I Can't Get This Child To Wake Up!

Hey TLC Temps, we have someone that needs your expertise!  Please read the email I just received and reply with any suggestions you have.


Hi Kimberly,

I have watched these kids many times now and love them, but I just had a problem with the three year old.  His mom did warn me that he can sleep like a "college kid" but that he should only take an hour long nap.  I have not had a problem with this until yesterday.  


He went down for at nap at 3pm and at 4pm I started the process of waking him up.   I would call his name and rub him on his back saying "Time to wake up."  I did this for 5 minutes.  10 minutes later, his older sister managed to wake him up but then he returned to sleeping.  5 minutes later after this, I tried to wake him again using the same method as before and included tickling the bottom of his feet this round and again I could not rouse him. 


I informed the mom as soon as she arrived and asked if I could watch her method.  She actually got him to stand up but then she discovered he had wetted himself (this has never happen to me when he has napped.  I offered to get him a change of clothes but the mom said she would take care of him that she did not want to hold me up.  During this time, the child had returned to napping.

I enjoy working for this family and would like to continue to do so.  Do you have any suggestions for me if this should happen again?

Want to Earn More $$$ on your TLC Jobs?

WHY FAMILIES TIP 1. You confirm the job in a timely manner and give the client peace of mind that you will be a wonderful and prompt caregiver.  2. You are on time! You should arrive 5-10 minutes before the time that has been booked with a smile on your face, dressed appropriately for childcare in your TLC shirt*, a goody bag in hand, and an enthusiastic attitude. 3. You are a professional! You ask them to provide you with rules and regulations, directions for meals, bed-time, and, of course, favorite activities. 4. The kids are neat, clean and happy! Parents want to come home and find that their children had a good time, too. All diapers should be changed, baths taken, etc. If it is an evening job, they should be asleep when parents get home. 5. The kids say you were awesome! Kids are your biggest advocates.  Parents want to feel that their children received a lot of attention. 6. The house is cleaned up! Nobody wants to come home to a mess. All dishes should be put in the dishwasher, clothes and toys are put away. Counters where food has been eaten or crafts have been done should be wiped down. 7. Your report about the kids is positive!  Parents want to hear that their child was well behaved, fun to be with, creative... unless something really bad happened, focus on the positive. 8. Show them what you did while they were gone! We have provided you with sheets to fill out. Use them! 9. You show them you like them! Let them know you want to be requested back. Clients want to feel they can get some consistency for their kids. 10.  You provide quality TLC!  Parents want and need to feel like their children are receiving the same care and attention that they would get from their parents! And don't forget to visit the links on this page frequently for great Goody Bag ideas!

What Should I Do If I Find Out the Kids Are Sick When I Get To A Job?

YOU SHOW UP FOR AN ASSIGNMENT AND THE CHILD(REN) IS(ARE) SICK. YOU WERE NOT TOLD IT WAS A SICK CARE ASSIGNMENT.

It could have been that the children got sick after the parents placed the order, or that they failed to mention the illness when they called TLC, because they were being vomited on/cleaning up scary diapers/taking the temperature of a screaming child.

HERE'S WHAT YOU SHOULD SAY...

Oh my gosh, I didn't know Johnny was feeling icky! (Being extra nice to Johnny.) Pause for parent comment. I don't know if TLC knew either. I just wanted to make sure you knew the sick rate.

IF NO: It's just $11 an hour. Not a big difference. I just wanted to make sure you knew. And I have a form here for you to fill out if you need for me to give him any meds, even if it's just Tylenol.

Once again, have them call TLC if they have any questions. SICK CARE would cover: fevers, diarrhea, vomiting, chicken pox, any child who has been sent home from day care for a fever, any child whose parents are keeping them home because they do not feel well. Also any child requiring fever reducer, pain killer, antibiotics, or breathing treatments. Call TLC if in doubt-- even if it's after the parents leave. We can always intervene before it comes time to be paid.

Next: How to deal with clients who try to underpay you.

What are some fun summer activities I can do with the kids while still keeping cool?

Fun Ways to Beat the Heat!

