nanny tips – Nannyjob blog

Planting Seeds of Kindness: Teaching Children Empathy

In a world brimming with diversity and challenge, kindness and empathy stand as pillars of human connection and understanding. For parents, nannies, and educators, teaching children about empathy and kindness is not just a lesson; it’s a gift that keeps on giving, shaping compassionate, thoughtful individuals. Here’s how we can cultivate these essential qualities in children, fostering a future where empathy and kindness are at the forefront.

Start with Understanding Emotions

Empathy begins with understanding one’s own emotions and recognising them in others. Encourage children to express how they feel and validate their emotions. Use stories, books, or even puppet shows to discuss different scenarios and feelings, helping children to put themselves in someone else’s shoes.

Lead by Example

Children learn a lot by observing the adults around them. Display acts of kindness and empathy in your daily life. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, sharing with friends, or simply listening to someone’s story without judgment, showing children how it’s done can be incredibly powerful.

Practice Active Listening

Teach children the value of listening to understand, not just to respond. Active listening involves giving full attention to the speaker, acknowledging their feelings, and responding thoughtfully. This practice not only aids in developing empathy but also enhances communication skills.

Encourage Perspective-Taking

Perspective-taking goes a step beyond recognizing emotions; it involves understanding why someone might feel a certain way. Engage in role-playing games or discussions that encourage children to think about different perspectives. Questions like “How do you think they felt?” or “What would you do in their place?” prompt deeper thinking.

Foster a Helping Mindset

Involve children in acts of kindness, be it through community service, helping out at home, or supporting a friend. Highlight the impact of their actions on others to show them how even small deeds can make a big difference.

Celebrate Empathetic Actions

When you notice a child being kind or showing empathy, acknowledge it. Praise, rewards, and even simple recognition can reinforce these behaviors, encouraging them to continue acting compassionately.

Use Art and Creativity

Art, music, and creative writing can be powerful outlets for expressing and understanding emotions. Encourage children to draw pictures of acts of kindness or write stories about helping others. These activities not only nurture their creative talents but also deepen their understanding of empathy.

Cultivate an Environment of Respect and Kindness

Create an environment where everyone’s feelings and thoughts are respected. Encourage sharing, cooperation, and understanding among siblings, peers, and even adults. A respectful environment lays the groundwork for empathy and kindness to flourish.

Teaching children about empathy and kindness is a journey filled with teachable moments, heartfelt discussions, and invaluable life lessons. By embedding these principles into the fabric of daily life, we equip children with the tools they need to navigate the world with compassion, understanding, and a deep-seated respect for the diverse tapestry of human experience.

Healthy and Easy Winter Recipes for Kids

When the cold weather hits, it’s time to warm up the kitchen with some delicious and nutritious meals that kids will love. Winter is the perfect season to introduce children to the joys of healthy eating with recipes that are both comforting and packed with nutrients. Here are some easy-to-make, kid-friendly recipes that are perfect for those chilly winter days.

1. Veggie-Packed Mac and Cheese:

Transform the classic mac and cheese into a nutrient-rich meal by adding pureed butternut squash, carrots, or even spinach to the cheese sauce. It’s a sneaky way to get kids to eat their veggies without compromising on taste.

2. Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup:

Nothing beats a warm bowl of chicken soup on a cold day. Load it up with a variety of vegetables like carrots, celery, peas, and potatoes. Opt for whole-grain noodles or brown rice for an extra healthy twist.

3. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quesadillas:

These quesadillas are easy to make and are a great way to incorporate more legumes and vegetables into your child’s diet. Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness, and black beans bring in protein and fiber.

4. Baked Apple Oatmeal Cups:

A perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack, these oatmeal cups are filled with the goodness of apples, cinnamon, and whole-grain oats. They’re easy to make in a muffin tin and are perfect for busy winter mornings.

5. Turkey and Veggie Meatballs:

These meatballs are a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables. Grated zucchini or carrots can be mixed in with the ground turkey for a moist and flavorful meatball. Serve them with whole-grain pasta and a simple tomato sauce.

6. Roasted Root Vegetables:

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in vegetables. Try a mix of carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and beets, tossed in a little olive oil and roasted until tender. It’s a colorful and tasty side dish that pairs well with any protein.

These recipes are not only nutritious but also comforting and warming, making them perfect for winter. Most importantly, they are kid-approved for both taste and fun!

Getting Your Space Organised and Refreshed for 2024: Family Edition

As we step into 2024, one of the most rewarding activities is to declutter and refresh our living spaces. Not only does it provide a sense of calm and order, but it also sets a positive tone for the year ahead. And guess what? Organising can be a family affair! Here’s how you can get your space organised and refreshed for 2024, with tips on involving children in the process.

Step 1: Declutter Together

Start by gathering the family for a decluttering session. Create a game out of it with rewards for the most items decluttered or the tidiest room. Encourage children to donate toys they no longer use, explaining how it could bring joy to other children.

Step 2: Create Kid-Friendly Organising Systems

Involve the children in creating organising systems that work for them. Use pictures labels for toy bins or color-code shelves for their books. The more they are involved in the process, the more likely they will maintain the organisation.

Step 3: Redefine Spaces

The New Year is a great time to rethink how spaces in your home are used. Perhaps the kids have outgrown the playroom, and it’s time to create a study corner. Involve them in the process of redesigning the space to suit their current needs and interests.

Step 4: Set Cleaning Routines

Create a cleaning schedule that includes the whole family. Assign age-appropriate chores to children and make it fun with music or a little competition. Regular cleaning helps maintain the organisation and cleanliness of your space.

Step 5: Celebrate and Maintain

Once your space is organised, celebrate with a family activity in your newly refreshed home. Maintain the organisation with regular mini clean-ups and encourage children to put things back after use.

Organising your space is not just about cleaning; it’s about creating an environment where you and your family can relax and thrive. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready for a fantastic 2024 in a clean and organised home!

Travelling with nanny during summer holidays

School’s out! Summer is finally here and if you’re planning a trip abroad this year, whether you’re planning to take your nanny with you or not, you might be wondering where your nanny fits in…

Holidays with your nanny

I’m not planning to take my nanny on holiday with me, do I still need to pay them?

You may have agreed in your contract to split holiday entitlement, for example 50/50. This would mean that 50% of your nanny’s holiday they can choose when to take it, and the other 50% is for you to decide. In this case, you may have agreed for your nanny to take their holiday whilst you’re away, but you will still need to administer holiday pay.

If you have not agreed to this, and your nanny is not due to take holiday while you are away, you will need to pay your nanny in full as they are available and willing to work.

I’m taking my nanny on holiday with me, will this holiday be deducted from their holiday allowance?

If your nanny is going on holiday with you to provide childcare, they are therefore working, and this won’t affect their holiday allowance. If your nanny ends up working longer hours while on holiday, you may need to compensate your nanny by providing overtime pay or giving them additional time off in lieu.

What should I discuss with my nanny before we go on holiday?

There are a few things you should discuss before you go on holiday with your nanny, this may include…

The rate of pay, some employers may wish to enhance their nanny’s pay and can do so at their discretion.
Accommodation, we recommend that the nanny has a private room in order to give them the appropriate downtime.
Hours of work and days off, we suggest you discuss this in advance of your holiday so you can set expectations and avoid any future disputes.
It’s also worth clarifying details such as whether the nanny will be coming out for day trips with you, will be eating with you, whether or not they’re expected to do chores, etc.

Discussing these things in advance will help you avoid any uncertainty or awkwardness while you’re away!

This blog was written in collaboration with Nannytax, the award-winning and UK leading nanny payroll experts with over 25 years experience.

Discover more about Nannytax here.

The Fascinating Journey of Toddlerhood: Unraveling Key Developmental Stages

Ah, toddlerhood! That magical stage when your little bundle of joy starts exploring their surroundings and asserts their independence. Typically, toddlerhood spans the age from 1 to 3 years old and is a critical period of immense growth and development. As nannies and child carers, understanding these developmental stages can help us guide children on this exciting journey more effectively.

Physical Development

During toddlerhood, children experience rapid physical growth. They transition from crawling to walking, running, and even climbing. Fine motor skills start to improve as well, with toddlers learning to use spoons, stack blocks, or turn pages in a book.

Cognitive Development

This is a stage of incredible cognitive growth as well. Toddlers begin to explore cause and effect (if I drop this toy, it makes a noise), object permanence (just because I can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s gone), and they start to solve problems (how to get a toy that’s out of reach). Their imagination also starts to blossom during this period.

Language Development

In terms of language, toddlers make great strides, moving from babbling to speaking words and eventually, short sentences. By the end of this stage, most toddlers can say around 200 words. Encourage their language skills by constantly talking, reading, and singing to them.

Social and Emotional Development

Toddlers begin to understand and express a range of emotions. They may show signs of empathy and start to play alongside other children, a precursor to more interactive play. This is also the age where they may begin to assert their independence, leading to what many call the “terrible twos”. Remember, tantrums are a normal part of toddler development. They are a toddler’s way of expressing frustration over their lack of control or inability to express their needs.

How Can Nannies Support Toddlers’ Development?

As a nanny or child carer, you play a crucial role in supporting a toddler’s development. Engage them in various physical activities to strengthen their motor skills. Nurture their curiosity by providing age-appropriate educational toys and participating in interactive play. Facilitate their language development by having regular conversations and reading to them daily.

Remember to provide a safe, loving, and stimulating environment where toddlers feel free to explore and learn. Celebrate their achievements, no matter how small they may seem, and offer comfort when they’re overwhelmed.

Toddlerhood is an enchanting yet challenging stage, full of growth, discoveries, and firsts. As nannies and child carers, our role is to guide, support, and enrich this special phase of life, setting the foundation for future development.

Remember, each child is unique and develops at their own pace, so these stages may not follow a strict timeline. What is important is to enjoy the journey and celebrate each step of the way!

Continuing Education for Nannies: Unlocking Professional Growth

In the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of childcare, there’s one thing that separates good nannies from truly exceptional ones – a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.

Lifelong learning is not just a cliché. In the childcare industry, it’s the key that unlocks growth and enables you to stay ahead of the curve. So how can you as a nanny, childminder, or caregiver make the most of learning opportunities that come your way?

In the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of childcare, there’s one thing that separates good nannies from truly exceptional ones – a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.

Invest in Knowledge

Continuing education comes in many forms – workshops, conferences, online courses, and even informal learning communities. These platforms provide a wealth of knowledge and insights into the latest practices in childcare, child psychology, nutrition, and much more.

By actively seeking these opportunities, you’re not just enhancing your CV but also providing superior service to the families you work with. You become a more effective and efficient caregiver, capable of better understanding and meeting the diverse needs of children in your care.

Networking Opportunities

Professional development events often bring together like-minded individuals from various backgrounds and specialties within the childcare industry. These are invaluable opportunities to network, share experiences, gain different perspectives, and even foster collaborations.

You can learn from other nannies’ experiences, share your own, and together create a robust community that elevates the entire profession.

Personal Growth

Beyond the professional benefits, lifelong learning is a journey of personal growth. It feeds your curiosity, enhances your adaptability, and keeps you engaged in your work. It’s a way to ensure that your passion for childcare doesn’t just remain constant, but deepens over time.

In conclusion, lifelong learning is not a mere option for nannies; it’s a necessity. Embrace it, seek out learning opportunities, and watch as they open up new avenues for growth and success in your career.

