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Day Care Offices Offer Best of All Worlds For Working Moms

LilSugar — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:00:22 -0700

Pack your briefcase and don't forget the sippy cup. While the debate over the success of working mothers rages on, many mamas seek out jobs that allow them to work from home in order to achieve the balance they desire. Having the flexibility to conduct their business as their wee ones wander about sounds like an ideal situation until the kiddos refuse to take their naps and mom is forced to conduct a conference call hiding on the floor of her closet.

Babysitters, nannies and traditional day care centers may be available to watch the kids, but where does that leave the work from home mom? Cubes and Crayons is one solution. A Bay Area co-working space, the first of its kind, offers on-site day care for members. The mostly female members can use desk space, WiFi, communal kitchens and lounge areas while their lil ones enjoy all of the benefits of day care right next door. Members pay based on the frequency with which they use the space and are surrounded by parents in similar working situations.

Would you consider joining a co-working day care center to allow you to maintain your career while still spending as much time with your children as possible?

Can You Tell the Difference Between Moms and Nannies?

LilSugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:00:14 -0700

My husband spends a ton of time at the playground with our kids and swears he can tell the difference between moms and nannies and dads and mannies. When I asked how, he said it's obvious when you watch their interactions.

I'm not so sure I agree, but it did make me laugh when we saw a too perfectly primped woman pushing a double stroller with newborn twins in it and he declared "nanny." Then moments later, he called "mother" on a woman holding her tot sideways as she crossed the street. Do you think it's possible to call out parents from caretakers based on observations?

Source

Reasons For Lack of Physical Activity at Daycare Revealed

babysugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 09:00:45 -0700

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute presented a study to the Pediatric Academic Societies that said flip flops, lack of warm clothes, and in some cases, less than enthusiastic caretakers were to blame for the lack of physical activity in youngsters.

In 34 child care centers, caretakers sat with researchers from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center to dish on child activities.

To see what they had to say, read more.

When asked about outdoor time, the staffers often cited children's clothing as an issue. Many parents send their tots to school in flip flops or sans jackets – keeping the kid from participating in outdoor activities.

Some of the caretakers believe the parents intentionally send the kids ill equipped for playground time to keep them indoors. Still, others claimed that playground items (i.e. mulch) were dangerous and used as weapons. In addition to all of those reasons, some daycare workers explained their own disinterest in bundling up or going outside themselves.

Parents generally hope their child is getting ample mental and physical stimulation.

I can sympathize with the caretakers since there are days when I am too tired to take my daughter to the park, however nobody is paying me to do so.

What are your thoughts on this issue?
Source

Tending to Baby, Part 3: Nanny Share Option

babysugar — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 10:00:18 -0800

To finish up our three part Tending to Baby Series, we're exploring the nanny share as another option. We've talked about the advantages and disadvantages of daycare and nanny care and doing a nanny share can combine the best of those worlds.

For those who don't know, a nanny share is when one family shares a nanny with another family. This cuts the costs for both families and provides a friend or friends for the child.

Some things to consider for a nanny share situation: read more

You should find a family that you can communicate with and one you like.
You should both be confident in the nanny you choose. You don't want one family backing out and leaving the other stranded.
Living close to the other family is ideal.
Both families need to be on the same page in terms of holiday and sick day payment policies for the nanny. And, it's a good idea to have the nanny sign a contract that both families put together.
Both families should have an understanding of how to deal with care when your babe is sick. For example, the sick child stays home and the healthy one goes with the nanny.
Have a playdate with the other potential family to see how the kids get along and how you mesh with them, too.
Decide whose house will be the primary base or if you will switch between the two family residences.
Ask about the other child's schedule to see if it's compatible with your child's.

Should you go the nanny share route, be prepared to spend some time looking for the right family and the right nanny. If it all works out like it did for me, you will enjoy the flexibility and familiar environment nannies offer and the lower costs and playmates that a daycares offer.
Source

Tending to Baby, Part 2: The Nanny Option

babysugar — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 09:30:59 -0800

Last week we started a series on tending to baby. First we visited the topic of day cares. As much as I wanted to enroll my daughter in day care, it turned out it wasn't a cost efficient or viable option for me. The next step I took was looking at hiring a nanny.

This can be an exhausting, time-consuming ordeal. First you have to find names of nannies, which isn't always easy. I found that your friends and family are the best resources for referrals. You also may try local mom's groups or internet boards. Once you find names, you can start to interview your prospects.

Some things to consider when interviewing your candidates are: read more

What is her background? How many children has she taken care of in the past and for how long?
What is the expected salary? And does that include taxes?
Do you want her to sign a contract? A contract will keep you all on the same page in regards to vacation and sick days.
Is she recently certified in Infant/Child CPR and First Aid?
Ask for numerous references and pictures if available.
Inquire about discipline and teaching methods. How does she like to spend time with children and how does she deal with a tough disciplinary situation?

Having a nanny definitely has its advantages.

The nanny will come to your house, which means you don't have to worry about picking up and dropping your baby off.
Your baby will be in her own home and her own surroundings. You can rest easily knowing that baby will be napping in her own crib and playing with her own toys.
Your baby will be getting one-on-one attention all day. The nanny can take your baby to the park or music classes if she doesn't have to worry about five other children.
When your baby is sick, you don't have to worry about finding care for her at the last minute or calling in sick yourself. A nanny will still be there to help you out.
If you're running late at the office or grocery store, you don't have to fret about getting home before the door closes. Just call the nanny and tell her you're running late. You may have to pay a little more but it's worth it to not have to rush and worry.

There are also some disadvantages associated with hiring a nanny:

It's usually more expensive than a day care.
Your child lacks the social environment that they would get at a day care.
If the nanny is sick, you might have to find last minute care or call in sick yourself.
If you employ a nanny full-time, you probably need to provide insurance and pay for sick days and holidays.
You are placing faith in one person taking care of your lil one. Nobody else is keeping an eye on them to make sure that the nanny is behaving herself.

A good starting place to finding a nanny is Craigslist.org. Most candidates list their emails or phone numbers so you can first do a phone interview. Just be careful not to meet people in person without first talking with them. And if you do meet with them, it's a good idea to meet in a public place or have someone else with you at home. Another great national resource is Nanny4Hire.com. You enter your zip code and it will give you a list of nannies in your area and their background. Most cities have nanny-placing agencies that will have listing either on-line or in the phone book.

Good luck on your continued care quest. Next week I will finish the series with nanny-share care.

Source

Doggie Day Care

GiggleSugar — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 10:07:26 -0800

Does your dog have too much time on his paws? Show him the light at the end of the tunnel (or in this case, his collar) and let him try to chase it down....for hours.

Website of the Day: Care 2.0

GeekSugar — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:00:58 -0800

We may be scrambling to consult gift guides for presents for our loved ones, but let's not forget that the season of giving extends beyond that. Care 2.0 is the place you can go to get back in touch with those you can help in various ways. It's a jump-off point for causes and charities you may be already looking for - a quick perusal points you in the direction of petitions and where to donate your money, items, or time.

And if you don't know where to start, just jump on its homepage - you're a mere few clicks away from benefiting someone else's life.

To learn how to post your favorite websites to our Website of the Day group, read more.

I know that this long list looks scary, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, it'll be a snap the second time around.

First of all, join the Website of the Day group.
Click the pink "Share" menu on the top left side of the page.
Choose "Blog" and "Regular Post."
Give your story a "Title."
Fill in the "Body" with a link to your favorite website and the reasons why you love it.
Click "Next."
Choose the audience for your story to "Website of the Day" in the dropdown menu.
Add keyword(s) (for example mine for this photo was "Website of the Day").
Change channel to "Technology and Gadgets."
Fill in tag field with relevant tags.
Click "I’m done" to submit content.

So join the Website of the Day group and share information about all your favorite sites! Yours just might end up on the geeksugar homepage!

What's the Diff: Omega-3s vs. Omega-6s

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:00:10 -0800

Omegas are all the buzz right now, and it seems like everywhere you turn, new foods are being enhanced with this essential fatty acid, or labeled as an excellent source. What people don't know is that there are different types of omegas, and eating too much of one kind can actually be harmful to your body.

Omega-3s are found in flax seeds, walnuts, cod liver oil, and fatty fish like mackerel, lake trout, albacore tuna, and salmon. Fish are the best sources because they are high in two particular fatty acids that are crucial to good health, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).

Then there are omega-6s. These fats are found in eggs, nuts, chicken, and vegetable oils such as corn, soy, safflower, and sunflower oil. Omega-6s are high in LA (linoleic acid), which is converted by the body into GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), and then further broken down to AA (arachidonic acid).

Do you know which type of omega fatty acid we should be eating more of? To find out, keep reading

Life on a Houseboat With Lots of Pets: In the LINK of an Eye!

PetSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:43 -0800

What's it like to live on a houseboat . . . with a bunch of pets? - Paw Nation
These Frenchies think they're herding dogs - The Daily Wag
10 ways to determine quality veterinary care - Dolittler
Should a Cape Cod market be allowed canine ambassadors? - Dogster
Holiday book list for dog lovers - Dogtime
Does your office offer pet health insurance? - PetMD
11 cute pets acting like people - People Pets

Source: Leslie Day

Ben Takes the Town While His Girls Have Fun in the City

PopSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:00:28 -0800

Violet Affleck was full of energy after another day of school in LA yesterday. Mom Jennifer Garner was right behind, with her hands full of Violet's many accessories. Later in the afternoon, Jen was off taking care of some business while Violet and Seraphina took a walk with their nanny. Violet was still looking enthusiastic, as she kept pace alongside Seraphina.

Ben, meanwhile, was still hard at work on The Town in Boston. He had Jon Hamm and Rebecca Hall for company, though, as they spent the afternoon filming around the city's financial district. Ben and his cast are back in Massachusetts after a recent trip to Connecticut, where they shot gambling scenes at the Mohegan Sun casino.

To see more of the girls and The Town, just read more.

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