High5 Friday: Inspirations from INA 2010

Wheeew! I am a person that lives for purpose. I am not sure if it's just how I was born, if it's because of my faith or because I have seen those close to me make bad choices that in turn affect those around them. Whatever the reason is, I decided long ago, to live every day to the fullest. I am certain that no "reason for living" or "purpose" is better than another, all I know is that we have individual, unique and beautiful giftings to share with our circle of influence. Sometimes I do get off track, and I wonder, "should I be doing THIS thing like THAT person?" Then a voice inside me reminds me that all I have to be is what I was made to be.

What a relief!

What a challenge.

Have you felt that the deep knowing that if you don't accomplish the secret desire in your head... then it will never be? What could be a legendary, has the possibility of never happening.

{You: "I thought I was reading a Nanny Blog?" Me: Hang in there I hope to be going somewhere with what seems like pointless babble}.

I love to be challenged. I wish I had 3 Sundays a week to sit and read and ponder. To question. To Dream. That is why when an educational event comes along, I am psyched. When the workshops are about things my heart is passionate about, my spirit is enlightened and I smile a little bit wider. I love to learn. Go ahead and say it..."dork!"

This past week, I went to the annual International Nanny Association Conference in San Francisco! This was my 2nd conference and I was so excited to have 3 more Professional Nannies from Cincinnati joining me this year. When I attended last year, I was challenged by a keynote speaker and my peers, "What do you have to give?". I knew that I had the knowledge of this Nanny world, that so many in my city did not know of. I had the desire to go find the Nannies and give them them information, resources, and community that they didn't even know they needed. To have a few of these Nannies now join me at conference, feels like a full circle moment.

(CincyNannies: Greta, Lindsey, Molly, & Heather)

I hope to do a few things with this week's High5. First to plant the "conference seed" for next year. If you are a Professional Nanny really should think about going. It is expensive, but very worth it. It's time to start saving!! It is likely that location will be an East Coast city next year, a lot closer to Cincinnati. Second, you have a purpose - in your family, in your circle of influence, in your career. What is it that you have to give? How is that affecting lives around you. What more can you give? Be inspired, then share your thoughts.

High5: Inspirations from INA 2010

5. What surprised you about conference?

Greta: I was surprised that I loved conference as much this year as I did last. I thought for sure there would be some let down as last year's was such a pivotal event in my life. This year, everything was very different. I was no longer the new girl, but in a leadership role. The information seemed to apply right to my career and job, just as it did last year. I returned home empowered, informed, and refreshed... again.

Heather: I never expected to meet so many wonderful people and make friendships that would last a lifetime so quickly.

Molly: Conference was a huge learning experience! I think the thing that surprised me the most about it was the openness and kindness of everyone that I met. I kept hearing that everyone is nice and open and willing to help but I didn’t quite believe it. When you have that many women in a hotel for a weekend, some knowing each other for years, there’s bound to be cliques formed and gossip talked. However, everyone that I came across was more than welcoming. I could not have asked for a better first INA conference experience.

Lindsey: I don't think I realized what a substantial organization I had become a part of. I saw just how many people it takes to run INA and how much elbow grease and love goes into everything they do. I was able to put faces with names and INA came alive for me. I also didn't realize that INA was just as much for indusrty related agencies as it was for nannies themselves. I was impressed at the number of options for workshops for both nannies and agencies.

4. What workshop spoke to you most ? Why?

Greta: “Positive Discipline for Young Children” was information that applies right to my current position. I constantly struggle with encouraging and teaching the boys in the difficult moments, such as 3 boys getting loud at once. It is hard for me to think quickly on the spot and respond to the individual needs of each boy. Our instructor, Susan Lehman, gave us practical strategies – 52 tool cards packaged for reference, like a deck of cards! This week I have used humor with one of my boys when he shouts “NO” to my requests. My silliness gets him laughing and he forget his effort to control. Yes!

Heather: The workshop that I feel I got the most out of was Brooke Millers talk, "Working with Families in Stress", on how to pay attention to children and their stress. It really helped me to see how we can take the time and figure out how we can help the children in our lives as stress free as possible.

Molly: I enjoyed all of the workshops that I attended during conference. I felt that I benefited most from the "Positive Discipline for Young Children" and the "Lesson Plans" workshops. The hardest part of the positive discipline idea is to provide children with what they can do instead of telling them what they can’t do. This week I have really noticed how often I say “don’t” during the day. A big take home point for me from that session was that it takes a full 20 minutes for the brain to “come back” after having a tantrum. I have been trying to remember this when B has a tantrum. Another important point that was made during this workshop was “never do for a child what he can do for himself.” This is a hard one because sometimes it is easier to just do it for the child instead of letting him figure it out on his own. The Lesson Plans workshop helped me to take a lot of the things I knew and ideas I had and helped to polish them. It gave me the tools I needed to put my ideas into action.

Lindsey: The workshop on "Positive Discipline for Young Children" impacted me the most. It's something I have always believed in and have tried to filter into my methods at work. I was immediately immersed in everything Susan said. She mentioned scenarios and solution ideas I was familiar with already as well as showing me that positive discipline can be applied to nearly any situation. I learned so much! I learned the difference between praise (all about you) and encouragement (all about the child). I learned how confusing words like "no" and "don't" can be to children. Now I know to tell children what to do rather than what not to do. All they need is direction.

3. What is your most memorable moment of the weekend ?

Greta: I was honored to be one of 6 nominees for the 2010 INA Nanny of the Year award and was chosen to be the award recipient. It was so amazing to meet these qualified, deserving Nannies! I will remember forever standing and giving my speech, followed by the standing ovation from my peers and industry professionals. What I did not realize until after was that many in the room were crying, moved by my words. As many congratulated me they shared comments that I was "real" and "passionate". I will never forget my oscar moment.

Heather: My most memorable moment from the weekend is probably our last dinner on Saturday night. Not only did I get to know my new friends more, but we all bonded so well that the conversation was made fun from the start. I will never forget our “computing” conversation.

Molly: There are so many memorable moments from conference weekend that it is hard to pick just one! I made many new friendships that I am looking forward to building upon. I toured San Francisco on a cable car with great friends. We stayed in an amazing hotel where we got to know some of the staff (Juan our awesome waiter/bartender and Adam our “tour guide”). Oh and did I mention that there was a pajama party with many of the seasoned nannies who I can now look to as mentors. Besides spending a whole weekend in a beautiful city with fellow nannies and learning more information about this profession than I ever thought possible, there was PLENTY of fun as well! INA Conference weekend 2010 will definitely be a weekend to remember!!

Lindsey: I enjoyed the opening night welcome reception. It was nice to start off socially. I was introduced to the faces I would see all weekend and made new friends from the start. When we went on out evening outings and dinners, I was never sitting next to a stranger.

2. What was your favorite thing about San Francisco?

Greta: While I loved seeing grand Golden Gate Bridge, my favorite thing thing about San Fran would be is that it is a hop, skip, and a jump from Napa and Sonoma! On Sunday before catching the plane home, I was lucky to be whisked off to Wine country with some friends. It was a gorgeous drive with amazing flavors along the way. I MUST GO BACK! I got to cross something off my "To do before I Die" list! If that wasn't enough, on the way back we stopped for dinner in Sausalito, on the water, with views of San Francisco and the Bay.

Heather: I really enjoyed the cable car tour. I loved being able to go over the Golden Gate Bridge and get as close as we were. And I couldn’t have asked with a better group of women.

Molly: I loved every bit of my time in San Francisco! I loved all of the different architecture of the houses and buildings. I enjoyed being able to see the Golden Gate bridge since it has always been an icon of San Francisco. My absolute favorite part, however, has to be how close it is to Wine Country. I was lucky enough to be able to spend Sunday afternoon driving through Napa and Sonoma and tour wineries while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Lindsey: I loved how close the conference was to tourism, but I also wondered into niche neighborhoods free of tourists and street vendors. San Francisco reminded me of Cincinnati in so many ways. It was old, on the water and built over hills right on the water. I felt very at home and rarely used a map. Our cable car tour was fantastic. I got to see so much of the city! I'm still in awe of the Golden Gate Bridge and all of the amazing architecture the city has. It is a beautiful and unique place.

1. List 3 Goals that you have made for yourself for the next year, as you leave INA Conference.

Greta: I came home with so much on my mind. So many things to blog about, incorporate into my days with the boys, and ways to take care of myself. Here are a few: (1) Implement "Positive Discipline" tools with the boys. After some trial and error, share my ideas with parents, hoping to encourage good behavior uniquely and individually. (2) Bring educational opportunities to CincyNanny, like conference on a smaller scale. Possibly a fall and spring 1-day workshop each year. (3) Plan out meals for myself, so that I can eat healthier foods and drink more water while at work. Schedule in regular times to eat during the day.

