1. Take Care of Your Body

Your body is your most important tool in this profession. You’re on your feet, lifting children, and staying active all day—don’t ignore the signals when it needs rest or support.
Here are a few ways to care for your physical health:

• Stretch for 5–10 minutes in the morning to wake up your muscles.

• Pack your own snacks with real fuel like fruit, nuts, and yogurt.

• Take walking breaks to move your body and reset your mind.

A healthy body supports your ability to care for others—and yourself.

2. Support Your Mental Health

Your emotional well-being is just as vital as your physical health. The job can come with stress, unpredictability, and emotional labor. That’s why daily mental wellness practices are a must.
Try these:

• Create a “quiet moment” routine with 10 minutes of mindfulness or journaling.

• Set digital boundaries—log off or mute work communications during your off hours.

• Talk it out with a friend, mentor, or professional counselor.

Mental clarity and emotional resilience are key to long-term success in this field.

3. Get Serious About Sleep

Sleep is not optional—it’s restorative and necessary for clear thinking, energy, and emotional regulation.
Start by making small adjustments:

• Establish a calming bedtime routine with no screens before bed.

• Keep your bedtime consistent, even on weekends.

• Use essential oils like lavender to create a peaceful environment.

When you sleep well, you show up better—for yourself and the children in your care.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore the importance of nutrition and boundaries in maintaining long-term wellness as a nanny.

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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.

The post 5 Ways Nannies Can Prioritize Their Health & Wellness (Part 1) appeared first on TLC Family Care.

At TLC Family Care, we want to make sure both nannies and families are well-prepared and informed. Here’s a guide with important fire prevention tips and safety measures to keep in mind this month and all year long.

1. Check Smoke Alarms Regularly

Smoke alarms are your first line of defense in case of a fire, but they need regular maintenance to work properly.

• Test smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button to ensure they are working.
• Replace batteries twice a year, or when you hear a low battery beep.
• Make sure there’s a smoke alarm on every level of the home, and especially near bedrooms.

Tip for Nannies: Check with the parents to confirm that all smoke alarms are functioning, and ask when they were last tested.

2. Create and Practice a Fire Escape Plan

In the event of a fire, every second counts. Ensure your family has a clear escape plan and that everyone knows what to do.

• Designate two exits from each room, such as doors and windows.
• Practice crawling low under smoke and feeling doors for heat before opening them.
• Set a family meeting spot outside that’s a safe distance from the home (like a mailbox or a neighbor’s house).

Tip for Nannies: Make sure you know the family’s fire escape plan and practice it with the children. During babysitting shifts, always be aware of exit routes in case of an emergency.

3. Be Cautious with Candles and Open Flames

Candles can add ambiance and scent to a home, but they also pose a fire risk, especially when left unattended.

• Never leave candles burning in a room without supervision, and always blow them out before leaving the room.
• Place candles in sturdy holders and away from curtains or anything flammable.
• Consider using battery-operated flameless candles as a safer alternative.

Tip for Families with Children: Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children and teach them about fire safety.

4. Use Kitchen Safety Precautions

Cooking is a leading cause of house fires. Whether you’re preparing a meal or a snack, it’s important to follow some basic kitchen safety rules.

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking, especially when using the stovetop.
• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove to prevent spills and burns.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and make sure you know how to use it. (Check that it’s not expired!)
• Never use water to put out a grease fire—cover the pan with a lid instead.

Tip for Nannies: If you’re cooking while watching children, keep them away from the stove and use back burners when possible.

5. Be Prepared for an Emergency

Even with the best prevention efforts, accidents can still happen. Having an emergency kit and a clear plan will help you act quickly if needed.

• Have a fire extinguisher on each level of the home, especially in the kitchen.
• Ensure all family members, including older children and nannies, know how to use the extinguisher.
• Make sure children understand that if there’s a fire, they should “get out, stay out, and call for help”—never hide or go back inside the house.
• Teach kids how to call 911 and what to say in an emergency.

Tip for Families: Regularly review fire safety rules with your children to ensure they know what to do, and involve your nanny in these discussions.

