charlotte nannies Archives - TLC Family Care

Keeping Kids Safe Online: Modern Tips for Internet Safety and Screen Time Management

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 08:08:00 +0000

In today’s digital age, monitoring your kids’ internet use by sitting with them is ideal but not always feasible. However, there are several internet safety rules you can teach them to ensure they stay safe online even when you’re not around. Here are some updated tips for managing screen time and ensuring internet safety:

Set Clear Screen Time Limits
Establish specific times for using the computer and explain why these limits are important. Encourage your kids to develop a sense of responsibility and self-discipline.
Keep Personal Information Private
Make sure your kids understand the importance of not sharing personal details like their name, home address, phone number, email, passwords, school information, and financial details. Online predators often target children who unknowingly disclose such information.
Avoid Online Gambling
Teach your kids about the risks of online gambling and why it’s important to stay away from it. Explain that gambling involves high risks and can lead to significant losses.
Use Nicknames Online
Encourage your kids to use pseudonyms or nicknames when chatting online or participating in forums to protect their identity.
Skip Online Contests and Surveys
Warn your kids about the dangers of filling out online contests, surveys, and registration forms. These often ask for personal information and can be used by spammers to gather email addresses.
Handle Emails with Caution
Teach your kids never to open, download attachments, or reply to emails from unknown senders. Explain that spammers can verify email addresses through replies and that attachments may contain harmful viruses.
Stick to Public Chat Rooms
Encourage your kids to stay in moderated public chat rooms and avoid private chats. This reduces the risk of encountering inappropriate behavior or harassment.
Seek Permission Before Meeting Online Friends
Make sure your kids know they must always ask for permission before meeting someone they’ve met online. Emphasize the importance of caution, as people may not be who they claim to be.
Verify Before Downloading
Teach your kids to check with you before downloading any programs, even if they come from reputable sites. Many downloads can include hidden spyware or viruses.
Report Disturbing Content
Encourage your kids to come to you immediately if they encounter any disturbing images or content online. Keeping open communication helps ensure their safety.

By teaching your children these essential internet safety rules, you can help them navigate the digital world more securely. Staying informed and vigilant about the latest online trends and threats is crucial for both parents and children. Ensuring a safe online environment is a continuous process, so keep the conversation going and make internet safety a regular topic in your household.

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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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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Top 5 Nanny Sites You Should Be Following

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 11:44:16 +0000

The nanny world is full of resources and information for nannies, parents and agencies. We’ve pulled together 5 of our favorites that we think you should be checking out for the information they provide.

. This is the only publication for nannies featuring advice, industry news, insights and inspiration. They offer and a with subscriber only content.
. The longest running nanny organization serving the in-home child care industry, INA bring together all aspects of this industry – nannies, newborn care specialists, parents, agencies, training programs and service providers. With to the , the INA has it covered. Check out their and their , happening May 2024 in Portland, OR.
provides continuing education for nannies and parents including Positive Discipline, and guidance from newborn to teens.
Nanny Care Hub. NCH is the site of industry advocate and veteran nanny Lora Brawley. Check out the blog of , and .
. The musings of two veteran nannies, Lora Brawley and Sue Downey, they bring hot topics in the industry straight to listeners everywhere.

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Tips on Finding a Nanny

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 12:28:44 +0000

Almost all busy, working parents need a nanny to take care of their child and, sometimes, their�� household chores. Finding a nanny is not an easy thing to do. ��ë��˵�� here to help navigate hiring a nanny. Before you start your search, here are some tips to get you ready:

When finding a nanny, you need to identify the number of hours that you will require the nanny to work. If you are that busy and if your schedule frequently changes, you should make sure that you will inform your nanny beforehand if you need her to stay with your child overtime so that she can make the necessary adjustments in her personal life. The nanny may feel taken advantage of if you are constantly requiring her to work more than the hours you agreed upon when you hired her.

