TLC for Kids 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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Valentine’s Day – Fun & Meaningful Ways for Nannies & Parents to Celebrate with Kids

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 12:25:00 +0000

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance—it’s a great time to teach kids about kindness, love, and appreciation! Whether you’re a nanny or a parent, here are some creative ways to celebrate with little ones.

Crafts & DIY Fun

Handmade Valentines – Have kids create personalized cards for family, friends, or teachers.
Memory Collage – Print out favorite photos and make a “Reasons We Love Our Family” scrapbook.
Love Notes Jar – Write small notes of appreciation for each family member to read throughout the day.

Sweet Treats to Make Together

Heart-Shaped Cookies – Bake and decorate cookies with pink and red frosting.
Fruit Love Skewers – Make a healthy snack with strawberries, watermelon, and grapes.
DIY Hot Cocoa Bar – Let kids customize their hot chocolate with marshmallows and sprinkles.

Acts of Kindness & Giving Back

Send Cards to Nursing Homes – Brighten someone’s day with a handmade Valentine’s card.
Create Kindness Coupons – Kids can make “helping hand” coupons for parents and siblings.
Love for Animals – Donate blankets or treats to a local animal shelter.

Valentine’s-Themed Activities

Read Love-Focused Books – Stories like The Day It Rained Hearts or Love You Forever teach valuable lessons about love and kindness.
Dance Party Fun – Play classic love songs and have a family dance party.
Valentine’s Pajama Movie Night – Snuggle up for a cozy evening with a feel-good family movie.

No matter how you celebrate, Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to show appreciation and spread kindness. Whether crafting, baking, or simply spending quality time together, let’s make this holiday special for kids and families!

PS: Don’t forget to book your Valentine’s Sitter with TLC Family Care!��

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Newborn Care Services: Navigating the First Weeks Home with Expert Support

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 12:07:00 +0000

Bringing a newborn home is an exciting and joyous occasion, but it can also be overwhelming for new parents. The first few weeks are crucial for both the baby and the parents, and having access to professional support can make a world of difference. Here’s how ��ë��˵��newborn care services can help you navigate this precious time.

Postpartum Care

The postpartum period is a critical time for a mother’s physical and emotional recovery. Postpartum care services provide essential support, including assistance with breastfeeding, recovery exercises, and emotional counseling. Having a postpartum doula or nurse can help new mothers feel more confident and cared for during this delicate period.

Lactation Consulting

Breastfeeding can be challenging, especially for first-time mothers. Lactation consultants offer expert guidance on latching techniques, milk supply, and addressing any breastfeeding issues. Their support can ensure a positive breastfeeding experience and help establish a strong bond between mother and baby.

Night Nannies

Sleep is essential for both parents and newborns. Night nannies provide overnight care, allowing parents to rest and recharge. These experienced caregivers handle nighttime feedings, diaper changes, and soothing, ensuring that both the baby and parents get the rest they need.

Customized Support

Every family is unique, and so are their needs. Newborn care services offer customized support tailored to your specific situation. Whether you need help with establishing routines, understanding baby’s cues, or managing multiple children, professional caregivers can provide the guidance and assistance you need to navigate the early weeks with confidence.

Peace of Mind

The presence of experienced caregivers can provide peace of mind for new parents. Knowing that your baby is in capable hands allows you to focus on recovery and bonding with your little one. Newborn care services ensure that your baby receives the best possible care, while you receive the support and guidance you need to thrive as a new parent.

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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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Making the Holidays more Meaningful

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 12:33:39 +0000

Happy Holidays! We have put together some ideas on�� how you can make the holidays more meaningful for all.

Giving Back

One of the best ways to make the holidays more meaningful is to give back. Make baked goods or a meal for someone in need, or just to let someone know you’re thinking of them. Donate winter clothing and toiletries to a local shelter. Buy gift cards for first responders and essential workers to purchase meals at local restaurants. Adopt a local family hit hard this year, and purchase gifts and groceries.

Get Creative

Set up a family craft night and everyone make holiday decorations for the tree and around the house or make for others as gifts. How about a family gingerbread house making contest? Make holiday cards for deployed military and senior citizens who can’t be with their families this year. Make someone’s holiday special letting them know you are thinking of them.

Holiday Traditions

Create new holiday traditions this year! Maybe a family scavenger hunt? Or how about a family sing-along via Zoom? Have each family member write down what they are thankful for this year and place on the tree. On Christmas morning, everyone reads their contribution.

Family connection

Set up Zoom calls or Facebook video chat. ��Set up games you can play from afar. Have your children interview their grandparents and get to know more about when they were children and share memories of holidays they remember. Record and write these down to share in years to come. Place photos of family members who cannot be with you on the tree, around the table, or make a festive display.

Celebrate a Different Culture

Consider celebrating another culture this holiday season. Research how other cultures celebrate the holidays – traditions, foods, songs, language, and clothing. Embrace one, or more different cultures into your holiday celebrations this year.

Furry & Feathered Friends

Decorate the outdoors with handmade bird feeders made of seeds, pinecones, and peanut butter. How about a garland of popcorn and apple and orange slices? Set out apples and carrots for other wildlife to enjoy a holiday feast

Record Your Memories

Take all the photos and video you have taken this year and create a holiday greeting for friends and loved ones. Let each family member make a special message for loved ones and share. Email to friends and family to enjoy and encourage them to do the same.

Happy Holidays from all of us here at TLC Family Care.

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Why Having a Backup Child Care Plan is Essential During the Holidays: How ��ë��˵��Can Help

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 12:49:00 +0000

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and spending time with loved ones, but it can also come with its share of challenges. For families with nannies, the holidays often mean navigating nanny vacations, illness during flu season, or last-minute schedule changes. When your trusted caregiver is unavailable, having a backup child care plan can save the day—and your holiday plans!

Here’s why backup care is especially important during the holidays, how to prepare, and how ��ë��˵��can step in to support your family.

Why Backup Care is Crucial During the Holidays

Keep Holiday Plans on Track
The holidays are packed with events, shopping, and to-do lists. If your nanny calls out sick or is away on vacation, it can disrupt your carefully planned schedule. A backup child care plan ensures that you can attend that work party, finish holiday shopping, or simply relax, knowing your children are cared for.

Maintain Consistency for Your Children
The holidays can already disrupt your children’s usual routines with travel, activities, and visiting family. When your nanny isn’t available, a backup caregiver can help provide consistency and normalcy, keeping your children comfortable and happy during a busy season.

Eliminate Last-Minute Stress
Scrambling to find child care at the last minute is stressful for everyone. With a solid plan in place, you can avoid the panic and focus on enjoying the season, knowing your family’s needs are covered.

How to Prepare a Backup Child Care Plan for the Holidays

Identify Reliable Providers
Start by identifying trusted child care options, like TLC Family Care. Our professional caregivers are ready to step in when needed, ensuring your holiday plans stay on track.
Communicate with Your Nanny
Discuss holiday schedules and your backup care plan with your nanny in advance. Open communication can help prevent surprises and ensure everyone is aligned on expectations.
Prepare Essential Information
Create a care guide with your children’s daily routines, allergies, emergency contacts, and holiday-specific details. This will make it easy for a backup caregiver to step in seamlessly.

How ��ë��˵��Can Help

At TLC Family Care, we specialize in providing reliable backup care, especially during the busy holiday season:

Vetted and Experienced Caregivers
Our caregivers are thoroughly screened and experienced, ensuring your children are in trusted hands.
Quick and Reliable Service
We understand the urgency of holiday schedules and offer fast support when your nanny is unavailable.
Flexible Options
Need care for just a few hours while you wrap gifts or a full day during holiday travel? We’ve got you covered with flexible options.
Peace of Mind
Enjoy your holiday celebrations knowing your children are being cared for by professionals who will maintain their routines and keep the season magical.

