Helping Moms Manage Communication with their Nanny

I read this article and wanted to pass it along. We are frequently guiding parents on how to communicate certain requests to their nanny. It is true that bringing up certain issues with your current nanny can cause some families a lot of unnecessary angst. It is always a good idea to have an employment contract in place which spells out all the responsibilities of the job and compensation package. Go over the work agreement before the job begins and work out any foreseeable issues or misunderstandings. Naturally, issues will arise once the job begins and you should address that verbally and in your contract. And agree to always have an open line of communication going forward. We end the sample employment contract we ask families to complete before the nanny starts her first day with the following language:

We want to welcome you into our home and our children’s lives. We are happy to have you and hope you will remain with us for a long time and become a major part of our children’s lives.

The Parents and Nanny both agree to sit down at a mutually convenient time and discuss any disagreements, misunderstandings, or change in job description in a calm and rational manner. We will treat each other as professionals with courtesy and respect always keeping in mind that the children’s well being and happiness is always first and foremost.

How to Speak Nanny
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/04/garden/04nannies.html?em

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Keeping Grandchildren Close to Grandparents Despite the Distance

Grandparenting Long Distance

It can be tough on families when grandparents are separated by a great distance from their grandchildren. It is only natural to want to be close to those that you love. But being a long distance grandparent does not mean that you cannot be a fully involved one. There are plenty of great ways to maintain your connection with your grandchildren. Discover some of the ways you can make your family the priority that they are without ever having to feel guilty or distressed over the space between you. Space and time does not determine the quality of love and commitment that you have for one another…

http://www.senioradvice.com/inner.php?aid=215

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

CT Teachers Make Math & Science More Appealing to Students


Teachers Defying Gravity to Gain Students’ Interest

NORWALK, Conn. — Before showing a video to the 11th and 12th graders in his physics class, Glenn Coutoure, a teacher at Norwalk High School, warned them that his mouth would be hanging open, in childlike wonderment, almost the whole time.

Mr. Coutoure then started the DVD, showing him and other science teachers floating in an airplane during a flight in September. By flying up and down like a giant roller coaster along parabolic paths, the plane simulated the reduced gravity of the Moon and Mars and then weightlessness in 30-second chunks.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/22/science/space/22teachers.html?ref=science

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Encouraging Seniors to Stay Healthy and Active

Encouraging Wellness
Written By : The Caring Space

No matter the age, anyone can experience the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Senior citizens are prone to experiencing certain conditions, like heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and diabetes. To reduce the risk of these conditions, it is important that senior citizens exercise and eat a healthy diet. Those involved in the elder care of senior citizens should encourage and try to facilitate these healthy practices…..
http://www.senioradvice.com/inner.php?aid=226

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Helping Children Deal with Stress

Helping Our Children With Stress
By Lisa Belkin

Every year the American Psychological Association takes our emotional temperature with its report titled Stress in America. This year, for the first time, children were also asked about their stress levels. The conclusion? Not only are our kids feeling it, we parents aren’t noticing.

http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/05/helping-our-children-with-stress/?scp=7&sq=children&st=cse

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency