Why Backup Care is a Lifesaver for Families

Many parents find themselves scrambling for childcare when school is closed. A trusted backup nanny ensures that children are engaged, supervised, and safe while parents handle their work commitments.

Benefits of Spring Break Backup Care with TLC Family Care

Flexible Scheduling – Need a nanny for just a few days or the whole week? We’ve got you covered.
Experienced, Vetted Caregivers – Our nannies are trained professionals who provide high-quality care.
Fun & Educational Activities – Whether it’s crafts, outdoor adventures, or STEM activities, our nannies keep kids engaged.
Peace of Mind for Parents – Knowing your child is in good hands allows you to focus on work or other responsibilities.

Tips for Planning Ahead

Book Early – Spring Break is a high-demand period, so secure your nanny as soon as possible.
Communicate Expectations – Share schedules, dietary needs, and activity preferences with your caregiver.
Prepare for Fun – Have a few activity ideas ready, such as trips to local parks, museums, or at-home crafts.

Don’t let Spring Break become a source of stress—let ��ë���˵���provide the backup care you need so your kids can have a fun and safe break!

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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With a little bit of advanced planning, you can be sure to enjoy the best of both worlds so that the kids have a great time and you do too!

As so many Art Basel events occur in the evening, one strategy is to take advantage of Miami’s excellent kid-friendly attractions during the early part of the day. Attractions such as the ,  ,  , or an amphibious adventure with  will provide much needed entertainment for the kids that parents can share and enjoy with them!

Ok, so now the kiddos are entertained and worn out and its time for the parents (who have presumably conserved some energy) to go enjoy the Art Basel action. What now? Yes, we want to expose our children to wonderful art, but the massiveness of exhibitions such as Red Dot, Aqua, Context, Art Miami, and many others is capable of testing the endurance of the hardiest adults, let alone children.

That’s where ��ë���˵���can help. Perhaps you’d like to take an early evening stroll through an exhibition hall with your children and have an extra set of eyes, ears, and hands to ensure the kids don’t touch the art (with the big “do not touch” sign on it), break anything, or run around and get lost in the massive halls while you attempt to take a serious and thoughtful look at the abundant and diverse art. One of TLC’s fully vetted and loving caregivers will be glad to join you and look after the kids to allow you to focus a bit more on the artistic treasures. Alternatively (or immediately after) TLC will send a sitter to your hotel room so that you can go out and enjoy the exhibitions, fine restaurants, and nightlife. You’ll be assured that your children are having a great time at your hotel playing, reading, and doing other activities before they get safely tucked in for a good night’s rest.

It’s really the best of both worlds; you can enjoy Miami’s beaches and attractions with your children by day, and also to get in some “adult-time” at night. Art Basel and Children DO go together well when you add a little bit of TLC caregiving to the equation.

It’s easy to book a TLC Miami hotel babysitter. Simply visit  and fill out our short application. A TLC representative will contact you immediately to assign and confirm an experienced and fully qualified sitter who will have fun with your children and set your mind at ease.

Last-minute requests are welcome, but we advise that you book in advance to be certain of getting the coverage you want. This is one of the busiest times of year for our on-call sitters. Use the link above or call TLC at 305.256.5905. We’d be happy to tell you more about our awesome sitters and get you set up with coverage to make your visit run smoothly.

Enjoy the art!

The post Tips on how to enjoy Art Basel when traveling with children. appeared first on TLC Family Care.

Parents start to wonder what to do with their kids while they are at Art Basel or enjoying the Miami Nightlife.

TLC for Kids Miami has the answer! TLC For Kids has vetted, loving and experienced babysitters who can come to your hotel to entertain and safeguard your children so you can tour Art Basal.

It’s easy to reserve a TLC Miami hotel babysitter. Visit our website to complete the Hotel Reservation form.  A TLC representative will contact you immediately to assign and confirm an experienced sitter.  TLC sitters will make sure your child is having fun while you are away!

TLC For Kids, Inc. has been St. Louis’ premier nanny and babysitting agency  for over 25 years. We also provide caregivers in Miami, South Florida and Atlanta.  TLC For Kids’ dedicated staff is ready to assist you in finding nannies, tutors, newborn care specialists, sitters and more. Reach us at info@tlcforkids.com or 314-725-5660.

