The Official Blog of Morningside Nannies

Low Impact Paintball

TANKS offers SPLATMASTER and low impact paintball. These options allow younger players to use smaller paintballs that shoot at slower speeds. Kids also use lighter markers during play with these options. This gives younger players the opportunity to try out paintball with less fear of being hit by a paintball. It allows younger kids to experience paintball but with without the speed and force traditional paintballs provider.  

Safety First

Beginners enjoy their first outing with the TANKS staff and they separate players by skill level. TANKS is serious about safety and as such, does not allow the use of outside paintballs. All players must use paintballs provided by TANKS and must wear appropriate protective gear.

Birthday Parties

TANKS offers three levels of birthday party play; SPLATMASTER, low impact and full on paint ball, depending on the ages and comfort level of the attendees. Partygoers can even extend their time at TANKS by paying an additional $5 to play the rest of the day after the party ends.

1. Have Playventrues

Instead of hosting the standard playdate, take your playdates on the road. Meet up with friends at the park, zoo or other kid-friendly venue. The kids have fun and you’ll have no mess to clean up.

2. Have Fun Fridays

Make Fridays fun days. Plan a special outing or adventure on each Friday of the summer. Have the kids make a day trip bucket list. Each time you visit one of their destinations, check it off from their list.

3. Have Theme Weeks

Create your own summer camp. Pick a theme for each week during summer. Arts and crafts, cooking, water play and sports themes work well for school-aged kids. Let your imagination guide you as you create hands-on activities that pair learning with fun.

Roll & Play

The first game designed specifically with the toddler in mind, Roll & Play is a simple, addictive and fun. Toss a plush cube, pick a matching color card to the landing side and do what the card says. Clap your hands? Moo like a Cow? There isn’t a better first introduction to game play.

Zingo!

Zingo!- A kid-friendly and creative take on Bingo!, the goal is to be the first to cover your game card and yell Zingo! With an easy to master concept, kids love being able to play many versions of the same game that focus on word building, sight words, time-telling and even Spanish –English translation. This game reinforces age appropriate learning concepts and has an awesome “Zinger” that makes dispensing cards a cinch. The Zingo! Games are a huge hit with older toddlers, preschoolers and early elementary school aged children.

Robot Turtles

Robot Turtles – Preschoolers and up can learn to code with this easy to play game. Kids learn the fundamentals of programming as they make silly noises while directing their turtles where to go. There are different levels of play making it a game that can be customized to a child’s play level.

Gravity Maze

With this gravity powered logic maze, build a path that will carry your marble to the target to win. With challenges ranging in level from beginner to expert, family members can take turns seeing who can beat a challenge and solve the maze or you can play alone. For ages 8 and up, this is a great single player game.

Visual Brainstorms

For ages 10 and up, these 100 brainteasers composed of visual puzzles, logic problems, mazes, math challenges, encoded messages, and more will test and amuse you. This is a great take anywhere game that you can play in five minutes or five hours, depending on how many teasers you tackle.

In addition to being fun and educational, ThinkFun makes high quality games. The pieces don’t break, the cards don’t tear and the packaging holds up nicely.

1. Set Clear Expectations

When your nanny first starts out, make it very clear what is expected of her and what her duties will consist of. To make it concrete, have a detailed written work agreement. The agreement should have a complete job description, pay and raise agreements, and any other ground rules you wish to establish. Once your nanny begins, be sure to communicate exactly how you want things done, from how to fold the laundry to disciplining the kids. And if something isn’t to your liking, you must speak up.

2. Earn Each Other’s Trust.

Your nanny is taking care of your most precious beings, your children, so it is essential to trust her. Nanny cameras are often thought to be the solution to nurturing this trust (which can work, if it’s fitting for you) but it’s best to disclose if you are taping your nanny. Another idea is coming home unexpectedly, which can ensure that your nanny is properly caring for your children. Just as important, your nanny must be able to trust you. Be sure to keep your word and respect the time she offers for your family.

3. Strive for Open and Honest Communication.

Over time, your nanny will begin to take on her role as a parenting partner. To benefit the children, it is best to discuss all aspects of the parenting style you would like to adopt. Include your nanny in setting goals and be open to her suggestions and her feedback. You could even create a log book that can serve a communication journal and behavior and schedule tracker.

4. Keep Business, Business

Your nanny likely cares deeply about your children, but the bottom line is this is also her job. And with a job comes professionalism, needed from your nanny and from you. So be sure she gets paid legally and on time and come home when you agreed to. But if something happens and you can’t release your nanny from her shift on time, be sure she is compensated fairly and legally.

5. Invest in the Relationship

Just like an office job, have scheduled meetings and check-in times with your nanny. Depending on her experience and your comfort level, these meetings can be help anywhere from weekly to annually. Within these meetings discuss not only your children and your nanny’s performance, but also how she feels within her positon and any suggestions you have for moving forward. Acknowledge not only what your nanny can improve upon, but also acknowledge areas where she is thriving. Be sure to recognize work anniversaries and personal matters. Take an interest in your nanny’s personal life, but not too much.

1. Workout and eat right.

Yes, we said no traditional New Year’s resolutions, but how else will you keep the kiddos in order without having enough energy to race after them? Trade the morning coffee for a morning run and not just your body will thank you, your kids will too. Before you know it, chase and tag will become a breeze.

2. Inspire, don’t demand.

We all want our kids to be the very best. We discipline for kindness, honesty, courage and so much more. But we must remember that there is a fine line between pushing our kids to be better and just pushing our kids. When you are trying to shape your child’s behavior, be sure to inspire your kids to be the best they can be, not just demand and bark orders.

3. Give your child more of you.

More often than not, a spike in tantrums or endless hours of whining aren’t just a phase, but your child’s way of sending you a message: I need more of you and more of your attention. Of course our to-do lists can run for miles, but be sure your children are at the top of the list. Putting your phone down and going on a tech-diet may not be a bad idea, helping you to be more present when you’re in your child’s company.

4. Listen with intention.

Kids have a funny way of getting excited over itty-bitty things, rambling and rambling over something so minute. Sometimes it can be the cutest thing in the world, and other days we just don’t have the time or the patience for engaging in childish conversations. But our mmhm’s and uh-huh’s may be short-handing the kiddos. It’s important that kids feel their thoughts and opinions matter. By putting more effort into silly kiddie conversations and spending time answering their never-ending questions—you’ll let your child know his thoughts and feelings matter to you.

5. Laugh more.

From dusk till dawn, mommies and nannies put full-effort into making sure everyone is taken care of and happy. Yet, some days don’t go as smoothly as we would have hoped. We get down on ourselves that there’s laundry still left to do, or frustrated that a fight between the kids got out of hand. But the reality is we must stop being so hard on ourselves. As long as you put your best efforts forward and have a great attitude, it’s alright if things don’t go perfectly every day.

Megan Gilbreath is a California college student pursuing journalism and public relations. She is also a working nanny who spends her time caring for two toddlers who keep her busy and joyful as she navigates caretaking through their medical conditions of high functioning autism and developmental delay. Connect with Megan on Twitter @meganrgilbreath.

Recently I had the opportunity to review an advance copy of the new book, Secrets of the Nanny Whisperer by Tammy Gold.
Given the complexities of the nanny/family relationship and the practical aspects of employing a nanny, it’s always good to see new media that aims to address common dilemmas and guide parents in the right direction when it comes to all things nanny related. However, having been in the nanny industry more than half of my life, I always approach new media by unfamiliar sources with caution, given the nuances that exist in the nanny industry.

While the concept of Secrets of the Nanny Whisperer is a solid one and Ms. Gold shared many helpful points that would point the reader in the right direction, there were some glaring errors and missed opportunities in the text that left me feeling like an industry outsider wrote this book. The quality of resources and statistics were lacking in many places and statements that are presented as fact lack supporting sources and unfortunately often leave the reader completely misguided because the information provided is blatantly incorrect.

With a little more research, the author could have presented a more factual picture of the industry and provided resources that would further steer the reader to a better understanding of the nanny industry.

For example, when instructing readers how to determine average nanny wages, rather than direct the reader to a credible non-profit organization like the International Nanny Association that publishes annual nanny salary and benefits information, the reader was instructed to punch in a zip code on a nanny recruiting website.

