summer childcare Archives - TLC Family Care

5 Screen-Free Summer Activities for Nannies & Kids of All Ages

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:10:31 +0000

Summer is the perfect time to get outside, get moving, and create memories without screens! Whether you’re caring for toddlers, school-age kids, or a mixed-age group, there are tons of creative and engaging ways to fill the day with fun.

Here are five screen-free summer activities nannies can do with kids that are simple, low-cost, and packed with learning and laughter:

1. Explore with a Nature Outing

Take the kids on a neighborhood nature walk, a local park adventure, or a visit to a nearby garden or trail. Collect leaves, spot birds, or start a nature journal together.

Learning Bonus: Talk about different trees, bugs, flowers, or cloud formations. You can even bring along a magnifying glass and sketch pad!

What to Pack: Water bottles, sunscreen, bug spray, and a light snack.

2. Backyard Obstacle Course

Transform your yard or driveway into a mini ninja warrior course using things you already have—pool noodles, hula hoops, cones, and jump ropes.

Kids can run, crawl, hop, and balance their way through, and older kids can even help design the course!

Add Creativity: Let kids name each section of the course or make medals from cardboard and ribbon.

3. DIY Scavenger Hunt

Plan a scavenger hunt tailored to your environment:

Indoor: Find something soft, something blue, something round
Outdoor: Spot a bird, find a pinecone, see a bug, etc.

For mixed ages, pair younger and older kids as teams, or create picture-based lists for non-readers.

Add a Challenge: Use rhymes or riddles for older kids to decode clues.

4. Simple STEM with Summer Vibes

Keep little minds active with hands-on, screen-free STEM activities that feel like play.

Try this fun, fizzy Baking Soda & Vinegar Volcano:

Fill a container with baking soda
Add a few drops of food coloring
Slowly pour vinegar and watch the eruption!

Other ideas: Make sun catchers, build towers with marshmallows and toothpicks, or try sink/float water experiments.

5. Field Trip Fun

Plan a mini adventure to a:

Farmer’s market
Local splash pad
Zoo or petting farm
Botanical garden
Ice cream shop or picnic spot

Bonus Tip: Let kids help pack a picnic or map the route using paper maps to build life skills along the way.

Final Thoughts

Screen-free fun doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a little creativity and a lot of sunshine, nannies can help kids stay engaged, active, and smiling all summer long.

Looking for more summer inspiration or a qualified caregiver to keep your kids busy and safe while school’s out? ��ë��˵��is here to help! Contact us today to learn more about our experienced, trusted nannies and sitters.

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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Why a Summer Nanny is the Answer to Your Summer Child Care Needs

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 07:29:00 +0000

Summer break is right around the corner! While kids are looking forward to lazy mornings, pool days, and endless adventures, many parents are left wondering: Who will watch the kids? If you’re struggling to find a summer childcare solution, hiring a summer nanny could be the perfect answer! Here’s why:

Consistent, Reliable Care: Avoid the hassle of camp waitlists and unpredictable babysitters. A summer nanny provides stable, one-on-one care all summer long.
Customized Activities: A nanny tailors fun and educational activities based on your child’s interests, from arts and crafts to nature walks and science experiments.
Flexible Scheduling: Unlike summer camps with strict drop-off and pick-up times, a nanny works around your schedule.
Transportation Help: Summer nannies can drive kids to swim lessons, sports practice, and playdates, making your life easier.
A Stress-Free Summer: With a nanny, you can focus on work or personal time, knowing your children are safe, engaged, and having fun.

Looking for the perfect summer nanny? TLC Family Care can help! Contact us today to find your match.

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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.

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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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What is a Nanny?

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 11:40:14 +0000

A nanny is a caregiver who comes to your home and cares for your children. When you hire a nanny, your children will receive one-on-one attention from an experienced caregiver in their own home environment.
We’ve listed below the different types of nannies and the placements that TLC for Kids offers.

Live-Out
The live-out caregiver typically comes to your home for a 9-10-hour day, 8 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m., five days a week. You and your live-out caregiver will arrange a set weekly schedule, with weekend care arranged separately. It is the responsibility of the nanny to provide her own transportation to and from your home. The beauty of this arrangement is that your nanny will have a life of her own when she leaves her job. This allows her to relax and rejuvenate before her morning return. The live-out nanny may cost a little more, but she is generally more independent and fulfilled with her personal life outside of the job. Live-out nannies consist of full-time, part-time, after-school and summer nannies!

Live-In
Live-in caregivers are generally on duty 10-12 hours, day five days a week, and an occasional evening. They eat meals with the family and share in the cooking and cleaning up duties. Be assured that nannies will expect most nights and weekends off unless previously arranged. Most live in nannies require a private living space, use of the family’s car, and specific hours on and off duty. You will also need to discuss visitors for the nanny and any quiet times or a curfew. Both you and your nanny may have to make concessions. It is your house and you have the right to set reasonable rules. Live in nannies can help out with emergency babysitting and depending on your personal preference can become a big part of the family. Keep in mind that your nanny does have a life beyond your job and she is not at your beck and call. While it may seem convenient and less expensive to hire a live in nanny it is harder to keep the relationship professional. It may be difficult to spending so much time together under one roof.

Shared Care
A less talked-about yet more economical alternative is shared care. This situation involves one nanny and two neighboring families. The nanny works in one home and might spend part of the day at the other home. The nanny cares for both families’ children in one home. Before you and your friend or neighbor decide to share a nanny, discuss and agree upon a philosophy for child care. You need to discuss exactly what each of you will want the caregiver to do on a day-to-day basis. And realize when hiring this nanny that she must be able to handle all types of personalities in order to please two families at once.

Family Assistant
A growing area of care is the nanny manager / family assistant. These are nannies caring typically for older children who still require care, but are in school full-time. Family assistants take on tasks helping around the house, errands, meeting with vendors, scheduling appointments, meal prep and more. They do not provide cleaning other than maintaining work areas, or in between regular visits of a cleaning person.

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