the common courtesies nannies and employers should always extend?
Keep things tidy.
As a rule of thumb, nannies should always leave their employer’s home at least as tidy as it was when they arrive. While nannies are typically responsible for doing the children’s laundry, preparing and cleaning up after the children’s meals and keeping the children’s areas clean and organized, sometimes parents tend to throw their laundry and dishes in with the kids or forget to empty the clean dishwasher from the weekend, knowing the nanny has no choice but to empty it before using it herself. Nannies can be found guilty of doing the same. They may avoid taking out the trash at the end of the day, even though it’s nearly full or clean around an employer’s mess in the kitchen, rather than picking it up because it wasn’t one they made. Regularly having to clean up after someone else or tend to tasks that should have been done by the last person on duty can be an ongoing source of frustration.
Show up a few minutes early.
In the nanny and family relationship, to be early is to be on time is a good motto to live by. Showing up five minutes early allows time for transition. Unless transition time is built into the schedule, showing up exactly when the other person is supposed to leave will inevitably make her run a few minutes late. When this happens each day it can be a major source of frustration.
Call when you’re running late.
While running a few minutes late may not seem like a big deal, when someone runs late more often than they do not, it’s frustrating. This is especially true when a delay isn’t communicated to the waiting party. When running behind schedule, send a text message or make a phone call to let the other person know the updated estimated time of arrival.
Stick to your agreement.
Nannies often do whatever needs to get done. Doing so tends to be in their nature. But when their well-meaning gestures turn into expectations, it can be problematic. For example, say a parent forgets to move their clothes out of the dryer. While the nanny could simply take them out, do the children’s clothes and then throw them back in, leaving them wrinkled and waiting for her boss, most nannies will fold the clothes neatly and place them on top of the dryer. When folding the parent’s clothes becomes a new expectation of the nanny, it will cause frustration. If a nanny or parent does something outside of their typical scope of responsibilities, thank her and let her know that while it’s appreciated, it’s also understood that she didn’t have to tackle the task.
Be flexible.
Being in a working relationship requires flexibility. Given children aren’t always predictable, parents and nannies typically commute to work, and people with their own responsibilities and commitments are in a relationship, that should go without saying. There are a lot of outside factors that influence how a nanny and parent’s day is going to unfold. Knowing flexibility is required can ease frustration when situations warrant a give and take.
Show respect.
Each person and their time, contributions to the relationship, and talents are valuable. Show respect by not taking advantage of the relationship, by sticking to agreements, by following through on commitments, and by facilitating open and honest communication. There is a lot less frustration in relationships that are based on mutual respect.
When it comes down to it, the bottom line is that nannies and parents should treat each other the way they want the children to treat others. When they do, there will be less frustration and the children will have a healthy relationship to emulate.
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A child’s first hair cut is a milestone worth remembering, whether he’s got long, flowing locks or just a few wisps that need to be tamed. When it comes to salons, however, not all are created equal in terms of meeting the needs of parents and their children. Your little one may not be comfortable in a high-end salon filled with cutting-edge stylists, and those haute couture stylists may be less than eager to tackle haircuts for children. These ten Houston salons are known for their specialization and focus on kids, making them ideal choices for your child’s first experience with the cape and clippers.
Little Lords and Ladies is more than just a kids’ salon, it’s also a high-end boutique. If you want to pick up a cute new outfit to celebrate Baby’s new hairdo, Little Lords and Ladies should be at the top of your list. The salon and boutique was established in 1984, giving the group almost three decades of experience in keeping Houston kids stylish.
The First Haircut Program at Cool Cuts 4 Kids is designed with sentimental parents in mind. A Cool Cuts 4 Kids stylist will not only give your little one the trim that she needs, but also present you with a certificate that features a lock of her hair. For an extra $1.99, you can even pick up a magnetic picture frame for a snapshot of the big moment. Don’t forget your camera!
