Holidays are a great excuse to have fun with kids! Nannies definitely know this and even though Valentine's Day falls on a Sunday this year, Stephanie Felzenberg knows that celebrating with her charges is super fun and important. Nannies in St. Louis and even temporary nannies from TLC for Kids will be taking advantage of this wonderful holiday by baking or making Valentine's cards for busy parents. Below is just an example of what Stephanie will be doing with her charges - there are some great tips and ideas!
I'd love to hear from TLC nannies after the holiday to find out what fun activities, meals or crafts you did to celebrate Valentine's day! Post a comment!
Celebrating Valentine's Day with Your Charges
By Stephanie Felzenberg Nanny and Editor Be the Best Nanny Newsletter
www.bestnannynewsletter.com
Like many nannies I work Monday through Friday and won't see my charges on Valentine's Day, which is on a Sunday this year. So, I am celebrating the holiday with my charges today! I am not even spending my own money on gifts. Instead, I am just going to make some fun meals and yummy treats with the children. Here is what I have planned to celebrate Valentine's Day with the kids.
Breakfast:
I will start my Valentine’s Day celebration at breakfast. It’s easy to make pancakes, then use heart shaped cookie cutters to cut out a Valentine shaped breakfast. I plan to top the pancakes with strawberries. I actually prefer using a thawed bag of frozen strawberries with the juice than fresh strawberries if available. If the parents allow you to, cover the strawberries with plenty of whipped cream.
Lunch:
For lunch I am using the same heart shaped cookie cutters to make Valentine shaped sandwiches. First, use a rolling pin on the bread to make it easier to cut. Spread peanut butter and red jelly or jam on the bread. I don't recommend cold cuts as they are difficult to cut with a cookie cutter. Use cookie cutters to make the sandwiches fun heart shapes.
Dinner:
For dinner, I plan to let the children make their own heart shaped pizzas. First I form the dough into hearts. I fill little bowls with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and other toppings the children like. I let them add their toppings to the dough and cook it then serve with a salad.
Treats:
If the children love baking you can make a sugar cookie recipe from scratch or it is fine to use pre-packaged cookie dough when making Valentine’s cookies with children. Roll the dough out on a non-stick surface. Add a touch of flour to the rolling pin before you try to roll the dough or it will stick. I let the children place the cookie cutters on the dough to cut out Valentine’s shapes. After the cookies cool, allow the children to decorate with white and pink frosting and sprinkles.
Cupcakes are easy to make with a box cake mix instead of making the recipe from scratch. Red velvet cake is great for Valentine’s cupcakes, but any flavor will work. Mini muffin pans create bite size cupcakes for the family to enjoy after dinner. Decorate those cupcakes with creamy icing. White icing can be turned into pink with a bit of red food coloring. Allow the children to stir the white icing and food coloring so they can see the frosting change colors. Use candy sprinkles and cinnamon red hot candies to decorate the cupcakes.
Drinks:
For Valentine’s Day, serve the children red juice. You can find 100% fruit punch juice in any grocery store.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Attention St. Louis Nannies - Tips for Wintery Weather from Parents as Teachers!
Hi St. Louis Nannies! As you know our winter weather can range from cold to freezing! Here are some tips from Parents as Teachers that will help you keep your charges safe and warm this season.
As you know, providing age appropriate activities with the children in your care is an important part of your responsibilities as a caregiver. While indoor play can continue as usual, outdoor play can certainly be affected by the cold temperatures, but don't let that put a halt to all outdoor fun with the children in your care!
By taking a few precautions and bundling up right, your child can still enjoy the great outdoors safely this winter, says the National Center for Parents as Teachers.
TIPS FOR PLAYING IT SAFE IN THE COLD:
* Dress your child in layers, rather than one heavy garment.
* Your child should wear a hat and mittens; add boots if it's wet or snowy.
* Add one more layer on your child than on you.
* Make sure the outer layer is water-resistant.
* Your child should drink water before and after play to stay hydrated.
* Change clothes when they become wet.
* Don't play outside if temperature is 10° F or colder.
* Keep young babies inside in very cold weather.
For more parenting tips like these, visit www.ParentsAsTeachers.org.
Stay Warm!
As you know, providing age appropriate activities with the children in your care is an important part of your responsibilities as a caregiver. While indoor play can continue as usual, outdoor play can certainly be affected by the cold temperatures, but don't let that put a halt to all outdoor fun with the children in your care!
By taking a few precautions and bundling up right, your child can still enjoy the great outdoors safely this winter, says the National Center for Parents as Teachers.
TIPS FOR PLAYING IT SAFE IN THE COLD:
* Dress your child in layers, rather than one heavy garment.
* Your child should wear a hat and mittens; add boots if it's wet or snowy.
* Add one more layer on your child than on you.
* Make sure the outer layer is water-resistant.
* Your child should drink water before and after play to stay hydrated.
* Change clothes when they become wet.
* Don't play outside if temperature is 10° F or colder.
* Keep young babies inside in very cold weather.
For more parenting tips like these, visit www.ParentsAsTeachers.org.
Stay Warm!
Monday, January 25, 2010
St. Louis get behind the Dependent Care Tax Credit proposed increase!
For more than a year the International Nanny Association (INA) has been lobbying Congress to increase the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC).
Today I'm pleased to report that President Obama plans to endorse this proposal in his State of the Union address this week! Here's a link to the story on CNN:http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/01/25/obama-to-propose-almost-doubling-child-care-tax-credit/#more-86862. While Obama's proposal isn't as comprehensive as INA's proposal, it's definitely a step in the right direction.
If you haven't already done so, I urge you to contact your member of Congress and Senators to support increasing the CDCTC. There is information and a sample letter on INA's webpage here:http://www.nanny.org/GOV.php. There are 3 bills in Congress -- let's get behind them!
Take care,
Sharon Graff-Radell
President TLC For Kids
Vice President International Nanny Association
Today I'm pleased to report that President Obama plans to endorse this proposal in his State of the Union address this week! Here's a link to the story on CNN:http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/01/25/obama-to-propose-almost-doubling-child-care-tax-credit/#more-86862. While Obama's proposal isn't as comprehensive as INA's proposal, it's definitely a step in the right direction.
If you haven't already done so, I urge you to contact your member of Congress and Senators to support increasing the CDCTC. There is information and a sample letter on INA's webpage here:http://www.nanny.org/GOV.php. There are 3 bills in Congress -- let's get behind them!
Take care,
Sharon Graff-Radell
President TLC For Kids
Vice President International Nanny Association
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Financial Planning Advice for Nannies from the BestNanny Newsletter!
A New Year, A New Financial Beginning for Nannies
What Nannies Should do with Their Holiday Bonus
from: http://bestnannynewsletter.blogspot.com/
The start of a new year is a great time to take control of your financial life.
During the holidays we discussed what parents should pay nannies for holiday bonuses and The Wall Street Journal quoted us on the topic as well. We also talked about how nannies can give holiday gifts on a budget.
If you followed our advice you did not rely on your holiday bonus to purchase gifts. If you worked hard and the parents rewarded your good work with a holiday bonus, don’t spend the extra income frivolously. Use the extra money to pay-off debt, build an emergency fund, make some investments, or even give to charity.
Pay-Off Debt:
First, if you have outstanding credit card debt use the money to pay-off as much debt as possible. Determine which card has the highest interest rate. That is the debt you want to satisfy first. We will discuss how to do reduce debt in more detail next Tuesday.
Build an Emergency Fund:
Once you have paid-off your credit card debt then look for the best possible savings account. Financial planners have been warning Americans to build a three-to eight-months worth of emergency cash in case they get laid-off. If something unexpected and expensive were to happen, that's the cushion that will soften your blow. The savings is for emergencies (like if you are unemployed or sick) only. Visit this blog again on Wednesday when we will discuss building an emergency fund.
Make Retirement Investments:
If you have no outstanding debt and already have a savings account for an emergency fund then you should consider making some investments. An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a personal retirement savings plan available to anyone who receives taxable salary during the year. Visit us again on Thursday we will discuss retirement investments more thoroughly.
Give to Charity: If you're already debt-free, have fully funded your investment accounts, and have your emergency funds are in order, you've got it made. There are plenty of deserving, but under-funded, charitable causes that could use some support. Stop by next Friday to learn how to get tax write-offs when donating to charities.
To learn how to manage your money in more detail stop by again next week when we will discuss gaining control of your finances in more detail.
Did you get what you expected for your holiday bonus? What did you do with your holiday bonus?
What Nannies Should do with Their Holiday Bonus
from: http://bestnannynewsletter.blogspot.com/
The start of a new year is a great time to take control of your financial life.
