The Official Blog of Morningside Nannies
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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Houston has an abundance of events and activities for families throughout the year. One of the greatest times of year to get out of the house and do something fun is when spring is in the air. Shake off what’s left of the winter doldrums with these ten awesome Houston events.
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Lemonade Day, Houston
Who doesn’t love lemonade? Lemonade Day is an annual event that began in 2007 and takes place in the spring. On this day, kids learn how to start and run a lemonade stand. It is more than a day of fun selling lemonade. The children learn the importance of strategy and how to effectively run a business. That way, during the hot days of summer, if your child wants to host a lemonade stand on your lawn, you know he will be able to run it with a new level of independence.
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Kid’s Comedy and Magic Show
This event at the Houston Improv has endless entertainment sure to wow your family. From comedians to magicians, your child will laugh and be amazed at this show made just for families looking for good, clean fun. The acts are geared toward children of all ages and can impress even the most stubborn child.
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Texas Festival at Horseshoe Park
In true festival fashion, the Texas Festival has everything from delicious barbeque to live entertainment and games for all to enjoy. It also has a little something extra, with activities like bungee jumping, hot air balloon rides, archery and more. You and your family can easily spend the day at Horseshoe Park and not even come close to participating in everything that’s available.
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Bayou Bend at the Museum of Fine Arts
Not only will you and your family learn about American history here, but you will also see artifacts from the early days of this country. After looking at the displays, head outside for a walk along the grounds through the lush springtime gardens. Whether inside or outside, you will be impressed by the grandeur of the Bayou Bend.
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LEGO Kids Fest at Reliant Center
LEGO Kids Fest is a three-day extravaganza. These days are filled with several chances for individuals to build for fun or for families to compete with each other. Turn those magical building blocks into endless creations at this kid-oriented event. It may even ignite fond memories from your childhood!
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Houston Celtic Festival and Highland Games at the Houston Farm and Ranch Club
This family-friendly festival teaches curious minds about the Celtic culture. There are competitions to watch or participate in along with endless information about the Celts. You can dress up or admire others who do; either way, it’s an enjoyable time for the whole family.
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UCarnival, Houston
This is a new twist on an old idea. Instead of a traditional carnival, UCarnival is an Indian fashion show with a carnival theme. You can even purchase the exotic, bright-colored clothing and accessories featured at the event. So, bring your children and bring your money for an interesting day filled with excitement and culture.
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Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo at Reliant Stadium
Get caught up in the excitement of the rodeo at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. From bucking horses to shootouts, this rodeo has everything you need to keep your little ones entertained while having the time of your life, too.
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Easter Eggstravaganza at the Quillion Center
Every Easter there is an egg hunt at the Quillion Center in Houston. The best part? It’s free. There’s more than just the egg hunt to keep your little ones happy. There are crafts, games, train rides, ponies and face painting. Also, have your little ones visit the animals featured at the petting zoo.
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Houston Children’s Festival at Tranquility Park
Don’t be fooled by the name of the park, this day is anything but tranquil. A festival that is aimed toward kids is just what you need to keep your little ones happy this spring. With more than 300 activities, there’s no way your kids can say, “I’m bored” at this event. They can meet Ronald McDonald, sing karaoke, watch amazing jugglers, get their faces painted, zip down a giant slide and a whole lot more. Performances, games and food: what more could you ask for?
There is always something to do in Houston, no matter what season it is. So, kick away the winter blues and start your spring off with a bang by trying out some of these family-oriented, kid-friendly events. Remember what they say: everything really is bigger in Texas!
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Thank you to all who attended our open house and made the event a success!
We enjoyed the opportunity to meet with many of our nannies, learn about their nanny experiences and provide our caregivers a chance to connect with each other over lunch.
If you were unable to join us, we invite you to view our Facebook photo album that includes photos of the event and our new office space. You are also always welcome to stop by our office between 9 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday. Come say hello, update your personal file and pick up a coloring book and crayons for your charges.
