Experienced Nanny vs Au-Pair

Interesting story from The Telegraph based in London about how research shows most families prefer an experienced nanny over an au-pair. They surveyed nannies, agencies and parents and found families are more likely to hire nannies with greater life experience. We have found that to be the case in our area too. There is no substitute for experience and a solid track record when it comes to childcare.  

Forget the au pair, it's older nannies that parents want

Parents want nannies with greater life experience or who have raised a family of their own, research finds...read here

  Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

7 Fun Snow Day Activities to Do with the Kids

1. Get outside and enjoy the snowy day.  Get dressed warm and build a snowman, make snow angels or create snow art in the backyard.  Fill some cups with food coloring or dish washing soap and let the children’s creativity run wild. Fruits and vegetables make for great snowman body parts. And now you have a partially edible healthy snowman. Don’t forget the hot chocolate when they come back inside.
2. Play some board games like Payday, Monopoly, Chutes and Ladders or Candyland.  Teach the children to play checkers or really challenge them and teach them to play chess. Chess is a great way for children to learn about  planning, foresight and logical thinking.
3.  “Marathon” story time day.  Ask the children to pick out a few of their favorite books and read to them.  You can role play and let them act out some of their favorite stories, dress up as their favorite characters and act out the story or have a fashion show.
4. Build a fort inside from the couch pillows and blankets. Then from inside your fort watch an age appropriate classic kids’ movie like Nemo, Willy Wonka, Superman or the Karate Kid.
5. Bake together. Break out the chocolate chips and make some delicious cookies or cupcakes.
6. Have an old fashioned scavenger hunt. Make a list of odd items around the house to find, and set the kids loose. Naturally, make sure they don’t get into anything they shouldn’t.
7. Make a play date with a child from the neighborhood and have them join the fun in any of the activities above.

Most importantly, be safe and ENJOY!

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Wee Care Sitters at Work

Wee Care is proud to help support the community by providing experienced nannies to staff the Sunday morning nursery at St. Mark’s Church in New Canaan, Connecticut. Each week, our 2 exceptional nannies provide great care and fun for the little ones while their parents attend services.    

Keep up the great work Nicole and Rocio!

  

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Should Nannies Give their "Work Family" a Holiday Gift?

The Holiday Season is here! A lot of nannies have asked us to share some gift giving ideas for the families you work for.

Some of you may have checked this off your holiday gift list, but if you haven't, here are some gift ideas for the children and parents alike. Please remember not to get caught up in how much you spend or how big the present is. The thought and your sincere wishes that come with your present mean far more to the family, and that is what it truly appreciated. Some ideas follow below:

-A Personalized Christmas Ornament for their Tree.

-A Basket with different cookie mixes and bread mixes that the family can bake together. Perhaps include some fun cookie cutters (Home Goods has a great selection!).

-Just for the Parents... A gift card made by you giving them a "Date Night" for any Friday or Saturday night they choose.

-For the parents... if they are coffee lovers, Dunkin Donuts has a great gift package all set to go!

-For the family... if they love plants, a Christmas Cactus or Amaryllis. 

-For the family... photos from throughout the year of the children turned into a calendar (if you're unable to do this on your computer, most drugstores like CVS or Walgreens have a calendar template).

Of course, every situation is different, and any suggested gift should never stretch your budget. As always, feel free to share your ideas or what you may have done in the past.

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Guidance on the Holiday Bonus for the Nanny or Regular Babysitter

Understandably, we get the question below a lot during this time of year and wanted to offer some guidance.

As we're getting close to Christmas - I'm hoping you might be able to provide me some guidance with respect to end of year Christmas gifts and/or bonuses. I have *no* idea what the going rate is and I want to make sure we're in line with whatever it is. Can you give me any guidance at all? 

To answer your question, a full-time nanny can usually expect a holiday bonus of one week's pay - two week's salary depending upon her length of service.  Additionally, if the nanny has been with the family under a year, half of her weekly salary is standard. If the nanny is  just starting, a $100 gift card sets a nice tone.  A hand-written note of thanks expressing your appreciation and referencing a yearly highlight of the caregiver/child relationship is an additional way to show your genuine gratitude. 

Some families will include an extra little something coming from the children like a homemade card, cookies or her favorite confection which surrounds the monetary gift with genuine warmth and appreciation from the child.

For the part-time regular babysitter that provides care several times each month, a gift equal to one night's pay are the norm. Many families choose to provide a $50-$100 gift card to her favorite shop, cafe, nail salon etc.

Housekeeper/Cleaner,  one or two week's pay, depending upon her length of service and a small gift like  a bottle of wine.

Obviously, this is a general guideline of industry norms in the NY Metro Region. Some families give more or less depending on the particular circumstances and family budget. 

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Happy Thanksgiving!

On Sunday, November 24th 2013, the 20th annual Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place in Downtown Stamford, CT along Summer Street. The parade features spectacular helium balloon cartoon characters and wonderful marching bands. It is great fun for the whole family.

 Wee Care Nanny is very thankful for the opportunity to work with such wonderful nannies, housekeepers and families. We appreciate your dedication and professionalism. We wish you and your family a happy & healthy Thanksgiving Day! Stay Safe and have a great holiday.

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Serendipity Girls Night Out in Stamford!

Fun and fashion last night to benefit a wonderful cause-the Canary Kids. A great time had by all.

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency