Summer - TLC Family Care

5 Screen-Free Summer Activities for Nannies & Kids of All Ages

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:10:31 +0000

Summer is the perfect time to get outside, get moving, and create memories without screens! Whether you’re caring for toddlers, school-age kids, or a mixed-age group, there are tons of creative and engaging ways to fill the day with fun.

Here are five screen-free summer activities nannies can do with kids that are simple, low-cost, and packed with learning and laughter:

1. Explore with a Nature Outing

Take the kids on a neighborhood nature walk, a local park adventure, or a visit to a nearby garden or trail. Collect leaves, spot birds, or start a nature journal together.

Learning Bonus: Talk about different trees, bugs, flowers, or cloud formations. You can even bring along a magnifying glass and sketch pad!

What to Pack: Water bottles, sunscreen, bug spray, and a light snack.

2. Backyard Obstacle Course

Transform your yard or driveway into a mini ninja warrior course using things you already have—pool noodles, hula hoops, cones, and jump ropes.

Kids can run, crawl, hop, and balance their way through, and older kids can even help design the course!

Add Creativity: Let kids name each section of the course or make medals from cardboard and ribbon.

3. DIY Scavenger Hunt

Plan a scavenger hunt tailored to your environment:

Indoor: Find something soft, something blue, something round
Outdoor: Spot a bird, find a pinecone, see a bug, etc.

For mixed ages, pair younger and older kids as teams, or create picture-based lists for non-readers.

Add a Challenge: Use rhymes or riddles for older kids to decode clues.

4. Simple STEM with Summer Vibes

Keep little minds active with hands-on, screen-free STEM activities that feel like play.

Try this fun, fizzy Baking Soda & Vinegar Volcano:

Fill a container with baking soda
Add a few drops of food coloring
Slowly pour vinegar and watch the eruption!

Other ideas: Make sun catchers, build towers with marshmallows and toothpicks, or try sink/float water experiments.

5. Field Trip Fun

Plan a mini adventure to a:

Farmer’s market
Local splash pad
Zoo or petting farm
Botanical garden
Ice cream shop or picnic spot

Bonus Tip: Let kids help pack a picnic or map the route using paper maps to build life skills along the way.

Final Thoughts

Screen-free fun doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a little creativity and a lot of sunshine, nannies can help kids stay engaged, active, and smiling all summer long.

Looking for more summer inspiration or a qualified caregiver to keep your kids busy and safe while school’s out? ��ë��˵��is here to help! Contact us today to learn more about our experienced, trusted nannies and sitters.

The professionals at ��ë��˵��personally assist nannies, babysitters and families in��St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, Miami and Orlando to find the right childcare arrangement. Our mission is to provide a safe and personalized ��approach for families and caregivers to connect with each other that is not an internet search. TLC has worked with families, nannies, sitters, newborn care providers, and tutors for over 35 years and looks forward to working with you! To find great nanny and babysitting jobs visit us at��tlc@tlcforkids.com��or Call 314-725-5660.

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Traveling with Your Nanny This Summer: Tips for a Smooth, Successful Trip

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:03:01 +0000

Bringing your nanny along on a summer vacation can be a game-changer for your family’s relaxation and your children’s comfort—but it also requires clear communication and thoughtful planning.

Whether you’re heading to the beach or gathering with extended family, knowing what to expect—and what your nanny expects in return—will make the experience smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

Here’s what you need to know, especially if other family members or children will be around.

What Parents Are Responsible For

Cover All Travel-Related Expenses
When inviting your nanny to travel with your family, you’re responsible for paying for their transportation (flights, train, car rental), lodging, and meals. They should never have to pay out of pocket to join you on a work-related trip.
Provide Private Accommodations
Whenever possible, offer your nanny a private room. Everyone needs rest and personal space, especially after a full day of caring for kids in a new environment.
Clarify Work Hours and Off Time
Before the trip, clearly define your nanny’s on-duty hours and when they’ll have personal time. A vacation is not 24/7 work—ensure your nanny has adequate time off to recharge.
Discuss Payment and Overtime
Your nanny should be paid their regular hourly rate for all hours worked while traveling. If their hours exceed 40 in a week, overtime pay (per labor laws) applies—even on vacation.
Share the Itinerary in Advance
Make sure your nanny has access to your travel itinerary, including flight times, daily schedules, activities, and important contact information. This helps them prepare and plan their care accordingly.

