The Official Blog of Morningside Nannies
As a woman, one of the most important doctors you will ever have in your life is your obstetrician. You want to make sure to find a doctor who makes you feel comfortable, and is the best in the business. Most importantly, you want a doctor who will do whatever it takes for you and your unborn child. There are several competent doctors in the Houston area, but these ten are among the very best in terms of years of experience and ratings from their patients.
1.Dr. Jonathan R. Russell, MD
Dr. Russell has been in the field for 13 years. He graduated from Creighton University School of Medicine in 1996. His office is at Champion Women’s Center in Houston. According to vitals.com, he was awarded the Patients’ Choice Award from 2008 to 2011.
2. Dr. Pinky Ronen, MD
Dr. Rosen began his medical career as a Navy SEALS paramedic. He is currently the Chief of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Memorial City Hospital. Dr. Ronen graduated from Baylor College of Medicine. On vitals.com, a total of 35 reviewers gave him an average 3.5 out of 4 star rating. One patient on that site said, “Dr. Ronen is the kindest and has the best bedside manner! I will never go to another obgyn if I can help it.”
3. Dr. Dinsdale W. Ford, MD
Dr. Ford practices obstetrics and gynecology in Houston after studying at Howard University College of Medicine. He graduated in 1976 and now works at West Oaks Hospital.
4. Dr. Carmen Thornton, MD
Dr. Thornton has worked at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic since 2002. She completed her degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch in 1988. The Kelsey-Seybold website quotes Dr. Thornton as saying, “I believe in educating my patients. This will enable them to make good decisions about their health.” She is board certified.
5. Dr. Stacy L. Norton, MD
Dr. Norton graduated from the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 1993 and completed her residency in 1997. She has been practicing medicine since 1998. She currently works at the Northwest Women’s Center. On vitals.com, her patients gave her an overall rating of 3.5 stars out of 4. A patient’s review from that site stated, “She is smart, strong, astute, kind, and listens. She doesn’t rush out of the room. She goes above and beyond and is always available even to talk on the phone if needed.”
6. Dr. Nelly Heiman, MD
Dr. Heiman has been practicing obstetrics and gynecology in the Houston area since 2007. She is currently working at Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. On top of being board certified, she is fluent in Spanish and Russian.
7. Dr. Michael Hold, MD –
Dr. Hold currently works at Women’s Health Care Center in Houston and has been practicing for six years. One patient on vital.com gave him this review: “Dr. Hold is one of a kind. He is extremely gentle during exams and takes the time to answer all your questions. He is highly intelligent and truly compassionate. I would and have recommended him to family and friends.” He graduated from the University of Texas at Galveston in 2003.
8. Dr. James M. Wheeler, MD, MPH, JD
Dr. Wheeler has been practicing medicine since 1988. He is currently a doctor at The Center for Women’s Healthcare in Houston. He graduated from Harvard College, Baylor College of Medicine and residency program, as well as Yale’s REI fellowship. Dr. Wheeler has additional training as an epidemiologist, statistician and attorney. Healthgrades.com shows a patient satisfaction rate of 93%, meaning 93% of his patients would recommend him to family or friends.
9. Dr. Craig A. Witz, MD
Dr. Witz has 21 years of experience and is currently an OB/GYN, specializing in fertility, at Houston Fertility Institute. On vitals.com, his patients give him a glowing 4 out of 4 star rating. One is quoted as saying, “Dr. Witz and his staff set a standard which all doctor’s offices should strive to be. He is so compassionate and down to earth, his bedside manner is by far the best I have received from any doctor in my life.”
10. Dr. Chuong Pham, MD
Dr. Pham graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 1993. He specializes in obstetrics and gynecology and is board certified. He currently works at Willowbrook Women’s Health in Houston. Healthgrades.com lists his care philosophy as: “Listening to a patient is the first step in caring for the patient.”
It can be difficult to find the right doctor to care for you during such an exciting and scary period of your life, especially if you’re not sure where to start. This list should give you some direction and at least help you narrow down the scope of your choices from the hundreds and possibly thousands of obstetricians in Houston alone.
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If you’ve been thinking about becoming a nanny but not sure if it’s the right career path for you, consider testing the waters out by working as a summer nanny. Summer nanny jobs require a short-term commitment, but full immersion experience into the world of private in-home childcare.
