New York Nanny Center » childcare

So Easy a Caveman Could Do It?

Lindsay Bell — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 14:13:34 +0000

I recently had my daughters one month doctors appointment. During this visit the pediatrician said something that has stuck with me, which I have passed along to other moms. When asking how everything was going (e.g., breastfeeding, etc). she shared with me that when she was going through it all with her little ones her husband said to her, “well cavemen did it, so I know you can do it.” At times when I have felt frustrated or challenged by breastfeeding, or any of the other daily child care “activities, I have thought to myself, “well cavemen have done this, so, so can I.” But then I also think, “THANK GOD I don’t have to do this as a cave woman!!” Which leads me to my next point–I don’t know how people cared for children during prehistoric times–or more importantly–before the internet! I am a huge fan of Amazon Prime and Amazon Mom – if you are a not a member, I highly recommend them. I am constantly perusing the website during our late night feedings and can often be found ordering diapers, wipes, sleep sacks, nursing bras….even some adorable little headbands that will arrive in just 48 hours. In addition to shopping, I have googled countless questions that have come up regarding my little one and myself–baby acne, plugged ducts, mastitis, all the information you would ever need is at your fingertips within seconds! I have found this to be a huge help throughout my early days of motherhood and feel very fortunate to be raising a child during the 21st century!

-Samantha is a former LLD sitter, event planner, and elementary school teacher. She and her husband live in New York and are first-time parents

P.S. So easy a caveman could do it? How did this slogan even exist without the internet!?

Personal Assistant 101

Alison Gore — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 20:04:18 +0000

If I would have had the foresight, I would have minored in business administration in college. For the past two weeks I’ve been my daughter’s personal assistant in her childcare agency in NYC. Ask me an education question and I’ll probably have an answer,but ask me a business question and I may appear helpless.This is a list of my qualifications for her personal assistant position:

Research…I can read
Interview… I can speak
Call and answer phones…I can hear
Set up events…I can set up a stage and entertain kids
Run errands…I can walk
Give advice…I can think

So on this impressive resume, I was hired on the spot out of desperation by a daughter who has a very busy schedule and needs an extra set of everything.

So nice to be needed!?

-Mama Bell

P.S. Advice welcome from any business administration majors

Fussy Baby Means Sleepy Parents

Alison Gore — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 18:01:31 +0000

Dear #AskaLLDSitter,

I am a new mom who is trying to get our newborn to sleep. Any tips to help us with our fussy night owl and avoid sleep deprivation?

Best,

Sleepyhead

Dear Sleepyhead,

Funny that you should ask that question. I was recently having that same conversation with Winter Parris of Winters Play Place, who helps new moms with postpartum about how to get a newborn to sleep. She gave me such insightful tips beyond the running list of swaddling your baby, constant movement and using white noise because every family is different, so what may work for one may not be the best option for another. Her main idea is that new parents need to find a way that is comfortable not just for their child but also for them, otherwise it’s an unsettling situation for both parties.

The biggest point Winter made was for new moms to take some time out for themselves. If you are rundown and not feeling well, how will you be able to take care of your lil’ one? Be sure to take time to work out, read, nap, talk to other moms/get support and make time for that date night. Find a reliable sitter or sitters that you can coach through your routine. You can also get help through an agency & have them assist in coaching the sitter based on your parenting style. Having a trustworthy sitter who follows your instructions completely is almost like you are there, but really you’ll be downstairs sipping vino with your hubby or partner. You’ll feel confident that your instruction is being followed, and you’ll get some time to relax!

It’ll make you feel so much better knowing that the sitter is following your instructions and knows the routine.

#AskaLLDSitter from LLD and Renee Pena.

-Renee is a lifelong learner of parent’s education,creativity, special needs and early childhood. She is addicted to Pinterest, organizing, and the color purple. She is honored to be a guest blog for LLD as their go to sitter expert via #AskaLLDSitter. Renee is currently working on an upcoming blog on education, you may follow her launch and tips on Reneepedia. You can also chat with her via twitter at @enrichingkids.

The Diaper Diaries: Week One

Alison Gore — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 15:50:23 +0000

My stubborn grandbabies entered the world via C-section despite my daughter’s desire to have a natural delivery. Thirty minutes before the unanticipated surgery I was called to the hospital. So in the cold,30 mph Manhattan winds, one of my daughters and I ran across the Upper East Side to be by another daughter’s side before she was wheeled away into the delivery room. We sat in the waiting room filled with tears both of joy and fear. Forty minutes later, we received a picture from Daddy with the two most precious faces you would ever want to see. Friends were asking me, “Aren’t you excited to be a grandparent?” Just the idea of that “G” word was surreal. But now as I look at and hold the babies it’s a mixture of feelings from the many memories of my children’s childhoods and the thoughts of my grandchildren’s futures. Actually holding them I never want to let them go.

Love seeing these lil’ darlings every day!

So as I embark on this journey of grandmotherhood, housekeeper and all around know-it-all, I’ll be journaling my experiences in my blog. I hope you enjoy The Diaper Diaries.

Signed,

The extra set of eyes, ears & hands

Why pay a membership for a sitter service?

Lindsay Bell — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 18:34:00 +0000

We often get asked, “Why should I pay a membership fee to hire asitter” and the answer is simple…

Mom and dad’s are very busy and juggling family, work, and life can be such adaily challenge. Add in trying to find trustworthy sitters through one’spersonal network, then screening those prospective sitters and the process canbe daunting.

Joining an elite company such as Lucky Lil’ Darlings (LLD) enables youto take the trouble, and hard work out of the mix. First and foremost,LLD is a trusted company that hand selects each sitter. In addition to findingtop-notch sitters, we conduct extensive screening, ensuring a properlybackground checked and college educated sitter. In addition, we have alsoperfected the LLD sitter match. We are experts at finding the rightsitter for your kids and ensure a fun, reliable addition to your family, makingthe process secure and painless.

Havinga reliable person you can speak with about your individual family needs alsoreally takes the pressure off. Sometimes you need to discuss options for yourchild-sitting needs. Whether you need a weekly sitter for date night, a holidaysitter for your next family vacation or just an extra set of hands on theweekends, LLD’s personal service really helps configure the best solution foryour family. We have loads of experienced sitters for all occasions: parties,vacations, corporate events etc, and we’ve seen it all. The level of experiencewe provide is hard to match, and as an LLD member you can tap into ourinformation anytime, with a quick call or email.

Another great benefit is being able to book sitters last minute. Even ifyour “regular” nanny/sitter is booked, LLD has an extensive databaseof amazing, available sitters, and can accommodate last minute requests: what’sbetter than that!?

Hereare some of the highlights to being an LLD member:

–LLD’s sitters are the best in the business and become true, long term rolemodels for your children.

–LLD provides a loyal and genuine local community for elite, urban families.Our families are friends, we have great local events that enable fun familynetworking, hearing about amazing local deals and being plugged in to awonderful group of mom and dad’s that like you are looking to engage.

–LLD’s Secure Screening Process is extensive, organized, and thorough toalways ensure your Lil’ Darlings arealways in the best of hands.

–LLD’s core mission is to provide the utmost highest quality of family caresolutions in a convenient & efficient manner. We have the reputationin the business for finding the best childcare providers for your family.

–LLD’scomprehensive suite of family care offerings reduces daily stress for busy,modern families. You tell us what you need and we do all the work!

-LB

What is your sitter back-up plan?

Lindsay Bell — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:32:00 +0000

What is your babysitter back-up plan?

Kids are sick and home from school.

Nanny or regular sitter is sick.

Grandparents, friends are at work…

Ugh.

It is important for every family to have a go-to sitter service,group or person that you can rely on for those last minute curve balls. Check out this article on Daily Worth.They recommend strategizing, network and budgeting. I agree, be sure to have atleast two go-to sitters or agencies on speed dial in case the need arises,where you can call one of them and pretty much be guaranteed a sitter for thenext day.

Last Thursday I was at dinner around 10pm when I received thefrantic message, OUR NANNY IS SICK…HELP! Luckily we had a sitter at her placeat 8:30am the next day. But to alleviate stress be prepared with your back-up!

-LB

Reliable Childcare Makes for a Well Balanced Family

Lindsay Bell — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:12:00 +0000

Childcare is an investment. I realize that on every level andI’m not yet a mother. It is timely. Itis a financial commitment. Click hereto read Denise Schipani’s post on Daily Worth, she spent over $80,000 onchildcare while her children were growing up and she says it was worth everypenny. Finally, it is an emotional commitment. But in the end, done right, itmakes for a happier, healthier and better balanced family.

The trick is finding the best childcare that works for yourfamily. And how may one go around doing that? Clickhere for my tips, as featured on The Healthy Elements Blog, on finding reliable childcare for you!

-LB

5 signs of a great sitter

Lindsay Bell — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:27:00 +0000

When do you know you found a top-notch sitter? Here are my 5signs of a great sitter!

Sheasks questions! Your sitter is through, savvy & smart. You know you found agem if she asks you for the 411 before she starts babysitting. Does your lil’one have allergies? Can you give me a tour of your home so I know whereeverything is? Is there anything you need me to do for you when the kids fallasleep?

Shedoesn’t look at her phone every 5 minutes. The sitter’s attention should befully on your child. I frequently see nannies pushing strollers talking ontheir phones. How can a childcare provider push a stroller, hold up a phone upto her ear and pay attention to your child’s needs? I understand the headset inone ear and the other ear for the child for a quick call, but long time phoneconversations are a NO. Also, I don’t like when sitters are constantly texting.Never should a sitter answer a phone call on the job when the kids are awake, unlessthey ask permission ahead of time.

She isCPR Trained/Certified and knows the ropes of fire safety. Wouldn’t you feel safer if your childcare providercould administer CPR if necessary? Or if someone is choking and your childneeds the Heimlich? Go with someone thatis confident, educated and prepared.

College-Educated& Professional. She has her 4-year degree, and possibly beyond. She is workingfull/part-time and has an impressive career. She’s well rounded, traveled and brings her experience to provide thebest childcare for your child.

Shecan put on a show! Your child learns something new from her every time. Sheeither brings activities, or has some great new activity for the kids to playwith. She’s unique and fun, and your child looks forward to her visit every time.

-LB