Teaching Children to Be Critical Thinkers and Other Life Lessons

I found this article from the NYT interesting and wanted to share it.

School Curriculum Falls Short on Bigger Lessons

By Tara Parker-Pope

Now that children are back in the classroom, are they really learning the lessons that will help them succeed?

Many child development experts worry that the answer may be no. They say the ever-growing emphasis on academic performance and test scores means many children aren’t developing life skills like self-control, motivation, focus and resilience, which are far better predictors of long-term success than high grades. And it may be distorting their and their parents’ values…continue article here

Posted by Wee Care Nanny

When Seniors are Resistant to Eldercare





Found this article to be helpful and on point.

When Seniors Say No to Help

By : Steven Freese

Caregiver Support Series Helps Families Overcome Resistance

A family caregiver’s job, by definition, is already a difficult one. Time away from work and family, and the worry of caring for a senior adult all can take a toll. But when you consider that many seniors often resist help, that job becomes overwhelming for so many caregivers in our own area.

A study of family caregivers conducted for the Home Instead Senior Care® network revealed that more than half of the respondents (51 percent) said that their aging relative was very resistant to care. These seniors often object to help whether it’s from a family caregiver or a professional who tries to come into their homes to assist.

This is a real problem for family caregivers worried about the safety of a senior loved one who might be forgetting food on the stove or neglecting to take their medications. Some seniors are so resistant I’ve heard stories of them calling the police when their family members have arranged for a caregiver to visit their home…Continue article

Posted by Wee Care Companions

Financial Misconduct of the Elderly

As an agency that places companions and caregivers with seniors, we found this to be an interesting article as this is a subject that can unfortunately rear its ugly head without proper vetting and thorough background checks on a caregiver as well.



Financial Abuse of the Elderly

Written By : Bill Hayes

When a loved one gets older, it is common for use to worry about them. Are their needs being met? Should they be put in a home? Can we trust those who are looking after them?

Sadly, these causes for concern are justified. Cases of abuse are far too common for us to pretend they don’t exist. One of the most common forms of elder mistreatment is financial abuse. This article will examine what financial abuse is, how it happens / who does it, and what you can do legally to correct the problem….continue article here

Posted by Wee Care Companions

Gardening, A Great Way for Seniors to Stay Active

Why Gardening is Great For Seniors

Written By : SeniorsList

Gardening in our retirement years can be a great experience. Not only does it provide a place of respite and peace, but it provides a great source of exercise. In fact, the medical community now recognizes the power for hobbies and everyday activities to provide exercise for the body. Just think of all the movements it takes to grow and maintain a garden. You’re digging, carrying dirt, bending down, standing up, and moving your muscles and joints. No wonder gardening is such a great activity! And that’s not to mention all the fresh air and sunshine you get as well… Continue Linkreading article

Posted by Wee Care Companions

Four on the Fourth Road Race in New Canaan, Connecticut on July 4th 2011



Four on the Fourth in New Canaan, Connecticut

July 4th is the 29th annual (Four on the Fourth) Independence Day Race in New Canaan. Great way to start off the day with a 4 mile run along scenic Oenoke Ridge in New Canaan.

Please stop by and say hello as Wee Care Nanny Agency will again be sponsoring the water table at the finish line and providing fun toys for the children.

July 4, 2011
Monday, 9 AM St. Mark’s Church, Rt. 124, New Canaan, CT
Online Registration for Four on the Fourth

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Fourth of July 2011 Fireworks Events in Fairfield County, CT and Westchester County, NY


Our friends at Serendipity Magazine put together a list of upcoming Fireworks Events for Independence Weekend 2011. Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July!


All fireworks start at sunset

**Friday, July 1**

Indepence Day Fireworks Celebration

Compo Beach

Compo Beach Road, Westport, CT

FireFlies Nature’s Mini-Fireworks;

Audubon Greenwich:

613 Riversville Road, Greenwich, CT

**Saturday, July 2**

2011 Rowayton Civic Associations July 4th Fireworks

Bayley Beach

11 Rocky Point Road, Norwalk, CT

Binney Park

Between Sound Beach Avenue and Arch Street,

Old Greenwich, CT

2011 Rowayton Civic Associations July 4th Fireworks

Bayley Beach

11 Rocky Point Road, Norwalk, CT

Fireworks Celebration; Ridgefield High School

700 North Salem Road, Ridgefield, CT

Pound Ridge Town Park

Pound Ridge, NY

**Sunday July 3**

Rye Playland

Playland Parkway, Rye, NY

Every Wednesday and Friday through September 2.

Special Holiday Show July 3 and 4

Kensico Dam Music Fest

Kensico Dam Plaza, White Plains, NY

Pops, Patriots and Fireworks

Caramoor Center for Music and Arts

149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah, NY

**Monday, July 4**

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Jennings Beach

880 South Benson Road, Fairfield, CT

Mamaroneck Village Hall

169 Mount Pleasant Ave., Mamaroneck, NY

31st Annual Fireworks; Waveny Park

677 South Ave., New Canaan, CT


Posted By Wee Care Nanny Agency

5K Road Race and Fireworks Show In Pound Ridge, NY on July 2nd

July 2nd is the 12th annual Independence Day Race in Pound Ridge, NY. It’s a great way to start off the holiday weekend with a 5K run through scenic Pound Ridge. This year’s race will take a new course starting and ending in the town park.

