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Houston is located in southeast Texas, and has many attractions for families. Named after Sam Houston, the popular general and elected the president of part of Texas in 1836. This historic city is nestled by the Gulf of Mexico and surrounded by four bayous that pass through the city. Although the city is known worldwide as a energy hub, both for oil and natural gas, it also has a teeming culture center that no family should miss. With the coast being so close, there are many natural beaches and adventures to go on with the family, but do not miss the chance to visit some of the top ten buildings and attractions within the city as well.
1. Lynden Johnson Space Center
What kid is not fascinated by outer space and those who have went beyond the atmosphere of the earth? A perfect setting for the entire family to learn more about the U.S. space program, the space center is a great learning opportunity for the entire family with interesting exhibits and information about the history of U.S. space exploration.
2. Wortham Fountain
If you visit Houston during the hot summer months, one attraction that is not to be missed is the Wortham Fountain. Since 1978, the fountain has been a beautiful and refreshing addition to those who pass by the park belt on Allen Parkway. Because of its flowery mist, it has also been referred to as the dandelion fountain.
3. San Jacinto Monument
If you want to really see the lone star of Texas, you need to see the San Jacinto Monument. The National Historic Landmark located in the vicinity of Deer Park, Texas is adorned with the state’s symbol. The observation deck offers a phenomenal view of the city, with a 567-foot column that is topped with the infamous lone star symbol.
4. Astrodome
The Astrodome, which sports fans of the older variety may know under it’s previous title of the Houston Astrodome, has the notoriety of being the first domed stadium in the United States. It was even named the “Eighth Wonder of the World” in 1965 and was the basis for many domed arenas to come. It has been home to the Houston Astros baseball team, the Houston Oilers football, site of the Bluebonnet Bowl, and as well as many other sports events. A great attraction for any sports loving family to visit.
5. Houston Galleria
Built in 1970 and with many subsequent additions over the years ,the Galleria is now over 2.4 million square feet. With over 350 all overlooking the skating rink, the Houston Galleria is an amazing feat in shopping architecture.
6. The Water Wall Fountain and Williams Tower
Fountains are always something spectacular to observe, and the Water Wall Fountain with its multi-storied water wall is a popular place for tourists and locals to enjoy and take photos. With the 64-story Williams Tower that rises over 900 feet and is the 4th tallest skyscraper in the state of Texas, this is one public location in the Houston area that you’ll want to be sure you visit with the entire family.
7. The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art
Oddly enough, this strangely built farmhouse ended up on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Folk art and other eclectic forms of artistic expression make this house a family attraction that helps to inspire a love and appreciation of art in visitors great and small.
8. Pennzoil Place
With the destruction of the twin towers in New York during the September 11th tragedies, the twin towers in Houston are even more special. The towers were built in 1975 and designed by noted architect Philip Johnson, and can be an optical illusion to some, seeming to be one or two towers, depending on how you observe them.
9. 1940 Air Terminal Museum
This museum is actually housed in the original art-deco air terminal. The building itself is interesting to see, and the exhibits inside give a glimpse at aviation history. The museum is located at the current William P. Hobby Airport and should be at the top of your list if there’s an air travel enthusiast in the family.
10. JPMorgan Chase Tower
The JPMorgan Chase Tower is the highest building in Texas, and the 10th tallest building in the United States, so you cannot miss it on the Houston skyline. It was originally known as the Texas Commerce Tower and rises 1,002 feet above sea level.
Houston holds many adventures for all members of the family, young and older alike. Enjoy the time exploring all that this southern city has to offer.