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St. Louis based TLC for Kids is partnering with the technology company, Sitter, to revolutionize the childcare industry with the “Uber of Babysitting”

Over 30 years ago, TLC for Kids pioneered the industry by being one of the first to provide quality, professionally screened childcare to their clients. Now, as one of the nation’s top nanny agencies, they are transforming it again. Together with Sitter, they’re on a mission to radically simplify the way parents book, pay and find high-quality babysitters. Parents can now use Sitter to book one of TLC for Kids’ fully screened, professional nannies with a tap.

This partnership combines the decades of TLC for Kids’ skilled vetting and matching expertise with the cutting edge technology required to support today’s parent. Parents don’t have time to sift through thousands of unscreened caregivers online, nor do they have the expertise required to ensure the caregiver they find online is capable of keeping their child safe. With TLC for Kids and Sitter, parents save time and worry less by getting a sitter screened by experts on-demand, skipping the ATM, and saving all the critical information (emergency contacts, allergies, etc.) their sitter needs.

“A cleared background check just tells you a potential sitter is not a criminal. It doesn’t mean they’re good with kids. We’ve devoted our lives to developing an expertise in finding the best childcare providers. Now, we’re thrilled to be able to give parents access to them in the most convenient way possible.” says Stephanie Graff, President of TLC for Kids.

Current members of TLC for Kids have access to this new technology as part of their membership. Families in the St. Louis area who are not current members can access and use the app for free for a limited time. Join the Sitter app now to book screened TLC for Kids caregivers.

The only thing left for parents to do is get out of the house.  They can rest easy knowing TLC + Sitter have them covered!

To get started using TLC caregivers through the sitter app, visit our TLC/Sitter page.

The post The “Uber” of babysitting has just arrived in St. Louis! appeared first on TLC Family Care.

Here are some of the comments clients have shared with us:

• “Laura has been great. She has helped in every way. She has taken care of my newborn and has also now won over by very choosy toddler. My visit to Florida would have been very difficult without someone like Laura who is willing to help with everything and who is reliable. I would like to put her in my suitcase and take her back home with me “

• ” Erin was amazing! She far exceeded my expectations. I was a little worried about needing a sitter for 8 hours because that’s a long time and I was afraid the sitter might get worn out or frustrated after a while. Erin was so patient with the kids and kept them entertained the entire time. The biggest surprise for me was when I walked in the room and saw my 3 yr old was already in his pajamas and sleeping, and had been sleep since 9pm! Bedtime with him is a struggle, even for me! I feel triumphant if I can get him to bed before 11pm on weekends and even that requires a battle but Erin had no problem getting him to bed. My daughter is very picky about sitters and she loved Erin. She like her so much she even left the cutest note for me to find once I got back to the room. I thought it was very nice and a reflection of Erin’s great work so I attached it to the email for you to see.  My experience with TLC was amazing overall and I will definitely use the service again if the need arises!”

• ” Julie was wonderful. I’m actually going to be specifically requesting her on my future TLC needs.”

• ” Courtney was a fantastic nanny. I chatted with her for a while before we left, and I felt very comfortable leaving my son with her. She was warm and friendly and has a lot of newborn experience. My son has been having issues taking a bottle, and she even got him to successfully take down a couple ounces. I would highly recommend her and I hope to get her again. She also said wonderful things about TLC and the type of training she received through your service, making me even more confident booking a nanny through TLC again. “

If you are in need of a babysitter in St. Louis, Missouri or South Florida ��ë���˵��� here for you.  Our babysitters are experienced, screened and reliable.  To learn more about requesting a TLC sitter visit our website at tlcforkids.com.

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Chances are sometime this school year your kids will have sore throats, runny noses, fevers, or the flu and will need to stay home.   It is not easy for working parents to stay home from work when their child is sick.

In fact, A 2012 study by C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital found that 50% of today’s work force is worried about finding sick child care.

is here to help!  TLC temporary caregivers are available to take care of sick kids who can’t go to school or daycare.   If your school or daycare calls during the day and your child needs to come home let us know.  We can try to send someone over within a few hours.

If you need help after hours our Emergency Service Coordinators Sarah and Debbie are available until 9:45 pm Sunday through Thursday and start working again at 6:30 am Monday through Friday.

All TLC for Kids caregivers have experience working with children and have been screened by our professional staff.  Register with TLC at tlcforkids.com or call 314-725-5660 for the St. Louis, Mo. office and 305-256-5905 for the Florida office.