Being a Summer Nanny Gives You Experience
For those with minimal childcare experience, a summer nanny job can be a great segue into full-time nanny work. Individuals with past babysitting experience, camp counselor experience, or preschool or daycare teaching experience are ideal candidates for summer nanny positions. Since most families, especially those with infants, and reputable nanny agencies will require more extensive childcare experience, working as a summer nanny can give you that.
Being a Summer Nanny Gives You References
Most parents will require nannies to have references before considering them for employment. While references from family and friends can be okay too, most parents and most all reputable nanny agencies will require professional childcare references, which must include childcare references from nonfamily members. Having solid childcare references is essential for securing future nanny employment. Adding a summer nanny job and employer reference to your resume can help quality you for full-time nanny positions.
Being a Summer Nanny Gives You Opportunity
Working as a nanny is different than working as any other type of childcare provider. Nannies work in private homes with minimal supervision or adult interaction. Since nannies are typically the sole employee of the family, formal breaks come in the form of downtime when the children are napping. Nannies are also responsible for all tasks related to providing care, including doing the children’s laundry and preparing nutritious meals and snacks. Some nannies enjoy working in the private home setting while others prefer working in a classroom setting. Depending on your personality and caregiving style, private in-home childcare may or may not present an enjoyable work environment for you.
For many full-time nannies, they got their first taste of working as a nanny thanks to a summer nanny job. And it seems only natural that it happened as such. Preschool or daycare teachers who are looking for something different are often approached by parents who are seeking something different too, which leads to a natural caregiver family pairing. College graduates who have studied early childhood education often seek immediate employment and working as a summer nanny can provide a steady income and additional childcare experience while they seek full-time year-round work. Others tend to fall into nannying after being approached to take a summer babysitting job and before they know it, they’ve secured year-round, full-time nanny work.
Qualified summer nannies are in high demand. If you’re considering being a nanny or looking to break into the field, try being a summer nanny first. Contact Morningside Nannies today to learn more about our Houston area summer nanny placement opportunities or stop by our office Monday through Friday between 10 am to 3 pm to complete a summer nanny application.
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Traveling with children isn’t always fun, especially when you’re in a city that seems to have a dearth of activities and destinations for kids. Thankfully, Houston is definitely not one of those cities. This vibrant, exciting locale is filled with things for kids to do, from the Theater District to the Galleria.
Theaters can be boring to kids, seeming stuffy or like something that’s only for grownups, but Miller Outdoor Theater turns it into an exciting new venture your kids will enjoy as much as you do. In addition to the outdoor location that eliminates any trace of stuffiness, Miller Outdoor Theatre’s offerings are often geared towards children.
If your kids love playing in the outdoors, be sure to take them to Discovery Green. It’s a 12-acre wonderland of parks, playgrounds, fountains and more. Concerts, dance performances and festivals make this a necessary stop on your next trip to Houston.
What better place to take your kids than the Children’s Museum of Houston? Walk through Kidtropolis, USA, an indoor, miniaturized town made just for the smaller set to explore. Your kids can even help run the town by becoming workers, shoppers and business owners, which helps to teach lessons in civics and social studies while providing plenty of big-time fun.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science has a little something for everyone in your family to enjoy. A butterfly house brings you all a little closer to a beautiful part of nature, while the giant screen theater teaches about different groups of animals that are either extinct or still alive in the world today. The staggering array of installations and exhibits makes HMNS a great place to while away an afternoon or two.
Shopping with the kids doesn’t have to be a burden. Bring them along to the Galleria Mall in Houston. Give them a chance to burn off excess energy at the indoor skating rink before hitting the mind-boggling array of stores. Be one of the 26 million annual visitors to this epic location.
If you’ve ever wondered where the commanders were when they heard the words, “Houston, we have a problem,” wonder no more; they were located at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Learn about the technology used to put humans in outer space and to return them safely home, while you marvel at the wonders humanity has developed.
As if a zoo wasn’t enough of a draw, there is a children’s area inside of the Houston Zoo, where kids can get up close and personal with some of their favorite animals. On top of having a petting zoo, the children’s zoo also has its very own bat cave. Learn about all the different species along with your kids. You’ll pick up on some interesting new facts alongside your children!
