LilSugar

Six Smart Spots to Scout a Sitter

LilSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:00:26 -0800

Searching for a sitter? It's not always easy, as finding the perfect babysitter to watch your child takes some serious legwork. Check out our guide for a few hot spots for finding potential caregivers for your child.

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Are You Asking Your Caretaker to Get the H1N1 Vaccine?

babysugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:00:15 -0800

It has been the worry for many a mother this Fall - H1N1. Schools have been closed for it and a state of emergency has been declared by the president. While many moms are choosing not to inject their wee ones with the vaccine, others are standing in clinic lines for hours hoping for their share of the shot. Since children and pregnant women are considered part of the highest risk group, it is natural that child caretakers should also try to guard themselves against the illness. Many mamas who aren't necessarily fired up about getting an H1N1 vaccine for their child may request their nanny get one. So tell us, are you asking your childcare provider to get the vaccine when it's available?

Don't Rock the Babysitter's Boat

babysugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:00:35 -0800

If there's one person mommy does not want to tick off, it's her child's caretaker. When disgruntled babysitters complain of working too late or having to clean up the mess the children make, many moms grin and bear it while other moms speak their minds. Mamas and papas may not be pleased with their current caring situation but they are often soft-spoken on the matter so that the children are not the recipients of the babysitter's frustrations. Working mothers feel they have more to lose as they face the fear of losing their hired help and worry about the predicament of finding a last minute replacement.

How do you deal with a sassy caretaker? Join our A Place to Vent group over in our LilSugar Community and share your stress with fellow moms who understand your plight.

Mommy Dearest: Naughty Nanny Wardrobe

babysugar — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 04:00:23 -0700

Mommy Dearest,

I have a delicate situation that I'm not sure how to approach. Our nanny, whom we love, occasionally wears questionable clothing to the house. She is very professional about everything else, but her wardrobe has left me speechless lately. Though I have nothing against thong underwear, I don't care to see them hanging out of her pants. Also on display are her large breasts, which my son has taken to bouncing. You would think she could take a hint from a three-year-old! What concerns me most is her choice in footwear. She has been sporting heels! Not only do I worry about her chasing my son around on the playground in a pair of party shoes, I am concerned about her safety. I don't want to tell her how to dress, but I do think I should say something. Any tips on how to address her?

- Seeking Scantily Clad Advice

To see the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Seeking Scantily Clad Advice,

The easiest way to entertain the conversation might be to address the shoes first as they are a danger to her and potentially your son. I would ask her to bring some sneakers or other practical shoes with her to wear when she is out running errands or playing with your child. As far as the revealing clothing goes, you have to decide if it's worth addressing. Personally I wouldn't worry too much about it. Youngsters are going to be exposed to all sorts of wardrobes. If you get a glimpse of the bra or undies, you could hint to her that her undergarments are hanging out and she might decide to clean it up on her own volition.

- Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on our new Community page.

Source: Flickr User salimfadhley

Flickr User soylentgreen

Has the Economy Affected Your Childcare Situation?

LilSugar — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:34:02 -0700

There's no question that the economy is affecting corporate America and families throughout the country, but has the power in home employment also shifted?

For years nannies and childcare workers have set their job descriptions and monetary demands with families complying due to fear of their employees being poached by others offering more money, better hours, and additional benefits. According to the Washington Post, tough economic times have led to a shift in power. Some families are demanding more of their nannies – including housework, longer hours, and smaller pay raises – or ending their arrangements all together. The article said:

In the past six to eight months, though, agencies report a deluge of available nannies as parents losing their jobs or downsizing turn to cheaper childcare options, including staying at home. Neighborhood email lists are bristling with parents posting jobs for their former nannies. ("Dream nanny available immediately!") Real-life Mary Poppinses who once had their pick of jobs are finding themselves out of work for weeks, or months, at a time.

Has the economy affected your childcare situation?

Photo courtesy of IMDB

Tell Mommy: Would You Rather an Au Pair or Nanny?

babysugar — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:30:28 -0700

Ever wondered what the difference is between an au pair and a live-in nanny? They both live in the family's home and care for their children. So why different names? A French term, "au pair" is defined as:

A usually young foreign person who cares for children and does domestic work for a family in return for room and board and the opportunity to learn the family's language.

Based on my experience, au pairs are generally between the ages of 18 and 26 and often take classes in their new home land to help soak up the culture. Au pairs are typically offered a temporary arrangement and limited to one to two years away from their original country, which is tough on host families as they have to replace their au pair on an annual basis. A mother's helper to boot, they provide child care and help keep a clean house in exchange for room and board and a decided allowance. Host families usually pay a significant fee to an au pair placement agency that can cost up to $7,000. As one might expect, the young woman has scheduled personal time when she can do as she pleases.

Families who hire a live-in-nanny have many of the same benefits of an au pair, but the "hiring" process, prerequisites, payment and longevity vary. Live-in-nannies are not required to take child care classes or speak the family's language. However, off time is often more flexible with a nanny and they quickly become another member of the family as they begin to blend into the flow after many years of employment.

Tell mommy, would you rather an au pair or a nanny live with you?

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Interview Tips For Hiring a Caretaker

LilSugar — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:30:18 -0700

Once a family has decided that hiring a nanny is the right childcare choice for their lifestyle, parents must set out to find the ideal caretaker to fit their needs and parenting style. While some mamas count on agencies, friends and relatives to provide them with leads, others visit the local playground to speak with other nannies about friends looking for jobs, or take to the web in search of the ideal candidate.

With a list of names in hand, it is time to start interviewing them to see just how well the candidate meshes with your family. To see my checklist of must-ask questions that should help narrow down the process, read more.

How long have you been a nanny?
Why did you choose this profession?
What do you like least about your job?
Why did you/or do you want to leave your last/current job?
How old were the children you last cared for?
What philosophies/rules have you witnessed in previous jobs that you would replicate?
Do you have any formal childcare training?
Are you willing to follow our lead, even if you disagree?
Do you like to stay at home or do you like to play at other's homes?
How would you describe a typical day with a child the same age is mine?
How do you discipline children?
Are you willing to do light housework/cleaning while my child is sleeping?
Do you cook? Will you be willing to cook for my child?
Are you trained in CPR and first aid and are your certifications up-to-date? If not, are you willing to take the class on your own time?
Do you smoke?
What would you do if my child were sick or had an accident?
Do you have children of your own? If so, what are your backup care plans should he get sick?
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Do you have school or professional plans beyond being a nanny?
Where do you live and how will you get to work?
(If nanny will be transporting your child in a car) How is your driving record? Is your car maintenance up-to-date?
How flexible is your schedule? Would you be available nights and weekends? Could you accompany us on family vacations?

In addition to these questions, parents should be prepared to ask specific questions about any concerns they have regarding their child's own needs, as well as their own. Parents also usually have a gut reaction to the person sitting before them, and can feel if she is going to fit in with them.

If you have any additional must ask questions, tell us in the comments below!

Source

Tell Mommy: Hiring Multiple Nannies

LilSugar — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 08:00:30 -0700

Having a nanny used to be a luxury reserved for the rich and famous, but now hired help has become somewhat of a necessity for even the middle class, with lots of parents both working full time and day care facilities not able to meet their specific needs.

While nannies' duties vary depending on the families they work for, all job descriptions include caring for a child - be that feeding, dressing, entertaining or helping educate and discipline the charge. And, the relationship often blossoms into much more. Who can forget that gut-wrenching scene in the Nanny Diaries when Scarlett Johansson's character is fired and the child chases after the car. Some families opt to bring additional nannies on when they expand their brood. Heidi Klum is known to have three nannies in her employ while Kingston Rossdale was recently seen playing in the park with two.

If money were no object, would you hire multiple nannies?

Flynet

In the Motherhood: Mommy or Nanny Knows Best?

babysugar — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 10:07:28 -0700

Although ABC's new show In the Motherhood outed Santa Claus in its pilot episode, we gave it another shot this week. It was comedic and entertaining, and it certainly spoke some truths about being a mom.

Last night's episode centered around mommy Jane's inability to take care of her child as well as her manny. As he took a vacation, the confident Jane was sure she could handle her baby on her own. The manny, on the other hand, knew better. Many nannies, including mine from time to time, presume they know the kid best and offer the mom tips and advice instead of the other way around.

Does your nanny think she knows best, too?

To watch the video of the show, read more.

Do You Drop In Unannounced on Your Nanny or Babysitter?

LilSugar — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:00:13 -0700

When The Hand That Rocks The Cradle is in the back of a mama's mind, it can be stressful to find a trustworthy caregiver for her child. After hiring your babysitter or nanny, did you drop in unannounced from time to time to check things out?

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