Do the Kids Know What a Democracy Is? On Saturday I asked nannies if we should share our own political beliefs with the children left in our care? I was expecting everyone to answer, “No,” because we obviously want to shield kids from nasty campaign ads and mean-spirited comments from presidential candidates attacking one another. […]
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Are You Working for Super Bowl Sunday? Today is the Super Bowl, America’s most watched television event of the year. Alicia Donovan, a subscriber and nanny from Madison, Wisconsin asked Be the Best Nanny Newsletter what to do with the kids she is babysitting today. Here are some links to some of our favorite recipes […]
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Presidential Campaign 2012 I overheard that the local teachers in the elementary school district not allowed to share their personal political opinions in class. They are allowed to teach history of course, but not try to sway kids to follow a liberal or conservative, democratic or republican view point. I have not shared the same […]
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Weekly Trip to the Library for Nannies Since February is Black History Month we suggest borrowing children’s books from the library on the topic. Ruth and the Green Book By Calvin A. Ramsey Review by Elizabeth Kennedy, About.com Guide The picture book Ruth and the Green Book is an excellent work of historical fiction. The […]
[Continue reading...]Stages of Grief for Children Adults never want young children to have to learn about death. They want to protect children from pain and loss. But, child care professionals cannot shelter children from death. Early intervention during times of loss and grief helps keep children psychologically healthy and prevents the development of later emotional problems. Although […]
[Continue reading...]Anticipatory GriefBy H.J. Fracaro Anticipatory grief is when a death is expected typically due to a terminal illness or the aging process. The relative could be cared for in the home, at a hospital, or hospice. Medical equipment can be frightening even to children (and teens and adults). When the child visits the patient make […]
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Have You Ever Worked for a Military Family? By H.J. Fracaro Children that lose a loved one are bound to have a difficult time coping, but when they lose a parent fighting a war in another country, it becomes even more complicated. These kids are at risk of experiencing traumatic grief, which is very much […]
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Losing the Family Pet By H.J. Fracaro For many children their first experience with death is the loss of a pet. Although it is devastating for children of all ages, it does allow them to understand the process of death and grieving. They observe the deceased will not be coming back and find a way […]
[Continue reading...]Children and Grief By H.J. Fracaro Most children have an encounter with death, whether it’s the death of a pet, grandparent, friend, or parent. Children of different ages understand death to varying degrees and express their sadness in different ways. Babies and toddlers under age two cannot comprehend death but are upset by the change […]
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Do You Work More Than 40-Hours Per Week? A study released this week shows that working overtime doubles depression risk. Most nannies I know work more than 40-hours per week. And if you think the link between depression and work exists only in those who are unhappy with their jobs — think again. The study finds that […]
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