The post Back-Up Childcare Available in St. Louis appeared first on TLC Family Care.

offers many types of nanny positions (permanent, part-time, full-time, after-school, etc.), but we also offer temporary babysitting positions.  Our temporary jobs are great for students.

As a TLC temporary nanny, you have complete control over your own schedule—there is an online calendar where you write the hours you are available. The calendar lets the agency know when you are available, so when a family calls and requests a sitter from6pm-10pm on Thursday night, they know they can call you to take the job. This type of scheduling allows you to go to school, maintain your social life, volunteer, etc.

Another perk of being a TLC sitter is the pay:  a minimum of $12/hour (most of the families also tip their sitters). Plus, you always get paid for four hours of work, even if you only work for three. For example, if a family only needs a caregiver from 3pm-6pm, they are required to pay their sitter for four hours worth of work. You can also earn more money by taking multiple jobs a day. If you work for one family from 7:30-4:30, it is easy to get another job that goes from 5:30-10:30. The more you work for TLC for Kids, the more families start to request you and the more your income grows.

Not only is being a temporary babysitter profitable and flexible, but it is also a lot of fun! TLC for Kids caregivers are expected to show up to a job with a blue TLC for Kids bag packed with fun, age-appropriate activities for the kids. Most of the children know that TLC sitters bring cool games to their house, so when you arrive on the job the kids are very excited to play with you.

To become a TLC temporary sitter, you must be 18 years or older and have a minimum of three childcare references and an insured vehicle.

Apply online today to become a TLC babysitter!

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Obviously, you have to get your foot in the door by working for a couple of families before any of them will request you specifically the next time they call. What is it that makes a family remember a great babysitter and ask for you by name?

THE KIDS LOVE YOU. Kids who are old enough to speak will ask for you by name. I literally can hear kids screaming in the background when a couple of clients call. The mom will ask, “who do you want?” and the kids will yell the names of their favorite babysitters.  Mom and Dad will surely be more comfortable about leaving if they see a toddler take your hand to show you their favorite toys. It is very important to break the ice with the kids when you arrive, and keep up the fun while the parents are gone!

THE HOUSE IS PICKED UP WHEN THEY GET HOME. It isn’t always possible, due to time constraints, but do try to put in the extra effort. Parents love coming home to a tidy kitchen at the end of an evening out. We’re talking about 10 minutes to load the dishwasher, wipe down counters, and clean up the mac & cheese pot! I had one mom say lately that she loves a certain sitter, and her kids love her too, but it’s just not worth it because her house is a disaster when she comes home. This is one of the things that sets TLC sitters apart from the teenager down the street.

THEY BRING A FUN ACTIVITY PICKED OUT SPECIALLY FOR THE KIDS. This is one of the biggest things that wins over parents. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, but parents love it when you keep in mind the interests of a child and bring an art project, a special library book, or even a holiday craft or baking project in your TLC for Kids tote bag. Just be sure to OK things like this when you call to confirm, and clean up extra carefully as well! Empty-handed caregivers are NOT popular and usually get the day or evening off to a poor start.

YOU SOUND FUN AND “TOGETHER” ON THE PHONE. Remember, your initial phone call is your first chance to make a great impression! Call ON TIME (the evening you receive the job), call from a quiet area and at a time when you can concentrate 100% on the conversation. Be upbeat and perky.  Take careful notes and let the parent know you look forward to meeting their kids. I have actually had parents ask for a sitter to be replaced because she sounded “dead” on the phone! Also be prepared to answer questions about yourself and your background.

LEAVE A WHAT WE DID WHILE YOU WERE GONE SHEET. Make sure it lists all of the fun things you did! Keep careful notes if caring for an infant (feedings and diaper changes) or a sick child (food, drinks, medicine, mood, activity, and temperature.) Write a note saying you would love to come back to their house because you had a great time! Parents also love to hear funny things their kids said or did. Even better, they would love to see a cool art project that you helped with or a puzzle that you completed!

Do you have any babysitting tips and tricks that you have found get you requested back? Please share!

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was recently honored for our exceptional back-up care program! TLC has partnered with Bright Horizon’s to provide back up care for families in Florida and Missouri.  We are love being able to assist working families with their care needs and are honored to receive this recognition.  Recently TLC owners Sharon Graff-Radell and Stephanie Graff sat down with Bright Horizon’s to discuss what makes TLC stand out from other agencies.  You can read excerpts from the interview here.