Kids are drawn to animals and action. There’s nothing that brings those two things together like a rodeo. The events themselves may sound like they should be for adults only, but there are some little cowboys and girls that participate in events such as barrel races (with stick horses), steer roping (with straw as the steer) and bull riding (with the bull being a seesaw).
The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art hosts an annual Art Car Parade and Festival, which showcases more than 250 vehicles. If you don’t happen to be in town while the parade is taking place, head over to their location for hands on activities for all ages, including adults. Aside from the parade, they host a seemingly unending amount of events sure to awe and inspire.
More than your average, run-of-the-mill aquarium, Downtown Aquarium is an interactive restaurant experience. Watch fish and other aquatic wildlife while enjoying your dinner. Then, move on to look at other exhibits before ending the day in the gift shop. Want to stay longer than a meal will allow? Sign your young ones up for educational programs offered year round. There are even programs for the entire family to experience together.
These locations are only the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to kid-friendly destinations in Houston. In such a large and sprawling city, you’re sure to find even more that will tickle the individual fancies of each member of the family!
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Houston is a thriving, world-class city with plenty of exciting things to see and do with the kids. When budget constraints are a concern, there are even a variety of activities that are completely free of charge, and sure to keep your brood entertained. The following are ten of the best free, kid-friendly diversions that Houston has to offer.
Discovery Green is a 12-acre park with playgrounds, green grass and a fountain for kids to play in on a hot summer day. Discovery Green isn’t just any old park, either; it also has free shows and events that take place throughout the year. For a day in the fresh air of the great outdoors, Discovery Green is the place to be.
While this museum is not free every day of the week, on Family Thursdays, held every Thursday, admission is free after five P.M. The museum has an impressive number of exhibits that are made just for kids to look at, explore and learn from.be.
True to its name, the Art Car Museum is a museum of cars that have been turned into pieces of art. Some car lovers would say that all cars are art in and of themselves, but here they are a little bit more than regular automobiles. At the art car museum, they become masterpieces.
When you think of the theatre, the word free never really comes to mind. But, Miller Outdoor Theatre has free admission because it is a non-profit organization that promotes the arts to visitors and residents of the Houston area. It features a grand stage that hosts not only plays but also concerts and other theatre-style productions throughout the year.
Kids love strapping into their skates or grabbing a skateboard and learning new tricks at a skate park. But, there’s more to Lee and Joe Jamail Skate Park than other parks of the same nature. For one, it’s 30,000 square feet. For another, it has equipment suitable for all age and performance levels.
The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is a menagerie of plants and animal life. Discover new forms of life in the gardens and along the trails throughout the 155-acre complex.
Waterfalls may be found easily enough in nature, but what about a water wall? In Houston, the Waterwall has been described as a serene place to spend time with a loved one or family. You’re even allowed to stand under the flowing water to cool off on a hot day or let your kids splash around and have a grand time when the heat is a bit too much to handle.
The Japanese Gardens in Hermann Park were created as a symbol of friendship between Japan and America. Pieces of Japanese culture were put into the design and creation of these Japanese gardens and can be seen through the use of bamboo, lanterns and an authentic teahouse. The gardens hold a peaceful feeling with the sounds of waterfalls splashing amid the iconic cherry trees
If you haven’t been to Houston before and don’t know much about the area, search out the Houston Greeter Program. This is a program where a greeter is assigned to you, free of charge, to show you the sights. With the vastness of Houston, it’s best to first see it with a greeter who can tell you all the best places to go and give you background information on all your favorite spots.
Admission is free to this museum of contemporary arts and crafts. There are ongoing exhibits as well as craft events that crop up throughout the year. Not exactly a museum, this collection has works from artists all over the country and it even hosts workshops for non-professional artists and kids.
No matter where you go or what you do in Houston, you’re almost guaranteed to have a great time. But why spend a bunch of money when you really don’t have to? There are so many family-oriented, fun things to do in Houston that don’t cost a penny and are sure to be a hit with the kids that it’s difficult to justify spending money.
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By Michelle LaRowe
Executive Director
Whether you are a parent or a childcare provider, when you’re caring for children it is important to keep current with best practices in the field of early childhood care.
I’ve reached a point in my career where I’ve been in the nanny industry and working with children for more than half of my life. During my career alone, I can think of two major changes in the way we as a society care for our children.
