Archive for May, 2010



You know it: When thinking of hiring a nanny to help you with your children day-to-day tasks, one of the most important aspects which need to be considered is the nannies salary. What is a reasonable salary for a nanny? How should you determine the salary rate? What other payments should be taken into account? The following short guide will help you answer these important questions.

The nanny salary

Nannies salary may vary from different reasons – number of children’s, experience, full-time or part-time, age, responsibilities and more. A minimum salary for a nanny should be around 350$ gross per week. This could go higher to about 800$ for a more experienced and professional nanny.

Taxing Issue

When thinking of possible nannies salary you could afford, you need to be aware to the fact that gross wage is before tax deduction and net wage is the actual payment. When planning your expenses you should know if you will withhold income taxes or not. Also you should remember that Medicare and Social Security taxes are under the employer responsibility.

What other payments need to be considered?

On top of the basic nannies salary, other payments need to be considered:

(1) Time off payment.
(2) Health insurance.
(3) Cellular phone.
(4) Other children expenses.

Not all nannies will ask for additional payments on top of the basic salary. It’s up to you and your nanny to decide which payments are relevant to the nanny’s day-to-day responsibilities and duties.

Nannies salary and yearly bonus

One of the ways to keep your nanny motivated is offering her a yearly bonus. The amount should be agreed by both sides and should be mentioned in the employment agreement. Incentives are a great way to keep your nanny on the right track. Use it wisely.

By: Gill Lavi

About the Author:
If you wish to learn more about Nannies Salary

Visit: http://www.online-nanny.com

© 2008 Gill Lavi.





If you have to leave your children in someone else’s care you want to be assured that they are in good hands. Many parents find the ideal situation is to leave their kids with a relative, however this isn’t always feasible. So when you need to rely on outside help how can you know that you are entrusting your children’s care with the right person.

The first thing that you should do is ask for a referral from someone you trust. If your sister is raving about her neighbor or the moms at your parent’s group all use the same sitter, you should ask for their name and number. But before you make the call, be sure to check the Public Records Search. By simply entering in someone’s name and their state the online database will search through police files and court records alerting you to any prior arrests of convictions.

The database will show you everything from DUI and theft to sexual assault and drug possession. People can be very good about concealing their past misdeeds. Even if you think you know someone, you should run their name through the Public Records Search. It’s fast easy, and it’s private. No one will know that you have been checking up on them. You might just be surprised what you find out.

Using the Public Records Search should become a part of your safety routine. Before you entrust anyone with your safety or the safety of your children, check them out and find out if they have any past record.

By: Gina Delgado

About the Author:
Run an online online background check, and find out what people might be hiding from you. You’ll be surprised what you could uncover about your neighbors, friends and new boyfriends in the family.

Find out what you don’t know at http://www.legalrecordscheck.com





What’s New York Like For Nannies And Kids?

Manhattan, New York was purchased by the Dutch in 1626 for 60 Gulders. The city consists of 5 boroughs; Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island. New York is the largest city in the United States with a population of over 8,250,000 people. With its diversity of cultures and places of interest, few U.S. cities can compare with New York City as an incredibly interesting place to be a kid or raise a kid!

Nannies caring for children in New York City have unmatched opportunities for teaching little ones about history, art, world religions, music, cuisine, literature and the world of commerce. A nanny has only to take her pick of libraries, parks, museums, restaurants and more to ensure that the children in her care learn something new and have a wonderful time. New York City kids, in the care of a thoughtful New York nanny, have the chance to grow up with a world-class understanding of life in America and a well-rounded appreciation for the variety that makes our country great.

Ten fun activities for your children and NYC nanny

1. Visit the NY Hall of Science
2. Go on an audition just for the heck of it
3. Wave to the cameras on The Today Show
4. Have tea at the Plaza
5. Ride the Shark Boat
6. Climb the Statue of Liberty
7. Ride the row boats in Central Park
8. Go to Dylan’s Candy Bar
9. Go to Economy Candy
10. Get locked up at the Police Museum

Twelve top New York City Parks that are good for children and fun for New York nannies

Central Park. Location: Central Park, New York, NY

This is THE park in New York. Your Manhattan nanny will find lots of kids for her charges to play with and lots of nannies to smooze with.