Snip-its is a franchise with locations in more than half of the states in the Union, but the Rice Village location is a particular favorite among Houston parents. The bright colors and whimsical decor is sure to enchant little ones, while games and activities keep them engaged as an experienced stylist with special training to help them cater to kids gives your child his very first haircut.
The Parents Connect program sponsored by kids’ programming giant Nickelodeon voted TGF Salon the winner of their 2008 Parents’ Picks award for the Best Haircut for Teens in Houston. While your child isn’t likely to reach his teen years without ever experiencing his first haircut, the reasonable prices along with the friendly and knowledgeable staff will still make a big impression on your pint-sized client.
Sweet and Sassy in The Woodlands is a favorite destination for birthday party spa days for the smaller set, but can also cater to the needs of even the youngest customer. Older girls can get pedicures and manicures just like Mom does, while little ones have their first experience with the snipping action.
There’s something to be said for speed, efficiency and a great value. The Supercuts chain has locations all over the country, and is successful for a reason: the stylists there know the secret to getting you in and out in a hurry. When little ones are simply too frantic about the experience of having their first haircut to enjoy cartoonish décor or big-kid pampering products, a nationwide chain may be the way to go.
The MasterCuts chain is usually housed in a shopping mall, and the Almeda Mall location is no exception. Mastercuts specializes in timelessly cool styles for the entire family, from the youngest to the oldest.
Billed as a salon for kids, Pigtails and Crewcuts features not only a First Haircut package for their smallest customers, but also a full range of fun events for older kids like a Girls and Dolls movie night in which little girls and their favorite American Girl doll can get matching hairstyles before watching an American Doll movie. Pigtails and Crewcuts also features services directed at repairing the hair of expensive dolls that have seen better days.
The name says it all at this Bellaire Boulevard salon for youngsters. Movies and games are provided to keep kids occupied, and the stylists are trained to help little ones feel more at ease during the sometimes-stressful experience of a first haircut.
If you’re a parent who believes that your child should have only the finest things in life from the earliest age, why not spring for a trip to a higher-end salon? Behold the Beauty does offer kids’ services in a fashionable setting.
While it may be tempting to take your child’s first haircut into your own hands so that you’re able to document the milestone the way you want, it’s wise to keep in mind that there’s a reason why stylists are educated and tested before obtaining their license. Kids’ hair tends to grow slower than their adult counterparts, so your little one will be rocking a lopsided ‘do for quite a while if you make a mistake. These professionals are among the best in the Houston area when it comes to kids’ haircuts, and have earned their reputation through years of experience and service to the community.
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It’s no secret that children are like sponges. From the television they watch to the people they spend time with, children absorb everything from anything and anyone they’re around.
When it comes to finding childcare, parents who choose a qualified caregiver who follows the same moral code as their family will be more at peace with their childcare arrangement. Leaving your child in the care of a provider who wholly supports your lifestyle, child-rearing practices, parenting philosophy and house rules can give you confidence that your children are being well-cared not only physically, but in accordance with your family’s moral code while you’re away.
But how do you find a caregiver who follows your moral code?
Define Your Moral Code
Whether spoken or not, every family has a moral code. Your family’s moral code defines the standards you expect members of your family to live by. It may include standards for how you treat others, how you treat yourself, what types of media is allowed in your home, how your children dress, and when children can date. Your moral code is likely influenced by your religious beliefs. Putting your family’s moral code on paper can help you articulate what you believe is acceptable and is not acceptable for those within your family.
Clarify Your Caregiving Expectations
Before you begin looking for a caregiver, you’ll want to be able to express your caregiving expectations. Your caregiving expectations may be different if you’re hiring a date night sitter to provide occasional childcare a few hours a month than if you’re hiring a full-time nanny. While you may expect your full-time nanny to provide moral support and guidance in accordance with your family’s code, your babysitter may simply need to support your code by following the instructions you leave with regards to what’s okay and what’s not while you’re away.