The first is how we put babies to sleep. Up until 1994, parents and caregivers really didn’t think twice about putting babies to sleep on their tummies. In fact, parents and caregivers did so fairly confidently. When a baby is on her tummy those involuntary reflexes that can keep her awake are naturally minimized due to her position, and the result seemed to be fast and solid sleep. When the “Back to Sleep” campaign was initially launched in 1994, however, parents and caregivers were cautioned about the increased risk of SIDS associated with stomach sleeping and were instructed to only put their babies to sleep on their backs. Swaddling became popular as a way to keep babies reflexes at bay, and babies across the United States began being placed on their backs to sleep.
The second major change I’ve seen is how we transport our children. I came home from the hospital in 1976 riding on the flat surface underneath the rear windshield of a Ford LTD. It wasn’t until the 80s and early 90s that states began putting safety belt and child restraint laws on the books. And even then, when the children I cared for turned one in 1999, it was a huge cause to celebrate because we could now turn their car seats from rear-facing to forward-facing. Today, the recommendations have been changed to indicate that children should ride rear-facing until age two or until they reach the maximum height or weight limits of the car seat.
Sadly, though, even with parent and caregiver education, 25% of babies are still stomach sleepers. And even though there is still widespread talk of the importance of using child car seats and using them properly, it’s estimated that more than 90% of car seats are installed incorrectly.
When you are caring for children, whether as a parent or a nanny, you are their first line of defense. It’s up to parents and caregivers to continually educate themselves on best practices and follow them, even if grandma keeps reminding you how her children survived having never slept on their backs or ridden in a car seat.
Parents and nannies can keep current on best practices by faithfully attending their children’s well visits, subscribing to parenting magazines, attending childcare related conferences like those put on by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the International Nanny Association, following favorite pediatricians and the American Academy of Pediatrics on Facebook and Twitter, taking early childhood related college courses and attending parenting workshops and seminars.
Whatever you can do to keep current with best practices in childcare, do it. The childcare knowledge you have directly impacts the quality of care you’re able to provide.
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Houston, Texas is one home to a wide array of shopping and retail outlets, many of which are directed at or suitable for kids of all ages. Though there’s far more to Houston that can be encompassed on any short list, these ten destinations are among the best when it comes to tracking down the perfect gift for a child. Regardless of what they’re into, you’re sure to find something fit for the pint-sized apple of your eye at one of these ten stores.
What better place to find clothes for your child than Children’s Place? From clothes to accessories, Children’s Place has it all. If you don’t want to go shopping on your own, take your kids with you! More than just a place to shop, Children’s Place is a place to help your child create her personality. There are often discounts throughout the store and sometimes there are even events for special occasions and holidays.
Another aptly named children’s store, Clothes for Kids Resale is the oldest consignment store in Houston, and it’s just for kids. Like the typical consignment store, it offers high-quality, gently-worn kids’ clothes at an affordable price. Established in 1973 and a favorite of Houston parents ever since, Clothes for Kids Resale is a perfect shopping hot-spot for budget-conscious parents. Floor to ceiling, this store is filled with amazing finds.
This store is perfect for your little prince or princess. These upscale clothes are designed with kids in mind. Little Lords and Ladies does more than clothe your children, they will also style their hair. And, once the hair is done, take your young one over to the accessories to find the perfect complement to her new outfit and ‘do.
Don’t let the feminine connotation of this shop’s name fool you; Tulips and Tutus has clothes for girls and boys from babies through the tween years. There is always something for your child at Tulips and Tutus.
Outlet stores are known for offering high-end items at deep discounts, and Premium Outlets is no exception. Carters, Disney Store, Gap (for kids and babies) and more are located within this outlet mall. Find whatever your kids want or need at this one-stop shop location.
Looking to create that perfect baby room? Shop for your child’s crib, changing table and much more at the Baby and Child Gallery. It’s much more than just a furniture store, it is a place filled with artistically designed creations made so your child can live in the luxury he deserves.
Remember reading and collecting comic books as a kid? Bring back the tradition for your children by stopping by Bedrock City Comics and checking out what they have in store. Shopping for your kids doesn’t necessarily have to mean buying clothes and accessories, or even toys! Buy them something different from what they are used to while fostering a love of reading and encouraging their active imaginations.