Plan Ahead for a Smooth Holiday Season

Don’t let unexpected nanny absences derail your holiday plans. By partnering with TLC Family Care, you can ensure a stress-free season with reliable, professional backup child care.

Contact us today to learn more about our backup care services and how we can help your family navigate the holidays with ease!

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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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TLC Family Care’s Guide to a Fun and Safe Family-Friendly Halloween

TLC Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 11:32:00 +0000

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Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for children and families alike. From dressing up in creative costumes to indulging in sweet treats, it’s a night full of fun and memory-making. But while it’s exciting, it’s also important to keep safety in mind, especially with little ones involved. At TLC Family Care, we’ve put together a list of fun and safety tips to ensure your Halloween is filled with nothing but laughter and joy. Whether you’re a parent or a nanny, these tips will help make Halloween a spook-tacular success!

5 Tips for Fun:

Host a Halloween Craft Party
Get into the Halloween spirit early by hosting a craft party. Set up a table with supplies to make spooky decorations like paper ghosts, pumpkin faces, or DIY trick-or-treat bags. It’s a fun and creative way to engage kids and kick off the festivities.
Create a Halloween Scavenger Hunt
If trick-or-treating isn’t your style or you’re looking for additional activities, a scavenger hunt can be an exciting alternative. Hide Halloween-themed items like mini pumpkins, candy, or spooky figurines around your home or yard for kids to find. It’s a great way to keep the little ones engaged and moving!
Make DIY Halloween Costumes Together
Instead of purchasing costumes, why not get crafty and make your own? Kids will love brainstorming ideas and getting hands-on with crafting their outfits. Not only will this be a creative bonding activity, but it also leads to unique, one-of-a-kind costumes.
Plan a Themed Halloween Movie Night
Cap off the spooky season with a family movie night! Choose age-appropriate Halloween classics like “Hocus Pocus,” “The Addams Family,” or “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” Set up cozy blankets, pop some popcorn, and enjoy a night of magical fun.
Bake Halloween Treats Together
Get the kids involved in the kitchen by baking festive Halloween goodies. Think pumpkin-shaped cookies, spooky cupcakes, or “mummy” hotdogs. Not only do you end up with tasty treats, but it’s also an excellent way to spend quality time with the family.

5 Tips for Safety:

Keep Costumes Safe and Visible
Choose costumes that are bright and easy to see in the dark. Adding reflective tape to costumes and treat bags is an easy way to ensure your little ones are visible to drivers. Also, make sure costumes fit well to avoid trips and falls, and avoid masks that may limit vision.
Use Flameless Candles
If you’re decorating your home or yard with jack-o-lanterns or other spooky lighting, opt for flameless candles or glow sticks instead of real flames. They provide the same eerie glow without the risk of a fire hazard.
Supervise Trick-or-Treating
Always accompany younger children while trick-or-treating. For older kids, make sure they go in groups, and agree on a planned route. Give them flashlights, glow sticks, or reflective gear to stay safe and visible, and remind them to stick to well-lit areas.
Inspect Treats Before Eating
Before children dig into their candy haul, inspect all treats for any signs of tampering, such as tears in wrappers or unfamiliar homemade items. Discard anything that looks suspicious to ensure kids only enjoy safe, sealed goodies.
Set Ground Rules for Walking and Crossing Streets
Teach children to stay on sidewalks and only cross streets at designated crosswalks. Remind them to look both ways and make sure they are always walking, not running, especially in the excitement of trick-or-treating. Safety first!

Halloween is all about making magical memories with your loved ones. With a little planning and awareness, you can ensure that your family enjoys all the spooky fun while staying safe. Whether you’re crafting, baking, or heading out for a night of trick-or-treating, these tips will help you create an unforgettable Halloween experience.

From all of us at TLC Family Care, have a Happy Halloween filled with fun, laughter, and of course, a little spookiness!

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