Lay out Your Job Description
If you want to find a caregiver who follows your moral code, you’ll want layout what following that code will mean in practical terms. If you expect your caregiver to limit television viewing to no more than one hour a day from a preapproved list of television shows or to ensure that she teaches your children a new blessing each week to say before their snacks and meals, you’ll want to include that in the job description. If you require your caregiver to create an environment that supports modesty, honesty and volunteerism, you’ll want to include that too. When you’re up front about what the caregiver’s duties and responsibilities will be you will attract caregivers who are eager and willing to fulfill them.
Present Your House Rules
Every family has a list of house rules they expect family members to live by. These rules may include things like no swearing, no hitting, no lying, no cheating, no gossiping and no R-rated movies. They may also include things like help others when you see a need, honor your parents and love God. Presenting your house rules to a potential caregiver provides you an opportunity to gauge how the caregiver responds to them and an opportunity for the caregiver to determine if they are rules she can fully and wholly support and enforce.
Ask Important Questions
There’s no better way to determine if a caregiver follows your moral code than by asking questions about her own. Asking open-ended questions like “What type of television do you typically let children watch?” and “What types of community service projects have you done with the children you’ve cared for?” can provide insight into the ideas and principles she’s comfortable passing onto the children in her care. Asking questions like “What do you think is the most important thing you pass on onto children is?” and “Tell me about your discipline philosophy” can help you better understand her worldview.
Consider the Character of the Caregiver
Every caregiver you leave your child with should be qualified to keep your child safe and provide attentive care. Running a background check, reviewing her driving record, checking personal and professional references, and contacting previous employers will give you an opportunity to learn more about any caregiver you are considering hiring so that you can make an educated and informed hiring decision. When you request personal references ask the caregiver to provide the name of a clergy member, volunteer team leader or other respected community leader who knows and has worked with the caregiver firsthand.
Whether it’s for a few hours or five days per week, your caregiver has the opportunity to influence your child. Be sure to choose a caregiver who will be a positive influence and a huge follower and supporter of your family’s moral code.
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The best way to keep informed about news, events, locations and entertainment in the Houston area is by subscribing to local publications. These organizations and websites tailor their content, through newsletters, articles, blogs and directories, to bring you all the latest information so that you don’t have to spend hours trawling the Internet. These ten publications are a mixture of sources that cover life and parenting in Houston.
HFM is a one-stop resource for Houston parents and families. Local events, family resources and contests are just some of the features you will find here. The Rach Riot blog follows one Houston mom as she laughs, cries or hides from the challenges of parenthood – all in good fun, of course. The publication also has a great parenting directory, covering every subject you can imagine.
Part of the Houston Chronicle, Mom Houston is a parenting publication created in a blogging style. Mom Houston concentrates on bringing all the latest news and advice on both a local and state level. The Houston Chronicle parent site also offers a wide range of resources for local events, restaurants and entertainment, as well as news, weather and traffic information. Don’t leave home without checking the latest updates.
This publication is all about fun, community, parents and kids in the Houston area. With an extensive list of family-friendly businesses, restaurants and children’s events listed, parents will love this useful resource. SCP also offers reasonable advertising for local businesses that wish to appeal to families with young children. Make sure to choose your area of Houston for local events and services.
This is one of the fastest-growing publications in the country. As well as the parenting category you will find links to food & fun resources, home & garden, and range of professional family services. The publications clean and easy interface makes navigating the site fast and efficient. There are also a large number of articles, specifically written for parents and families.
Rather than focusing on generic information for parents in Houston, Bayou City Media is a hub that hosts links to its own websites from the entire city, broken down by area. Simply click on the area name closest you to, and then choose from a range of categories including local entertainment, shopping, amenities and much more.
The Kid’s Directory has been serving the Houston area for over twenty years, bringing parents all the best news on what’s going on locally. The site includes a directory with three categories – South, North and Central. The kid’s resources section covers places to go, helpful articles and newsletters from the publication. Then there is the Kid’s Zone that features art, poetry and an opportunity for your child to feature on the cover of future publications.
