childcare jobs Archives - TLC Family Care

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.

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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Spring Break Backup Care – Stress-Free Childcare Solutions for Busy Families

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 12:32:00 +0000

Spring Break is a time for kids to relax, but for working parents, it can be a logistical challenge. If you need reliable backup care while school is out, ��ë��˵��is here to help!

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!

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Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.: Teaching Kids About Equality and Social Justice

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 12:15:00 +0000

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a time to honor the legacy of a man who dedicated his life to fighting for equality and justice. It’s also an opportunity to educate children about the importance of these values and inspire them to contribute to a more inclusive society. Here’s how you can teach kids about equality and social justice in meaningful and age-appropriate ways.

Understanding MLK’s Legacy

Begin by introducing children to Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and achievements. Explain his role in the Civil Rights Movement and his efforts to end racial segregation and promote equality. Use age-appropriate books, videos, and discussions to convey his message of peace and justice.

Engaging Activities

Incorporate engaging activities to make learning about MLK’s legacy interactive and memorable. Consider organizing a craft project where children create posters with messages of equality and kindness, or host a family discussion where everyone shares what they have learned and how they can apply these principles in their daily lives.

Reading Together

There are numerous children’s books that beautifully convey the themes of equality and social justice. Books like “Martin’s Big Words” by Doreen Rappaport and “I Am Martin Luther King Jr.” by Brad Meltzer provide valuable lessons through inspiring stories. Reading together not only educates children but also opens the door for meaningful conversations about these important topics.

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

Use MLK Day as an opportunity to promote diversity and inclusion within your community. Participate in local events or volunteer as a family at organizations that support marginalized communities. Encouraging children to engage with diverse groups and learn about different cultures fosters empathy and a broader understanding of the world.

Modeling Respect and Kindness

Children learn by example, so it’s essential to model respect and kindness in your daily interactions. Treat others with fairness, stand up against discrimination, and practice inclusivity in your own actions. By demonstrating these values, you instill a sense of responsibility in your children to contribute positively to society.

Looking Ahead

Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. By educating the next generation about his life and work, we can inspire them to continue his mission and create a more just and inclusive world.

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Embracing New Beginnings: Fresh Starts for Your Family in the New Year

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 14:06:47 +0000

The New Year is a time of reflection and renewal, offering a unique opportunity for families to set new goals and embrace fresh starts. As we turn the page to 2025, it’s important to focus on creating positive changes and meaningful traditions that strengthen family bonds and foster a sense of togetherness.

Setting Meaningful Goals

Begin by setting family goals that promote growth and happiness. These could range from health and wellness objectives, such as incorporating more outdoor activities, to educational aspirations like reading together every night. Involve everyone in the goal-setting process to ensure that each family member feels invested and motivated.

Creating New Traditions

New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be limited to individual goals. Establishing new family traditions can create lasting memories and bring everyone closer. Consider starting a monthly family game night, planning annual trips to explore new places, or even volunteering together in your community. These traditions provide a sense of continuity and shared experience that strengthens family connections.

Nurturing Positive Habits

January is the perfect time to introduce positive habits that can improve daily life. Encourage open communication, establish healthy routines, and prioritize quality time together. Simple practices, such as having dinner together without distractions, can make a significant difference in fostering a supportive and loving home environment.

Supporting Each Other

Change can be challenging, especially for children. Be patient and offer support as your family adjusts to new routines and goals. Celebrate small victories and provide encouragement during setbacks. Remember, the journey towards new beginnings is a collective effort that requires understanding and cooperation.

Looking Ahead

As you embark on this new year, keep in mind that the most important aspect of setting goals and creating new traditions is to enjoy the journey together. Embrace the opportunities that 2025 brings, and cherish the moments of growth and connection with your loved ones.

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Teach Your Children the Importance of Giving

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 12:03:00 +0000

Everyone says that it’s better to give than to receive. But, it can be easy to lose sight of this during the holiday season, especially for kids. So much of the Christmas season is focused on toys and presents, kids tend to catch a case of the “gimmies.” Are you having a hard time teaching your kids about how important it is to give? If so, here are a few ways you can encourage them to be more giving, during the holidays and beyond.

Start with a Small Act

Many people have a hard time getting motivated to give because they feel like their��contribution won’t matter in the long run. Prove to your kids that every little bit counts when it comes to donating either time or resources. Look for someone in your community that your kids can help with something like yard work or other chores around the house.

Don’t forget to reward them for their good deeds and show them the ways that even a small act of kindness can be a big help to someone. That way, they’ll probably more willing (and excited) to help the next time.

Set a Good Example

Kids often want to follow in the footsteps of their parents. If you want your kids to pick up on how important it is to give, make sure that you practice a bit of giving yourself. Let them see you putting aside time to help others or donating to a charitable organization. Remember, it’s sometimes more difficult to get your kids to want to give when they’ve never seen you do so. All it takes is once, to set a good example.

Find Other Kids

It will be easier for your kids to connect with the idea of giving if they’re involved in a project with their peers. Look for opportunities like food banks or toy drives in your community. Check to see if they allow children to participate in their programs. If there aren’t any kid-friendly charitable organizations in your area, consider taking it upon yourself to organize a volunteer event. You also have the option of seeking out online charities or volunteer organizations that kids can relate to.

Make Them Feel Empowered

The greatest motivator for giving is the feeling that you can make a difference. If you want your children to feel good about giving, make them feel good about themselves. Let them know that the things they have to say are important and encourage them to incorporate their talents into giving back to others. If they feel empowered, they’ll feel like they definitely can and will make a difference.

If you practice the act of giving on a regular basis, you make a habit out of generosity and charity. This is especially true of kids, who are growing up and developing into the people they will be later in life. Talk to your children about how important it is to give today and they will almost certainly make you proud of their compassion in the future.

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Creating Family Traditions

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 12:52:32 +0000

What are some good ideas for creating family traditions? Here are some ideas based on the holiday. These can be useful to get you started but remember that your own family traditions can be whatever you want and they don’t have to be centered around a holiday at all. Part of the fun of a family tradition is that it is yours and you can do whatever you want.

• Create your own special day or holiday such as “unbirthdays” or “family day”
• Never go to bed without saying I love you
• Have a special birthday meal whenever a family member has a birthday
• On Saturdays, everyone cooks breakfast together
• Have a monthly movie day where you watch movies that explore traditions
• Sing a special birthday song made up by the family
• Keep a family journal and let everyone write in it
• Make a scrapbook for every family vacation
• Always eat dinners together as a family and talk about your day
• Take turns choosing topic of discussion at dinner

These are just some ideas for creating family traditions. You can use these to boost your own ideas and be sure to ask your family members to think of their own. You can have everyone write down their ideas for traditions and then vote as a family on the ones you want to make happen.

Ideas for Passing on Family Traditions

When it comes to passing on family traditions, there are many ideas here as well. The most important thing to remember is to remain consistent. It’s important to do something over and over again each time to become tradition. If your family does not seem enthusiastic about it right away, you will have to help motivate them by being consistent.

For example, hold an event every year at the same time and continue to encourage the family to participate. Remain positive about it even if others do not and always continue even if only a few show up. By doing this consistently and with enthusiasm, others will begin to join in and the tradition will continue. As soon as all parties give up and miss an event, the tradition dies along with any enthusiasm to do it.

Holiday Traditions

Here are some holiday traditions that we enjoy and might help you get started:

• Volunteer at a homeless shelter for Thanksgiving or Christmas
• Collect or make an ornament each year at Christmas
• Have Thanksgiving dinners together with everyone helping to make a dish
• Have the children dress up as pilgrims and Indians on Thanksgiving
• Re-enact holiday events or perform a small skit as a family
• Act out the Christmas story
• Make cookies and milk for Santa
• Leave shoes outside for “baby New Year” to fill with goodies
• Create family New Year resolutions together

These ideas should help you with creating and passing on family traditions of your own. Whether you have your own family now or hope to one day soon, we hope that you will explore these options and ideas for family traditions. The memories you will create together as a family will last a lifetime.

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Seamless Childcare Solutions with TLC Family Care: Your Trusted Partner for Daycare Staffing

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 11:04:00 +0000

In the fast-paced world of daycare centers, church nurseries, and schools, ensuring consistent, quality care for children is a top priority. However, staffing shortages can strike without warning, leaving you scrambling to maintain the high standards your community expects. That’s where ��ë��˵��steps in, offering reliable and exceptional childcare staffing solutions to keep your operations running smoothly.

Daycare Substitutes On Demand

Unexpected absences or surges in demand? No problem. ��ë��˵��provides experienced and qualified substitutes at a moment’s notice, ensuring your daycare center remains a safe and nurturing environment for the children in your care. Our dedicated pool of professionals is ready to seamlessly integrate into your team, maintaining continuity and quality without skipping a beat.

Quality You Can Trust

At TLC Family Care, we pride ourselves on delivering only the best. Our rigorous screening process ensures that every substitute we provide is not just qualified but exceeds the industry standards. Each candidate undergoes comprehensive background checks, face-to-face interviews, and evaluations of their childcare skills, knowledge, and philosophy. You can trust that our team members are fully equipped to uphold the high standards of your center.

Flexible Staffing Tailored to Your Needs

No two daycare centers are alike, and neither are their staffing needs. Whether you need a last-minute substitute, a temporary replacement during extended leave, or additional staff to meet seasonal demands, ��ë��˵��offers flexible solutions designed to adapt to your unique requirements. We work closely with you to ensure that the staffing solutions we provide perfectly align with the needs of your center.

Why Partner with TLC Family Care?

– **Quick Response Time:** We understand the urgency of staffing needs, especially in the childcare industry. Our quick response ensures you’re never left short-handed.
– **Experienced and Qualified Substitutes:** Our thorough vetting process guarantees that your children are cared for by skilled and trustworthy professionals.
– **Flexible Staffing Solutions:** Whether your needs are ongoing, as-needed, or last-minute, we have the right solution for you.
– **Seamless Transitions:** Our substitutes are trained to integrate effortlessly into your existing team, minimizing disruption and maintaining a stable environment for the children.

Tailored Childcare Staffing Across Various Settings

TLC Family Care’s services extend beyond daycare centers. We also provide staffing solutions for preschools, religious organizations, health clubs, and resort kids’ clubs. No matter the setting, our commitment to quality and reliability remains the same.

Ready to Partner with Us?

Don’t let unexpected staffing shortages disrupt your daycare’s operation. Partner with ��ë��˵��for reliable, immediate, and qualified substitutes who can keep your center running smoothly. Contact us today to discuss how we can tailor our services to meet the unique needs of your center.

With TLC Family Care, you can trust that your children are in the best hands, even when your regular staff is unavailable. Let us be your go-to solution for seamless, flexible, and high-quality childcare staffing.

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Six Back-to-School Lunchbox Ideas

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 11:54:00 +0000

It’s time for your child to head back to school. You roll your eyes, because that means coming up with a new lunch five times a week, for the rest of the school year. What’s a parent to do? Here are some ideas for creative and healthy lunchbox ideas that you can send to school with your child.

Bento Boxes

Bento boxes are originally from Japan, and they are a very creative way to serve your child food. There are containers especially made for this purpose, or else you can simply use a variety of boxes in an assortment of sizes that you already have.

Bento box food is generally shaped to look like flowers, animals or cartoon characters. The sky is the limit as far as creativity. There are plenty of websites dedicated solely to this artistic endeavor. Check them out and make your child’s lunch fun each and every day.

Pasta

Pasta is an easy and quick lunchbox idea. Make a batch early in the week and then load it up with various vegetables and sauces to make many different options. You can pair spaghetti noodles with green peas and Parmesan, or add broccoli and a simple yet delicious tomato sauce to pasta shells.