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Parents need to be aware of the benefits of music lessons. These benefits go far beyond learning to play a few songs on the piano or strum some tunes around a summer campfire. Montreal researchers discovered that music lessons before age seven generate stronger networks in the brain, and also revealed that the changes in the brain extend beyond the skill of playing an instrument. Language and reasoning skills are sharpened by musical instruction, so you’re actually giving your child an academic head start when you enroll her in classes. These are ten of the most popular and high-quality haunts for pint-sized musicians in the making living in the Houston area.
or the tiny tot from birth to five years of age, learning and play are combined here. The Central Houston location at 1990 Post Oak Road offers classes throughout the week. Early musical instruction is a great way to help your child reach developmental milestones, so stop by Gymboree to find the perfect class for your little virtuoso.
Another program for very small children is located on Memorial Drive in Houston at the Presbyterian Church. Research-based music instruction for kids gives them an opportunity to get physical while they learn to make music together. You can take your newborn to this program designed for kids from birth to five. The Music Together program is built on the premise that humans are inherently musical. Adult involvement is strongly encouraged in this developmentally appropriate early childhood music curriculum.
If you are looking for short term music lessons, Project GreenRoom may be the option for you. They offer singing lessons for children and teens in a series of two 4-week sessions. Guitar lessons are also available, along with acting and modeling. Kids will enjoy the games and skill-building activities, and they will have opportunities to perform as well.
Add a little cultural flavor to your kids music lessons by letting them participate in the Diaz Music Institute’s three week summer music workshop. Energetic, caring instructors work with elementary, middle and high school students. This non-profit fine arts institution is known for its youth ensemble, Caliente. These young people perform around the greater Houston area and nationwide. The institute is dedicated to the preservation and performance of Latin Music.
Kids can start classes in the Kindermusik classes at lyric music studio when they’re three years old. They will learn to sing with other children, but Lyric Music studio also has group piano classes for kids 7 to 11. Youngsters over the age of 10 can also take private piano lessons. Dulcimer classes are added to the roster during the summer.
Parents who want a wide choice of instrumental instruction will want to check into Tempo School of Music. A few experienced and dedicated professional music instructors created Tempo School of Music in West Houston over ten years ago. All of the lessons here are private, and you have a choice of guitar, piano, bass guitar, voice, sax, flute and clarinet. No matter what age your child is or what style your child would like to learn, the instructors at Tempo School of Music are ready to play.
This music school offers the Music Together curriculum, so parents and caregivers spend time with the little ones in music related activities. Prelude teaches classes that help parents and children learn about music and develop the ear. At the same time they learn the fundamentals like rhythm, pitch, tempo, and dynamics. This is all taught in a relaxed, encouraging environment. It’s the perfect way to introduce your little one to the world of music.
Parents intent on getting private lesson for their children may be interested in Bridges Academy of Fine Arts. Some of the most experienced instructors in Houston are affiliated with the Academy. They offer private lessons in piano, voice, strings, winds, and guitar. Registration is ongoing, and the director is available to chat anytime concerning your child’s musical education. Songplay is also offered for infants and toddlers and their parents so whatever the age of your child, the Academy has a class that will fit.
The Suzuki School of Houston was founded in 1973, offering generations of kids the opportunity to learn the violin from a young age. For parents seeking a Suzuki-method curriculum for their youngster, SSH is definitely worth a visit.
Learn about band dynamics, secrets of the trade, performance skills and rock and roll history at this exciting summer camp. It is the vision of rock guitarist and songwriter Jeff Carlisi of the band .38 Special. Young musicians have an opportunity to interact with industry professionals, and at the end of each session they have an opportunity to perform live on stage in front of an audience. If you have a mini-rocker between the ages of seven and ten, check out Camp Jam Kidz. These youngsters will have a chance to learn an instrument of their choosing with more hands-on instruction. They also get to play their first gig at the end of the week.
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With the beaches of Galveston so close to the Greater Houston area and so many incredible outdoor options for kids’ birthday parties, there’s always room for celebrating your little one’s big day. As the mercury rises and summer temperatures hit their peak, though, the idea of beating the heat with an indoor party might be more appealing. These ten locations are among the most exciting in the area for kids’ parties, keeping all of your pint-sized guests cool without forcing you to host a large party in your home.