New York Hall of Science: A wonderful place for New York kids, parents and nanny NYC

Cunningham Park: Excellent place for a New York nanny to stroll with her charge.

Nelson A Rockefeller Park: Your NYC nanny will find lots to do with her charge in this park

Roy Wilkins Park & Rec Center: Children with their New York nanny will enjoy the many activities here.

New York public libraries: A wonderful place for children and their NYC nanny.

Andrew Heiskell Braille & Talking Book Library Mid-Manhattan Library

Blogs for New York City Nanny, Manhattan Nanny, Long Island Nanny, Brooklyn Nanny & New Jersey Nanny & Their Moms. Park Slope Families is an excellent resource for Brooklyn nannies and families.

Nanny Support Group for a Nanny Long Island, Nanny Brooklyn, Nanny Manhattan, Nanny NYC & Connecticut

Nanny Alliance of NY & NJ

Metro NY/NJ/CT area

Visiting the MoMA with Kids

MoMa is a wonderful place for NYC nannies to take their charges.

Kid Friendly Restaurants in New York City

Looking for a restaurant to take your kids to while you’re in New York City? For families traveling with kids, these New York City restaurants are great choices for both nannies and children.

Child friendly restaurants for New York nannies and parents

Petite Abeille‎ Excellent Belgian fare

Mimi’s Pizza & Family Restaurant‎ Kid Friendly – Upper East Side Restaurant

Lil’ Frankies Pizza‎ Kid-friendly Vegetarian-friendly

Island Restaurant‎ Upper East Side Eclectic food a good choice for both children and their New York Nanny

Pinch & S’MAC – Upper West Side

Scottadito Restaurant‎ Good for large groups Kid-friendly Prix-fixe menu.

To find a New York nanny go to: www.enannysource.com.

By: Steve Lampert

About the Author:
About the Author
Steve Lampert is the president of eNannySource, an online nanny agency that brings together families and nannies. Lampert has been helping nannies and families find each other since 1994. Prior to founding eNannySource he ran a successful, award-winning nanny agency in a major city for over 10 years, during which time he worked with thousands of families and nanny candidates.

Through this experience, he became familiar with the important steps in a nanny search, which he continues to apply to his business today. eNannySource specializes in New York nannies, nanny Manhattan, nanny NYC and nanny New Jersey. http://www.enannysource.com/online-nanny-agency/nanny-Manhattan.htm





A living room is one of the major rooms where almost all the activity in the house takes place. We live in a world that is highly susceptible to potential hazards like theft and misuse of trust. The usage of spy cams for safeguarding and protecting your family and belongings is nothing new. Since quite some time now the spy cams have been putting us a cut above the rest.

Many humans want to make use of this highly advanced technology for the sheer joy or inquisitiveness about spying. Nevertheless it has changed lives all over by being an invaluable asset both in personal and professional lives. You can install a spy cam to keep a vigilant eye on the nanny to ensure that your kids are looked after with care even in your absence. Another major reason for installing one is to ensure that your partner is not misusing your trust.

Some of the ideal places where the spy cameras can be covertly places are in stuffed teddy bears, Toys, mirrors, lamp stands, flower vases and switches. One of the common gifts that every person gets from a small age is stuffed teddy bears. This is the perfect hideout place for any security camera. The wireless gadget will fit in any place with discretion. Another possible place where you can place a spy cam is in toys, the secure camera will monitor every move of the persons of the entire room.

Technology has opened a whole new world of options for us; a two sided mirror like the ones shown in Hollywood movies has been a trend to install for closer spying. The lamp stands is another possible suggestion where no one will figure that a camera has been fitted. Every home is your personal space and any living space is incomplete without the right flowers. Flowers bring a plain looking room into life; no one would ever be suspicious about a camera being hidden in the vase that contains them.

On a final note, keep in mind that a spy camera loses its main purpose if it is not versatile by nature. Every business and home has special requirements and needs that are to be fulfilled by a hidden camera. Every covert gadget should adapt to its environment beautifully and easily disguise itself like a chameleon under the object. We humans are susceptible to change, since time immemorial we have moved things around us depending on our taste and mood.

Make a sensible choice in choosing the place you like as once chosen the mindset seems to be fixed. For your preference if the desktop table is ideal location for a wireless calculator spy cam and it works for you then see that it serves the purpose of concealment.

By: Manuel Manolo

About the Author:
For further information on the various models of hidden cameras visit www.my-spycam.com; you will find all nanny cams and wireless spy cams at an unbeatable price.





One of the important preparations that you can do while waiting for the birth of your baby is to purchase a stroller. Almost all parents will need this tool to help them take care of the newborn baby when going outside. Since a stroller will be used for long time, it is very important for you to be careful in the shopping process. Therefore, these are going to give you some important information for choosing the right stroller.

One of the most important things that you need to do before purchasing a stroller is to know whether you are going to have a single or twin baby. By going to the gynecologist, you can examine the condition of your baby so that you will know whether you are going to have a single or twin. If you know that you are going to have twin babies, the perfect stroller for you is a double stroller.

Moreover, if you plan to exercise after having a baby, you can consider to choose a jogging stroller. By using jogging stroller, you will be able to exercise without leaving your baby at home. Besides, this stroller will really help you to run in difficult surfaces.

Furthermore, for those who love to go outside for a walk, choosing umbrella stroller will be a perfect decision. This stroller is equipped with some features that can give a comfort for your baby. You need to choose the stroller which is designed to be lightweight so that you will be easier to push it.

In addition, another thing that you need to consider when purchasing a stroller is about the price. Since strollers can be easily found in many stores today, you can try to search for the information about the price from different stores to find the best price you are yearning for.

By: Alexander O Mcgee

About the Author:
Learning about dual jogging stroller maybe help you to meet the best stroller you are looking for. Or, you can also try to look for further information about aluminum jogging stroller and find what this item can offer you.



If I was asked to describe in one sentence the reason I have chosen to be in the Nanny profession over any other if would have to be because:

By: June 10 Baby on the Way

About the Author:



Choosing a Small Baby Crib



Some families forgo the conventional dimension crib for their baby, at least for the first six or so months in the baby’s life. There are numerous great reasons for this. If you need to have your baby close to you without the need of worrying about an accident happening, or perhaps if you ever don’t have a great deal of room, you possibly can see what it is possible to uncover in a small baby crib. You will discover all kinds of cribs out there that may suit your needs, so seem all-around to determine what a single you think works finest for your family and which will be the most useful in your situation.

One variety of small baby crib may be the Arms Accomplish Co-Sleeper. This small bed permits a baby to sleep proper next for the parents with out the danger in the baby sleeping within the bed with Mom and Dad. This can be a crib that attaches correct towards side on the bed so baby is correct there within accomplish of either parent but the baby has their personal risk-free and secure sleeping space. There is no danger of a parent rolling more than on the baby as well as the baby can often be nearby. Numerous moms like that they could merely attain more than and get baby when he or she wakes without having having to walk via the house from the dark, and that baby is suitable there so they are able to roll above and watch to determine baby is okay.

One more variety of small baby crib could be the bassinet. That is a thing which is also known as a cradle. This can also sit appropriate next on the parental bed, but isn’t attached to it like the Co-Sleeper. These frequently have settings to ensure that they could rock the baby. As with the other varieties of small cribs, baby can not stay in this forever, but it’s quite convenient for when baby wakes usually at night to eat. It truly is also a thing that may be moved from room to room as required. They are a bit various than they were once you were a baby so appear all around to determine what you like ahead of you acquire.

Some parents prefer to obtain a small baby crib for the nursery and then acquire a bigger 1 later. They are built just as the bigger cribs. They are fantastic as sleeping spaces when you would like to have baby in their personal bed, but don’t have a great deal of room. They may perhaps not be risk-free for baby for as long as a regular dimension crib may well be, but they’re fantastic when they’re all you’ve room for or when you choose your baby in a toddler bed sooner than later. These can arrive inside same excellent styles and colors as full sizing cribs, so use a glimpse close to for your favorite.

The only issue with some forms of smaller cribs is that the sheets and bedding could be harder to arrive by when shopping. Just before you acquire any small baby crib, make certain you check out what kind of sheets and other accessories you’re going to require and how effortless these are to locate. Luckily, you are able to discover virtually any sizing of sheet for any variety of crib when you shop on the web, which may possibly not be the case when you only shop locally. See if you’ll be able to come across the styles you like inside the sizes that you have to have and invest in the crib that fits your lifestyle and house the ideal.

By: Roman Holland

About the Author:
Find out more about the author in:
Laundry Room Cabinets
Solar Landscape Lights



Advances in Home Security



Home safety is not a new concept. Guards once protected wealthy members of society, and homes were protected by moats and tall walls. These home security measures once only belonged to the wealthy class of citizens, but now a days home security is accessible to any homeowner.

Fads with security came in and out as technology has increased. Guard dogs, barbed wire fences, and other security measures have been around for quite some time in America. Guns were also a popular protective device used during the 19th and early 20th Century in the West.

Starting in the mid 20th century, video surveillance was used by police officials to keep a look out for criminal activities. A few decades later, in the later 60′s, early 70′s, individuals were able to install video surveillance themselves for business and home security purposes. Videocassettes allowed videos to start recording events, so you could actually record what your video was surveying.

Video surveillance really picked up speed once people could see the potential they had. Videos could come in handy in case of burglaries, home invasions, or liable accidents. Businesses and banks began installing videos in their businesses for added protection.

Since the late 1990s security cameras have been a popular choice for many institutions and homes. Videos have continued to advance, allowing them to be made smaller, back up systems, and clearer images. They also come with night vision to allow them to record activities in the dark.

Laws are put in place to protect people who are being recorded. Some States require people be warned that they are being recorded, while other States do not. Check with your State and City laws before installing your latest nanny cam, so you do not have to deal with legal issues later on.

Security alarm systems were introduced to homeowners mainly in the 1980s. It consisted of a loud, alarm siren going off when someone entered the door with out permission. The only way to gain access to the system was to order it through the provider or developer of the alarm.

Alarm companies have continued to advance as technology has. Now home security is much more hands-on, with more options to choose from with security providers. Wireless systems have replaced wired systems, and new security devices are continuing to add new levels of safety to homes and homeowners.

By: Pierre Levingston

About the Author:
For more information about Home Security Systems contact Platinum Protection on their website at PlatinumProtect.com. Platinum Protection is one of the fastest growing Home Security companies. With customer service being a top priority, Platinum Protection offers top of the line Home Security Systems that will fit almost any application. Platinum Protection offers helpful Home Security Information and Tips on the Platinum Protection Blog. Visit our Blog.





Are you looking for an adorable, unique diaper cakes that can be used for months by mom and baby? With one of a kind baby shower cakes, your gifts’ shopping has never been such easier.

These charming baby cakes are available in various sizes and can be found in a number of different colors and themes.

Diaper cakes, as the name implies, are made of the most needed items for new parents, newborn baby diapers.

New parents can always use diapers.

So these cakes are a creative and delightful way to give parents the items they need most. Though it is designed like a traditional tiered cake, these baby shower cakes are not edible! The entire cake is full of useful little treats for the new baby. Besides a number of diapers, diaper cakes typically include soft blankets, useful burp cloths, and many other small items commonly selected as baby shower gifts.

Simple, one tier diaper cakes are very affordable and make astounding gifts that are sure to please. Small cakes are made up of over fifteen disposable diapers and are most commonly found in baby girl pink, baby boy blue, or a colorful pastel design for either boys or girls. Two tiered cakes contain more than twenty-five diapers and even more useful baby items.

Standard diaper cakes can also be found in a three tier design with at least thirty diapers and an average of fifteen to twenty other items like pacifiers, rattles, grooming accessories, and more. Four tier diaper cakes contain over fifty disposable diapers and may include wardrobe items, stuffed toys, and more than twenty small baby accessories.

For an even more unique baby shower gift, choose a themed diaper cake.

If the new parents have already selected a nursery motif for their bundle of joy, look for a baby shower diaper cake to fit the design. From common nursery characters like Winnie the Pooh to sports related baseball themes, you are sure to find the perfect design. Like standard diaper cakes, themed cakes are available in several sizes and include a number of disposable diapers. The other baby items that fill a themed diaper cake are all designed to match the theme, making nursery decorating a breeze.

Diaper cakes can also be customized and personalized for the most endearing baby gift a new parent can receive.

Select diaper cakes that are color coordinated with baby’s nursery or a seasonal themed cake for moms who will deliver around holiday times. Some diaper cakes are even designed specifically for multiples with two or three of everything! Add a special touch to your shower gift by choosing to personalize your diaper cake. Baby’s new name can be sweetly embroidered across a bib or blanket and displayed on the cake for a gift that will be cherished for years.

As you read, what other gift can be so useful and make the perfect baby shower centerpiece all at the same time? Select an adorable diaper cake for your next shower gift!

By: Qing Gu

About the Author:
Looking for more ideas for baby diaper cakes? Qing Gu with you the personal experiences of these adorable and cute diaper cakes

Also sign up with the Planning A Baby Shower with 5 Special Themes FREE eCourse, you’ll be mastering all the exciting, fun and innovative ways to make sure your baby shower a huge success.



Picking Out a Diaper Bag



There are so many diaper bags cropping up lately, it can be hard to know what type will work with your lifestyle. Here are a few tips to think about when considering what to purchase.

When we were picking out a diaper bag, there were two things that we needed it to have. One, my husband did NOT want to carry around a bag that had anything pink or resembling a purse. Two, we needed it to work on plane trips as well as everyday life.

The first thing you want to consider is all of the places you might be taking this bag. Will you mainly be going to Mom’s Groups? Will you be traveling by plane? Do you go places that you will need to take a bunch of things?

Size

This is the first thing you need to think about. How big does that bag need to be? Most people rush out and buy the giant bag that is trendy. Great- if you need a bag that size. We thought about our trips, and how long we would be gone, and realized that even on a big trip, we were only gone from our “stuff” for only about 4-6 hours at the most. This means that the diaper bag needs to hold approximately 4-6 diapers, wipes, Ziploc bags (I’ll get to that in another post), a change of clothing, any necessary bottles, and some toys or books. If you don’t want to have a huge diaper bag, you don’t have to. If you want one, go ahead and have fun with it. Just remember what it is you will need in it, and where you might be going.

Style

If you are a Mom and the primary person holding the bag, you might look into a fashionable bag. There are lots of bags that resemble purses, which you might like. Sometimes it is nice to at least look like you are trying to keep up on the style end, even if you are lugging around a giant bag full of diapers!
If you will be sharing this diaper bag holding responsibility, you need to think about it together. Will you both be comfortable holding the bag for long periods? Sure- the shoulder bags work well for women, but have you ever seen a guy try and hold something over one shoulder that only has 2 straps? Unless it is a book-bag type of strap it seems to be a little awkward. I’m not saying this will happen in every case, but at least ask him if that is a problem.

Comfort

When you are a new parent, you can’t imagine how attached you will become to this one item you buy. How often can you possibly use this? Well- have you noticed people with glasses? Yes- you will be wearing your diaper bag as often as they wear their glasses. It will become part of you. In fact- once you hit the 4 year old stage, you will wonder why you feel ***** when leaving the house. Well- you don’t have your diaper bag anymore, that’s why! Make certain that when buying on-line or at a store that it is comfortable. When purchasing online, which we did, read the reviews. What are people saying? Was it comfortable for them?

Washable

This is one thing that when starting out I thought “Yes- that seems like a decent feature, but it can’t be THAT big of a deal.” Well- I was wrong! We purchased a style that looked as though you couldn’t wash it, but in fact was washable, and boy am I glad that we did! I had NO idea just how many times the bag would be thrown up in, and not to mention how dirty all of the bathrooms were that I would have to change my little one in! Yuck! Luckily, I also had a washable plastic changing fold up that came with the bag. That came in handy so many times, and I really felt comfortable knowing that I didn’t have to lay my baby on a thin piece of paper to hopefully prevent any germs from getting to her!

When you use these steps in finding a diaper bag, you will be able to narrow down your search and know that you are picking a bag to last! Our diaper bag lasted for 6 full years, with many washes, and was a cross country traveler along with us. It was so much a part of what I did, that I had a hard time getting back into carrying a purse!

By: Amy Ready

About the Author:
Amy R.
Author at ParentingZen.com
http://www.parentingzen.com