On the topic of wages again, the author seems to fail to discuss that nannies are non-exempt employees and must be paid on an hourly basis at least minimum wage for all hours worked and in many cases overtime. Even if you’ve agreed to pay your nanny X dollars for 50 hours per week, live-out nannies and live-in nannies and some states must be paid overtime at the rate of 1.5 times their base hourly wage rate for all hours worked over 40 in a 7 day period. This is the law and is not negotiable. While you can set a weekly “salary” if the nanny works a set schedule and work backwards to determine base and overtime wage rates to be wage compliant, as long as you are sure to track the hours, this is not explained.

And when discussing live-in nannies, the author insists live-in nannies offer 24/7 coverage in one place than says they’ll also want a set schedule. In addition to being contradictory, it seems in this section that the author fails to address the importance of legal payment of live-in nannies and the importance of having mutual and clear expectations with the nanny prior to hiring, not to mention the reality that most live-in nannies won’t work around the clock on an ongoing basis.

But one of the most disappointing statements, however came when the author suggested daycare or group care would be a better choice than a nanny who provides care at home. The author correlated stimulation against the provider/child ratio, but failed to discuss the benefits of having one on one care through the first years and ways which nannies actively socialize the children in their care.

That coupled with the statement that you should expect your nannies to be happy every day, really had me questioning the author’s industry experience. This is an unrealistic expectation for anyone in any job or arena. No one is happy every day.

And the mention of children not picking up their nanny’s accent or mannerisms is ludicrous. Children most certainly emulate those they around most often. When a nanny cares for children 40 to 60 hours per week you bet the children will start walking and talking like their nanny.

While the author refers to nannies as professionals and seems to advocate for their treatment as such, she doesn’t seem to expect them to have basic skills, like good language skills, driving abilities or the ability to stimulate children while home. And if they are professionals, as the other suggests, why isn’t there information on paying nannies legally and why isn’t the author advocating for benefits like contributions towards health insurance, not to mention any information about nanny training opportunities?

Other missed opportunities include referencing employee handbooks without the mention of GTM’s Household Employee Handbook or providing the Alliance of Professional Nanny Agencies or the International Nanny Association’s best practices when discussing background checks. How can you have a conversation about the nanny industry without discussing the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, Park Slope Parents, The International Nanny Association, the Alliance of Professional Nanny Agencies, Domestic Workers United and household payroll experts like GTM Payroll Associates, Breedlove and Associates and HomeWork Solutions? These are driving forces in the nanny industry that would have had the data, resources and information needed to paint a truer picture of the nanny industry that needs to be shouted to all, not whispered to a few.

If you can get past the professional and business aspects of the nanny/family relationship that are lacking, some value in the book remains. The author does do a nice job at addressing some of the dynamics of the nanny/family working relationship, her voice is good, it’s an easy read and the call-outs, scenarios and appendix are all helpful.

Michelle LaRowe is the executive director of Morningside Nannies, the 2004 International Nanny Association Nanny of the Year and author of Nanny to the Rescue! and Working Mom’s 411. She was provided a copy of this book at no cost for review. 

Supplies:
• Several colors of non-toxic paint and brushes
• Various markers
• Various stickers (minimal height, flat stickers work best)
• Colorful tape
• Laminating machine
• Large white construction paper (to fit the 11×17 black mat)
• 11×17 sturdy black plastic-type mat (Kinkos is best!)
This is the back-bone of the placemat, there to make it strong and durable. Try to find plastic-type paper that is designed for binding notebooks. If your local office supplies store doesn’t have this, look for any strong plastic-type backing that will make the placemats solid. If you want the placemat bigger or smaller, here is where you would alter the size.

How-to:
1. Cut the large white construction paper smaller than the 11×17 black mat, about a half inch smaller than the mat on all sides.
2. Decorate! It’s best to be strategic when handing out the paint colors so you don’t end up with a big brown mess. Have him use markers, paint and stickers to create his masterpiece, but be sure to keep the project one dimensional so the laminating machine won’t get angry. Handprints turned reindeer or snowman are a fun winter-themed addition.
3. After the decorated paper is dry, center it on top of the sturdy black plastic-type mat. Use colorful tape to seal the decorated paper to the black mat (continuously flatten the two together to avoid air bubbles). The tape will also create an attractive border.
4. Laminate the final product. Stop by your local office supply store to laminate the final creation. This will ensure the placemats will be able to endure any foodie mess!