Saturday, July 2, 2011
9:00 AM (5K)
10:00 AM-11:00 AM (Kids’ Races)
Race Information

And the spectacular annual Fireworks show starts around dusk in the Pound Ridge Town Park.

It is a great day of fun for the whole family and we hope to see you there.

July 2, 2011
Saturday, Pound Ridge Town Park 199 Westchester Avenue

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Workplace Protections Debated for Nannies and other Domestic Workers

I heard the segment below on Marketplace on my drive home from work yesterday and found it interesting. Labor groups are seeking workplace protections for nannies and housekeepers, even though U.S. law prevents domestic workers from joining unions. We think a general standard like the NYS Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights set up last year is a good start to ensure basic worker rights are met. However, we have found that clients going through our agency understand this and want to offer basic workplace protections like paid vacation, a day of rest per week, overtime pay etc. because it ensures a better (and happier) domestic worker, long term employment and a dedicated nanny or housekeeper for their family.

Organized Labor Fighting for Domestic Worker Rights

AFL-CIO and other labor groups want workplace protections for nannies and housekeepers, even though U.S. law prevents those workers from joining unions…Continue article here.

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Summer Nannies-What you Need to Know

We thought we would re-post the article below since we get a lot of questions at this time of the year about summer nannies.
Wee Care Nanny’s Summer Nanny Program

Summer Nannies FAQ’s

Summer Nannies: Seven Frequently-Asked Questions About Working as a Summer Nanny, or Hiring One

With summer right around the corner, many families are making plans for summer vacation. As kids look forward to a break from the school-year routine, parents are faced with an array of decisions about summer child care and how to balance the needs of their children with the demands of their jobs. Families also think about vacations, and the challenge of planning a family trip that is fun and interesting for kids and adults alike.

Summer nannies – often students or teachers – frequently figure into these plans. Sometimes families with older children, who do not need a nanny during the school year, choose to hire a nanny for the summer because their children would prefer not to go to summer camp, or because the camp schedule doesn’t cover their needs. By hiring a nanny for summer child care, the parents make it possible for the children to spend unstructured time at home, playing with neighborhood children, taking advantage of local activities, or perhaps just enjoying some down time.

For other families, particularly those with babies or small children, a summer nanny enables them to take a family vacation that meets the needs and expectations of kids and adults alike. By taking a nanny with them on vacation, parents are able to spend some time along together, enjoy a leisurely meal at a nice restaurant, and relax, knowing that their children are well cared for.
Whether you’re thinking about hiring a nanny for summer child care, or you’re interested in working as one, you’ve probably asked the following questions:

1. What do summer nannies do?Summer nannies may be full-time, part-time, live-in, or live-out. Like full-time, year-round nannies, they may be asked to manage light housekeeping duties in addition to taking care of children. Summer nannies and families should be sure to discuss these expectations, as well as salary and pay schedule, in advance of committing to work together for the summer.

2. How do families find summer nannies?Parents can find summer nannies through nanny agencies, as well as through the recommendations of friends and colleagues. Some resort and family travel destinations may be able to help you find short-term nanny services. In some cities parents will find nanny agencies that specialize in providing temporary nanny services with complete background checks. At destinations popular with families, the hotel may be able to help.

3. How can summer nannies find jobs?As for nannies, there are many ways to find summer nanny jobs, including through nanny agencies and through word of mouth. If you’re looking for work as a summer nanny, be sure to tell everyone you know of your interest in finding a summer nanny job. If you’re a student, check campus bulletin boards, the school paper, and any other places where families might advertise for a nanny.

4. How should expenses be handled when a nanny travels with a family? It’s important to remember that when a nanny accompanies a family on vacation, no matter how lovely the locale, the nanny is still working. The nanny and parents should discuss and agree on a schedule for the trip in advance, making sure that the nanny’s needs are met in terms of time off and breaks.
Families should be prepared to cover all of the nanny’s travel expenses, including airfare, lodging, meals, and admission to attractions which he or she visits with the family. If the nanny does not eat all meals with the family, s/he should be given a meal allowance to purchase meals.

5. What accommodations should be provided?If at all possible, the nanny should have a separate bedroom, not one shared with the children, so that the nanny has a place to rest and relax when off duty.

6. How much does a summer nanny earn? Salaries for summer nannies vary tremendously depending on the number of children in their care, the number of hours they work, the responsibilities they’re given, their level of experience and education, and the region of the country where they are employed. Ballpark guidelines range from $8 to $22 per hour. The best way to find out what’s typical in your area is to ask a nanny agency, or to ask several friends or colleagues who have either hired nannies or have worked as a nanny.

7. What about taxes?Remember that summer nannies are subject to the same tax regulation as year-round nannies. For more info, see: Year-end Tax Tips for Employees

This article was published on nanny.com newsletter, April 2009
Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency