courtesy of www.groundhog.org

The calendar says it is February 4, 2012  and the season we are in is Winter, but somehow not all of the United States is experiencing Winter. Wednesday was Groundhog Day, and Phil says we will have 6 more weeks of Winter. The question everyone is asking now is the current winter temps of the 50s-70s we have been having or a fierce winter blizzard?   Make sure you stock on activities and things to do with the kids for the pending snow days from school.  You can also see what was posted daily by going to the top of the website and clicking on the day of the week you want to explore etc.

Here are the quick links to the fun and informative week we had here at Regarding Nannies:

Monday Moxie Teaching Kids Humility

Tuesday Tips Kids and Quitting

Creative Nanny  Wednesday Valentine Smilebox

Table Talk Thursday New Directions: Kat

Financial Friday First Financial Friday February 2012

We are in February, and the Groundhog said we are to have 6 more weeks of winter!  Don’t let cause you to ignore your finances!    If you missed any of the previous month’s First Financial Fridays make sure to go and “search” for them.  Make sure to check out these articles, the blogs and like them on Facebook and Twitter etc.  I am sure they will provide you with additional insight on financial matters as well.  The best part is that this a “free” INVESTMENT in Knowledge.

• The consequences of financial clutter by Jessica Horton over at Blogging for Change at Money Management International discusses how if your “financial” items are cluttered and disorganized how that can lead to big consequences in your reduction of debt.  Great blog with lots of helpful article. Make sure to check out the other articles from Jessica too!
• Your Money is Like an Unruly Child by Money Talks is a great fun read!  Did you know that children and dollar bills are very similar?  Read how so now!
• 37 Must-Read Posts for Tax Savings by Money Spruce has some awesome tips and links to further articles on saving on your taxes for 2012.  This is truly a must read.
• Where To Put Your Cash Now by Six Figure Investor is AWESOME.  As some of you might know I have been cleaning up old paper work and boxes that I have been carrying around, I have found CASH in my purging and this was a great insight on what to do with my cash.

Do you have a money tip you would like to share with our readers? Let us know!

This series called “New Directions” features  interviews with former nannies that branched out into another aspect of the business, had to add something to be able to stay in the profession, or left the profession entirely.

My goal during the course of these articles is to show you that you have choices, and that sometimes “new directions” can take you to new growth.
Glenda

Today we are talking with Kat:

How long were you a nanny? 15 years (most full time, but some part time)

How long have you been out of the field? 8 years

When did you realize that it was time to make a change? After I had my son, I wanted to be able to offer more – to have a degree and change the world for him. That is not to say that I was not fulfilled being a nanny, but I needed a new challenge and my girls (the two I had nannied for for several years) were in school full time and did not need me like they had so it it seemed like the right time. I went back to school and got my degree. It all worked out because my last day was the Friday before my daughter was born.
Having my own son and daugher on the way and looking for new challenges made me realize I did not want to go through the stress of finding a new family when I had two young children of my own who needed me.

Is parenting your own child different than parenting someone elses child/children? Totally different. In some ways, I was a better nanny than parent…While I loved (and still do love) my girls, I was not as emotionally invested in them and their happiness so I was able to set more boundaries and stick to them in a way that as a parent I can not do because above all I want my children to be happy and it is really hard to know that I ( my rules and or boundaries) am the reason that they are not happy. Plus the obvious- a bad day with my girls was over when I went home. I can’t leave my own children when there is a bad day.

Was it difficult to come to the realization that you were going to have to leave the nanny profession? Not really, I think that everyone knew it was time for me to move on.

Did it come to you gradually, or was it an epiphany when you realized there was something else you wanted to do? Both: I had not really been happy for a while, but had no clear direction of where I was going to go and what I was going to do, then one day at lunch someone mentioned what a great teacher I would be, and that was it. I had been fighting being a teacher for a long time for several reasons, but I finally realised that I could run, but not hide from what I was really meant to do (my destiny)

Did you view it as a positive change or a negative change? positive

Do you miss working as a nanny? yes

Do you stay in touch with any of your nanny friends? yes

Do you stay abreast of what is going on in the field today? yes and no

What do you miss the most? my girls

What do you miss the least? taking orders from someone else and doing what was sometimes not in my job description (grunt work)

Tell us a little bit about what you are doing now. I teach 7th grade life science and I love it. I also coach basketball at my school and sponsor several clubs. I was also honored this year as the Teacher of the Year at my school.

Tell us what you learned as a nanny that is helping you in your current job, career or profession? First – that all kids are different, even those who live in the same house and have the same parents. Second – sometimes you just have to shut up and do it, even if you don’t want to. If you don’t no one else will. Third- all kids need guidelines and rules and structure and last but definitely not least, all kids want praise and love, they need to know that you are going to be there for them, no matter what!

What advice would you give to nannies who are still in the profession but struggling with whether or not they should stay or go? Follow your heart

What advice would you give to other nannies? Know that what you are doing is important and you should do it as long as you enjoy it and feel pride in it. And above all- Do Not let your bosses take advantage of you just because you love the kids you are taking care of. Remember – you are a very important person in that family and if they do not treat you as such, it is time to move on!

What do you wish you had known then that you know now? I wish I had had more self assurance, that I would have stood up for myself a little more often. I was very young and that is a lesson I think only age can teach.

In hindsight, do you think your decision was a good one? Yes

Would you ever consider working as a nanny again?
Maybe during the summer when I am off, but probably not full time again. It would have to be a pretty amazing position for me to do that…are Will and Kate in need? LOL

I do want to comment that I try and keep in touch with all of the families that I nannied for, but I am closest to the ones that live near me. In fact, there have been days where I have had a bad day at my job and I have called my girls or stopped by just so that I can hear their voices or get a hug and feel the love and hope that they give me. I am so proud of what they have become. They will always be my girls and I will always be their Kathleen. (they still know that they can call me if they ever need anything and that will never change!)

Kat lives in Virginia Beach where she teaches  7th grade Life Science. She has two kids an 8th grade boy and a 3rd grade girl. In her spare time she likes to read, cook, hang out with friends, listen to music and watch quirky crime shows (AKA Burn Notice, White Collar, Leverage, Castle, Hawaii 5-0, etc.)… all of which are even better while  enjoying a nice bottle of wine with her husband! She doesn’t enjoy working out, but does it anyway.  She volunteers with local groups like the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the American Cancer Society. She works (for free wine) at a local winery occasionaly. She loves road trips, especially the types where she can stop at bizarre/cheesy tourist traps and enjoys scenic overlooks.

Slideshow customized with Smilebox

1-Heartstring Magic Wands

2- Recycled Heart Craft

3- Heart Rocks

4- Baking Cup Flower Valentines

5- No Fuss Paper Roses

6- Hugs and Kisses Jar

7- Heart Shaped Tortilla Chips

8- Valentine Project for Little Ones

Be sure to visit all the blogs who allowed us to share their ideas:

courtesy of www.babysittingjobs.com

As a nanny for over 16 years, I have ran into my fair share of kids that have quit things. Whether it be when they are losing at a game, just don’t feel like going to baseball practice, not liking the piano teacher or practicing to not wanting to work out with the swim team at 9am during the summer, quitting is something that should be dealt with in a productive way.  There are many reasons why kids and adults “quit” things.  I found a post on helping kids who are quitters by Babysittingjobs.com and thought I would share it with you all since this is the time of year again that spring sports and activities are going to start back up.

It’s a great parent that will allow their child to try many different sports and activities, but what if your kid quits everything that they try.  Check out 10 ways to help kids that are quitters.

1. Set a good example: The key to most parenting I find is to set a good example.  Kids learn by watching what their parents do.  Take a good look at yourself.  Do you try a lot of things only to quit them after they weren’t what you thought they would be?  If that’s the case you need to make sure that you are sticking to something until the end.  Not the end of time, but until the end of the season or class.  Don’t let your child see you quit, but let them help you celebrate when you finish what you’ve started.

2. Set a new rule: Surely you have other rules in your home so it’s time you added a new one.  You have to be sure that you want to do something before you start and you have to stick with it until the end no matter what.  If you sign up for soccer, but find that running is not for you, you still have to stick with it until the end of the season.

To read the rest of the article please visit:
10 Ways to Help Kids that are Quitters

introduction by Alice Shaffer
Regarding Nannies Development Team member

courtesy of www.nanny.net

Do you work with kids who need to brush up on their humility skills? As nannies, we have many teachable moments with the children in our care, and helping them with being humble is one of those teachable moments available.

Today we share an article from Nanny.net on helping kids take a bite of the humble pie.

…When the kids were little and said smart aleck things perhaps we let it pass and thought it was funny or amusing. What was cute witty sarcasm then now gets under our skin and causes us to cringe in public when our child comes off as a know-it-all or snob. A nice slice of humble pie is now in order…

1. Talk about the importance of humility. Sometimes kids don’t understand what humility really is. Unfortunately people often see humility as a weakness when in reality it is a strength. Some of the greatest people in the world are those who have tasted their share of humble pie.
2. Reality check. Being really good at something can breed arrogance if not kept in check with doses of humility. If you see your child lording their skill over others and displaying a superior attitude it’s time to step in a do a reality check. Just as there is always someone worse off than you there is also someone more proficient. Help your child keep things in perspective and teach them to be wiling to share their talents for the benefit of others rather than boast about them to their detriment.

To read the rest of the article please visit

10 Ways to Get Kids to Take a Bite of Humble Pie

introduction by Alice Shaffer
Regarding Nannies Development Team Member

We are almost finished with the month of January.
We know you are  busy so we wanted to send you the week end round up just in case you missed something this week!

Monday Moxie kicked off our week as our Nanny Fusion member Personal Touch Career Services shared with us a great article Ten Resolutions Every Job Seeker Should Have

Tuesday Tips: Our Nanny Fusion member ENannysource shared an article on Potty Training Night and Day

Wednesday’s Creative Nanny: Glenda talked about how important it is to introduce basic crafts, like the magic of wax paper and crayons, to the children in our lives.

Thursday Table Talk: Kellie kicked off a new series about Household Management 101

Financial Friday: Alice shared an article warning us of “Risky Places to Use your Debit Card”

We hope you enjoy having all your Regarding Nannies articles in one place with our weekend round up.
What was YOUR favorite Regarding Nannies post this week?

I was reminded of this fraud protection I had when I was reading a Bankrate story on Debit Card security and protection in 4 wrong places to swipe your card.   Did you know that you do NOT have the same level of protection if someone steals your debit card as you do if you were using a credit card?   I have run across several nannies and folks that only use a debit card for purchases.  Sure it is the “way to go” to stay away from debt building, but it doesn’t really help you if your information is stolen and charges have been racked up.     I believe I will always use a credit card for this reason and the fact that if I lose a receipt and need to return something the majority of companies can scan my credit card to get the price & receipt pulled up, therefore giving me a refund. Cash without a receipt means you lose out of the price you originally paid 99% of the time.  What I like about using the credit card is that I receive cash back with my no annual fee American Express.  I also can  transfer money daily to my AMEX each time I use it from my checking account so that is paid off daily and/or monthly without incurring debt.

As we are nearing the end of January, make sure you review your protection for unauthorized charges on your debit card and credit cards. Make the best choice for protection for your situation.

4 risky places to swipe your debit card
By Claes Bell • Bankrate.com

• Debit Cards are different
• Skimming ATMs
• Stealing PINS at gas stations
• The Web is a risky place
• Restaurants keep customers information on file

to read the details on these 5 points please visit Bankrate’s article at

4 risky places to swipe your debit card

By Kellie Geres, Regarding Nannies Development Team

Today starts a new series on Regarding Nannies. I will be introducing you to the wonderful world of Household Management.  I have been a nanny for almost 23 years.  With all the families I have worked with, I have held some type of household management responsibilities.  With each job the responsibilities became more and more, but I found I like this role I have assumed over the years.

I have been in my current position for over eight years.  When I started the kids were 8 and 10 years, they are almost 16 and 18 – soon to be headed off to college!  So what does a busy household with two teens, one who now drives, do?  The savvy employer approaches the savvy nanny and the two discuss their mutual needs of the job, the expectations, and the changes and come to the conclusion that what this family needs is not a nanny / household manager but a full-charge Household Manager and “Responsible Adult” around when the teens are at home.  An agreement is reached, a new contract is worked up and both parties continue doing what they do best …. Screeching halt!   After 22 years, I found it VERY difficult to take off the nanny hat.  It was very difficult for me to not remind (or nag as Teen 1 and Teen 2 like to call it) the kids to do their homework and stop being on Facebook or a million other little things I would do for them.  They are 15 and 17.  They can start doing things for themselves, and assume the responsibilities and consequences of their actions.

So after about six months not wearing the nanny hat, I finally settled into my routine of full-charge Household Manager.  So what does this mean?  How does it differ from what I was doing before?  My day is not scheduled around kids’ activities, stopping whatever I was doing at 2:30 to be on ‘kid duty’ and do the after-school runs.  My day is now mine to structure for errands, deliveries, repairs, tasks, phone calls, emails, appointments, etc., etc.   And I like this!  We’ll talk about the addition of a puppy named Riley later on in the series.

Household Management is NOT for everyone.  As I said before, I have held some type of HM duties in each position.  I think many nannies do.  But distinguishing yourself as a Nanny or a Household Manager are two different job descriptions.  This has to be a role you want to take on.  You have to be organized, be able to multi-task, and have effective communication skills – just to name a few.

Why would you want to take on this role?  Many nannies at some point in their career will be faced with parents who are placing child/children in school full-time so don’t find the need to pay a nanny full time rate and offer to cut hours.  Many nannies can afford to live on part-time work.  By showing parents that by keeping you on and providing these additional services to your job you are actually providing them more time with their family, more flexibility with their schedules, stability in their child care arrangement and consistency in their home.  Remind them of summer break, holiday breaks, snow days, sick days and which parent will adjust their schedule to be home with the kids?  By doing the homework below, you’ll show them all you can assist with, allowing them more time as a family during the evenings and weekend, when these tasks are typically done.

So where will this series go?  I hope to provide the following:

Introducing Household Management to your current position
Keeping job when kids go to school full time
Creating a Household Manual
What should a Household Manager be doing or not doing
Communication and Organization Tips
and much more!

I would love to hear what you want to see in this series or learn more about.  Comment below or email me at Kellie@regardingnannies.com with your suggestions.

Lastly, some homework!  For the next month track every little thing you do for the family you work with.  From emptying the dishwasher, to putting away laundry, to stopping at the store.  Who was home sick, who had doctor or dentist appointments.  Keep track of it all. You’ll be surprised (or maybe you won’t) at all that you do in a given day or week.  Keep this journal for yourself; you don’t have to share with employers.   Also, with the journal, invest in a good calendar that you can track all the dates for work related events – appointments, school events, play dates, etc.  This too can be just for you.  All of this comes into play when laying out your plan of action for incorporating Household Management into your every day job description.

It can be done and it can be very successful. I hope to provide you with the information and tool you need to make it happen.

One of the things that I have learned over the years is that the same things that amazed me as a child, usually amaze the children in my life. So today I want to remind you that sometimes the most basic art is the best.

If you have wax paper, crayons, a pencil sharpener and an iron, you create something amazing.
Use the pencil sharpener to shave the crayons, sprinkle the crayon shavings between wax paper, iron on a low setting and “Voila” magic!
My mom always let us use our Wax Paper Creations for place mats which made our dinner just a little more special.

What are some of the basic crafts that you enjoyed when you were a child?