Megan Gilbreath is a California college student pursuing journalism and public relations. She is also a working nanny who spends her time caring for two toddlers who keep her busy and joyful as she navigates caretaking through their medical conditions of high functioning autism and developmental delay. Connect with Megan on Twitter @meganrgilbreath.

Hand-printed Christmas Tree

Supplies:
• Green, red and gold glittered non-toxic paint
• Brown paint/marker
• Star sticker (or yellow paint/marker)
• Various markers
• Various stickers

How-to:
1. Cut construction paper to fit the shape and size you want your card to be, then fold the paper in half to create the card.
2. Paint the child’s hand green, this will be the Christmas tree image. Position the child’s hand so that his fingers are at the bottom of the card and his thumb is closest to the fold in the card. Press down to make the print.
3. Once the tree is dry, have the child use his index finger to add red dots. These will symbolize red ornaments.
4. Once the ornaments are dry, add the gold garland. To do this, drag the child’s finger across the tree with the gold glitter paint. Voila!
5. Next, draw or paint the brown Christmas tree trunk beneath the hand printed tree.
6. Place the star sticker (or draw the star) at the top of the finished Christmas tree.
7. Lastly, open the card up and decorate the inside. Have the child dazzle the card with stickers or by drawing a picture. Don’t forget to include a Merry Christmas message and to have the child sign his name.

(Credited: Fun Handprint Art)

Thumb-printed Candy Cane

Supplies:
• Red and white non-toxic paint
• Silver sharpie/marker/ non-toxic paint
• Various markers
• Various stickers

How-to:
1. Cut construction paper to fit the shape and size you want your card to be, then fold the paper in half to create the card.
2. Dip the child’s thumb into the red paint and have him press down firmly on the front of the card. Create a pattern of thumb prints to resemble the shape of a candy cane. Be sure to leave enough space between the red prints so that you can add white prints afterwards. The pattern should alternate continuously from red to white.
3. Draw or paint a silver bow on the middle of the candy cane for a nice finishing touch.
4. Lastly, open the card up and decorate the inside. Have the child dazzle the card with stickers or draw a pretty picture. Don’t forget to include a Merry Christmas message and to have the child sign his name.

(Credited: Leapfrog & Ladybugs)

String of Light Bulbs

Supplies:
• Red and green Do-A-Dot paint markers (or non-toxic paint)
• Various markers (be sure to have black)
• Various stickers

How-to:
1. Cut construction paper to fit the shape and size you want your card to be, then fold the paper in half to create the card.
2. With the black marker, draw a squiggly line from the top left corner of the card to the bottom right corner of the card.
3. Keep using the black marker to create the bottom of the bulbs. You want the width to be skinny but the height tall. Be sure the bottom of the bulbs are positioned a decent distance apart from each other, not too cramped but not too spacious either.
4. Push the Do-A-Dot paint markers (alternating red and green) on top of the drawn bottom of the bulb. (If you don’t have the Do-A-Dot paint markers, use the child’s thumb by dipping it in red and green paint).
5. Lastly, open the card up and decorate the inside. Have the child dazzle the card with stickers or draw a pretty picture. Don’t forget to include a Merry Christmas message and to have the child sign his name.

(Credited: Meet the Dubiens)

Megan Gilbreath is a California college student pursuing journalism and public relations. She is also a working nanny who spends her time caring for two toddlers who keep her busy and joyful as she navigates caretaking through their medical conditions of high functioning autism and developmental delay. Connect with Megan on Twitter @meganrgilbreath.

1. Earn Great Pay

Whether you will nanny full-time or part-time, you’re taking care of the parents’ most loved beings — their children. The parents will reward you for your efforts if you perform well and the children are thriving in your care.

And for many parents, finding a college-educated childcare provider who can assist with homework is an answer to prayer. If you can double as a caregiver/tutor, an increase in your earning potential will be reflected. In the Houston market, Morningside Nannies regularly places nannies in positions where starting pay is $16 to $18 or more per hour. That sure beats tidying up fitting rooms or seating guests at your local restaurant!