With themes like Glitz and Glam, Pirates, Super Hero and Pretty Princess in addition to basic and signature soirées, Wonderwild is a unique and exciting option for your child’s next birthday bash. Recommended for kids from one to eight years old, Wonderwild will provide everything you need to throw the bash of the year. Just bring the cake, and Wonderwild will do the rest!
It’s important to get kids moving and keep them physically active, but stimulation of their creative abilities is also essential. Youngsters with artistic leanings are sure to love a birthday party hosted by Potter’s Wheel, which offers a selection of paint-your-own-pottery party packages.
With four basic packages, a variety of optional add-ons and discounted options for weekday parties, Stomping Grounds Playland offers a wide variety of options for any budget. Groups of all sizes can be accommodated, while Stomping Grounds will even make arrangements for food and favors so that all you and your little one have to do is show up to the party!
There’s something about a firefighter that seems to capture the imagination of even the most pragmatic child. If you’ve got a little one with an affinity for the heroes in fire trucks, a birthday party at the Houston Fire Museum is sure to be a blast. The Museum will accommodate up to fifteen guests, provide themed plates, napkins and cups for the party and a special t-shirt for the birthday girl or boy.
Monkey Bizness hosts private parties seven days a week, so there’s no worry about scheduling conflicts. Your guests will never be forced to share playrooms with other kids and you won’t have to worry about overcrowding. Invitations, balloons, favors, plates, cups, forks and napkins are all available through Monkey Bizness, though there is a fee for some optional products. You can also purchase a pizza and soda package that will feed each and every one of your guests, ensuring that your little one’s party goes off without a hitch.
When it comes to kids’ birthday parties, recurring themes seem to be the norm. After all, there are only so many things you can do. That being said, Houston is home to one of the most innovative and exciting indoor birthday packages around, and it’s not one that would immediately come to most parents’ minds. The Houston Scuba Academy does have a Scuba Rangers program for kids between the ages of eight and twelve, but they also offer a snorkeling party for private groups. Guests are supervised by two trained professionals, who organize games and make sure that everyone is safe. Party packages include snorkeling time, and access to a party room for refreshments and gift opening.
Private birthday party packages at Houston’s Zuma Fun Center include access to outdoor batting cages, bumper boats, go-karts and kiddie rides, but there’s also a popular indoor arcade on the property that allows kids to get out of the sweltering Texas summer heat.
You just can’t go wrong with a classic, which is why the Chuck E. Cheese’s chain is a perennial favorite for birthday parties. The chance to play games and redeem tickets for prizes is sure to light up the eyes of any child, as is the certified kid-friendly fare of pizza and soda. You can even walk in with your guests without party reservations, though walk-in parties don’t include specialty items or promotional pricing packages.
With more than ten thousand square feet of indoor playspaces, including two arenas and two party rooms, Planet Wow is a Texas-sized venue for birthday parties in the Houston area. Private party guests have access to exclusive rooms, which means that you won’t have to worry about getting lost in the crowded shuffle of a busy playroom.
Whether your little girl is craving a full-scale tea party worthy of a princess or her very own spa day complete with sparkling make=up and a mini-facial, Hip Hop Lollipop has her birthday party covered. Themed food and favors, along with custom invitation mailing services and thank you notes are all included, with plenty of additional options available for a small fee.
When you book your child’s party with any indoor playground or party hotspot, be sure that you scope out the options for food and private rooms. Some places allow party hosts to bring in outside food, while others will require you to utilize their catering services. The last thing you’ll want to do is spend a small fortune on an epic cake, only to have it rejected at the door. Familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations regarding parties at an indoor facility, and you’ll slash the likelihood of unpleasant surprises.
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Recently we had a chance to connect with De’Chelle Pierson, pediatric registered nurse and founder of Brilliantly Baby, a Houston based Newborn RN Consultation Group.
Here’s a little of what she had to say about her company, the importance of newborn care training and quality infant care.
Please tell us about
Brilliantly Baby.
Brilliantly Baby is a Newborn RN Consultation Group. As Healthcare Professionals we found it necessary to provide Houston area families and Infant Care Providers with direct access to Pediatric Nurses to assist with newborn concerns. Our goal is to support, educate and inspire expecting couples, new families and Infant Care Providers. This Summer we are excited to launch Houston’s Premier Maternity Resource Center. The Maternity Resource Center will allow pregnant and new families to have direct access to great community resources concerning their pregnancy, breastfeeding, and newborn education.
How did it come about?
New families are often discharged home from the hospital with their newborn as early as 24 hours post-delivery. New moms and dads often lack the knowledge base to troubleshoot newborn technicalities and return to the Pediatrician or Emergency Room with a newborn unsure how to identify or troubleshoot newborn concerns. As a Neonatal ICU and Pediatric RN, our Founder, De’Chelle Pierson encountered countless amounts of first-time parents in the hospital with a new baby unsure how to care for the newborn. While majority of the infants brought into the Emergency Room were able to be discharged home with teaching and discharge instruction there have been those who have not survived due to various circumstances. As a mother, newborn advocate, and RN, Ms. Pierson felt it necessary to implement a change. This change was the beginning of Brilliantly Baby.
Tell us about your backgrounds?
Our Newborn RN Consultants have years of experience caring for premature infants to mothers in the hospital setting. Our areas of specialty include such units as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Level II/III, Mother-Baby Unit, General Nursery, Pediatric Emergency Room, Pediatric Transplant, Pediatric Cardiovascular ICU as well as General Pediatrics. Many of our RN’s are also Certified Lactation Counselors.
Our Board of Physicians consists of a Pediatrician, Obstetrician and Peri & Post-Natal Psycho Therapist. We find it essential to seek the guidance and support of other Healthcare Professionals who can provide us with the most up to date advancements in newborn, postpartum and mental health.
What kind of services do you offer?
Brilliantly Baby offers a great variety of services for the community all provided by Healthcare Professionals. Our services consists of free support groups for pregnant and new moms, newborn preparation workshops such as, advanced newborn care, daddy boot camp, infant cpr and SIDS training, breastfeeding essentials and an online childbirth course for pregnant mothers on bed rest. We also offer Newborn RN Consultations for newly discharged families who have arrived home with their newborn and need breastfeeding, newborn and postpartum support. An essential element of our program is our follow-up protocol. Any family who takes a newborn preparation workshop with Brilliantly Baby will receive a follow up call after the birth of their baby. We ensure all our families are truly competent caring for their new baby.
What is the most important things you think parents get out of taking your classes?
We take great pride in ensuring our parents can identify any newborn distress and intervene timely, appropriately and efficiently. Yes, we cover diapering and swaddling but we also ensure our parents are aware of common newborn ailments. Our workshops are hands on, fun and you are ensured to receive quality, evidenced-based newborn information.
What’s your best tips for new moms?
1. Utilize your resources
Create a list of family and friends who will be available to assist you with various household responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning, running errands, etc., after you are discharged home from the hospital. Having this list available before the birth of the baby will come in handy.
2. Seek professional help
There are resources available to assist you in your journey as a new mother. Remember, babies nor breastfeeding comes with a guaranteed manual. If you are in need of guidance get a referral to a Lactation Consultant, Newborn RN Consultant or a Newborn Care Specialist to assist you in your needs.
3. Understand newborn basics
Chances are your newborn baby may not look as picture perfect as you intended the first few days of life. Bruising, swelling, peeling skin and cone heads are all common findings. If you are unfamiliar with the basic appearance and development of your new baby common findings will cause you great anxiety. Take a newborn care class before your baby is born to become familiar with common newborn conditions.
4. Join a new mom group
Creating friendships with other new moms is a great way to share advice, experiences, parenting styles as well as discussing the challenges of being a new mom. You are guaranteed to feel supported and it’s a great excuse to get dressed up and get out of the house.
5. Nourish your body
Having a baby is no easy task. It takes 9 months to grow and develop your baby so it will take just as long for your body to fully return to pre-baby standards. Nourishing your body means doing what brings joy to your life. Eating nutritious meals, exercising, or enjoying time with a friend will all aid in healing your post baby body.
7. Set realistic goals
Setting realistic goals for yourself and knowing your physical and mental limitations will save you a lot of time and tears. Understanding that you are not Wonder Woman is important when returning home with your newborn. Do what you can and allow
8. Enjoy being a Mom
Having a baby is a true blessing and the time will soon fly by your eyes. Take time to practice Kangaroo Care. Kangaroo Care is a great way to bond with your new baby and it has many great benefits for your newborn. Take pictures, video footage, cuddle and truly enjoy your new blessing.
What about newborn care training?
Newborn Care Training is essential for Infant Care Providers to fulfill in order to competently care for newborns. Understanding not only the basics in appearance and development is important but also understanding how to identify common newborn ailments such as jaundice, reflux, feeding intolerance and the signs of a respiratory distress is very important.
Brilliantly Baby offers a Newborn Care Specialist Training Program that ensures Infant Care Providers not only have the skills necessary to care for a new baby but also how to acknowledge abnormalities as well as educate and support the new family. Our Newborn Care Training Program covers information on the term and pre-term infant appearance, growth & development, common ailments, SIDS awareness, breastfeeding, postpartum support as well as how to troubleshoot common newborn technicalities. Our program is an approved training program with the National Alliance of Newborn Care Specialists. We encourage Nannies, Day-Care providers, Doulas and other Infant Care Providers to take this 1 day course.
To learn more about the National Alliance of Newborn Care Specialists go to: www.nancs.org
Why would this be important for nannies?
Newborn Care Training is extremely important for Nannies to fulfill if they are caring for newborns. The Professional Nanny spends countless hours feeding, consoling and providing total care for the newborn and should be able to identify and troubleshoot newborn technicalities. Newborn Care Training is also the gateway into advancements and improvements in newborn care that change frequently in the medical world.
Brilliantly Baby encourages Nannies to continue to grow professionally through learning opportunities, joining professional organizations and obtaining advanced certifications. Newborn Care Training is a great opportunity to impact the lives of new families and their babies by ensuring their Nanny has the most current knowledge on newborn care advancements and evidenced based care.
Anything else?
Brilliantly Baby is excited about the launch of the Maternity Resource Center. We not only are available to provide advanced training to expecting couples but also to provide training to the professional caretaker who values advancement in their career through advanced education. Our hope is to save the lives of many newborns through our Newborn Care Specialist Training Program.
Need CPR/AED or First Aid Training? Our RN’s also provide American Heart Association courses for CPR Certification. Check our workshop schedule for the next course www.brilliantly-baby.com.
De’Chelle Pierson, pediatric Registered Nurse for over 7 years, is the Founder and President of Brilliantly Baby. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and contributes much of her knowledge in newborn care to her work in the neonatal intensive care unit. The N.I.C.U. is a specialty unit for premature infants who need additional support to grow in a secure, controlled and loving environment. She also has experience in the pediatric surgical heart intensive care unit, general pediatrics and pediatric emergency department. Her inspiration and passion has grown from educating families on how to properly care for their newborns.
As a mother and nurse, De’Chelle understands that being a new parent is no easy task. It has become De’Chelle’s mission to inform, support and inspire new parents, grandparents and infant care providers.
Ms. Pierson is a American Heart Association CPR Instructor, member of the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, Houston Association of Neonatal Nurses and Le Leche League Fort Bend County. Ms. Pierson currently works for one of the most profound pediatric hospitals in the Houston Medical Center.
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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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What’s the Difference?
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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