TLC for Kids is a St. Louis-based organization with an expansion office located in South Florida. Co-owners Sharon Radall and Stephanie Graff are sisters who fully understand the difficulties of balancing work life and a growing family and who do everything they can to support the clients in their care.

TLC was chosen as this quarter’s agency spotlight because of its well-established relationship and rapport with office staff, and because of their caregivers who are singularly focused on making a great impression on families.

That focus, say the owners, begins with the hiring and training process. Prospective caregivers are asked careful questions about past caregiving experiences. They also receive detailed orientation and training, which includes best practices on engagement, expectations, and communication. Orientation is also an opportunity to review the required introductory phone call and the importance behind it, and to discuss how a caregiver can effectively interact with the family upon arrival, at day’s end (a “what we did for the day” note is essential), and throughout the day. During this time, caregivers also get activity goody bags that they’re required to bring to care sessions.

Maintaining engagement requires commitment from everyone. The office does its part by offering ongoing education, monthly newsletters covering hot topics, and occasional meetings and events designed to give the caregivers a platform to be heard. Such efforts help TLC develop their caregiver pools and strengthen the loyalty and commitment shown by everyone who works for them.

Stephanie and Sharon believe we are all a team striving towards quality care, “The caregivers are at the heart of what we do. TLC for Kids believes that caregivers need to feel important and hear feedback both positive and constructive. Good caregivers are a key component to success and should not be taken for granted.”

The TLC for Kids staff provides care for children, newborns and the elderly. All of our sitters are thoroughly screened and are trained to provide the highest quality care in the state. TLC for Kids is currently hiring in our South Florida and Tampa offices and in St. Louis, Missouri. If you are a nurturing caretaker looking for a rewarding job in Tampa, Miami or St. Louis caring for others visit our website at

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But how do you do this?

If you follow these steps, it’s easy. Trust me.

1. Ask Questions. When you first arrive to a new family’s home, it is common for them to ask you questions: What are you in school for? How long have you been with TLC? Parents ask these questions to get a better idea of who you are (and since they’re leaving their most precious people with you, it’s important they feel comfortable with you). But they also want to see if you fit in with their family. To show them you are invested in meeting their needs and understanding how their household runs, you can (and should) ask them questions too: How long have you been in St. Louis? Do you have a regular TLC nanny you use? Do you get a babysitter often? When they answer these questions, build off them. Here’s an example:

Nanny asks, “How long have you guys lived here?”

Parent says, “We’ve lived here for about 15 years. I got my masters at St. Louis University, so we’ve stayed put ever since.”

Nanny replies, “Oh, really? I’ve been thinking about going to SLU for graduate school. Did you like it?”

If you can find a commonality with the family, they’re more likely to remember you (and like you. After all, most friendships are based off common interests).

2. Be Aware of Your Surroundings. Doing temp work on the weekend is a fun job—the family asks you to come at 5, you play with the kids until they are in bed by 9, and you get to go home at 11. You’re only taking care of the kiddos for four hours, so what do you do for the two hours you have between 9 and 11? This two-hour block is your time to show the family why they want YOU to come back. Even if the parents didn’t ask for you to do any household duties, look around and see what can be done. Check if the dishwasher needs to be unloaded or reloaded. If there is a laundry basket sitting out in the living room, fold the clothes. Are the kids’ toys in tossed in a corner of the living room? Straighten and organize the toys. These tasks take approximately 10-15 minutes each to complete and the parents notice EVERY time. The parents come home to a spruced-up home and happy, sleeping kids—what more could they ask for?

3. Leave a Personalized Note. At the end of every job, you should be filling out your “What We Did While You Were Away” sheet. The bottom of the sheet has a spot for comments. This is your last opportunity to show the family why they should have you back. If the kids said something clever/funny/sweet, write it down. The parents want to know how much you enjoyed spending time with their bright little one. Or if you learned that the parents need sitters often when you were asking them questions at the beginning of the night (see step 1), write down your availability. These comments show the family you enjoyed your time with their children and you want to come back.

Following these steps will allow you to say goodbye to the anxiety and time spent waiting for a job. The TLC phones will be ringing with families asking for YOU.

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