Newborn services 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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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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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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Helping Kids Adjust to The End of Daylight Savings Time

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 11:38:53 +0000

Daylight Savings time ends this Sunday, November 6th. Most of us will “fall back” our clocks for an extra hour of sleep.�� However, for most little kids this means an early rising. A child that wakes up at 6:30am ��will now be waking up at 5:30am. Not the extra hour we parents need and look forward to!!��

Here are a few things you can do to help your little one adjust to the time change. For more information on kids adjusting to the time change or sleep training your baby visit the blog.

1. Make naps a priority. One key to a good night’s sleep is a well-rested baby. Keeping naps on schedule and giving your baby plenty of daylight in between naps will help with the adjustment.

2. Keep your bedtime routine consistent. Keeping your same bedtime routine will help your little one know it’s time for bed. Kids thrive on consistency and keeping with the routine is soothing to them.

3. Morning walks. If possible get outside and go for a walk in the morning. If it’s too cold to go outside open up the curtains and sit in the sunshine.

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4 Car Safety Tips for Nannies to Follow

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 11:32:00 +0000

As a nanny, you’re not only investing in your childcare career, you’re also investing in the well-being and safety of someone else’s children. Your responsibility is to provide maximum care and the most hazard-free environment, which may include traveling via car.��

You may prefer to use your own vehicle for your job because you’re more comfortable and secure driving. But you’ll want to ensure your clients that your car is well-equipped to safely transport��children with as minimal risk as possible. Here’s some guidance to follow if you choose to use your personal car to shuttle kids to and from as a nanny.

Establish Guidelines with Parents

Your clients entrust you to safeguard their children in their absence, which means you’ll both want to create a plan in advance to��prevent surprises or accidents��as much as possible, including these adhering to these steps.

Set up a work agreement with policies that include expectations on gas, parking ticket payment, limitations on how far the children can be driven and trip documentation.
Establish car safety standards, such as proper vehicle maintenance, secure car seats and liability insurance.
Discuss work-related reimbursements based upon the��; these reimbursements may cover transportation for school, activities, errands, shopping, etc.
Agree on ways to keep kids busy in the car to help prevent crying or outbursts that can dangerously distract. This may include movies video games, books or car games

Find a Car with Top Family-Safety Features

If you’re just beginning as a nanny, you may want to invest in a family-friendly car to support your long-term career and appear as an attractive nanny candidate.��U.S. News & World Report��released its�� that fit all budgets and lifestyles. Your best bet? Choose a multi-purpose car or SUV that can serve both work and your personal life.

Invest in Quality Tires, Learn How to Change a Flat

Without proper tire maintenance or replacements, a tire is doomed to go flat. A flat tire can become a complicated situation with a newborn or toddler in the car, especially since it shouldn’t be driven on. If you get on, you should pull over immediately. AutoGuide.com explains that driving on a flat can lead to��, resulting in risky vehicle handling and loss of control. Poor control can ultimately cause an accident or injury to passengers.

In case of an emergency, learn how to change a tire or invest in a AAA membership that allows you to receive free roadside assistance.��Consumer Reports��also offers a��highlighting tips on tire types, tread wear and tire-pressure monitoring systems when searching for��brand-new, high-performance tires.

Maintain Your New Car with Regular Upkeep

Properly maintaining your vehicle ensures top reliability, supports longevity and helps reduce wear and tear.��recommends following these three top tasks:

Check the engine oil regularly for an oil leak or deficiency.
Check tire air pressure and inspect tires for premature, uneven or abnormal wear and tear.
Wash your vehicle routinely to remove dirt, debris and any interior trash accumulated from caravanning kids.

You may also want to schedule an appointment with a mechanic who can provide an in-depth inspection on your car’s air filter, brakes, exhaust system, fluids, battery and more. Have your��on the cooling system, automatic-transmission fluid, drive belts and hoses and timing belt. You’ll keep you car in excellent condition for your own transportation, career and, most importantly, the little ones in your care.

this article originally appeared on RegardingNannies.com. Used with permission.

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The Benefits of A Nanny Work Agreement

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 12:25:10 +0000

Like any other relationship, good communication is vital to having an effective nanny/parent-family relationship. To avoid any miscommunication, ��ë��˵��suggests creating a work agreement, or contract, for both the nanny and family to agree to.

But what does a work agreement include?

Agreed upon salary: After you and your nanny have agreed on a salary, it should be clearly stated in the work agreement. This salary should include a description of paid holidays, how many allotted sick days your nanny has, and how many vacation days also. It should also include how sick days and vacation days will be handled. How much notice is needed for vacation days? Will vacation days be paid or unpaid? Will sick days be paid or unpaid? Whatever you decide should be defined in the agreement to avoid any conflict.

Job description: To ensure��quality work, your nanny needs to know what is expected of her. In your agreement, you should write out a detailed description of what her daily duties include. Written clear expectations give you something to refer back to if��responsibilities��aren’t ��completed.��

Employment reviews and raises: Let your nanny know how her work will be evaluated and how often. Will it be a discussion every two weeks, will it be a written review every month, or will it be a bi-annual evaluation? Once you figure out the mechanics, add them to your work agreement. Your work agreement should also include whether this is potential for raises and bonuses.

Termination: Although hiring an in-home caregiver feels much more intimate than most jobs, it is important to remember they are still a household employee. In the work agreement, you should outline clear steps to what happens when you or the caregiver is ready to terminate the position. How many weeks notice do you need from the caregiver if they decide to leave? If you choose to fire the nanny, will it be on the spot or will you give her notice? If so, how much notice? Once you figure out what is comfortable for you to do in this situation, define it in the work agreement.

As you can see, a work agreement will set the tone for the job and assure that everyone is on the same page.

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The Importance of a Regular Routine to your Child

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 12:03:41 +0000

Regular schedules provide the day with a structure that orders a young child’s world. Although predictability can be tiresome for adults, children thrive on repetition and routine. Schedules begin from the first days of life. Babies, especially, need regular sleep and meal programs and even routines leading up to those activities.

As they gets older, when a child knows what is going to happen and who is going to be there, it allows them to think and feel more independently, and feel more safe and secure. A disrupted routine can set a child off and cause them to feel insecure and irritable.

Dinnertime is a great place to start setting a routine. Sitting together at the dinner table gives children the opportunity to share their day and talk about their feelings. This is also a great time to include some responsibility in your child’s routine, such as helping to set or clear the table.

And regardless of how exhausted you or your children may be, don’t be tempted to skip winding down from the day. This is part of a nighttime ritual and allows both child and parent to decompress after a busy day. It also helps bedtime go more smoothly. This is usually the time of day when parent and child can spend some quality time together, so fight the urge to start the laundry or do the dishes until after the child has gone to bed. If this isn’t possible, consider trading off these duties with your spouse each night to ensure your child has quality time with each parent on a regular basis. Take the time to find out what wind-down strategy works best for your child. Some children are actually energized instead of relaxed by a warm bath, so if that’s the case with your child, bath time should be saved for a different time of day. Whatever routine you settle on, make it quiet, relaxing, and tranquil for everyone.

And though routines are essential, there should be some room to be flexible as well. You might be out late at night on a family outing, have unexpected company show up that may result in a skipped meal or nap in the car while running errands in the evening. In these instances, it’s important for you to keep your cool. If you express frustration or anger about disrupting the routine, your child will as well. Prepare children for such unexpected events and show them that though it can happen from time to time, the routine will return the next day.

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