It’s no secret that making healthier choices and encouraging kids to do the same when it comes to their diet is important. That being said, it’s also okay to splurge on occasion. Make it worthwhile at Candylicious by stocking up on some decadent treats purchased from a store specializing in the satisfaction of a sweet tooth!
Costumes are not just for Halloween. Stop by Frankel’s Costume Company to stock up on dress-up clothes, or to prepare for your kid’s next birthday party with a costume theme. This store is open year round, so you’re not restricted to seasonal shopping during the hectic Halloween holiday.
This mega mall has different stores for kids of all ages. You can even take a break from shopping with a quick skate around the indoor ice skating rink. After a spin on the ice, head over to the Build-A-Bear Workshop to put together a brand new, cuddly best friend. The Galleria is more than just a shopping destination; it’s an all-day adventure!
Whether you’re a Houston native or simply visiting, there is a veritable goldmine of shopping options for kids and adults alike in this world-class city. From high-end togs to top-notch toys, there’s nothing on a child’s wish list that you won’t be able to find in one of Houston’s exciting shopping destinations.
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When it comes to nannies and their vacation, the coordination and scheduling of it can be a bit tricky. Unlike in other lines of work where co-workers can pick up the slack or employees can check-in and deal with urgent matters via email or phone while they’re away, since nannies tend to be the family’s only employee and their work is hands-on, those luxuries simply don’t exist.
So how do nannies and families work out vacation time?
For nannies to take vacation time, parents either need to coordinate their work schedules so that they too can take time off from work, patch together a back-up childcare plan or arrange for a suitable replacement to pinch hit for their nanny while she is away.
Since parents may have limited vacation time and wish to schedule their own vacations too, nannies and families usually work together to coordinate vacation schedules. If a nanny is allotted two weeks of vacation time, the nanny typically chooses one week she’d like to take off and the family chooses the other. This method ensures that the nanny receives adequate time off with minimal interruption to the parents’ work schedules.
What about vacationing together?
This method typically works well unless the family wants to travel during the week of their choice and wishes their nanny to accompany them. While it may seem like it’s an excellent opportunity for the nanny to travel on someone else’s dime during her vacation time, the reality is that when a nanny travels with the family to provide childcare, it is not her vacation. During the time she’s with the family she’ll have duties, responsibilities and obligations, whether spoken or not, to assist the family. Her time isn’t her own.
When the nanny travels with the family she should be paid her normal wages in addition to any overtime worked. Many families also provide a stipend for travel, and all families are responsible for covering the nanny’s travel expenses, including any transportation costs, lodging and meals. It’s essential that parents and nannies iron out the terms and conditions of the arrangement in writing prior to traveling to avoid confusion and misunderstandings.
What about when the family wants to travel without the nanny?
Within the nanny industry, it is standard for nannies to get paid 52 weeks per year. It’s also standard for nannies to receive two weeks of paid vacation time each year. If outside of those two weeks the family wishes to travel without their nanny, the nanny should still be paid her normal wages. Whenever the nanny is available to work during her normal scheduled hours and the family opts out of her services, she is entitled to payment. During these times, some families will request that the nanny check on the house and take in the mail while they are away and most nannies are more than happy to accommodate these requests.
Back-Up Care and Temporary Nannies
Depending on the family’s childcare needs, the parent’s availability to stay home from work, and other childcare options available to them, when their nanny is on vacation the family may wish to come up with back-up childcare plans or arrange for a suitable nanny replacement. Oftentimes parents will try to piecemeal childcare arrangements together, utilizing friends, family and before and after school programs to secure care, though many families simply prefer to hire a qualified temporary nanny to fill in and meet their childcare needs.
Morningside Nannies helps Houston area families secure a qualified and prescreened caregiver to stand in for their nanny while she’s away. Contact a placement specialist today at (713) 526-3989 to learn more about our temporary nanny services.
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If you are looking for opportunities to volunteer with your family in order to promote compassion and a sense of civic responsibility in your children, there are several organizations in the Greater Houston area that make a huge difference in the lives members of the Houston community. These ten organizations are among the most impactful, and rely largely on help from volunteers in order to maintain operations.
Food is distributed to needy families through food pantries and soup kitchens throughout Houston by the Houston Food Bank organization, which relies upon the energy and time investment of volunteers to stamp out hunger in the area. There are a variety of programs for kids and families to volunteer with the Houston Food Bank, as well as resources for families in need of assistance to receive nutritious food items.
Families with a patriarch or matriarch suffering from the debilitating effects of Alzheimer’s disease can obtain aid through Autumn Grove Cottage, which sends volunteers to work with Alzheimer’s patients around the city. For kids and adults alike, there are also volunteer programs in which a difference can be made in the lives of families dealing with the effects of such a devastating disease.
An appreciation for the arts isn’t limited by socioeconomic status, and neither should the resources to explore an affinity for artistic expression. The Multicultural Education and Counseling Through the Arts program offers peer tutoring programs, allowing kids to work with one another as they learn more about art. Families can also volunteer to assist with sponsored events.
Learning about the environment is an important lesson for kids, which is why Japhet Creek Nature Conservancy is such an important volunteer organization for families looking to donate their time and energy. Cleaning up debris, planting bushes and trees and spreading mulch are all activities that any member of your family can help with at Japhet Creek.
When a child is stuck with a critical illness, it can have a devastating impact on the entire family. The Ronald McDonald House network provides a home away from home for the families of children being treated at member institutions of the Texas Medical Center. Families are also encouraged to volunteer their efforts, making RMH charities a great organization for families in need and families that want to help make a difference in their lives.
As a volunteer network for senior citizens, RSVP of the Texas Gulf Coast impacts families by providing much-needed aid to at-risk youth and community outreach programs. RSVP also provides retirees with a worthwhile hobby, giving their adult children and young grandchildren a model of giving, compassionate living to follow.
Dedicated to helping Houston’s homeless population, Star of Hope Mission is a great organization that brings families in need and those willing to help together. Helping kids their own age who are far less fortunate can put your children’s own relative good fortune into perspective, while simultaneously making a very real difference in the lives of needy families.
A love of reading crosses all socioeconomic boundaries, and can help at-risk kids to discover a thirst for knowledge that propels them out of a cycle of poverty. With First Book’s services, children in need have access to new books and educational resources.
Located in a low-income area of Houston to serve the Second and Third Wards, the Forge for Families is a Christian volunteer organization that strives to make a difference in the lives of economically disadvantaged families. The Forge impacts both families in need and those looking to volunteer by connecting them in meaningful and life-changing ways.
Providing community assistance through youth development, senior support services, food pantries and food delivery services as well as community gardens that promote self-sufficiency and agricultural awareness, Target Hunger is an organization that connects families in need with those willing to provide assistance, making a difference in the lives of everyone involved.
Becoming a volunteer can help kids learn to empathize with others while appreciating the things that they have. Giving back to the community and to those in need can also promote a sense of selflessness in tweens and teens. Contact one of these Houston based organizations today to learn how your family can help out.
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So what if Type A moms are a little too self-critical and competitive? And what’s it to you if they’re a little wound up and tend to overreact? While their constant sense of urgency may lead to stress and heart disease down the road, it also makes them pretty productive on the household front.
Wondering if you have tendencies towards being Type A?
Type A moms tend to:
1. Brake for The Container Store.
“Pull off the road now, I need more storage bins!” Organization takes center stage in the life of a Type A mom. Everything has a place and there is a place for everything.
2. Have kids who divide their own toys into three piles:
keep, toss and give it away.
Why do the work for them if they can do it themselves? The minute a part goes missing or a plastic piece snaps off, into the trash that toy goes. Haven’t played with something for a few days? It’s time to give it away. Don’t worry, though. The kids know the drill.
3. Be experts at getting out of the house in 10 minutes flat –
with two kids in tow.
Type A moms and their troops can get up, get dressed and get out in no time. Type A moms have no time to spare. To be early is to be on time is their motto.
4. Have routines that rule.
Call the house at 7:02pm and the kids are fast asleep. Their bedtime was at 7, sharp, didn’t you know? Breakfast at 6, lunch at 11 and dinner at 4, with rarely an exception.
5. Have husbands pull their own weight, and then some.
Yes, Type A moms have men that do it all too. From tidying up the house to making family meals, these dads are forced to use their domestic skills.
6. Shower every. Single. Day.
Type A moms know that a 10 minute shower can change their lives. While they may dress for comfort, they’re always put together. Even their loungewear is fashionable.
7. Have babies who sleep through the night as soon as it’s humanly possible.
If babies can be sleep trained by 12 pounds and 12 weeks, heck yea their baby is going on that program.
8. Have no tolerance for slackers.
None. Just do it. Excuses are not acceptable. So what if you aren’t feeling well. Does sitting at your computer make it worse?
9. Diagnose their own kids before bringing them to the doctor’s – and they’re almost always right.
Type A moms could have had a second occupation as a pediatric specialist. When their kids are sick, they know everything and anything there is to know. And no, they don’t trust Wikipedia. They know how to use their colleague Dr. Google to find where the reputable info is at.
10. Get crap done, and then some.
If you can’t juggle an iPod in one hand and a plate of organic fruit to serve the kids in the other, what can you do? C’mon now. Multitasking is their middle name.
And if you’re worried about the kids of your Type A mom friends, don’t be. They love intensely, engage passionately and are wholly committed to raising happy, healthy kids who will be productive members of society. And if they’re being honest, they hope their kids will be a little Type A too.
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Every seasoned nanny picks up tricks for making her job easier along the way. Wondering what some of the savviest nannies do to set themselves apart?
Check out these 16 tricks of the trade that savvy nannies put to use on the job and off.
1. Use kitchen shears to cut food.
Forget using a fork and knife to slice foods into bite-sized pieces. Instead, use kitchen shears. They’re good for cutting everything from cheese to toast.
2. Toss dirty clothes directly into the washing machine.
If you’re caring for little ones, it’s pretty much guaranteed you’ll be doing at least a load of laundry per day. If your employers are okay with mixing colors on cold, skip the hamper and toss dirty clothes directly in the washer.
3. Use baby wipes to wipe up spills and clean off water rings on microfiber furniture.
Drool, sippy cups and bottles can leave microfiber in a mess. Use a wet wipe around the edges of the water ring and buff out the fabric with your hand. Voila, the spot will be gone.
4. Store art supplies in plastic rolling carts.
If you’re looking to keep crafts convenient but not easily accessible, store them in a closet. Roll it out when you’re ready to use them.
5. Keep a stocked diaper bag by the door.
Keep a fully loaded diaper bag ready to go by the front door. It will make getting out of the house a breeze, especially when there is no time to spare.
6. Use a straw to quickly hull strawberries.
Pop a straw into the bottom of the strawberry and out the top to get perfectly hulled strawberries every time.Less waste, less mess.
7. Create your own back-up care network.
Want to look like a hero? Have a list of recommended nannies ready to step in and provide care should you need a day off. Some families will even allow the nannies to cover for each other, should the nanny have an appointment come up during the day.
8. Always have a written work agreement.
Make having a written contact part of your job search process. Always use one, and never chance working without one.
9. Insist on written reviews in your contract.
When jobs go south, they go south fast. Asking for a reference after you’ve given notice or have been let go isn’t going to result in an accurate reference that takes into consideration all of your years of service. Insist via your work agreement a written reference before signing on with a family for another year.
10. Encourage employers to use a payroll service.
Want to guarantee you’ll never have to ask for your paycheck again? Insist your family enrolls in a nanny payroll service.
11. Save notes and cards from your work family.
It’s always good to hang on to proof of how great the family thinks you are. These notes and cards will come in handy if you find yourself hard pressed to secure a written reference.
12. Keep a nanny journal.
A nanny journal not only facilitates communication between the nanny and her employers, it allows you to track your day and any inconsistencies in it.If a child seems off or falls down and gets hurt, there’s a plan in place for recording that information.
13. Put identification tags on car seats.
The assumption is typically that the kids in the car belong to you. Having a label on the car seats with the children’s information and parent’s contact information can be super helpful if there is ever an accident and you are unable to provide such information.
14. Have a CPST check your installation.
Good nannies don’t take chances with car seat safety. Visit safekids.org to find a certified passenger safety technician near you to check your car seat installation.
15. Use spring rods to keep sliding closets closed.
Wondering how to keep those sliding closet doors closed? Use adjustable café style curtain rods. Place them high up between the edge of the door and the closet door jam and presto chango, the kids can’t get in.
16. Answer questions about your personal life in general terms.
Do you have plans tonight? Yes, I do, thanks for asking. Taking a shower in peace is certainly a highlight of the day, especially if shutting the bathroom door is something that simply doesn’t occur during working hours.
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