2. Secure Flexible Hours

Each family has different needs, so regardless of if you have morning classes, night classes, or are only available specific days of the week, there’s likely a family out there who needs care when you can provide it. While parents of babies and infants tend to need full-time care, many families are also seeking part-time assistance for preschool arrangements and after-school nannies.

Even if you have a jumbled schedule, you can work as a temporary or back-up care provider. Morningside Nannies regularly places qualified caregivers in positions that last as little as four hours to setting a full-time schedule for up to 90 days. Once you establish your availability, you can find a family who is looking for care when you’re able to provide it.

3. Increase Your Skill Set

Nannies acquire better caretaking skills while on the job. Children go through different phases and have different needs throughout various stages. And since every child is unique and each nanny job is unique, you’re provided with an ongoing opportunity to hone your skills. Try working with infants, preschoolers and school aged children. This way you’re ready for any future nanny job, since your skill set will grow to accommodate bottle feeding, potty training and even offering social advice.

Some families also need a nanny who can take on household management type tasks. Supervising repair workers and organizing family schedules could become part of your daily routine. This hands-on approach would provide you basic management skills that can be applied to many other future careers.

4. Do Something that is Memorable and Enjoyable

There’s more to being a nanny than changing diapers and driving children to and from activities. From taking a trip to the zoo to pushing a child on the swing at the park, nannies and children get to experience life and make memories together.

In many positions, nannies have the freedom to craft how they spend their time with the children, which means you can make your day as fun and memorable as you wish. As with any job, there will of course be ups and downs, but when it comes to caretaking, the good days almost always outnumber the bad.

5. Build Relationships

Once you began to get comfortable with the children, they will likely see you as a respected confidant or even as an extended member of the family. Giving and getting affection will become regular and the end of your work day may not even be something you look forward to.

When you work as a nanny, you become part of the children’s life as you watching them grow and discover their personalities. The relationships you create with the family will likely become relationships you treasure forever. Visit www.morningsidenannies.com/jobs to view families seeking nannies in your area or call (713) 526-3989 to speak to a nanny coordinator today.

Megan Gilbreath is a California college student pursuing journalism and public relations. She is also a working nanny who spends her time caring for two toddlers who keep her busy and joyful as she navigates caretaking through their medical conditions of high functioning autism and developmental delay. Connect with Megan on Twitter @meganrgilbreath.

1. Say “Thank you.”

It’s as simple as that! Whether your child gets a new gift, a compliment or is the recipient of another act of kindness, “thank you” should immediately follow. We often forget that these two simple words can go such a long way in making someone feel special and appreciated. When “thank you” is instilled in a child’s vocabulary at a young age, offering up thanks will become a lifelong habit.

2. Lead by Example.

When you stop and think about it, it really is mind boggling how well little eyes and little ears can see and hear. Children are learning machines, growing in knowledge every day. But learning goes deeper than gaining knowledge. Children pick up the behaviors and characteristics of those around them, shaping them into who they later become. Be sure to let your children hear you give thanks and offer praise when someone shows you kindness. And of course, don’t forget to tell your children why you’re thankful for them.

3. Turn negatives into positives.

Regardless of age, at some time or another, most people struggle with turning lemons into lemonade. Wouldn’t it be so rewarding to help a child learn to see the silver linings, rather than leaving him to focus on life’s frustration and disappointments? The next time your child complains he can’t go to the park because it’s raining, find a creative way to make staying inside seem just as fun.

4. Take a look around.

Go for a nature walk with your child. Have her point out a few beautiful items that catch her eye. Maybe she noticed how big and bright the sun is or how bright the wings of a cardinal really are. Help your child see and appreciate the beauty in the world around her.

5. Give thanks together each day.

Oftentimes we get caught up in our busy lives and forget what’s truly important. Make a habit out of sharing what you’re grateful for each day while you’re sitting around the dinner table. A simple family activity like this can go a long way in helping children to appreciate the people, places and things around them.

By putting some of these strategies into place, you can cultivate thankful hearts that will continue to be grateful long past the holiday season.

Megan Gilbreath is a California college student pursuing journalism and public relations. She is also a working nanny who spends her time caring for two toddlers who keep her busy and joyful as she navigates caretaking through their medical conditions of high functioning autism and developmental delay. Connect with Megan on Twitter @meganrgilbreath.