During the holidays we discussed what parents should pay nannies for holiday bonuses and The Wall Street Journal quoted us on the topic as well. We also talked about how nannies can give holiday gifts on a budget.
If you followed our advice you did not rely on your holiday bonus to purchase gifts. If you worked hard and the parents rewarded your good work with a holiday bonus, don’t spend the extra income frivolously. Use the extra money to pay-off debt, build an emergency fund, make some investments, or even give to charity.
Pay-Off Debt:
First, if you have outstanding credit card debt use the money to pay-off as much debt as possible. Determine which card has the highest interest rate. That is the debt you want to satisfy first. We will discuss how to do reduce debt in more detail next Tuesday.
Build an Emergency Fund:
Once you have paid-off your credit card debt then look for the best possible savings account. Financial planners have been warning Americans to build a three-to eight-months worth of emergency cash in case they get laid-off. If something unexpected and expensive were to happen, that's the cushion that will soften your blow. The savings is for emergencies (like if you are unemployed or sick) only. Visit this blog again on Wednesday when we will discuss building an emergency fund.
Make Retirement Investments:
If you have no outstanding debt and already have a savings account for an emergency fund then you should consider making some investments. An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a personal retirement savings plan available to anyone who receives taxable salary during the year. Visit us again on Thursday we will discuss retirement investments more thoroughly.
Give to Charity: If you're already debt-free, have fully funded your investment accounts, and have your emergency funds are in order, you've got it made. There are plenty of deserving, but under-funded, charitable causes that could use some support. Stop by next Friday to learn how to get tax write-offs when donating to charities.
To learn how to manage your money in more detail stop by again next week when we will discuss gaining control of your finances in more detail.
Did you get what you expected for your holiday bonus? What did you do with your holiday bonus?
Monday, December 14, 2009
Guest Contributor to Blog! St. Louis nannies welcome Dr. Lynne Kenney, The Family Coach!
Happy Monday Nannies!
I recently came into contact with Dr. Lynne Kenney, who is "The Family Coach" and frequent contributor to the International Nanny Association! Dr. Kenney is a mom and parenting coach and delivers her content online, via telecast and on television.
After hearing about her website I asked her if she would contribute to TLC for Kids' blog and answer a few nanny questions each month about St. Louis' kids! She will field questions about development, potty training, school age issues, biting...any issue dealing with children.
Do you have a question you would like answered? Shoot me a quick email asking a kid-related question that you would like Dr. Kenney to take a stab at! I will send really great questions to "The Family Coach" and post the answers in an upcoming blog.
More information on Dr. Kenney can be found on her website: http://www.lynnekenney.com/
You can also follow her on twitter: http://www.twittermoms.com/profile/LynneKenney
Email questions to TLC for Kids, Inc's: jessica@tlcforkids.com
I recently came into contact with Dr. Lynne Kenney, who is "The Family Coach" and frequent contributor to the International Nanny Association! Dr. Kenney is a mom and parenting coach and delivers her content online, via telecast and on television.
After hearing about her website I asked her if she would contribute to TLC for Kids' blog and answer a few nanny questions each month about St. Louis' kids! She will field questions about development, potty training, school age issues, biting...any issue dealing with children.
Do you have a question you would like answered? Shoot me a quick email asking a kid-related question that you would like Dr. Kenney to take a stab at! I will send really great questions to "The Family Coach" and post the answers in an upcoming blog.
More information on Dr. Kenney can be found on her website: http://www.lynnekenney.com/
You can also follow her on twitter: http://www.twittermoms.com/profile/LynneKenney
Email questions to TLC for Kids, Inc's: jessica@tlcforkids.com
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Nannies in St. Louis - what do you think?
I read an interesting article posted on TLC for Kids facebook page - and want to know what St. Louis families and nannies think. Please read the following and post a comment.
If you're not a nanny reading this blog I'd guess you know a nanny, are a family employing a nanny - or you're my brother, and first follower!
But seriously, if you are reading this you must be connected to a nanny.
I'm curious what that means...or what you think it should mean. Is there a certificate? A class to take? Is experience required? Do you wear a uniform? Are these things important or not necessary?
TLC for Kids in St. Louis promotes the professionalism of nannies and it is our goal to help them find fair positions and competitive salaries in St. Louis.