It is important that you decide on the pay right from the start. Consider the amount that you can afford before finding a nanny. Be sure to take into consideration taxes, overtime, and overall costs associated with having a third person in your household. Ask people you know who have nannies how much pay they provide so you have a realistic basis. Live-in nannies get pay plus room and board. Some families allow nannies the use of a car and other perks such as gym membership, paid vacations and educational stipend.

When finding a nanny, you also need to consider the fact that you will become an employer so you need to take care of completing all of the necessary legal employment documents required by the government and pay all necessary taxes, Medicare and social security. Both you and your nanny will have to pay certain taxes. TLC can recommend a tax service to help you in your nanny employment.

In finding a nanny, it is important that you and the nanny are in the same page when it comes to disciplining your child so make sure to discuss with your prospects what is acceptable and what is not and be sure that all of your terms are understood. Also discuss goals for your child, educational aspects, and whether your nanny can take the child/children places outside the home – library, play groups, parks, zoo, etc.

Nannies require time off like any regular employee. At the same time, make sure to pay your nanny for overtime work or of you asked her to work during her supposed time off. If there is a need for the nanny to travel along with you and your family, you should cover all of her expenses plus her regular pay.

All the items we’ve discussed should be laid out in a work agreement signed by both the parents and the nanny.��

When you make an offer that shows a prospective nanny that you respect their profession and value their services enough to give them honest pay and good working schedule, then finding a nanny should come easy.

TLC can help when it comes time to hire your nanny. We meet each caregiver prior to placing them, and work with you and the nanny to find the best fit. Give us a call and find out how we can help you find the best caregiver for your family.

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Different Ways to Instill Responsibility in your Kids

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 11:57:19 +0000

Responsibility is always something that comes with a price. Part of the problem with a lot of situations and children today is that they simply don’t have the responsibility that they need to make good decisions and to do well in the world around them. There are many reasons for this, and there are many things that a parent can do in order to help their children learn more responsibility in the long run.��

First of all, the best way to teach a child responsibility is to model it. It is a proven fact that a child will respond best to what he sees around him. This means that as a child watches the way that you run your life and the things that you say and do to others, this is what they are going to learn. Therefore, if you are not responsible, and if you do things that you might not think are the best ways to do things, you will see that your child will model these behaviors as well. There are many times when you might find yourself faced with this type of choice – and you should know that the best way for you to get children to be responsible is to show them what it means to be responsible.

The other way that you can teach your children to be responsible is to start small. Many times when a parent feels that their child is ready for responsibilities, they shove many onto them at once. This creates a situation where a child has absolutely no idea of how to proceed with their responsibilities, and they might feel as if they have been totally overlooked. If you want to make your child responsible and teach them how to be so, you have to start out in ways that they can understand. Start with small projects and small tasks, and then work your way to the larger things. This is the best way that you can help your child be just as responsible as you need them to be. You cannot teach a child to be responsible by giving them so many tasks that they cannot see a way to be successful. Check out our for ideas the whole family can use when being more responsible with chores.

Therefore, you have to start small. Give a child one thing to do, and make sure that they do it. If, for some reason, they do not do what you have asked them to do, there should be a consequence that happens. Doing small projects with small consequences is the best way that you can make sure your children learn how to be responsible.

Remember that part of being responsible is wanting to take control of things and want to be the person who is in charge. Often, a small pet such as a fish or a hamster is a good way to teach a child to be responsible because they are fairly easy to care for and they are something that a parent can deal with if they need to. If your child wants a larger pet like a cat or a dog, you can start small and see how they handle the responsibility of that smaller pet. If they are able to take care of the smaller pet, you might find that they are ready for bigger responsibilities. Remember, a child will be more likely to show you what they are ready for, and they will be more likely to help you understand what they can and cannot do yet. So take your cues from them, know your children, and you will see that this is the best way for them to become responsible.

Finally, be sure and check out for ideas the whole family can use when being more responsible with chores.

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Is Make-Believe Healthy?

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 11:24:34 +0000

Young children take life literally. They view all situations as “good” or “bad.” Water is either “hot” or “cold.” Young children do not assign “degrees” to any situation, and in the young child’s world, everything is real. The three-year-old has absolutely no doubt that Sponge Bob or Dora the Explorer really exists. These characters are just as “real” to the child as Mommy and Daddy. Santa can circle the globe and visit every child on the planet in a single night and the Easter Bunny can deliver baskets of colored eggs just like Daddy can make the car go and Mommy can make food magically appear.��

In my opinion, make-believe is not only healthy, it is essential. Make believe helps a child to make sense of the world around him. He assigns his perceptions of a person, place, or thing with the help of make-believe.

There are those who advocate removing all make-believe from childhood. These experts tell us that make believe causes children to delay their perception of their reality. Shame on them! Too much “reality” isn’t good for adults much less little kids.

Grown-ups attend movies and plays and get caught up in the action on the screen or on the stage. Just for a moment, they believe what they are seeing and hearing. Adults, of course, can separate fact from fiction and fantasy from reality. Kids will learn to make those distinctions as they grow older. Meanwhile, that fantasy is helping them learn how to deal with life in a safe and nonthreatening way.

As long as the make-believe is healthy and doesn’t desensitize the child (make killing seem good and evil seem desirable), I see no harm in make-believe.

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Advantages for Using a Nanny Placement Agency

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 11:33:16 +0000

Working with a nanny placement agency is a great and effective way of finding an exceptional nanny for your family. The purpose of a nanny placement agency is to locate both nannies and families and match them.

Below are some benefits of going to a nanny placement agency:

• Going to a nanny placement agency saves a lot of time and effort for both the family and the nanny because of procedures (advertising, screening, recruiting and counseling) that are already tested.

• Most nanny placement agencies are well-established which draws more and more families and nannies into their lists. This improves the parents’ choices. TLC has been serving families for over 30 years!

• A nanny placement agency treats both families and nannies equally. They are considered clients that need each other.

• They have a contract for both the family and nanny.

• A nanny placement agency also serves as a counselor for both clients in case of problems.

• Placement agencies are also known for their customer service and competence of the nannies.

All nanny placement agencies have devised their own screening procedures. Other than this, they have a system for fees for registration and placement. What is so good about a nanny placement agency is that they also provide references before registering.

Below are the typical standards for recruitment:

* The nanny should have prior experience as a nanny or working exclusively with children. Most agencies require a minimum two years or more experience. Experience in teaching is a huge advantage.

* Today, many parents require that the nanny has received at least two years of college education. Before, a high school diploma was sufficient.

* Interviews are performed in person or video / Skype for long-distance applicants (both family and nanny). In-home interviews can also be requested.

* Applicants should have no criminal records.

Most applicants are also given a set of uniformed questionnaires during the interview that is very useful in evaluating all applicants. All applicants are screened to asses their individual personalities for nanny and family compatibility.

Fees are generally non-refundable due to the tedious processing of a placement. For this reason it is very important that parents and nannies are both realistic with their expectations and take the process seriously to get the most of the fees. Get as much information about the nanny placement agency as possible before signing up and make sure you are dealing with a credible company.

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 in Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Palm Beach, Sarasota, St. Louis, Tampa and more!. Reach us at��tlc@tlcforkids.com��or 314-725-5660.

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Brain Breaks for Kids and Why they are so Important

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 11:14:15 +0000

“It’s time to do homework.”��

This simple phrase is often dreaded by kids��and��parents. And it’s understandable.

With so many changes this year, including much more learning from home, parents want to��more than ever. But spending too much time on homework only seems to lead to distraction, frustration or exhaustion (or all of the above).

It might feel like a constant battle, and homework stress can lead to��Ի��for kids if you’re not careful.

That’s why��brain��breaks for kids��are so important for reducing stress and keeping kids motivated to learn!

Check out for more ideas to get the whole family moving.

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