What the Nanny Is Responsible For

Maintain Routines and Care Standards
Your nanny is there to ensure your children stay happy, healthy, and on schedule. Even with relaxed vacation vibes, routines like nap times, meals, and safety still matter.
Be Flexible and Adaptable
Travel often means unexpected changes. A nanny should be ready to adapt while still advocating for the best interest of the children.
Communicate Openly
If your nanny has questions, feels overwhelmed, or needs clarification, it’s their responsibility to speak up. Open and respectful communication goes both ways!
Maintain Professional Boundaries
While traveling can feel more casual, your nanny should still maintain professionalism—following house rules, upholding their role, and respecting family space.

Traveling with Extended Family or Other Children? Read This First

When extended family is present—especially if they have kids—it’s essential to set clear boundaries.

Clarify Who Your Nanny Is Responsible For
Unless discussed and agreed upon in advance, your nanny is only responsible for your children. If you expect her to assist with cousins or other kids, that’s a separate arrangement and should include:

Clear duties
Defined work hours
Additional compensation

Avoid the “Can You Just Watch Them, Too?” Moments
It’s easy for well-meaning relatives to assume your nanny will step in, but unless she’s being paid and prepared to do so, she shouldn’t be expected to provide care for other children.

Tips for Avoiding Tension:

Let family members know your nanny is there for your children only
Provide your nanny with a polite way to decline extra requests
Talk openly about boundaries ahead of the trip

Tips for a Smooth Trip

Have a Written Agreement
Put everything in writing before the trip: work schedule, compensation, accommodations, responsibilities, and expectations. This avoids confusion and ensures both sides are on the same page.
Pack Together
Ensure your nanny knows what to bring and what will be provided (car seats, snacks, etc.). A can be helpful!
Give Them Time to Enjoy, Too
While your nanny is working, allowing them a bit of downtime or the chance to explore a new place (on their off hours) shows appreciation and trust.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with your nanny can enhance your vacation by giving your children continuity and your family greater ease. With proper planning and respectful communication, it can be a positive experience for everyone involved.

Need help navigating travel pay or finding a temporary nanny for your next trip? ��ë��˵��is here to help. Contact us today to learn how we support families on the go!

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Family Travel: Traveling With Kids

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 11:40:22 +0000

Family travel is something most families do throughout their years together. Traveling on vacations is often an annual tradition families have. From the time your child is born, it is likely you will take him or her on trips to see family members, theme parks, and even just one day drives. While safety is often the first thing parents consider when traveling with their kids, keeping them happy and busy along the way also adds to the success of the trip.

Safe Travel Tips

Safety is the most important factor with children traveling. Family travel should always been done with caution paid to safety above anything else. Here are some tips to keep everyone safe.

• Insure everyone is using proper safety belts and car seats throughout the trip. It’s tempting to loosen the belt for long trips, but high speed accidents on highways are common during the summer months.

• Be sure that the driver gets enough sleep and that parents are able to stay alert not only in the car but also on airplanes and buses.

• Keep items out of the car that could be choking hazards for small children. Travel games often have small pieces and are meant for older children. The jarring of a car can easily cause these to slip down the child’s throat.

• Be sure everyone knows where to meet if for any reason the group is splitting up. Cell phones are a good communication device and the responsible person’s within each group should have one.

• Talk to your children ahead of time about the risks of strangers and who to talk to if they do get lost. For family travel to be fun, everyone has to remain safe.

Family Travel Things To Do

When it comes to being on the road or in a plane for an extensive amount of time, busy kids are happy ones. Parents can do a number of things to keep kids active and busy so they don’t become overwhelmed with the long trip.

• Pack snacks. Kids are hungry every few hours and snacks are the best way to keep them quiet. Prepackaged items are sold in individual sizes, but you can also choose crackers, grapes and other small foods and place into small bags. Juice boxes and bags travel well.

• Pack an activity bag. For younger children, these goody bags can be a surprise for once you are on the road. Load them up with small toys, coloring supplies, stickers, and other activities you know they will enjoy. Don’t let them go into the bag until they are on the road.

• Pack things to do in backpacks. For older children, keeping them busy will help to cut down on your stress. Handheld games, video games, a deck of cars and travel size games can work very well. Include a few comic books, a magazine or even a book they want to read.

Many of today’s ultra fun activities for the car are in the form of technology. Portable game players, tablets, and movies are sure ways to keep everyone busy. Download the latest songs, movies and books. Challenge each child to a photo scavenger hunt using a camera or phone camera.

Family travel is often best when everyone on the trip is looking forward to something that interests them. When there are two completely different opinions, cater to both. For example, if you are traveling to an area where there is a lot of camping and wilderness hiking, and one child does not care for this, find out if there’s a local show or museum nearby they may like to stop in during the trip.

Traveling with kids is enjoyable when you plan ahead. Take the time to talk to your kids about the trip alerting them to the length of the drive. While traveling at night is not always an option, this is also a good way to cut down on the boredom factor. Many kids are happy enough with a few things to do and the conversation of the parents to keep them busy. Make this a trip that everyone enjoys by sharing stories, ideas and thoughts in an open forum. Everyone will feel welcome and happy before, during and after the trip.

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Why Nannies Should Consider Summer Nanny Jobs

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 07:32:00 +0000

If you’re a nanny looking for a short-term job filled with fun, flexibility, and adventure, a summer nanny position might be perfect for you! Here’s why you should consider taking on a summer nanny role:

Great for Students & Teachers: If you have summers off, this is an excellent way to earn money while making a difference in a child’s life.
Enjoy the Sunshine: Swap the traditional indoor job for pool days, picnics, and outdoor fun with the kids.
Gain Valuable Experience: Whether you’re new to childcare or a seasoned pro, summer nannying adds great experience to your resume.
Competitive Pay & Perks: Many families offer great hourly rates, activity reimbursements, and bonuses for dedicated summer nannies.
Make a Lasting Impact: Summer break is a time for adventure and learning. You can create unforgettable memories with the children you care for!

Looking for a summer nanny job? TLC Family Care is hiring in multiple cities—apply today!

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Why a Summer Nanny is the Answer to Your Summer Child Care Needs

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 07:29:00 +0000

Summer break is right around the corner! While kids are looking forward to lazy mornings, pool days, and endless adventures, many parents are left wondering: Who will watch the kids? If you’re struggling to find a summer childcare solution, hiring a summer nanny could be the perfect answer! Here’s why:

Consistent, Reliable Care: Avoid the hassle of camp waitlists and unpredictable babysitters. A summer nanny provides stable, one-on-one care all summer long.
Customized Activities: A nanny tailors fun and educational activities based on your child’s interests, from arts and crafts to nature walks and science experiments.
Flexible Scheduling: Unlike summer camps with strict drop-off and pick-up times, a nanny works around your schedule.
Transportation Help: Summer nannies can drive kids to swim lessons, sports practice, and playdates, making your life easier.
A Stress-Free Summer: With a nanny, you can focus on work or personal time, knowing your children are safe, engaged, and having fun.

Looking for the perfect summer nanny? TLC Family Care can help! Contact us today to find your match.

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Keeping Your Child Safe This Summer: 5 Essential Tips for Nannies and Parents

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 11:28:00 +0000

Summer is a time of adventure and outdoor fun for children, but it’s also a season that requires heightened awareness and safety measures. Whether you’re a nanny or a parent, ensuring the well-being of your child during these warm months is paramount. Here are five essential tips to keep your child safe this summer.��

1. Stay Sun-Smart

The summer sun can be harsh, and protecting your child’s skin is crucial. Here’s how to be sun-smart:

Use Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to your child’s skin 30 minutes before they go outside. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if they’re swimming or sweating.
Seek Shade: Encourage playtime in shaded areas, especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Wear Protective Clothing: Dress your child in lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, hats with brims, and UV-protective sunglasses.

2. Water Safety

Water activities are a highlight of summer, but they come with risks. Here’s how to ensure water safety:

Supervise Constantly: Never leave children unattended near water, whether it’s a pool, lake, or even a large puddle.
Use Life Jackets: Equip children with life jackets that fit properly when they are in or near natural bodies of water or on a boat.
Teach Swimming Skills: Enroll your child in swimming lessons appropriate for their age and skill level. Familiarize them with water safety rules.

3. Stay Hydrated

Children can quickly become dehydrated in the summer heat. Here’s how to keep them well-hydrated:

Encourage Regular Water Breaks: Ensure your child drinks water frequently, even if they don’t feel thirsty.
Offer Hydrating Foods: Provide snacks like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges, which have high water content.
Avoid Sugary Drinks: Limit the intake of sugary drinks and sodas, as they can actually lead to dehydration.

4. Practice Safe Play

Outdoor play is essential, but it’s important to create a safe environment. Here are some guidelines:

Inspect Play Areas: Check playgrounds and backyard equipment for hazards like sharp edges, loose parts, and hot surfaces.
Use Safety Gear: Ensure your child wears appropriate safety gear for activities like biking, skateboarding, or rollerblading. Helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads are a must.
Stay Within Safe Boundaries: Set clear boundaries for where your child can play and establish check-in times for older children playing outside.

5. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Despite all precautions, accidents can happen. Being prepared is key:

First Aid Kit: Keep a well-stocked first aid kit accessible at home and take a portable version on outings.
Know CPR: Both nannies and parents should be trained in CPR and basic first aid. Many organizations offer certification courses.
Emergency Contacts: Have a , including your child’s doctor, nearby relatives, and local emergency services.

Conclusion

Summer is a wonderful time for children to explore and enjoy the outdoors. By following these safety tips, nannies and parents can ensure that their little ones stay safe while making the most of their summer adventures. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in preventing accidents and ensuring peace of mind for everyone.

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5 Reasons To Choose A Traditional Kids Summer Camp

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 11:57:18 +0000

A traditional kids summer camp is one that generally begins in June and continues through August. This type of recreation is a popular activity among children of all ages as it gives them the opportunity to experience new things, meet new people and embark on a journey of independence. With that being said, the following are 5 popular reasons to enroll your child in a traditional kids summer camp.��

Independence. During their experience at a traditional kids summer camp, children will experience their first taste of independence. Being away from home for the first time can be scary, but new friends and fun activities will help to make the transition easier. This will also be an important step toward college preparation, which often requires that the child leave home for months at a time.

Responsibility. A traditional kids summer camp will teach children to be responsible in a variety of ways, including the organization of their personal items. While away, they will be personally responsible for maintaining their living quarters and personal items. In addition, they will be required to pack their belongings at the end of their stay and will have to learn the responsibility of organizing their items for the trip home.

Teamwork. One of the most important experiences at a traditional summer camp is that of learning to work together as a team. Whether it be during a sports event, a canoeing trip or other group activity, teamwork is often required. Much like in adulthood where teamwork is essential to everyday life, children will learn the valuable lessons of working with their peers toward achieving a common goal.

Friendship. While at a traditional kids summer camp, new friends will be met and there is plenty of fun to be had. Learning to make friends and how to be a good friend is an important life lesson that is not only important at a traditional summer camp, but also in every day. Situations are always presented when individuals are placed with new faces in school, the workforce, families, etc. Therefore, it is important for children to learn the value of friendship and how it can make every day a little brighter.

Experiences. Traveling to new places, embarking on an exciting journey and exploring the wilderness are all a part of what makes a traditional kids summer camp so special. A nature hike, sailing on a blanket of calm water or sitting around the campfire with friends are just a few of the experiences that a child may encounter while enrolled in a traditional kids summer camp.

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Keeping Your House Safe This Summer

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 11:21:35 +0000

Summertime means summer travel for home owners. �� Not surprisingly, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reports that home burglaries peak in July and August. ��Homes that look not lived in are more susceptible to burglaries.

There are few things people can do to keep there home from being broken into when traveling this summer.��

The best thing you can do is hire a house sitter to stay in your home while you are gone. ��House sitters will give your home the lived in look. ��They can bring in your mail and papers, water your plants and park in your driveway. ��If you have pets the sitter will also take care of all of your pets needs.

TLC For Kids, Inc, is a childcare agency that also provides house and pet sitters in Miami and St. Louis. ��“Our screened and background checked caregivers are a great match for families looking for house and pet sitters,” explains Vice President Angela Lehmann.�� “Clients love knowing they only need to make one call to us and it’s taken care of.”

Other steps you can take to keep your risk of a break-in low is to put your lights on a timer, put up a motion detector light outside, and make sure all your windows are locked before you leave.

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Being Prepared for Disasters

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Thu, 16 May 2019 11:00:17 +0000

If the event of a disaster, does your family know what to do? Do you have a plan for if you get separated? Where will you go? Do your children know who to call if something happens to the adults? These are all scary things to think about happening but important things to prepare for. As is often said, it’s much better to be prepared�� and never have to do it than to have a disaster occur and not be ready.

Have an Emergency and First Aid Kit

Every family should have at least one emergency first aid kit. If you have a large family, a large house or multiple family members, it may also benefit you to have more than one first aid kit.
You may also want to take the time to learn basic first aid and CPR. Classes are held in most local areas and you never know when the situation will arise where you need to know this.

Your first aid kit should include:

• Medical-grade vinyl gloves
• Poison ivy relief cream
• Burn relief cream
• Sunscreen, SPF of 30 or greater
• Antibiotic ointment, Polysporin® or similar
• Sting relief lotion or ointment, calamine or similar
• Box of sterile gauze pads, either 3″ x 3″ or 4″ x 4″
• Abdominal (ABD) or combine sterile pad, 5″ x 9″
• Rolled gauze of 2 sizes, 2″ x 4 yards and 4″ x 4 yards
• Bandages of assorted types: finger, knuckle, plastic, Telfa®, and general adhesive
• Sterile oval eye pad
• Small sharp scissors
• Tweezers with pointed tip
• Thermometers, oral and rectal (for babies)
• Elastic bandage, 3″ x 6″
• Instant ice pack
• Roll of adhesive tape, 1″ wide, may use plastic type if preferred
• Triangular bandages, 2
• Package of safety pins, assorted sizes
• Absorbent cotton balls, 1 box
• Diarrhea remedy, Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate or similar
• Popsicle (craft) sticks or finger splints
• Antibacterial soap, liquid or bar
• Medicine dropper
• Water purification tablets
• Small bottle of bleach
• Sharp knife or multipurpose knife/tool
• Bottles of aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen
• Splint materials: thin boards 2-3′ long
• Cough syrup and throat lozenges
• Large plastic trash bag and several smaller, zip-closure bags
Your emergency kit should include:
• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Radio
• Emergency phone numbers
• Back up cellular phone if possible
• Blankets, sheets
• Fire extinguisher
• Supply of prescription medicines

Have Insurance whenever Possible

Do you have the proper insurance? While it’s difficult for some people to pay for expensive insurance to possibly never have to use it, you should also remember the expenses that could be involved if you are not properly insured.

There are many different types of insurance such as:

• Medical/health
• Life and death
• Automobile
• Home or renter’s
• Mortgage
• And more

Insurance will help protect your family financially should a disaster of some type occur. But it’s not enough just to have insurance. You also need to be sure your coverage is thorough, your premiums are paid on time and your policy remains up to date and that beneficiaries and other important members of the family know about your insurance policies. You should also carry copies of the insurance policies in a safe place in case something happens to the originals, such as a house fire.

Being prepared for disasters is one of the most important things you can ever do for yourself and your family. Will you be prepared if something unexpected happens to you? Be sure and discuss with your nanny your family disaster plans. Make sure he/she has the necessary information should you become separated in the event of any emergency. Make sure Medical Authorizations are in place and your nanny has the insurance information and contact information of close family member or friend. Also, make sure you have some information on your nanny – how to contact her family members, in the case of any emergency.

TLC For Kids, Inc.��has been��St. Louis’ premier nanny and babysitting agency��for over 30 years. TLC For Kids’ dedicated staff is ready to assist you in finding nannies, tutors, newborn care specialists, sitters and more.�� We serve St. Louis, Atlanta and Florida. Reach us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or 314-725-5660

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Traveling With Your Nanny

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Fri, 30 May 2014 12:50:26 +0000

Did you know TLC sitters are available to travel with your family on vacation? Families often fill their vacation schedules with activities for the kids. But TLC for Kids recognizes parents need a vacation for themselves, too. Bringing a TLC sitter or nanny along gives parents the flexibility to see places they are interested in, have quiet meals at adult places, and know their kids are being cared for by someone they trust and kids are comfortable with (remember you can request your favorite sitters anytime you need a TLC nanny).

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Since the details of traveling can sometimes be overwhelming, it is important to discuss a few things with your nanny: how much will she be paid, how much time off will she have, and where will she stay.

Pay:�� Payment is always negotiable between the family and the nanny, but the number of hours your nanny is needed and her work expectations should be taken into consideration. Offering to cover travel expenses. lodging and providing meals for her while the family is on vacation is expected and is not considered part of her salary.��A nanny who is expected to be on duty day and night, waking up in the middle of the night when young children do, will clearly earn more than a nanny who is only required to work during day hours.�� It is important to remember your nanny will want some time off during the trip, and pay and expectations should always be agreed upon before the vacation begins.

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Schedule: Since your family and your nanny will be in a new location, it is best to plan a schedule for everyone.�� Having a schedule allows your kids to get the most out of their vacation, so time is not lost deciding what to do or figuring out how to get to each activity. A schedule also clearly defines when your nanny has time off and when she will be working—this takes away the possibility of any miscommunication between the nanny and the family about her time to herself.

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Sleeping Arrangements: Whether or not you decide for your nanny to have a private place to sleep or a shared living area (like the foldout couch in the living room) is up to you and your nanny to discuss. However, a private space for your nanny to sleep allows for your nanny to get better rest, making her more energetic when caring for your children the next day. Whatever the decision may be, sleeping arrangements should be defined before the trip starts.

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Vacation should be relaxing for the entire family (that includes you, Mom and Dad). Bringing along your family’s��favorite sitter ensures that everyone gets to have the vacation they deserve. TLC wants to help make your summer vacation is as relaxing as possible.

Call TLC for Kids today to find a travel nanny.

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