For families in St. Louis, we recruit, screen and represent the most qualified caregivers to care for their children. We strive to help both the nanny and family have a professional, balanced working relationship.
The article on NYTIMES.com has many points, but what caught my attention were new ways in which a nanny could distinguish herself by paying anywhere from $80-$6900 for classes and programs on becoming a nanny. However, as the article points out and many of you know the complexities of a working nanny/family relationship requires experience, hard work and communication.
I'd love to hear what you think! Should their be standards (much like a teaching certificate) to become a nanny? Would you like to see classes or certification programs offered in the St. Louis area? Or would it be a waste of your time and money?
Check out the NY Times article and post a comment.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/13/nyregion/13bigcity.html?_r=2#
If you're not a nanny reading this blog I'd guess you know a nanny, are a family employing a nanny - or you're my brother, and first follower!
But seriously, if you are reading this you must be connected to a nanny.
I'm curious what that means...or what you think it should mean. Is there a certificate? A class to take? Is experience required? Do you wear a uniform? Are these things important or not necessary?
TLC for Kids in St. Louis promotes the professionalism of nannies and it is our goal to help them find fair positions and competitive salaries in St. Louis.
For families in St. Louis, we recruit, screen and represent the most qualified caregivers to care for their children. We strive to help both the nanny and family have a professional, balanced working relationship.
The article on NYTIMES.com has many points, but what caught my attention were new ways in which a nanny could distinguish herself by paying anywhere from $80-$6900 for classes and programs on becoming a nanny. However, as the article points out and many of you know the complexities of a working nanny/family relationship requires experience, hard work and communication.
I'd love to hear what you think! Should their be standards (much like a teaching certificate) to become a nanny? Would you like to see classes or certification programs offered in the St. Louis area? Or would it be a waste of your time and money?
Check out the NY Times article and post a comment.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/13/nyregion/13bigcity.html?_r=2#
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
St. Louis Nannies join the International Nanny Association for a REDUCED RATE!
The International Nanny Association has reduced their rates for individual membership!
St. Louis nannies and sitters - be part of a national organization that recognizes the nanny industry! TLC nannies - build up your skills and professional associations by becoming a member!
TLC for Kids, in St. Louis are members of the INA and encourage you to do the same! Agency owner and St. Louis native Sharon Graff-Radel is also on the board of directors!
The International Nanny Association's Board of Directors held its annual fall meeting November 5th and 6th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
To kick off INA's 25th Anniversary celebration, the Board of Directors is pleased to announce:
All new and renewing Individual Membership dues have been reduced from $95 to $35 effective immediately. New Individual Members who joined INA after November 1, 2009 and Individual Members who have already paid their renewal fee for 2010 will have the option of:
*donating their balance of $50 ($85 early bird rate - $35 2010 renewal rate) to the 2010 INA Nanny of the Year™ fund or the 25th Annual INA Conference fund
*receiving a credit with INA to be applied to future transactions, or
*receiving a $50 refund check.
With this reduction of fees, Individual Members will no longer be eligible for an early bird discount and Individual Membership dues will no longer be prorated.
Visit www.nanny.org for more details! TLC and St. Louis caregivers / nannies feel free to call Jessica @ TLC for more info!
St. Louis nannies and sitters - be part of a national organization that recognizes the nanny industry! TLC nannies - build up your skills and professional associations by becoming a member!
TLC for Kids, in St. Louis are members of the INA and encourage you to do the same! Agency owner and St. Louis native Sharon Graff-Radel is also on the board of directors!
The International Nanny Association's Board of Directors held its annual fall meeting November 5th and 6th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
To kick off INA's 25th Anniversary celebration, the Board of Directors is pleased to announce:
All new and renewing Individual Membership dues have been reduced from $95 to $35 effective immediately. New Individual Members who joined INA after November 1, 2009 and Individual Members who have already paid their renewal fee for 2010 will have the option of:
*donating their balance of $50 ($85 early bird rate - $35 2010 renewal rate) to the 2010 INA Nanny of the Year™ fund or the 25th Annual INA Conference fund
*receiving a credit with INA to be applied to future transactions, or
*receiving a $50 refund check.
With this reduction of fees, Individual Members will no longer be eligible for an early bird discount and Individual Membership dues will no longer be prorated.
Visit www.nanny.org for more details! TLC and St. Louis caregivers / nannies feel free to call Jessica @ TLC for more info!
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