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Podcast brief

In case you chose not to listen to the podcast I posted I'm going to give you a little summary of it, although I do encourage everyone to go ahead and listen to it if you can.
The topic continued with the discipline theme, but this time it touched base on different situations. The first was about how to handle situations with public outbursts. Making a scene isn't fun, but is it better to resolve them now and discipline later or show no tolerance and endure the embarrassment? Unfortunately there is not definite answer except, do as you feel comfortable but never forget that at some point discipline and consequences must be given out. Remember there are a lot of stigmas in the public eye, so be careful to all that entails.
Also, if you see a child that is not under your responsibility is it ok to speak up? It is. Although many people don't feel it is in their place to say something, some times a simple comment can be enough to create awareness and bring change. You must be tactful when approaching the situation though. Some parents may get defensive and the entire thing will become counterproductive. Allow the parent to be the one that gives out discipline, but just politely make it be known that child's behavior is inappropriate and should not be condoned.
Again, I encourage all of you to listen to the podcast . My guest speaker and I go into depth over these topics and more.

Discipline podcast

Listen to this episode

The Ins and Outs of Timeouts

I have come to find out that many nannies, although they command respect, are concerned when it comes to following through and placing a child in timeout. I am here to reassure you that it is ok to go to that level.
A timeout does not harm the child, it only enforces the notion that there are consequences to poor decisions. It is better to do this and live a moment of discomfort (due to a unwilling child) than allow to negative behavior to continue. It may not be pretty or fun the first couple of times, but this is how discipline is established.
Also, be conscious of what is an appropriate timeout. Do not stick a child in the corner over a minor irritation. You may use it as a threat if there is some misbehaving, but only act upon it if the behavior continues or a complete violation of house rules occurs. When giving a timeout be aware of how long is necessary. The younger the child and the minor the violation, the less time is required. Remember, what may seem like a short while to you can seem like ages to a kid. You want them to know consequence without shattering their spirits.
After the sentence has been served, have an open discussion with the child and make sure they know that you don't like timeouts any more than they do, but they are necessary if bad behavior happens. Be positive when having this talk and work to get morale back up. They may not be happy with you initially, but that's ok. Don't apologize for your actions and just try your best to get back on a high note.

Nanny v. Child

One of the most common grievances I hear from other nannies often comes from discipline and the battle of power. Although most parents would agree that they want their child to be well-behaved and respectful, not many are not so willing to accept that their child acts anything but that. A blunder a nanny has to overcome is how to discipline a child with the support of the parents. It can become a struggle to have a child's respect when a parent repetitively overrules your verdict. So what can you do?  Do you bend over to the child's every will or go against the parent?
The answer, neither. Obviously you can't let the child run amok and do as he or she pleases. There must be some level of respect given. Stand firm of your verdict even if it causes a commotion that brings a parent into the scene. If it becomes evident that the parent is always siding with the child then it becomes time to have a private conversation with the parent. Share your thoughts that it is very difficult to have respect if every decision is overridden. Although it is hard for a parent to watch their child in distress, sometimes it is necessary in order to have some discipline and consequence. If the parent denies or chooses to reject this idea, then continue to fight the system. It won't be fun and it definitely won't be easy, but it is needed.
I can't say that these are black and white answer situations, but stick to what you know is right and not with just is easy. Unfortunately, there will sometimes be times where you will have to swallow your pride and deal with awful situations. In those times you have a choice, be someone that can help add structure and be there for a child or resign and leave the family. Also, there will be moments in which you will be wrong. Sometimes bad judgement calls are made and it is okay for a parent to call you out on it. The most important thing to remember for you and the parent is the well-being of the child. Consider what will be best for the child, and then act upon it. If both parties do that then there is nothing to be worried about :)

November Topic

Well November is here which means it is time for turkey and pie to flood our grocery stores. For this month I would like to talk about discipline. As a nanny it is often hard to decide what is the appropriate amount of discipline to use with a child. You can't step on the parent's toes, but you can't allow the child to step all over you either. So this month I will cover what is and isn't appropriate, give different examples, and guide you through discipline.

I hope everyone enjoyed their Halloween. Unfortunately I have been falling behind on posts so I was not able to give you any tips on how to make this fun holiday one that doesn't necessarily throw all nutritional values out the window. It may be a little late, but I still wish to share this information with you.
During this, and all of the other holidays soon approaching, it is important to remember one thing during nannying; it is okay to have fun and enjoy it. These days only come once a year and they should be enjoyed. I am by no means condoning you to allow your child to eat their entire halloween basket in one sitting, but I am saying it is ok allow them their moment of splurge. Key word being moment. It is important to establish the term of agreement before they begin ripping through those Snickers. To ensure that there is still some control when consuming all of this sugar make some conditions, either have a handful of candy now or have a few pieces throughout the day. This way it is healthier and you won't have to worry about a high/crash to deal with.
Again, sorry for the late post, but I hope you'll keep it in mind for next time!

Nutrition Reiteration

I usually would not post tips from other people's accounts, but I felt that she makes some good points and thought you would all enjoy. Hopefully this is beneficial to you!

It's Snack Time!

Snack time is often connected with childcare centers and preschoolers, but be aware it should be a part of every child's meal plan. It is a misconception that only young children need a snack to boost them throughout the day. Regardless of age, a snack time can be beneficial lifestyle habit. By promoting a small healthy snack in between meals, you can begin to develop a habit of proper portion control and an increased metabolism. 

Key things to remember: 

• snacks should be eaten during snack time, not meals. 
• snacks can be something not necessarily healthy, given that there is portion control
• healthy can still be yummy
• having it at the same time each day develops a routine
• stay away from pop or other substances that can develop an addiction

Health on a budget

So often times I hear people say they do want to healthy, but it is too expensive and time consuming. Crazy thing is, it does not have to be. Here in Topeka we are fortunate enough to have a brand new grocery store filled with organic fruits and vegetables and other healthy food. Natural Grocers just opened at the corner of 21st and Ashworth and have a sister location in Lawrence as well.
The price tag may seem a couple of cents and dollars higher than your normal trip to the grocery store, but that doesn't have to break the bank. I understand the economy is rough at the moment, so try to take baby steps by focusing on a meal element you'd like to improve. For example, begin by consciously adding some fruit to every meal. By doing this, you can improve the water and nutrient intake for you and your child. Making a lifestyle change is hard, but not impossible. Remember your goal is to provide the best future for your child(ren); this is one of the best ways to begin that. I encourage all of you to check Natural Grocers next time you need to go grocery shopping, and I challenge you to make a healthy choice you wouldn't have before.
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What to do with a picky eater

Dealing with a picky eater is just as scary as trying a new food is to them, so how do both parties learn to overcome this? With some fun interaction and cooperation!

Although children are young they are bright individuals and because of that they tend not to respond well to being talked down to. One of the most common misconceptions when dealing with children is that they don't understand complex thought or ideas. and while, yes, the vocabulary usually needs to be simplified, the ideas can still be conveyed. It is important to include the child in the decision making process. By informing them of the importance of proper nutrition they can make good conscientious choices in the future.

Another great way to get kids involved is by allowing them to make the meal with you. Make a fun cooking activity out of it! Kids love to be helpers! By allowing them to help you, they will be familiar with the ingredients and won't be as apprehensive to eat it. It can be fun to work and eat together!

October Topic

Nutrition

For this month I want to talk about something that I believe is a really important responsibility as a childcare provider, nutrition. Often times we fail to develop healthy eating habits for a variety of reasons; we have a picky eater, it's too much work, or it's too expensive. Well I believe those are little bumps into developing a beneficial lifelong journey. So throughout October I'm going to show you how nutrition doesn't have to be synonymous with a headache!

Welcome to my page!
It is a well known fact that childcare is not an easy task, especially for new mother or a young baby sitter. Luckily for you, I have plenty of experience with children of all ages. Apart from working as a nanny, I have also worked as a childcare counselor for the YMCA, a special education para, and have volunteered as a sunday school teacher for three years. I have been blessed with each of these opportunities; I have worked with many great children and gained different levels of experience. I hope to transmit much of what I've learned and relay that across this blog. My goal is to share my tips of the trade to hopefully lower your stress levels.