How Do Nannies and Au Pairs Help Children with Social Phobia? In the March 2010 Be the Best Nanny Newsletter we discussed common childhood fears and more serious anxiety disorders that require physician care. Social phobia is an intense fear of becoming humiliated or embarrassed in social situations. Children who suffer from social phobia might […]

Have you ever worked for a child that won’t talk at school? Although this is not classified as a child anxiety disorder, selective mutism is often seen around the time that children enter school for the first time, and can be accompanied by anxiety. The essential symptom of selective mutism is the failure to speak […]

Monthly Reminder for Busy In-Home Childcare Providers February is a busy month. February is Black History Month, government offices and banks close to honor President’s Day, many celebrate the Chinese New Year, and we celebrate Valentine’s Day. But, February is also the shortest month, so don’t forget to pay your bills on time and take […]

This week we discussed what to charge on New Year’s Eve, kid-friendly cocktails to serve, and arts n’ crafts to do with children on New Year’s Eve. Here are more ideas to use with children as midnight approaches. If possible, rent some holiday movies such as How the Grinch Stole Christmasor The Polar Express [Blu-ray] […]

What Nannies and Au Pairs Should Charge for New Year’s Eve   A nanny can charge more when her services are likely to be in higher demand, such as on holidays. We recommend you charge more than your usual rate if asked to work on New Year’s Eve. First, check your work agreement to see […]

We made the gingerbread house in the photo with a kit. The kit has the cookies already baked and in the shapes needed to make the house. The kit also includes icing, candies, and coconut to use to decorate the house. But, if you want to make a real gingerbread house from scratch here are […]

Cooking with Kids: Everyone Loves Potato Pancakes Many families are still celebrating Hanukkah. Latkes, or potato pancakes, are the traditional Hanukkah dish for Eastern European Jews. But, all children like latkes so all nannies and au pairs should consider making the children latkes during Hanukkah, even if the kids in their care don’t celebrate Hanukkah. […]

Potty training takes effort, determination, positive reinforcement, and patience. This is one area of a child’s development that cannot be rushed and must be initiated in a delicate manner. A child must never feel intimidated during the potty training process. Ideally, potty training can be introduced to child that is between the ages of 18 […]

The web site Reality Wanted has posted a casting call for nannies from Pink Sneakers Productions. Pink Sneakers Productions are seeking nannies who want to be on TV. Applicants will interview with an expecting couple who will be hiring a nanny. No gags, swapping families, or competitions – just parents-to-be who need a nanny. Applicants […]

Weekly Trip to the Library for Nannies and Au PairsThe Legend of Spookley the Square PumpkinBy Joe Troiano I love books that come with a CD and so do children. Spookley the square pumpkin is different. He delivers a special message of tolerance and self-acceptance that’s just right for Halloween and every day of the […]