Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Summer Nannies-What you Need to Know

We thought we would re-post the article below since we get a lot of questions at this time of the year about summer nannies.
Wee Care Nanny's Summer Nanny Program

Summer Nannies FAQ's
Summer Nannies: Seven Frequently-Asked Questions About Working as a Summer Nanny, or Hiring One

With summer right around the corner, many families are making plans for summer vacation. As kids look forward to a break from the school-year routine, parents are faced with an array of decisions about summer child care and how to balance the needs of their children with the demands of their jobs. Families also think about vacations, and the challenge of planning a family trip that is fun and interesting for kids and adults alike.

Summer nannies – often students or teachers – frequently figure into these plans. Sometimes families with older children, who do not need a nanny during the school year, choose to hire a nanny for the summer because their children would prefer not to go to summer camp, or because the camp schedule doesn’t cover their needs. By hiring a nanny for summer child care, the parents make it possible for the children to spend unstructured time at home, playing with neighborhood children, taking advantage of local activities, or perhaps just enjoying some down time.

For other families, particularly those with babies or small children, a summer nanny enables them to take a family vacation that meets the needs and expectations of kids and adults alike. By taking a nanny with them on vacation, parents are able to spend some time along together, enjoy a leisurely meal at a nice restaurant, and relax, knowing that their children are well cared for.
Whether you’re thinking about hiring a nanny for summer child care, or you’re interested in working as one, you’ve probably asked the following questions:

1. What do summer nannies do?Summer nannies may be full-time, part-time, live-in, or live-out. Like full-time, year-round nannies, they may be asked to manage light housekeeping duties in addition to taking care of children. Summer nannies and families should be sure to discuss these expectations, as well as salary and pay schedule, in advance of committing to work together for the summer.

2. How do families find summer nannies?Parents can find summer nannies through nanny agencies, as well as through the recommendations of friends and colleagues. Some resort and family travel destinations may be able to help you find short-term nanny services. In some cities parents will find nanny agencies that specialize in providing temporary nanny services with complete background checks. At destinations popular with families, the hotel may be able to help.

3. How can summer nannies find jobs?As for nannies, there are many ways to find summer nanny jobs, including through nanny agencies and through word of mouth. If you’re looking for work as a summer nanny, be sure to tell everyone you know of your interest in finding a summer nanny job. If you’re a student, check campus bulletin boards, the school paper, and any other places where families might advertise for a nanny.

4. How should expenses be handled when a nanny travels with a family? It’s important to remember that when a nanny accompanies a family on vacation, no matter how lovely the locale, the nanny is still working. The nanny and parents should discuss and agree on a schedule for the trip in advance, making sure that the nanny’s needs are met in terms of time off and breaks.
Families should be prepared to cover all of the nanny’s travel expenses, including airfare, lodging, meals, and admission to attractions which he or she visits with the family. If the nanny does not eat all meals with the family, s/he should be given a meal allowance to purchase meals.

5. What accommodations should be provided?If at all possible, the nanny should have a separate bedroom, not one shared with the children, so that the nanny has a place to rest and relax when off duty.

6. How much does a summer nanny earn? Salaries for summer nannies vary tremendously depending on the number of children in their care, the number of hours they work, the responsibilities they’re given, their level of experience and education, and the region of the country where they are employed. Ballpark guidelines range from $8 to $22 per hour. The best way to find out what’s typical in your area is to ask a nanny agency, or to ask several friends or colleagues who have either hired nannies or have worked as a nanny.

7. What about taxes?Remember that summer nannies are subject to the same tax regulation as year-round nannies. For more info, see: Year-end Tax Tips for Employees

This article was published on nanny.com newsletter, April 2009
Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Challenge Your Mind in Retirement and Stay Sharp

Challenge Your Mind in Retirement
Written By : Cynthia Barnett

You have probably heard people say that the best way to keep your mind sharp after retirement is to exercise it. This "use-it-or-lose-it thinking" is the subject of much debate. Many are deeply committed to this belief while others are skeptical. Although I cannot tell you mental activity will prevent Alzheimer's, I do believe mental activity will prevent mental atrophy. The brain works by sending messages across nerve connections. The more we use and reinforce those connections, the better our mind and memory work. So, to that end, here are ten great ways to challenge your mind in retirement...Continue here


Posted By Wee Care Companions

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Avoiding Legal Problems When Managing a Household Staff

Read this over the weekend in the NYT and thought I would share it.


HOUSEKEEPERS have been in the news lately. Look no further than former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California, who recently admitted that he had a child more than 10 years ago with his former housekeeper.

But this column is for the other people who employ household help — housekeepers, nannies, chefs, butlers and estate managers. Their problems are more about being compliant with employment and tax laws and ensuring low turnover.