This North Houston publication is the ideal resource for parents looking for the best family deals, coupons and “kids eat free” locations. There is also a calendar of events so that you can plan your family days out by choosing a date range and specifying the type of activities or events from a predefined-category list. Offers are updated daily, ensuring that you will always benefit from the best deals available in Houston.
This publication provides parents with information on community, neighborhood, environmental and education developments in the Houston area. Houston Tomorrow’s mission statement is to improve quality for all the people of the Houston region through research, education, and discussion. Make sure to check this publication often for the latest news that affects you and your family in Houston.
A publication on behalf of the Houston Arts Alliance, this site is full of fun events that combine arts education and entertainment. Both children and parents will love the events listed in this great publication, as there is plenty to keep the entire family entertained. Although there is a category aimed specifically at kids and families, make sure to search the broader categories so that you don’t miss on other great family events.
Texas Parenting provides a wealth of information on all things family. Featuring news, tips, trends and products, Texas parents will appreciate the modern and fresh perspective the publication offers.
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For work from home parents, hiring a nanny seems like the perfect childcare solution. Work from home parents seemingly get the best of both worlds as they’re able to continue to work while being in the home with their children. And since they are home, they’re able to closely supervise their nanny and monitor her interactions with their children, which can ease anxiety and increase confidence in their decision to work from home.
But, being a work from home parent with a nanny isn’t always easy. For the children, knowing mom or dad is in the next room can cause a reluctance to stay with the caregiver and cause the children to question who is really in charge. For the parents, hearing their children cry or fuss can be too much to bear, which can result in a decrease in productivity if they keep popping in to provide comfort and reassurance. And for the nanny, boundaries can become blurred when parents pop in and out which can lead to confusion about her role and responsibilities and frustration over constant interruptions to the children’s routine.
At Morningside Nannies, we’ve seen many work from home parents have successful relationships with their nanny which has allowed them to really experience the best of both worlds they so actively seek. Those who have successful nanny relationships tend to have five key things in common.
1. They establish a separate work space.
While it can be tempting to work on the couch in the family room, work from home parents with successful nanny relationships establish a separate work space out of sight and out of earshot of their children. They shut the door and go to work, as if they were in an office space away from home.
2. They hold office hours.
One of the benefits of working from home and hiring a nanny is being able to interact with the kids during the day. Seasoned work from home parents know that impromptu interruptions can wreak havoc on a child’s routine so they set up do not disturb hours and set hours for when it’s okay for the children to pop in and say hello.
3. They work around their children’s routine.
Work from home parents may enjoy having lunch with their children, but know if they’re going to do lunch with the kids it needs to be on the kids’ schedule. Likewise, savvy work from home moms know that coming into say hello during times of transitions, especially ones that aren’t received welcomingly, will deter the kid’s and nanny’s success.
4. They back up their provider.
When there are two authority figures present, children expect one person to take the lead. Kids are notorious for asking one adult the same question after the other has said no, hoping to get the answer they seek. Experienced work from home parents know the value in backing up their nanny when it comes to matters of discipline and decisions and know that the best way to address any preferences for handling situations is away from the kids. A nanny who is constantly undermined will lose the respect of the children and won’t be able to do her job well.
5. They resist the urge to step in.
It can be so tempting to run in and rescue your child when your nanny is trying to get him down for a nap or feed him something other than macaroni and cheese, but don’t. If you’ve hired an experienced caregiver you trust, give her chance to do her job to your satisfaction without constantly stepping in and taking over. Build confidence in your caregiver by allowing her to work through issues with your children. When you do you’ll be glad to see she’s able to comfort and calm them too.
At Morningside Nannies, we place prescreened nannies with a variety of backgrounds who seek a variety of types of positions. While some nannies simply won’t work for stay at home parents because they don’t want to be micromanaged, others prefer to partner with work at home parents and help them to achieve their desires to have the best of both worlds.
If you are seeking a qualified nanny, contact a placement specialist today at (713) 526-3989 to begin your nanny search. Our placement specialists will consider your family’s needs and only present to you those candidates who are capable of meeting or exceeding your caregiving expectations.
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Advice for Parents |
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