Parents Seek Bilingual Nannies

Somehow, I missed this article in the NYT about parents seeking bilingual nannies for their children.

Last year, I asked my nanny to speak to my children (ages 3 & 6) exclusively in Spanish and it has been a mixed bag. Both my children now understand Spanish but my oldest child has resisted speaking it and that influenced my youngest child to do the same. I thought it would be nice for my children to be bilingual and I’m still hopeful they will soon feel the same way.

Anyway, we get this request all the time, so I thought I would share this article

Happy Labor Day!

Looking for Baby Sitters: Foreign Language a Must
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/19/nyregion/19bilingual.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&sq=Bilingual%20Nannies&st=cse&scp=1


Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Family Activities and Events for the End of Summer

Fun activities for the whole family to enjoy in the last few weeks of summer. We wanted to share some family friendly activities taking place in Westchester, NY, Greenwich, Conn. and Manhattan to enjoy in the last few weeks of summer. Have a wonderful August!

August 19
Shakespeare in the Park – New Haven – The Elm Shakespeare Company presents Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale. At 5 p.m., enjoy food and drinks. Edgerton Park, 75 Cliff Street. 8 p.m. Donation, $5-$20. 203-393-1436. Also Aug. 20-22, 24-29 and Aug. 31-Sept. 5.

Thrilling Thursdays – Wilton – Cowboy Billy will amuse children with his stories and songs of the Wild West. Enjoy comedy, songs and art. For ages 4-9 with caregiver. Pre-register. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road. 2-3 p.m. Free. 203-762-3950.

August 20
2010 RiverFlicks for Kids: Free Outdoor Summer Movie Series – Hudson River Park’s Pier 46, Manhattan
Enjoy family favorite movies outdoors along the Hudson River, every Friday evening from July 9 through August 20. All films are rated G or PG. Complimentary popcorn. Refreshments available for purchase.
http://www.nymetroparents.com/neweventinfo.cfm?id=59738

August 21
Movies for Kids and Their Families: “The Great Muppet Caper” – Jacob Burns Film Center, Westchester
Jim Henson’s second live-action Muppet feature stars Kermit, Fozzie, and Gonzo as investigative reporters hot on the trail of a jewel thief. Filled with corny jokes, and musical numbers. Rated G
http://www.nymetroparents.com/neweventinfo.cfm?id=60877

Behind-the-Scenes Tour – Norwalk – See how the animal husbandry staff meets the varying food and water needs of the resident animals. Ages 10 and up. Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St. 8:15-10 a.m. $20-$30. RSVP. 203-852-0700, ext. 2206.

Explore the Stream – Westport – Learn about the streams and rivers that run through town. Explore Stony Brook. Go into the water so wear sneakers and old clothes. Earthplace-Nature Discovery, 10 Woodside Lane. 11 a.m.-noon. Free with admission. 203-227-7253.

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – Bridgeport – This lecture will look at Mark Twain’s masterpiece in the context of the history of race relations in America from slavery to the Civil Rights Movement. Barnum Museum, 820 Main St. 3 p.m. Museum admission. 203-331-1104.

Shakespeare on the Green – Ridgefield – Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival presents an original interpretation of The Taming of the Shrew. Green Expo begins at noon. Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge. 2 p.m. show. Free, tickets must be reserved. 203-438-5795.

Summer Blockbuster Series: ‘The Princess Bride’- Symphony Space, Manhattan
See this classic film on the big screen.
http://www.nymetroparents.com/neweventinfo.cfm?id=64500

Central Park Conservancy’s Summer Chess Series – Chess & Checkers House, Central Park, Manhattan
Learn local Grandmasters’ secrets to improve your chess game and then test your new skills against theirs or a friend’s
http://www.nymetroparents.com/neweventinfo.cfm?id=60566

August 22
Family Pond Exploration – Audubon Greenwich, Fairfield
Hop around the pond with Audubon staff and get up close to the tiny creatures that call the nearby pond home. Equipment provided. Space limited. RSVP to Store at x221
http://www.nymetroparents.com/neweventinfo.cfm?id=62704

Family Art Project: Fishy Fun -Wave Hill, Riverdale, NY
Focus on friends with fins, especially those popular goldfish swimming in the Aquatic Garden. Turn colorful paper bags into 3-D fish that can swim through the air and flutter home with you.
http://www.nymetroparents.com/neweventinfo.cfm?id=63197

August 25
The Boogers – Westport – Anti-Barney and the Wiggles’ worst nightmare, they sound like a cross between the Ramones and a book of nursery rhymes! Pre-show festivities at 6:30 p.m. Levitt Pavilion, 40 Jesup Road. 7 p.m. Free. 203-221-2153.

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Interactive Video Games Promote Healthy Aging

Wii Games Promote Healthy Aging
Written By : Diane Carbo

Nintendo Wii games are like using a brain fitness program to promote healthy aging. You flex your mental muscles as well as improve physical fitness at the same time.

Studies show that in 2008, 26 percent of aging individuals over the age of 50 played video games. This is an increase of 9 percent from 1999, according to release of data from the Entertainment Software Association…http://www.senioradvice.com/inner.php?aid=172

Posted by Wee Care Nanny

Helping Senior Citizens Stay Active and Connected

Making New Friends in Retirement
Written By : Cynthia Barnett

After retiring, you may find yourself needing to make new friends. Perhaps your other friends are still employed or maybe you simply want to find new friends with whom you can share this wonderful new experience. Whatever, the reason may be, making new friends after retirement can be a blast and doesn’t have to be a scary or frustrating process. In this brief but informative article, we will discuss five proven tips that you can use today to make new friends. So, sit back, relax, grab a cup of coffee and get ready to learn….
http://www.seniorslist.com/inner.php?aid=1353

Posted by Wee Care Nanny

Four on the Fifth in New Canaan, Connecticut

July 5th is the 28th 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. Stop by and say hello as Wee Care Nanny will again be sponsoring the water table at the finish line and providing fun toys for the children.

July 5, 2010
Monday, 9 AM St. Mark’s Church, Rt. 124, New Canaan, CT
http://www.clubct.org/Races/Fourth/Fourth.html

Hope to see you there!

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Seniors & Pets – Increasing the Quality of Life

I wanted to share this because my 82 year old father recently adopted a Terrier and it has had a very positive impact on his life.

Pets for Seniors – Enhance Quality of Life
Written By : G. Dube

Recent studies indicate that seniors who own pets, live longer, experience better health and enjoy life much more than the senior who has no pet companionship. Results have shown that pet owners often experience a decrease in temperature, stress level, and even blood pressure! In addition to this luxury of companionship, pets can provide joy, entertainment, love and security and even calm the pet owner. Pets love you for being you — not for the psychological games you play — not “only” for the treats you shell out frequently — they are forgiving, loyal and love you unconditionally.

Learn the 6 ways pet ownership can enhance a senior’s quality of life:
http://www.seniorslist.com/inner.php?aid=1178

Posted by Wee Care Nanny

NYS Set to Pass New Law Offering Certain Protections to Nannies & Other Domestic Workers

New York Expected to Give Protections to Nannies

The NYS State Senate this week passed a bill that would require paid holidays, sick days and vacation days for domestic workers, along with overtime wages. It would require 14 days’ notice, or termination pay, before firing a domestic worker.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/03/nyregion/03nanny.html?pagewanted=1&hp

Wee Care Nanny has long encouraged our clients to offer these workplace guarantees to their nannies, housekeepers and other domestic workers. In fact, we strongly advise and help clients put together a Family/Nanny Worker Agreement that covers the particulars of each job, responsibilities, salary, vacation time, sick days, overtime and notice of termination. This helps to ensure there is no ambiguity going forward which could lead to misunderstandings, resentment, poor job performance, absenteeism and resignation or termination. Moreover, we have found that such measures are in both parties best interests for several reasons:

  • It reduces turnover significantly and helps to retain experienced and professional caregivers and other domestics.
  • It makes for a better employer/employee relationship-and the dividends get passed onto the children in the form of unconditional love and care.
  • If you treat someone like a professional they are more apt to act professionally and really engage, motivate and help educate their charges.
  • It’s simply the right thing to do for a person you entrust to care for your most valuable and irreplaceable “possessions“.

    Fortunately, most of our clients already understand the importance of offering basic workplace guarantees and reap the benefits such protections help to ensure for their loved ones.

    Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency