Author: admin

Is your room STILL A MESS???!!!

Do you sometimes find yourself asking your kids questions even though you know the answer?

* Did you just throw your coat on the floor?

* Is your room still a mess?

* Did you leave your math homework at school again?

Asking kids questions that you both know the answer to is not an effective way of teaching them. It shames children and  does not help with a positive outcome. I sometimes wonder how I would feel if my spouse came home and said:

* Is the laundry still on the floor unfolded?

* Are we having chicken and potatoes for supper again?

* Are you wearing socks with a hole?

Parenting children is the hardest job in the world. There are no easy answers or formulas to find the perfect thing to say all of the time. Try to keep in mind that shaming is destructive to children. If you think that what you are about to say may shame your child, I believe you are better off saying nothing at all.

Happy Tuesday!

Need a daily cleaning schedule for your housekeeper?

DAILY CLEANING SCHEDULE:

Kitchen:

* Wash dishes

* Clear & wipe down counters

* Clear & wash table & chairs

* Wipe down stove area & sinks

* Sweep & wash floor

* Take out garbage

Living Room, Dining Room, Family Room:

* Tidy

* Sweep & wash floors

Front Hall / Foyer:

* Sweep & mop front area

* Straighten up coats, hangers & shoes

* Sweep front door mat

Bedrooms:

* Make beds & tidy the room

* Clear all dressers

* Empty garbage

* Take laundry baskets to the laundry room

Bathrooms: 

* Wipe down counter area, sinks, tub, & floor

* Empty garbage

* Wipe mirror

Laundry:

Wash & put away laundry

ONCE A WEEK TASKS: (choose one task on this list per day)

* Change linen

* Clear out fridge & freezer

* Wipe down kitchen cupboards

* Vacuum all carpets

* Dust furniture & blinds

Monthly Tasks: (Choose one task per week)

* Wipe walls

* Wipe down windows

* Dust & wipe staircase & light fixtures

* Clean oven

Please note: Schedule should be adjusted depending on the size of the home and hours of daily cleaning help.

What Gift Should I buy my Nanny for the Holidays?

The holidays are a perfect time to show the person that cares for your home and children some appreciation. The big question is always what to buy. Here are a few ideas:

1) Cash – A cash bonus is always useful and most appreciated.

2) Winter Gear –  A warm coat , boots and hat is practical gift as many nannies do quite a bit of outdoor walking.

3) Mall Gift Card- Give your nanny the opportunity to splurge on something new.

4) Do you know a restaurant where your nanny likes to eat? If you do you can give her a gift card to her favorite restaurant.

Most importantly, make sure to include a card expressing appreciation for all your nannies hard work and dedication to your family.

The holidays are a special time for families to get together and celebrate. Many nannies are away from their families and the holidays can be bittersweet. It may be an emotional time for your nanny being so far away from the ones she loves.  A bit of extra love, care and sensitivity toward your nanny during this time can go a long way!

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

New Nanny Jitters

Our new nanny is starting tomorrow and while I should be so happy and excited, I feel like a nervous wreck. I have been cleaning and organizing my house for the last week in honor of my new nannies arrival. I am not sure why I am cleaning non stop, isn’t that supposed to be her job?

How do I go about settling our new nanny into a routine? Should she follow a daily schedule or should I let her do her own thing?  Am I the only one that gets the new nanny jitters?

Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth,

It is completely normal to feel anxious about the arrival of your new nanny. Having a new person  in your home and caring for your children is new and can be very overwhelming. It is a change for both you and your family.

Your  cleaning and organizing all week does not make you crazy- it makes you smart. Its a great idea because you want to show your new nanny how you would ideally like your closets and cupboards to look. If you left everything disorganized and messy she may think that you are comfortable with your home looking that way.

After your nanny settles in, you may want to show her around your home. I always like to take some time to sit together with our new nanny and my baby and play all together. I like her to see how I interact with my baby and hope she will learn and do the same.

In regards to cleaning, training and scheduling, I think that depends a lot on your personal style. I know some people that like to go from room to room showing their nanny exactly how they would like everything cleaned, organized and put away. They will specify which cleansers to use and which cloths to clean with. Others are more laid back. They may give general instructions and allow the nanny to learn and figure  things out on her own.

I think a general schedule is always a good idea. You may want to include chores that you would like accomplished daily, weekly and monthly.

Wishing you best of luck with your new nanny tomorrow!

New Laws for the Live – In Caregiver Program

New Laws! The Live In Caregiver Program is changing! As of November 30th Nannies & Caregivers will no longer have to Live-in with their employers. The new program will be called Canada Caregiver Program. Click here to read more about the new changes.

http://www.cbc.ca/m/news/politics/foreign-caregiver-reforms-impose-cap-make-live-in-requirement-optional-1.2819800