Congratulations to Kelli Washington who was in attendance and was randomly selected to receive free admission to Houston Nanny Training Day! All nannies are invited to join us at this one-day educational event on Saturday April, 20 2013 at the Downtown Aquarium. Register before March 1, 2013 for early-bird savings. The $28 early-bird registration fee includes all workshops, lunch and parking. After March 1, 2013 the price will increase to $32. We’ve also secured all-day passes to the aquarium for $10. You can purchase these with your registration.
Featured Workshops to Include
Positive, Effective Discipline – Deborah Fry
There is so much information available today on the “right” way to discipline children that it can be confusing and overwhelming. Learn the roots and causes of children’s misbehavior, and how to diagnose the misbehavior and apply the proper remedy to redirect behavior.
Being a Professional: What That Truly Means – Michelle LaRowe
Many nannies call themselves “professional nannies,” but what does that truly mean? From understanding the unique role nannies play in the lives of the children in their care and the families that employ them, to ensuring that you’re following the rules when it comes to bringing home a paycheck, learn the 10 things you can do to become and be perceived as a professional.
Child-Led Play – Dr. Ehrin Weiss
Join Dr. Ehrin Weiss and discover how child-led play impacts a child’s social and emotional growth and development. Learn practical strategies for engaging children to help them develop a healthy self-concept and increase their expression of socially appropriate behaviors when they take the lead in play.
If you haven’t registered, we encourage you to do so. You’ll increase your knowledge, network with other nannies and come away feeling refreshed and excited about the important work you do!
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For Houston area parents and caregivers looking for a fun place to take the kids, they’ll be thrilled to learn that My Gym is coming to The Woodlands. With its grand opening coming up on February 28, 2013, it’s sure to be a new spot Houston area families will come to love.
Lead by Miss Shannon and her husband Coach Karl, My Gym The Woodlands will offer classes to children ages 6 weeks to 13 years of age. The structured, age-appropriate classes will incorporate music, dance, relays, games, special rides, gymnastics, sports and more. In addition to having structured classes, My Gym offers “Practice and Play,” an open gym type program that enrolled members can attend at no additional cost.
With the goal of keeping fitness fun, My Gym The Woodlands will strive to reverse the obesity trend in children by empowering them to acquire the skills, confidence and positive self-image needed to become healthy young adults. With a nurturing atmosphere coupled with positive reinforcement, children will learn physical, social and life skills as they exercise and have fun.
Miss Shannon and Coach Karl are no strangers to My Gym. Prior to bringing My Gym to The Woodlands, Miss Shannon worked at a My Gym in Aventura, Florida for five years, where she was a two time My Gym Director of the Year award recipient. After helping open a My Gym in Louisville, Kentucky, Shannon and Karl decided it was time to have their own location, and thus My Gym The Woodlands was born.
With degrees in exercise science, Miss Shannon and Coach Karl have the necessary background to help children gain strength, balance, coordination, agility and flexibility as they develop confidence and self-esteem. They’re also passionate about providing children with a rich weekly experience that gives children the opportunity to discover more about themselves as they develop independence, self-discipline and social skills, all which help increase a child’s sense of self-worth.
Over the past 30 years, My Gym has established itself as the leader in the childhood fitness industry, boasting more than 270 locations in over 30 countries. With its state-of-the-art facility, extensively trained staff, award-winning class programs, and excellent student to teacher ratio, My Gym has earned the reputation as being the best early learning program of its kind.
Families are always invited to experience a complimentary class at My Gym The Woodlands. Visit the My Gym The Woodlands website for class schedules and descriptions.
My Gym The Woodlands, TX
525 Sawdust Rd Suite 109
The Woodlands, TX 77380
281-645-6330
https://www.mygym.com/thewoodlands
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Whether you’re visiting the Houston area for business or pleasure, or you live here, the food in a city with a booming culinary culture is something to be savored. These ten restaurants in and around Houston are only a sampling of the many award-winning favorites available to tourists and locals alike, and serve as a great starting point for an epicurean Texas adventure.
Named one of the “top ten restaurants in the Galleria area” by the Houston Press with accolades from a local restaurant critic claiming that Ciao Bello’s pasta has earned a place among his one hundred favorite Houston dishes, Ciao Bello is a casual Italian eatery offering comfort food to hungry patrons.
Brenner’s Steakhouse is situated on Houston’s Buffalo Bayou, offering an awe-inspiring setting for a perfect dining experience. The two story dining room offers an impressive view and decor that’s elegant without being pretentious or stiff.
Elegance and unassailable service go hand in hand at Masraff’s, a contemporary American restaurant with an upscale menu of delectable items with a new location in the upscale Galleria shopping area. The high-end fare at Masraff’s is on the formal end of the spectrum, so be prepared for a more luxurious atmosphere.
Not only is REEF one of the premier restaurants in Houston; it was also named the Number One Seafood Restaurant in the U.S. by Bon Appetit Magazine, with Chef Bryan Caswell placing among the Top 10 Best New Chefs by Food & Wine Magazine. Consistently named among the best the city of Houston has to offer by local reviewers and critics, REEF is a can’t-miss destination on your culinary tour of Houston.
The Post Oak Grill was established in 1989 and has been at the top of Houstonian foodies’ lists ever since. With three locations in Uptown, Downtown and Sugar Land, you can access high-end dining in a superb setting quickly and easily.
Called the “Greenest Restaurant in Houston” by eco-friendly locals, Ruggles Green locations are three- or four-star green certified. All produce is locally sourced and unbeatably fresh, grown through sustainable agricultural practices and fully organic. Ruggles Green is Houston’s first Certified Green Restaurant by dinegreen.com.
Finding the best barbecue in Houston is like finding the proverbial needle in a haystack, but locals largely swear by Gatlin’s BBQ. A two-time winner of the Houston Press award for Best Barbecue, if you’re looking to experience Texas-style ‘cue at it’s finest, look no further than Gatlin’s.
According to the Houston Press, “although no Greek restaurant in Houston has it all, Yia Yia Mary’s comes the closest.” If you’re looking for exceptional Greek fare in a relaxed atmosphere, Yia Yia Mary’s is the place to be in Houston.
Nestled within a circa-1938 cottage that’s been in the Patrenella family for almost seventy years, the atmosphere at Patrenella’s is decidedly homey and comforting. Named number one among the top ten kitchen garden farm-to-table restaurants in the world by National Geographic, you can’t go wrong with this Old World gem.
An English-style restaurant that firmly espouses nose-to-tail eating that offers adventurous diners the chance to expand their culinary horizons while still providing plenty of hearty fare for those who are less apt to dine on a black pudding or beef tongue. Helmed by two expatriate Brits and an American, there’s no lack of authenticity at Feast, either.
While some of these restaurants are kid-friendly and welcoming to patrons of the pint-sized variety, others may be a bit too stuffy or formal for kids’ tastes. Before you make yourself, your children and your fellow diners miserable, take a moment to consider whether or not a particular choice on your list is something your child would actually enjoy. Unless you’re lucky enough to have the rare adventurous eater on your hands, some fare may simply not be to their liking.
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After scrambling to secure last minute childcare, it can be easy to forget to give your backup care provider the details she’ll need to do her job well. Creating a simple informational sheet can help ensure that your temporary caregiver is prepared to meet your children’s needs while you are away.
Basic Information About the Children
You’ll want your caregiver to know your children’s names, nicknames, ages, allergies or any medical issues that they have. You’ll also want to share anything else that is specific or unique to your child’s makeup. If one child takes a little time to warm up to new people but the other adores all the affection she can get, it’s certainly worth mentioning.
Contact Information
It’s a good idea to include your address and phone number at the top of the sheet. You’ll also want to provide your temporary caregiver with all the ways she can reach you during the day should she have any questions. Providing contact information for your spouse and another trusted adult can also be helpful, should there be an emergency. Be sure to list the phone number of poison control, your local emergency management systems, police department and fire department. It’s also a good idea to have an authorization to treat a minor form completed should your child need immediate medical attention before you’re able to be reached.
Typical Schedule
Outlining your children’s typical schedules can help your temporary childcare provider to anticipate your children’s needs and ensure that their needs are met. Include what time each child typically eats and sleeps, and any routines in place for naptime and bedtime. If you usually take your baby for a walk after she wakes from her morning nap, be sure to include that information. If your backup nanny will be required to put the children to bed in the evening, you’ll want to outline what that process entails.
Food Preferences
Be sure to communicate if there are any dietary restrictions in place and if you have any preferences regarding what the children should be fed. If you only allow fresh fruit for morning snack, be sure your temporary nanny knows that. Since your caregiver isn’t familiar with your children and your home, keeping any meal ideas super simple will be appreciated.
Favorite Activities
If your children have a favorite toy, game or lovely, it can be helpful for your backup care provider to know. By providing your nanny with information on what the children enjoy, she’ll be better able to engage them from the get go.
House Rules
If you have house rules you want to share them with your childcare provider. If you don’t allow television during the week, you’ll want to let your temporary nanny know that. If you require the children to pick up their toys before playing outside, she should know that too. The more information she has about your rules, the better she’ll be able to enforce them.
Disciplinary Style
While everyone hopes the children will be on best behavior while in the care of a new caregiver, chances are your nanny may have to offer some behavioral guidance. Letting your nanny know how you handle misbehavior can help her to gain cooperation and nip any bad behavior in the bud. If you use time-out, tell her your time-out location and how long you insist they take a break for. If you take away privileges, let her know what is fair game for being taken away.
Having a qualified and experienced nanny pinch-hit for your regular childcare provider when your arrangement falls through can be the perfect solution to your last-minute childcare dilemma. Morningside Nannies has a pool of qualified, prescreened childcare providers who are able to provide backup and temporary care for Houston area families when their regular childcare arrangements fall through. To secure a backup care provider, call one of our placement specialists directly at (713) 526-3989 with your back-up care request.
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While your young child isn’t ready for college classes yet, he’s definitely ready for having fun and hanging out with friends. With a variety of classes geared towards young children in the Houston area, it can be hard to decide which classes are worth taking and which ones are not. If you’re looking to enroll your child in a program that will truly benefit him intellectually, physically and socially, consider checking out one of these five places that offer top-notch programs for Houston area kids.
Central Houston Gymboree Play and Music offers play and learn, music, art, sports, family and school skills classes for children birth to age 5. Located at 1990 Post Oak Road in Houston, The Central Houston location offers a wide range of classes throughout the week, accommodating most any busy parent’s schedule. Some classes are designed to be taken with a trusted adult, while others are meant for children to take independently or with their entire family. In Gymboree Play and Music classes, children are supported as they learn while they play.
Opening in February 2013 at 525 Sawdust Road in the Woodlands, My Gym offers fitness programs for kids. With a variety of classes offered for children ages six weeks to 13 years of age, My Gym supports children as they gain strength, coordination and flexibility and develop social skills, self-confidence and self-esteem. With a variety of classes offered each week, parents are sure to find a fitness class that fits in with their child’s schedule.
With classes held at the Presbyterian Church on Memorial Drive in Houston and the Cinco Ranch Conservatory of Music, Memorial Music Together offers a research-based, developmentally appropriate early childhood music curriculum. Classes are available for children from birth to age five, and the Mixed Ages classes provide an opportunity for children to move while they make music together. Included with tuition are a songbook and two CDs, which are provided to encourage families to continue making music at home.
With several locations throughout the greater Houston area, The Greater Houston YMCA offers aquatics classes designed to help children improve their swimming skills and water confidence. Classes are available for children ages six months and up; classes for younger children are designed to be taken with a parent or trusted caregiver, while classes for older children can be taken independently. With a variety of classes offered at many locations, there is sure to be a class that is convenient to you and will work with your child’s schedule.
If you’re looking for arts and crafts classes for your child, Art Mix located on West Alabama Street in Houston offers a variety of opportunities to create art for children ages two and up. With “Paint with Me” classes for the youngest of artists, Art Mix offers private lessons and classes for children of all ages. For parents of children who have special needs, Art Mix offers group and private art lessons especially designed for children who have a variety of special needs. Even if your schedule won’t allow you to enroll in a class, Art Mix offers a pop-in studio where children and parents can drop in and paint, draw, sculpt or create a collage for a flat fee of $15 per hour.
While you certainly don’t want to overschedule your children, enrolling in a few carefully selected and age-appropriate programs can provide your children with rich experiences that help support his growth and development.
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