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

10 Halloween Costume Safety Tips

10 Halloween Costume Safety Tips

Halloween is a fantastic holiday filled with fun for all ages. However, if you're not careful your fun can come to an abrupt end. There is no such thing as playing it too safe. These 10 Halloween safety costume tips will help ensure that your Halloween is filled with laughter, not tears.

1. Masks- Masks in general are not safe due to the fact that a mask limits your view. Don't be fooled if you try a mask on, and you can see fine straight ahead. Can you see and object resting on your shoulder while looking straight ahead? Not only should parents avoid buying mask for their children, but adults should avoid them as well.

2. Temporary spray hair dye- Most spray on hair dyes are highly flammable. As an alternative you can find temporary comb in dyes, but still check the packaging to any warnings.

3. Glitter face paint- Avoid putting anything with glitter around your eyes, especially on children. Without thinking children often wipe their eyes, especially if they are sleepy, and getting glitter in your eyes isn't fun.

4. Wigs- Most cheap Halloween wigs are going to consist of polyester, which is a highly flammable material. Check the label to see if it is flame resistant.

5. Face paint- If you’re going to use face paint, especially on a child, be sure to do an allergy test the day before. An easy place to test the paint is on the child's wrist. Grease paints are usually safe to use, however it is better to be safe then sorry.

6. Shoes- Halloween is not the time to try out new shoes. You want to make sure that the shoes you or your child is wearing are comfortable, and easy to walk in.

7. Dark Colors- We all know that you can't see dark colors at night. Yet time and time again parents dress their kids as ninjas, or other dark colored charters. Bottom line is, drivers can't see them. Wear bright colored costumes, or add reflector tape to darker ones.

8. Too Big- Costumes that are dragging the ground are not safe. These are easy to trip on or get snagged on things. Besides that, you cannot move very fast in something that is dragging the ground.

9. Props- What pirate doesn't carry a sword? Props might look nice, but are they practical? What does a child do when you hand them a sword? They swing it around. It is easy for someone to get hit in the eye or head due to the careless nature of a child having fun. If you can avoid props then do so. If not, look for props that have no sharp edges, or ones that are made out of foam. Inflatable props are also becoming very popular.

10. Trick-or-Treat Bags- When buying a bag or bucket, consider what the handle is like. Plastic bags weighted with candy, can rub blisters, or even cut into a child's skin. A canvas tote bag is a good alternative, plus they can carry it on their shoulder. You can also have the child dump their bag or bucket into a canvas tote that you carry when you see it getting heavy.

I hope these tips help you have a safe and

 HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

TOP 5 HEALTHY HALLOWEEN TREATS FOR YOUR LITTLE MONSTER

Spooky Jell-O:  Make a package of orange Jell-O and use Halloween cookie cutters to make spooky creatures. Top it off with creepy crawlers and you’ve got yourself a non-fat treat. 

 Trick or Treat Alternatives: This year, take initiative in your neighborhood by giving healthier candy alternatives like animal crackers, single serve boxes of cereal, or individual 100 percent juice drinks. 

Carrot Fingers: Take five carrot sticks and slice off the edges in an angle so they look like fingertips (optional: place sliced almonds on top of the “fingers” to look like finger nails). Stick them in a bowl of dip and you have an orange hand reaching out of the dip! 

Ghost Toasts: Take a piece of white toast (preferably with added fiber) and shape it into a ghost. Cover it with whipped cream cheese and use currants to add eyes and mouths! How’s that for a Halloween breakfast option?  

Mummified Pizzas: On half a slice of whole-wheat English muffin, add a little pizza sauce (and other preferred ingredients like vegetables!) and create the face of a mummy using shredded mozzarella cheese and sliced olives as eyes.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HEALTHY HALLOWEEN TREATS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? HAVE YOU TRIED ANY OF THE ABOVE? SHARE AWAY! AND HAVE A HAPPY, HEALTHY, SCARY HALLOWEEN!  

How can I make more money working for TLC for Kids?

This is a question we hear a lot. We have several suggestions for you. Please feel free to respond with any questions or suggestion to other nannies of how to make more money on your job, and how to get more jobs. Thanks!

1) Keep your availability up-to-date.
We need for it to be up-to-date and accurate in order to offer you jobs that fit your schedule. It is very helpful to us if you change your availability if your plans change. I know this isn't always easy, but it really helps us out.
Also, try to make your availability as broad as possibly for any given day. If you say you can work "3 to midnight", that's going to open you up to many more jobs than "4 to 10".
Lastly, we encourage you to submit your availability weekly, but you can post it as far into the future as you like. We often get jobs as far as 2 months in the future, and not many people have theirs posted that far out, but the ones who do will get the jobs. This is especially helpful going into the holidays, when many of you will have days or weeks at a stretch when you can work. This will also be our busiest time.

2) Be flexible.