“There is no rocket science in our business,” said Travis Dommert, chief operating officer of the Lindquist Group, one of the oldest placement firms for household help in the country. “It’s about how you hire, manage and retain good people and not get sued in the process.”

Yet otherwise smart, wealthy people seem to have a harder time managing their household employees than the people they work with in their day jobs. Here are some tips for people planning to hire household help...Read entire story here


Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Family Fun for Memorial Day Weekend 2011 in CT & Westchester, NY

Wee Care Nanny wishes you and your family a happy, relaxing and safe Memorial Day Holiday.

We listed some family activities taking place over the long weekend throughout Fairfield County, CT and Westchester, NY. We hope you enjoy.

Memorial Day Fun
Memorial Day weekend usually means a break from the normal routine, giving you and your family the opportunity to enjoy activities that you might not have time for on a typical weekend. Here are a few things going on nearby.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CT


Wednesday, May 25th, 2011 10:30 - 11:30 am & Thursday, May 26th, 2011 9:30 - 10:30 am

FREE! Mommy and Me Story Time and Songs

Giant Steps Toy and Baby

226 Kings Highway East
Fairfield, ct 06825

http://giantstepstoys.com

Hear special themed books hand-selected to delight your child. Work together on a specially prepared arts and crafts project. Listen, Laugh, Sing, Smile - the perfect activity for you or your mom group. One of Giant Steps most popular weekly events! Ages 2-5+ recommended

Saturday, May 28th, 2011 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Farming Fever

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

1875 Noble Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06610

http://www.beardsleyzoo.org+

Join us for an afternoon of learning about farm animals and farming with former Connecticut resident Chris Rowlands, an entertainer who’s famous for getting everyone involved. Children are invited to wear fun hats and sing along with Rowlands on stage as he shares his self- penned songs such as "Cud Chewing," a tribute to cows. Presented in partnership with the Fairfield County Farm Bureau.

Take a Marine Life Study Cruise and explore the shores of the sound for crabs, fish, and lobsters with educators from the Maritime Aquarium. Suitable for ages 8 and up. May 28. 1pm. $20.50. Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water Street, Norwalk, CT. 203-852-0700.

Kids can jump on stage, sing, and wear hats as entertainer Chris Rowlands presents Farming Fever, a show that gets everyone involved in learning about farming and farm animals. May 28-29. 11am-3pm. $11; $9 children 3-11. Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, CT. 203-394-6563.

Take time to smell the roses and learn about a variety of plants in bloom in Family Programs: Garden Exploration at the Bartlett Arboretum. Find out what attracts honeybees and butterflies to the garden. May 28. 1pm. $18; free children under 12. Bartlett Arboretum, 151 Brookdale Road, Stamford, CT. 203-322-6971.

Children of all ages can stop by during regular library hours and make a craft at Drop-In Memorial Day Crafts. May 28. 10am-5pm. FREE. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton. 203-762-3950.

At Lobster Days, crack some claws and let the butter drip as you sit by the water on the grounds of the Mystic Seaport. May 28-30. 11am-4pm. $24, kids 6-17 $15 (lobster dinner extra). Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic. 888-973-2767.

After the Memorial Day parade in town, bring a blanket and picnic on the museum's lawn at the 4th Annual Memorial Day Community Picnic. May 30. Noon-3pm. Fairfield Museum and History Center, 1520 Bronson Road, Fairfield, 203-259-1598.

http://www.nymetroparents.com/article/Fairfield-CountyCTMay-Calendar-HighlightsFamily-Activities

WESTCHESTER, NY

5/28/11
ONE WITH WARBLERS The last wave of these active migrants. The habitats of Marshlands will overwhelm you with bird songs and calls of many of our feathered visitors. Please bring binoculars.
Hours: Saturday 7:30 a.m. FreeLocation: Marshlands Conservancy Route 1
Rye, NY 10580 For additional information: 9914) 835-4466 Westchester County Parks Dept.

5/28/11
POND EXPLORATION Cranberry's premiere program, offered to hundreds of school children each year, is open to the public once a summer. Join us on this kid-friendly search for tadpoles, water bugs, snails and more. Nets provided, wear rubber boot if you have them. Hours:
Saturday 1 p.m. FreeLocation: Cranberry Lake Preserve Old Orchard Street North White Plains, NY 10603 For additional information: (914) 428-1005 Westchester County Parks Dept.

5/28/11
WALKING TOUR OF THE WILDFLOWER GARDEN
Join us for a tour of Trailside's Luquer-Marble Wildflower Garden while the flowers are at their peak. The garden is home to over 70 species of flowers and ferns and includes some increasingly rare native plant species. Hours: Saturday 1 p.m. Parking $4 with Westchester County Park Pass; $8 without Park PassLocation: Trailside Nature Museum Ward Pound Ridge Reservation routes 35 & 121 South
Cross River, NY 10518 For additional information: (914) 864-7322
Westchester County Parks Dept.

5/28/11
NIGHT OF THE HORSESHOE CRAB
Come and experience a tradition over 200 million years old! The moon will be full, the tide will be high, and the horseshoe crabs will be coming in to mate. Hours: Saturday 10:30 p.m.
FreeLocation: Marshlands Conservancy Route 1 Rye, NY 10580 For additional information: (914) 835-4466 Westchester County Parks Dept.

5/28/11, 5/29/11
ARTIST GALLERY - "FLORALS AND TRAVEL" Watercolors by Waltra Maurer. Exhibit in the Main House Gallery. Hours: Saturday & Sunday noon - 4 p.m. Free Location: Muscoot Farm
Route 100 Somers, NY 10589 For additional information: (914) 864-7282
Westchester County Parks Dept.

5/28/11, 5/29/11, 5/30/11, 6/4/11, 6/5/11, 6/11/11, 6/12/11, 6/18/11, 6/19/11
WESTCHESTER COUNTY BEACHES OPEN
Beaches open for weekends on a pre-season basis. Season opening Wednesday - Sunday, (closed Monday & Tuesday), June 24 through September 5. Hours August 15 - September 5 Noon - 6 p.m.
Hours: Weekends and Holidays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. $4 adults, $3 children 5 - 11 years old, $2 seniors (weekdays only)Location: Glen Island*, New Rochelle - *Park Pass Required
Playland Beach, Playland Park, Rye Croton Point Beach, Croton-on-Hudson various, NY
For additional information: (914) 864-PARK Westchester County Parks Dept.

5/29/11
MUSCOOT FARMERS MARKET
Fresh produce, meat, cheese, soap, candles, honey, mape syrup, flowers, fish and delicious baked goods. Hours: Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. FreeLocation: Muscoot Farm
Route 100 Somers, NY 10589 For additional information: (914) 864-7278
Westchester County Parks Dept.

5/29/11
MEET THE BABY ANIMALS
Experience a close encounter with our new baby animals.
Hours: Sunday 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. FreeLocation: Muscoot Farm
Route 100 Somers, NY 10589 For additional information: (914) 864-7282
Westchester County Parks Dept.

5/29/11
. TOUR OF THE MAIN HOUSE AT LASDON
Learn about the history of Lasdon Park and Arboretum while touring the Main House.
Hours: Sunday 2 p.m. FreeLocation: Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial
Route 35 Somers, NY 10589 For additional information: (914) 864-7263
Westchester County Parks Dept.

5/29/11
NATURALIST CHOICE HIKEhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Let the naturalist guide you through the magic and mysteries of Marshlands.
Hours: Sunday 2 p.m. FreeLocation: Marshlands Conservancy
Route 1 Rye, NY 10580 For additional information: (914) 835-4466
Westchester County Parks Dept.

5/30/11
26TH ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY ANTIQUES FAIR
Rain or shine. Call (914) 273-4667 or www.cordshows.com for information.
Hours: Monday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $7 (kids under 13 free) Location:
Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial Route 35 Somers, NY 10589
For additional information: (914) 864-7268 Westchester County Parks Dept.

http://www.hvwebtv.com/westchesterevents.html


Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Sports and Activities for Senior Citizens to Stay Active & Engaged



Feeling Sporty? Popular Activities for Seniors

Written By : SeniorsList

If you feel like you need to get out more, you’re not alone. Senior citizens and non-seniors alike are in need of consistent physical exercise. Sporty activities are an enjoyable way to get your body moving, but not all forms are best for senior citizens. Seek out those sports that you enjoy and that exert your body to a comfortable degree. Here are some of the top ranked sports for the active senior: Read entire article

Posted by Wee Care Companions

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Helping Seniors Stay Engaged with Pet Therapy


Pet Therapy for the Elderly
Written By : Ryan Brancato

Linda's mother had been receiving in-home care in NJ for several years. While the care was excellent, her mother just did not seem like her old self. Then one day, Linda, a 45-year-old mother, brought a puppy home for her own mother. It was then that she and her family learned firsthand the affect a pet can have on the health and outlook of a senior. Linda's mother became more active: grooming, feeding, and playing with the new puppy rather than spending most of her time sleeping or watching television....Continue article here


Posted by Wee Care Companions

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Bedford, NY Carnival Coming May 10th to May 15th


I thought I would help spread the word to all living in or around Northern Westchester. The carnival is a lot of fun or "really awesome" as my 7 year old puts it. Hope you enjoy.