[Kimberley Roberts]

This is so awesome! Definitely going to check this out:)

[Kimberley Roberts]

My favorite website to share with parents and caregivers is http://www.commonsensemedia.org. They rate shows based on their content:

Educational value
Positive messages
Positive role models & representations
Violence & scariness
Sexy stuff
Language
Consumerism
Drinking, drugs & smoking

and then also give a short synopsis of the show and give parents/caregivers a heads’ up as to what to look out for (for example, if there is a great movie that has one fairly scary part, they will warn you about it so you can prepare your child or plan to skip it if your child is sensitive).

Some of the shows they recommend for preschool/kindergarten are:

Luna Petunia, Storybots, Super Why!, Word Party, Beat Bugs, Earth To Luna, Bubble Guppies, Bookaboo, Super Wings, Peg + Cat, Reading Rainbow, Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, Tumbleleaf, and Wild Kratts

[Kimberley Roberts]

Yes, Emily, you are correct that there are differences between a night nanny, postpartum doula and a newborn care specialist. Here is a link to a great visual https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/25443221_10155701495059550_3795103948938292602_n.jpg?oh=877a1ac8f37ee7da666576588e197ce3&oe=5AC007FC, which basically describes the differences as such:

Night Nanny- A night nanny is a nanny who works overnight. This is the most affordable choice. A night nanny can have formal training or not, and usually work shorter contracts (3-6 months), but can also work with families long-term. Their main focus is on childcare. Night nannies can charge anywhere between $5-20+/hr.

Postpartum Doula- A postpartum doula focuses on care for the entire family after the birth or adoption of a baby. They can provide support during the day or night, and normally charge between $20-40+/hour.

Newborn Care Specialist- A NCS is a trained and experienced professional who cares exclusively for newborns. NCS’s typically work days or nights, and sometimes work 24-7 schedules for several weeks/months. A NCS typically charges between $18-25+/hr.

[Kimberley Roberts]

Tguard makes a finger guard for this. Supposedly it works within 30 days. Here’s a link: https://www.amazon.com/Treatment-Finger-Sucking-TGuard-FingerGuard/dp/B000WHVMP8/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1511638689&sr=8-2&keywords=stop%2Bsucking%2Bfingers&th=1

I’ve also heard good things about the nail polish, though, but I would make sure it didn’t have any scary ingredients in it first, as some kids will not be that averse to it and may continue sucking even with it on.

[Kimberley Roberts]

We make homemade slime and play-doh, and my 3 year old will play with that while I am trying to work on the computer or cook dinner. We also bought him toddler-sized cooking utensils, and he loves to help us cook and bake. His favorite thing to do is make spice mixes. Also, stickers and a piece of paper will buy you several uninterrupted minutes- just make sure your child is past the stage where they put everything in their mouths! Post-it’s are also fun to stick all around the house. What else…Water Wow! books are amazing. Have him stick pipe cleaners through a large strainer or thread them through straws. Give him a stack of plastic or paper cups to play with (for stacking, lining up, knocking over, etc). Magnadoodle, Etch-A-Sketch, any type of coloring book or the watercolor books with the paint set attached. Rip painter’s tape into small squares, stick them to the floor or the back of a baking tray, and have him peel them off and put them in a bowl- seriously, my kid did this for 35 minutes one afternoon! We’re about to set up our felt Christmas tree in the living room, and we have about 20 felt ornaments that he likes to take on and off to “decorate” his tree. We put up a large magnetic dry erase board in his play space with magnets and dry erase markers (this activity should probably be supervised unless your play space is completely kid-centered and you don’t mind marker on the walls/furniture!).

Here’s a link to a pretty great list of independent toddler activities http://www.toddlerapproved.com/2013/05/simple-independent-play-activities-for.html

[Kimberley Roberts]

Hi Brittany! I was in a similar situation when I was nannying for twins several years ago. They were also on the third floor of a 3-story walk-up, and had stairs leading into the building. We were able to park the stroller in the lobby, which was very convenient, but getting the babies and stroller INTO the building was a whole other issue! What I usually did was wear one baby in a carrier on my back, and then I would pull the stroller up the stairs step by step (with the other baby in the back of the stroller so it wasn’t so heavy in the front). You could also have your nanny wear both babies, fold the stroller, and carry it up that way…although she’s have to be pretty strong! One thing about working that job was that my arm muscles were super ripped 😉

[Kimberley Roberts]

Lori M., that is a great suggestion! I, too, bring my “magic bag” the first week with a new family. It’s also a great way to find out what a child is interested in and get a sense of their personality.

Emily L, having the nanny take the child on a fun outing is another great suggestion. Making fun memories early on is super important, and can help both parties feel more comfortable with each other. I just started a new position a few weeks ago with two school-aged girls. The first week, we went for a bike ride to a brunch spot and then went bowling. It was a great way to get to know them in a relaxed setting.

[Kimberley Roberts]

I’ve been a nanny for 17 years, and until 2 years ago I never knew that onesies had those weird shoulders so that if baby has a blowout, you can pull the onesie off and down instead of pulling the poopie clothes over baby’s head. DEFINITELY wish I would have known that sooner!!

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