We don't want anyone to drive an hour for a 4-hour jobs. That doesn't make any sense. Some of you are willing to do it though, especially for regular clients or when they probably won't get another job that day. Let us know if you are willing to drive in order to get a job. ALSO-- consider that an hour drive might make a lot more sense for an 8 or 10 hour day. Just think, would you rather have $80-$100 or nothing?

Another opportunity that many caregivers miss out on is last-minute, same-day jobs. If you sleep through the phone ringing, or have the ringer turned off, you will miss out on a lot of jobs. Please remember that this is a huge part of our business and we always call the people who were know will answer their phones first.

3) Be a good communicator.
It's pretty simple: Answer your phone if you can. (Keeping the ringer on is important here).
Return calls promptly.
Check e-mail frequently.
Check your text messages and reply to them.
I e-mailed or texted 7 people about jobs tomorrow, 2 1/2 hours ago. One of them responded. I don't know if the others are no longer available or what, but now all of the jobs are gone.
Jessica worked on Saturday morning and had to call at least 15 people to staff just 2 Saturday night jobs. I know calling TLC might not be a priority if you have made other plans, but believe me, Jessica will remember who helped her out on Saturday-- and who never called her back-- when she works this Saturday.
If you are not currently receiving text messages from me but would like to, please reply to this e-mail with your cell phone number and the provider (AT&T, Verizon, etc.) You do NOT need to reply if you are already receiving texts from me.

Follow our blog and our TLC Caregivers page on Facebook. You will get lots of good tips and information, and network with other nannies.

Blog: http://kimberlytlcforkids.blogspot.com Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/University-City-MO/TLC-for-Kids-Inc/101596193212888?ref=ts

3) Let us know when you love a client-- and let them know too!
Please send me a note when you really click with a family. I will pass it along to them and this may mean more jobs for you! Also please leave your TLC business card and a What We Did While You Were Gone sheet. If you do not have your own personalized cards yet, we will order them for you as soon as you have completed 10 jobs and your file is complete! Please e-mail kimberly@tlcforkids.com if you are ready for her to order yours!

4) Keep your file up to date!
We need everyone to turn in time sheets monthly and keep your CPR up to date so that you can stay actively working!

5) Refer people to us!
If you have a friend or family who has awesome child care experience and is a go-getter, please refer them to us! This can earn you $30-$50 in referral bonus, per person. No so-so people, please! Let people know about TLC when you are out and about. If you are at the mall or the grocery store, wear your TLC t-shirt and carry business cards! We have learned that most TLC nannies who refer new clients then get requested specifically by those clients. More $$$ for you!

6) Walk the walk and talk the talk of a TLC Nanny!
Families love nannies who are upbeat on the phone and in person. They expect you to show up in your TLC shirt with a TLC goodie bag, ready to engage their kids! They do NOT love nannies who sound very tired or distracted when they call, and who seem not interested in the kids. Other big no-no's include not cleaning up after meals and activities and using the TV as a babysitter.

Go the extra mile! A client called the other day and requested a sitter back because she actually emptied the dishwasher and she was thrilled! They thought she was a great sitter but the dishwasher made her Supernanny to them!

You can't predict who will tip you but happy parents are definitely more likely to tip, and to request you back!

Thanks everyone! We want to have a mutually beneficial relationship with you-- meaning we find you great jobs and you provide great care. We welcome your feedback! We may post your comments and question on our blog!

4 Tips to Ensure that you are Buying the Right Shoe for Your Child!

Four shoe-buying tips for children’s shoes

What’s usually the first thing on your kid’s back-to-school shopping list? Shoes.

Whether it’s a mandatory dress shoe or an optional gotta-have-this-now shoe, you want to make sure your kid’s shoes fit well. Myth buster: The right shoe doesn’t have a “break-in” period; they should be comfortable immediately.

The American Podiatric Medical Association offers a few suggestions to ensure you’re buying a good shoe that will fit your child well:

*Buy for fit, not size. Let your child’s feet be measured. Don’t assume that because your child has grown but of one size that he or she needs the next size in the new pair of shoes, Sizing may vary from brand to brand or even within a brand. It’s common to have one foot larger than the other, so you’ll need to buy for the larger foot.

*Have your child try on both shoes. And with socks or tights, however the shoes are going to be worn. It’s best to go shoe-shopping with your kid later in the day, when the feet are already more swollen.

*Check for the right amount of flexibility & firmness. Shoes should bend with a child’s toes, but be firm in the middle, and stiff in the heel cup, for proper support. Grab the shoes from both ends and try to bend them. If shoe bends in the middle or if you can twist it around, there’s not enough support.

*Don’t go too big. Loose shoes may slide up and down, causing blisters. If you can put your finger down the back of the heel, the shoe is too big.

Follow these guidelines and you’ll have less tears and more money in your pocket!

By Shari Rudavsky, The Indianapolis Star

Time to Stock Up On School Supplies & Craft Materials

DATES ANNOUNCED FOR BACK TO SCHOOL TAX HOLIDAY

Even though it’s mid-summer, the backpacks and school supplies have taken center stage at most local retailers. Most of these stores are offering tremendous door buster deals on these necessities just to get you in the door (knowing that you’ll spend more than you planned), but don’t forget to combine these great deals with the Back to School Missouri Sales Tax Holiday! The offer starts at 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 6^th, and runs through midnight Sunday, August 8^th.

According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Jefferson County, and St. Charles are joining the state in the sales tax holiday, so depending where you shop, you may only pay the ticket price for each back to school item!

The sales tax exemption is limited to:

• Clothing – any article having a taxable value of $100 or less

• School supplies – not to exceed $50 per purchase

• Computer software – taxable value of $350 or less

• Personal computers – not to exceed $3,500

• Computer peripheral devices – not to exceed $3,500

Helpful Links:

Counties NOT participating

http://dor.mo.gov/tax/business/sales/taxholiday/school/counties.php

Towns NOT participating

http://dor.mo.gov/tax/business/sales/taxholiday/school/cities.php

How Can I Get More Jobs?

From Laura L.

"Hi Kimberly, I would like to work as much as possible, but there are still days that I don't get jobs. Do you have any suggestions as to what I can do to get called more by the office and to get more clients to request me? Thank you so much."

I spoke with Angela, and she recommends that you put your availability in on time, and keep it accurate. It gets very frustrating if you say you're available, but when she calls you tell her that your plans have changed. If she thinks she can't count on you, she's going to call you less. Angela also said that it is helpful if you put your availability in as far in advance as possible so she can consider you for long term assignments. Another good idea is to let her know how far you're willing to drive. Sometimes a willingness to drive a few extra miles can make a really big difference!

Okay nannies, I'm turning the second part of Laura's question over to you. What do you feel gets you requested back by clients?

Questions about water safety

Here are two great questions that came to me after I sent out the first Water Safety email. Any thoughts? Also, I'd like to hear some of your suggestions for keeping cool in the summer!

#1. Good reminder Kimberly,

A quick question that I probably was told the answer to at some point and forgot....I know swimming is absolutely not allowed, but what about things like sprinklers, slip n slides, wading pools. etc......I don't think that ever came up on my jobs last summer, but those seem like "gray areas".....what's TLC policy??

~Sarah

#2. Hi Kimberly!

I know we are not allowed to take the kids swimming alone, but if a parent is there with us is it okay?

~Rachel

Drowning Prevention

|  Forward to a Friend  |  Take Action

Hi Sharon, Each year more than 800 children drown and more than 3,600 are injured in near-drowning incidents. In 9 out of 10 cases, a parent or caregiver claimed to be supervising a child that drowned. These deaths are preventable. Find out what you can do to keep children safe » As the weather warms up and more families head to the pool or beach, drownings and near-drownings go up dramatically. It doesn't have to be this way, we can keep kids safe around water. Find out how you can help prevent child drownings this summer » Thanks for making a difference! Andrea W. ThePetitionSite Prevent Child Drownings » Forward to a friend >> Read the petition >> Take action link: http://www.care2.com/go/z/e/AFVZm/zkSk/ZYbT

April / May 2010 Home  |  INA Board of Directors  |  FAQs  |  News/Press  |  Annual Conference  |  Contact

Co-President's Message By Wendy Sachs INA Co-President

I have two unrelated thoughts I want to share.  Both are on my mind so I need to talk about them now.   Social Networking and Facebooking!  What a fantastic way to get connected, stay connected and feel the sense of a long-lost friend being just a keystroke away. But, and there is a BIG "BUT"...there is a time and place for it. I am hearing way too much about people texting/emailing/tweeting while driving and while at work. The idea it just takes a minute to do is not the point. Well, actually, that is the point. It takes more than just a minute. The problem occurs when all the minutes are added up. It takes time to glance, read and then keystroke a message. Multiply those seconds by the number of messages sent/replied to in one instance...I guarantee it will be more than 60 seconds. Not only do those minutes become hours, they become distractions. Take the scenario of the nanny who glances down to read her messages, while "watching" her charge on the monkey bars.  She can't read just one message; she must open/glance at all to see if there is something of interest. She quickly responds and so what? Well, she misses the fall or worse yet, she misses the snatching. Driving could be more devastating. So please everyone...disconnect during work hours and reconnect during expressed breaks or after work. And while I am on the subject....Think twice about your Facebook posts. Before including pictures of yourself with your charges on your Facebook page, ask for the express permission of your employer. Better yet, tell your employer you will not post pictures and suggest that to be a stipulation of the job for future nannies. Further, your employers have Facebook pages, too. I am beginning to get calls from parents complaining about their nanny posting messages on Facebook at the time they were supposed to be actively engaged with their charges. Employers are getting to this information in quite innocent and circuitous way. This almost cost a very good, well-paid nanny her job. We are bombarded with information; I know I can hardly keep up. Please think about the time and place for texting, Facebooking and tweeting, though. Wendy