INSIDE ACTIVITIES If you like ice pops, try fruit kebabs Here's a fun, healthful summer snack that the kids can help create, from the folks atOneCharmingParty.com: Scoop out balls of honeydew melon, watermelon, and cantaloupe, and thread onto wooden skewers for a refreshing treat. (Add chunks of strawberry and some blueberries for even more color and antioxidants; roll fruit in coconut or grated chocolate for texture and flavor appeal.) You can chill the skewers in the fridge, or even freeze them; just lay them on a waxed paper-covered tray in the freezer. Voila: a chunky and nutrient-rich alternative to a classic hot-weather treat. One Charming Party If you like reading on rainy days, try making a book Your avid reader will love putting her own story on the page--and it's easier than you might think. "For the littlest ones, you can have them pick out pictures from a magazine or online. Cut them out or print them and paste them onto the pages, then have your child narrate a story to go along with the pictures," says Wendy Lawrence, a Nashville-based mom of two who blogs about children's books at The Family That Reads Together. Or use photos of family members--or perhaps your kid's beloved animal friends, both stuffed and real--as a starting point for the story. Make it professional by using an online photo or bookmaking site like Blurb.com. Try a vacation memory album narrated by your child, or an original work incorporating his or her artwork. "That's a project an interested kid might spend weeks on, and when you are done, you have a gorgeous keepsake forever," Lawrence says. The Family That Reads Together Blurb.com bookmaking EVENING ACTIVITIES If you like picnics, try stargazing (with dessert) Who says picnics have to be daytime affairs? Head out after dark, when it's cooler. Pack an after-dinner treat, such as cookies or s'mores made in advance in the microwave. The whole family can spread out on a big blanket and search for constellations in the night sky. Make it a regular event and start a moon journal, suggests Almeras. "You can observe and draw the different phases of the moon." If you like going to the zoo, try an owl prowl You've probably seen an owl or two lately, on your kids' clothes, perhaps (owls are tres trendy as decorative items right now)--so why not thrill your junior zoologist by spying on a real live one in its natural habitat? "A lot of us don't think about evening activities for kids, but it's a perfect time to get outside as a family--it's not so hot, and it's fun and different," says Bethe Almeras, the education and outreach director of Head Start Body Start National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play. Check with local nature centers or park districts--most will offer nature discovery programs and outings that are low-cost or free, and these often include owl prowls. Before you go, check out the great owl info at the Audubon Society Owl Prowl or ateNature.com, where you can type in your zip code, learn about wildlife commonly found in your area, and listen to bird calls (including owl hoots). Audubon Society Owl Prowl Do you have a fun and "cool" activity you would like to share? Let me know and I'll post it on the blog!

What Should I Do If A Client Calls me to Cancel?

Lately we have been asked a lot about the cancellation policy, and it seems that many people don't really think about it unless it happens to them. By that time, they have forgotten what was covered during orientation! I plan to tackle one issue a month in an e-mail. Please let me know if you have a topic you would like for me to address.

It is our goal for you to have a positive experience on every temp job you go on, so we want to offer you all the tools we can to make this happen.

THE AWKWARD SITUATION:

A client calls you directly to cancel a job (usually the day of the job) which you have already accepted. You want to get paid for the cancellation!

HERE'S WHAT YOU SHOULD SAY...

Oh, it's too bad you won't be able to go to the baseball game/birthday party/fundraiser/regatta gala.  Are you aware of TLC's cancellation policy?

IF NO: If you cancel with less than 24 hours' notice, I am entitled to the 4-hour minimum, or $40. Would you like my address so that you can mail me a check?

It might be tough to work up the nerve, but just do it. They may not remember the policy at that moment, but they agreed to it when they signed up with TLC. If they have any questions, they are welcome to call TLC and discuss it with the office staff.

THEN, NO MATTER WHAT THE PARENT HAS TOLD YOU, call TLC immediately to let us know. We might be able to find you another job, and we also need to make note of the cancellation so that we can follow up with the client if necessary.

Has this happened to you? Do you have any advice to share?

3 Great sites for bargains on local kid friendly attractions!

Get out and Visit St. Louis!
from: St. Louis Motherhood Examiner

Drury Hotel: Be a tourist in your own hometown! Anyone can use these coupons for St. Louis attractions. Sample bargains: $2 off Grossology at the Science Center, a free child admission to the Magic House with adult, free child tram ride at the Arch with adult, and a two for one admission to the Butterfly House.

Town Planner: A great resource for St. Louis coupons to attractions, restaurants and services. Be sure to stop by to sign up for their monthly contests.

St. Louis Attractions Card: You can get a hard copy of this coupon source at Dierbergs, Shop N Save or Schnucks. Or just print out a PDF from the website. Sample bargains: 2 for 1 laser tag at the Edge, 2 for 1 admission to the Magic House and the Butterfly House, and a free child Omnimax ticket with adult ticket. 

Free Webinar: Nanny Taxes: Facts, Fiction and Conversation How-Tos

I've just discovered a series of free webinars for nannies!  You'll find wonderful information and helpful hints for both permanent and temporary nannies.  Let me know what you think!

Spring 2011 Free Webinar Series for Nannies

Thursday, February 17^th7:30 PM EST / 4:30 PM PST
Nanny Taxes: Facts, Fiction and Conversation How-Tos
Presenters: Tom Breedlove and Lora Brawley

Sunday, March 6^th, 7:30 PM EST / 4:30 PM PST
How to Keep Your Job When the Kids Go to School
Presenters:  Kellie Geres, Charlotte Hilliker and Lora Brawley

Monday, March 28^th, 7:30 PM EST / 4:30 PM PST
Hop on the Bus, Gus.... and 50 other ways to leave your family
Presenter:  Sue Downey

Tuesday, April 19^th, 7:30 PM EST / 4:30 PM PST
From Headache to Harmony: getting parents on your side when dealing with challenging behaviors 
Presenter:  Lora Brawley

Sunday, May 1^st, 7:30 PM EST / 4:30 PM PST
What Triggered That Meltdown?  secrets of high-needs, ultra-sensitive kids
Presenters:  Tara Lindsey and Janice St. Clair