We would love to hear about your experiences. What has been your most impactful professional development experience? Share your stories and let’s inspire each other to keep learning and growing.

Regenerate response

Respect

Ask most nannies what they want in a job and they’ll tell you that what really makes a difference is respect. But what is respecting your nanny when all is said and done? We’ve come up with R.E.S.P.E.C.T. to help you respect your nanny.

Rights
Nannies have the same employment rights as anyone else and they don’t appreciate employers trying to cut corners. They are entitled to National Minimum Wage if live out, 5.6 weeks paid holiday per year, statutory sick, maternity, paternity and adoption pay, time off for ante-natal appointments, a contract, redundancy pay, notice of the end of employment and a whole lot more.

Earnings
While nannies of course love looking after children it is their job, and they expect to be paid the correct amount, on time. If you’re not sure how much to pay your nanny and how much goes to the tax-man, think about engaging a professional payroll company to manage it for you. They’ll produce the payslips too, which help your nanny keep track of their earnings.

Space
Live in nannies especially need their space respected. Their room should be for their use only, not extra storage for you or an additional guest room when they’re away. But respecting space isn’t just about physical space – it’s also about not contacting your nanny outside work hours unless it’s an emergency and allowing them to have a personal life that you don’t know about.

Professionalism
Nannies rarely give advice unless its asked for but they may make suggestions on ways to manage behaviour or translations. Respecting your nanny’s professional knowledge and experience makes for a happy relationship. Professional nannies are also capable of getting on with the job and don’t need micro-managing. Respect your nanny’s daily routines and timescales as long as everything is accomplished.

Expenses
No-one likes being out of pocket for work and nannies are no exception. If a nanny has paid for something out of their own pocket then the respectful thing to do is pay them back promptly.

Choices (decisions)
When parents don’t respect and back-up the choices a nanny makes, children learn they don’t have to respect the nanny either. If nanny said no biscuit then respect the choice they made, even if it’s not what you would have said. If you do disagree with a choice your nanny has made, be respectful and approach them about it in private.

Time
Respecting your nanny’s hours is one of the simplest things you can do to show respect. Allow them to start work on time a be home for them to finish on time. Their finish time is the time they should be able to walk out the door, not the time you get home and start a run-down of the day.

20 questions to ask at interview

20 questions you need to ask at interview

What are you children’s favourite activities?

Are you happy for me to arrange activities, playdates and meet up with other nannies?

Will you leave a kitty for work-related expenses?

Do your children have any allergies or health conditions?

What discipline methods do you use?

What nursery/household related duties do you expect me to do?

Why did you choose to interview me?

What are the hours?

How often do you anticipate needing overtime?

What is the rate of pay?

Are you happy to agree a gross wage in the contract and deduct my tax and National Insurance?

Live-out: Will I be able to eat meals with the children while on duty? / Live-in: What accomodation and meals do you provide?

Do you need me to be OFSTED registered?

Are you happy to pay the initial registration/renewal fee?

Do you provide a car or do you expect me to use my own?

Will you insure me on your car?/Will you pay mileage for work related journeys using my car?

How long do you see this job lasting?

What childcare have you used before?

Can I speak to your last nanny?

When do you plan to make your decision?

Tips and Advice for First Time Live-In Nannies

The prospect of starting a new job is sometimes nerve-wracking. For those of you about to start your first job as a live-in nanny, it can be downright terrifying, as you must learn to work and live with the family hiring you.

That’s why we’ve put together our top tips to help you feel more comfortable and at ease when moving in with a new family:

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Creative ways to say ‘no’ to your young child

Do you feel as though you’re constantly saying ‘no’ to your child’s demands and requests? Chances are, if your child is ignoring you when you say ‘no’, you might be saying it too often.

This can be a huge problem as you try to teach your child right from wrong, as well as trying to keep them safe.

That’s why we’ve put together some creative alternatives to saying ‘no’ to help regain your child’s attention whilst avoiding using the same word over and over.

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