Sandwiches

Sandwiches have been an old lunch standby for as long as most of us can remember, but they are not to be scoffed at. There is almost nothing you cannot add between two pieces of bread that does not automatically become delicious. From peanut butter to BLTs, sandwiches filled the lunch boxes of our own childhood and continue to do so for our children.

Keep them fresh by storing any vegetables or other moist food in a separate container, so your child can put it all together directly before consuming it. Add new tastes to expand your child’s palate and prevent boredom, such as wasabi or sriracha mayo.

Veggie Burritos

Why not turn an old favorite into a new lunch idea for your school-age child? Veggie burritos are easy to make and easy to store. What’s not to love about that? Simply choose a type each of beans, veggies, cheese and sauce, and then wrap it up. Your child will never get tired of all the options and combinations available.

Soup

Soup is another great lunchbox standby. With all the thermoses and container options out there, it is easy to find something to keep it in, even keeping it warm until being eaten. A broth filled with numerous kinds of vegetables such as cauliflower, carrots, broccoli, zucchini and onions is healthy and lasts well in a lunchbox. Simply add a piece of bread and a few cheese sticks for a healthy, well-rounded meal.

Salads

Salad is a great lunch option, and it does not have to be boring. Load it up with chickpeas, nuts, seeds, and top it off with a healthy dressing for a lunch your child will thank you for. There are now salad storage containers sold even at the big box stores that have special compartments to fit all the components of the salad – even tiny squeeze bottles for the dressing.

With all the options available, there is no reason for your child to get bored with their school lunches. Thanks to a variety of storage options, your child’s lunch can safely wait for lunch break and not even go bad. Fill up your child’s lunchbox with healthy meals to keep your child fueled all day long.

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Helping your Preschooler with Separation Anxiety

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 11:55:19 +0000

It is common for kids, especially preschoolers, to suffer from separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is�� hard on both the child and the parents. Trust me I know, I have lived through it.�� Whether it was taking my children to school, a birthday party or a leaving them with a babysitter they cried. Leaving them was hard but leaving them when they are crying was even harder. Thankfully, I don’t have these problems anymore. Now when I leave them with a TLC ��babysitter they wave goodbye��with a smile on their face and start playing.

Here��are some tips from ��Dr. Laura Horsch , a child psychologist in Menlo Park, California on helping your kids deal with separation anxiety.

1.�� It’s important for parents to keep their morning goodbyes consistent and short. “Lingering in response to crying or tantruming may inadvertently reinforce those behaviors,” explains Horsch.�� The rule of thumb in such situations is to strive for a short goodbye process.

2. “Parents are encouraged to prepare their children for what to expect, acknowledge their child’s feelings, engage their child in a goodbye ritual (for example, hug, wave, etc.), and reassure their child that they will return,” she says.

3.�� And it’s crucial for parents to talk openly with their children about their feelings. Read a book about kids going off to school or Mommy going to work��and then discuss with your child. And remind them that Mommy or Daddy will always come back to get them.

Horsch reminds parents that being tearful before��mom or dad leave is��common and natural. “Remember that these challenges are likely a normative part of healthy child development. These experiences are part of a child’s building resilience and emotion regulation.”

And she adds that there is almost always a silver lining: “Most children calm down quickly and enjoy their day shortly after their parents’ departure.”

To read the complete article and interview with Dr. Horsch click

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Back to School Checklist

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 11:58:32 +0000

Families everywhere are getting ready for the beginning of the new school year.�� Here are some helpful tips from Good Morning America parenting expert Ann Pleshette Murphy so you can be prepared for the first day.

1. Start readjusting to a school-year bedtime now.

2. Hang a family calendar and color-code everyone’s activities.

3. Gather all school forms as they arrive.

4. Book babysitters now for your school’s parents’ night and other dates when they’ll be in-demand.�� Call TLC for Kids to help with all your babysitting needs.

5. Create a family station where you can find what you need as you head out the door.

6. Set up an in/out box for school forms.

7. Look at online organizational websites.

8. Discuss goals for the year.

9. Institute a night quiet hour.

10. Reach out to your child’s teacher.

Good luck on the first day.

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