6. Be Fire-Wise with Heating Systems

As the weather cools, we start using heating systems and space heaters, which can increase the risk of fires.

• Have your heating system inspected each year by a professional to ensure it’s working safely.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable, and never leave them on unattended.
• Use fireplace screens to prevent embers from escaping, and ensure chimneys are cleaned regularly.

Conclusion

Fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility, and by taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of fires in your home. Nannies play a crucial role in ensuring children’s safety, and by working together with families, we can create a safer environment for everyone.

At TLC Family Care, we believe in the importance of fire safety education. Whether you’re a parent or a nanny, make sure to review these tips during Fire Prevention Month and practice them regularly throughout the year. Together, we can keep our families safe and secure.

Stay safe, everyone!

Additional Resources:

• U.S. Fire Administration – Fire Safety Tips for Families

For more safety tips and child care resources, visit TLC Family Care today!

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1. Bubble Bath Costume

Turn your child into the cutest bubble bath around! All you need is a white t-shirt, white balloons (for bubbles), and a shower cap. Attach the balloons to the shirt using tape or safety pins. Add a rubber ducky and a loofah for an extra adorable touch!
Tip: This costume is light and comfy, perfect for toddlers and preschoolers!

2. DIY LEGO Block

Transform your child into their favorite LEGO block with this simple, fun DIY costume. All it takes is a cardboard box, some round containers (like yogurt cups), and spray paint. Cut holes for arms and a head, glue the containers to the box, and spray paint it in your kiddo’s favorite color.
Bonus: It’s great for kids who love to build and create!

3. Pizza Slice

Is your little one obsessed with pizza? Turn them into a walking slice! Craft a giant pizza slice using foam or cardboard, then paint it with “toppings” like pepperoni, cheese, and veggies. Attach strings to wear it like a sandwich board.
Pro Tip: You can turn this into a family costume by making each member a different pizza topping or food item!

4. Zoo Keeper with Stuffed Animal Friends

This easy costume lets your child dress up as a zookeeper, complete with a collection of stuffed animals! Dress them in khaki shorts, a button-up shirt, and a safari hat. Attach small stuffed animals to their costume with clips or safety pins to create their own mini zoo!
Bonus: If you already have a stuffed animal collection at home, this costume is quick and cost-effective.

5. Traffic Light

Help your little one stand out with this creative and colorful costume! All you need is a black t-shirt and three felt circles in red, yellow, and green. Attach the circles vertically to the shirt, and you’ve got a walking traffic light.
Idea: Pair this with a cardboard car for siblings or friends to make a fun, interactive group costume!

Halloween Fun for All Ages!
These creative costumes are sure to make your child the star of the night without spending a fortune. With a bit of DIY magic and imagination, you can turn Halloween into a fun and memorable experience for the whole family.

Don’t forget to take lots of pictures of your little ones in their awesome costumes! If you try any of these ideas, be sure to tag us on social media. We’d love to see your creations!

Happy Halloween from TLC Family Care!

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How much notice should a nanny give?

It is typically advised to offer a notice period ranging between two to four weeks upon resigning as a nanny. However, reviewing the terms outlined in your employment agreement is key. This timeframe affords the family ample time to arrange alternative childcare solutions and facilitates a seamless transition for the children in your care. The provision of substantial notice underscores your respect for the employer and underscores your dedication to the family’s well-being.

However, circumstances may arise where adhering strictly to the two to four weeks’ notice is impractical or inadvisable. Instances involving immediate health or safety concerns demand prioritizing the well-being of both yourself and the children. In such cases, be honest and communicate the situation to your employer, emphasizing the necessity for an immediate departure.

Key Principles for Nannies When Giving Notice

When it comes to resigning from your nanny position, it’s essential to adhere to certain best practices:

• Face-to-face communication: Schedule a meeting in person to discuss your decision with your employer. This direct approach encourages open conversation, allowing any concerns to be addressed promptly and fostering a respectful connection.
• Written notification: After the face-to-face conversation, formalize your resignation by providing a written notice. This document serves as an official record of your departure and should be written professionally and succinctly. Express appreciation for the opportunity and briefly explain your reasons for leaving. Offer your assistance during the transition to help find a suitable replacement.
• Timely communication: Inform your employer of your decision as soon as possible. Providing early notice gives your employer adequate time to make arrangements for your replacement and demonstrates your professionalism and thoughtfulness.

Sustaining Professionalism Throughout the Transition Period

As you navigate through the notice period, maintaining professionalism and honoring your commitments remains essential. Here are some pointers to keep in mind:

• Consistent Work Ethic: Stay dedicated to providing excellent care and assistance to the children until your departure date. This ensures that the family’s routine remains intact and the children’s welfare is upheld.
• Clear Communication: Be open to discussing the transition process with your employer and offer assistance to the new nanny, if needed. Share important details about the children’s schedules, preferences, and any other relevant information to facilitate a smooth transition.
• Respect for Privacy: Maintain confidentiality regarding any confidential information you have acquired during your time with the family, respecting their privacy at all times.
• Positive Goodbye: As you bid farewell on your final day, express gratitude to the family for the opportunity to work with them. Offer well wishes for their future endeavors and convey appreciation for the time spent together.

Leaving a nanny position is a big step, and giving notice is a key part of the process. By giving ample notice, using effective communication, and staying professional during the transition, you can make sure your departure is smooth and leaves a positive impression of your commitment and professionalism.

Every exit from a nanny role is a chance to build a strong professional reputation and form valuable connections in the industry. If you part ways amicably, you’ll be ready to embrace new and rewarding opportunities in your nanny career.

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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1. Take stock of your surroundings. All those new toys and books that arrived but nowhere to put them? Discuss with the parents a plan to “Keep, Donate or Trash” old items and create new play spaces, e-learning spaces, reading nooks and quiet space. Get the kids involved and make it a special, fun project.
2. Communicate. Communicate. Communicate. Consider a daily diary for writing out your day, concerns, observations, events and more. is a great tool made by nannies for nannies for this exact purpose!
3. Review time. When was the last time you had a review with your employers? What is working? What isn’t? Set up a time to sit down and discuss. can help address certain areas of concern or prepare for what’s coming up.
4. Make self-care a priority for 2024. Take up a new hobby. Pick a day to unplug – literally. No phones, social media. Read a book, binge on Netflix. Reconnect with friends and family. Send cards with handwritten notes. Make a phone call vs texting or emailing to a loved one. Book a day at the spa or a weekend away with your besties, fly in and surprise a loved one. Make it a point to do something for yourself each month and make yourself a priority in 2024.
5. Invest in your education. Whether you’ll be staying for a long while or looking for a new job this year, continuing education is vital to a nanny’s career. Consider an online course, subscribe to for current news and articles. How about a webinar hosted by Zero to Three or NAEYC? Or check out the , or ?

According to the :
Experience and education affect a nanny’s hourly pay rate
+More experience and/or more education means higher hourly rate
+Those completing & get higher hourly rate

If your new year means a new job, we’d love to hear from you and help you start the new year off right with the perfect job.

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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 website, contact us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or call 314-725-5660.

The post 5 Steps to Kick Off the New Year Right in Your Job�� appeared first on TLC Family Care.

Caring for children with special needs mean facing many obstacles and challenges that can be difficult at times. These children need extra attention that can take up much of your time. There are numerous hours required for medical appointments and hospitals visits and some children even require regular therapy sessions.

When you are caring for a child with special needs you not only have to consider the present but you must also think about the future. What will happen to that child if you were to become sick or if you are involved in an accident? As you age you may no longer be physically able to care for them but they may still need assistance. As important as the here and now is, the future must be considered.

Part of planning for the future includes taking steps to teach that child as much as they are capable of learning now. You will work with them to help them achieve independence and teach them the basic skills needed to survive but that still may not be enough. It will depend on their disabilities and they may always need someone to be there and help care for them. Take the time now to plan for the future and it will help to relieve some of your worries.

Resources for Special Needs

What resources exist for children with special needs? When your child was diagnosed with a disability or other issue, you were probably told then that there are many resources available for special needs. But you may be surprised to find out how many different options really exist for you out there. Search for resources for special needs with:

• Doctors
• Therapists
• School
• Online resources
• Online support groups
• Local support groups
• Books
• Videos/ DVDs
• Other parents and caregivers

These are just a few of many places you may be able to find more info about your child’s special need and what is available to help you.

When you are caring for a child with special needs don’t hesitate to use any of the resources designed for children with special needs. It’s a difficult task and no one expects you to go it alone. You should never feel like you have to deal with it all on your own, especially when there are so many people out there who know what you’re going through and so many resources to make it easier.

Seeking Help with Special Needs

As a parent, the more you learn about special needs and what options are available to you, the better prepared you will be to give your child the help they need and deserve. Don’t hesitate to seek help with the special needs of the one in your care. There are people out there more qualified and more experienced than you in this type of problem and they can help show you the ropes and gives you hints, tips and ideas for how to better care for your child.

As a parent or caregiver for a child with special needs you will spend countless hours worrying about your child and doing all that you can to comfort them. Many people spend sleepless nights simply listening and watching over the child so they will be right there in the event they are needed during the night.

Parents and caregivers of children with special needs display extraordinary strength and courage when caring for these kids. They focus all of their attention on the child and do all they can to nurture and protect them in every way. In the end, the most important thing is that you give your child the best opportunities available, regardless of what types of special needs they may have. In the end, caring for children with special needs can be one of the most rewarding experiences you ever have.

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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1. Apply! Our application is straightforward and accessible online here. Be as accurate and thorough as possible so we can get a good sense of who you are.
2. Interview with one of our staff members – it’s important to us that we get to know you as you move through the application process.
3. Help us finalize your file. This includes any certifications you have, like CPR or first-aid, letters of recommendation, and background checks.
4. Attend Orientation! Once we have interviewed and screened you, we will invite you to attend an orientation so you can become more familiar with our policies as an agency.

It’s as simple as that! Once you’ve been hired on, we’ll match you with families and get you started. Learn more and start the process at this page. We look forward to working with you!

P.S. Don’t forget – TLC caregivers must be eighteen or older; have a high school diploma or GED; be able to provide your own vehicle and valid driver’s license; be eligible to work in the U.S.; be willing to provide a clean police record check; and be able to give TLC at least three verifiable childcare references. Contact us with any questions!

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TLC for Kids Miami has professional babysitters ready to come to your hotel.���� Our hotel babysitters are reliable, mature and experienced.�� They��arrive at��the hotel ready to play with a bag of age appropriate toys for your kids.�� Along the coast we service hotels like The Ritz Carlton Fort Lauderdale and The Breakers in Palm Beach.�� In Miami our experienced sitters can come to The Fontainebleau and The Trump Doral among other popular Miami hotels.

To book your��South��Florida��hotel babysitter contact us at 305-256-5905 or ask the hotel concierge to contact TLC for Kids.

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First, let’s review a few things you should do before starting.�� Prior to a nanny position starting both parties (kids included)should meet�� in the�� home.�� Employers should go through the house with the nanny.�� It is always helpful to learn as much about the position as possible.

After making sure this is a good fit you are ready to negotiate a contract. TLC For Kids requires that every nanny position have an agreed upon contract signed prior to the start date.�� Having a contract is great way to open the lines of communication and with a contract in hand there will be no surprises down the road.

Nannies DON’T be afraid when the family asks for you to sign the contract- look at it as your friend and ally.�� If the family doesn’t have a contract you should ask them to provide one.

Families DON”T think that asking the nanny to sign a contract will scare her off.�� A contract is the best way to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Contracts should be review periodically throughout the year.�� A midyear and end of the year review is recommended as well as an immediate review if circumstances change (for example the parents separate or a new arrival).

If you have any other questions on contracts or if you need a sample contract please contact our Placement Coordinator Jessica at Jessica@tlcforkids.com.

TLC For Kids, Inc��has been��St. Louis’ premiere nanny and babysitting agency�� for over 25 years.���� TLC For Kids dedicated staff is ready to assist you in finding nannies, tutor’s, newborn care specialists, sitters and more.�� Reach us at info@tlcforkids.com or 314-725-5660.

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