Heather: (1) To be more open with my bosses about everything. (2) To start working on a budget now so that I can return to next years conference. (3) To become more involved with CincyNanny and my nanny friends.

Molly: I feel like I left conference with more than I ever thought possible. Throughout the weekend I made several goals, both personal and work related. (1) Become more active in my community, both my nanny community and the community I live in. I don’t always state my mind or go after everything I should and I want to start doing that. After listening to fellow professionals talk about what they are doing, it makes me want to get out there and start doing more. (2) To apply all the knowledge I gained from conference to my day-to-day life. That includes setting up a daily structured routine that invites learning and makes it fun. (3)For myself, I want to strive to be the best person and nanny that I can be, regardless of what other people think. I have always had that personal goal but have not always put it into action, and that is what I want to change.

Lindsey: (1) I plan to use and live by the positive discipline methods I learned. (2) I will be making at least 25 themes over the summer. (3) I hope to be better at balancing the age differences of the kids and catering to both of their needs using the principles I have learned.

Nannies, in Cincinnati and beyond...We'd love to hear YOUR 3 Goals for this year. Please leave a comment and share.

Let's encourage one another.

Let's be world changers.

[Quick Tip Tuesday] Get Loopy

Quick Tip: Get Loopy

Whoever invented this, to me, is genius! This is one my favorite 'multiples' accessories (and there are lots). We use this on occasion as we walk and need to stay together. I don't reccomend using in parking lots, crossing streets, and etc. as you cannot physically feel the instant a hand lets go. But, for walking through parks, exploring the neighborhood and the like, it works great for the triplets! If you have young multiples or kids close in age (your own preschool class)...this item is great to have.

This is called the "Hold-A-Ring Walking Rope" and comes as a 10-ring rope. Go in with a friend and cut it half! Click here to buy.

2010 INA Nanny of The Year!

Hello Readers!

I am so excited to announce that I am the recipient of the International Nanny Association's 2010 Nanny of the Year! I am having a great time at conference with our local and national professional Nannies and I will be sharing more once conference is over. I did want to share with you my acceptance speech. I thought it was being video taped, but have not tracked it down yet. I would be glad to share if I find it!

I am so very honored to be the recipient of this award and to have the opportunity to share my heart with you this afternoon.

This past year for me has been a whirlwind. I have seen my career grow and change, largely due to last year’s INA Conference. I barely made it to Dallas. My husband, and I were in the process of buying a house – and it didn’t make sense to come. But at the last minute I decided to, and so glad that I did.

I remember clearly where I was sitting last year at the Nanny of the Year Luncheon … a table of 8, all strangers. I may have seemed calm to those around me but inside I was ECSTATIC to find this “Nanny world”. I remember listening to Donna Robinson’s great storytelling of the places her Nanny of the Year bag had traveled and MaryAnn Meddish’s encouragement to nominate someone we know as the next recipient. It felt like the first day of high school; I was trying to soak it all in.

I’ve felt a calling to children from a young age. I am only child and always wished I had my own siblings. I seemed to gravitate to those younger than me. My mother saw these natural tendencies and enrolled me in a course to become a “Red Cross Certified Babysitter” at age 12. She then found my first infant childcare job with her as my mentor. I babysat through high school and took on part-time and full-time Nanny positions throughout college. After receiving my Theology degrees, I became a youth minister for junior and senior high students, Nanny-ing part-time on the side for fun and much needed income. 3 years ago, I went back to caring for children full-time.

This is my first position working with triplets – 3 boys. Family members of mine were hesitant by the challenge ahead. I kept hearing the phrase, “you don’t know what you are getting into”. Friends are still “wide-eyed” when they see 3 car seats all lined up in the middle row of my car. There are strange looks, points, comments, and many “bless your heart’s from those observing. I admit we are quite a sight navigating the tight hallway at preschool or climbing the hill at the zoo with our choo-choo wagon. Most don’t get WHY I would choose this job, AND love it. But, you do.

H, T, & N were 9 months old when I started, and are now 3 ½. They are amazing blessings in my life and show me so much love, daily. It is true that with multiples, everything IS multiplied. When one has a need, the other two seem to follow suit. When there is sickness, it circulates (which is why I am battling this cold today). Potty training is MUCH different than with a singleton. Yet…the joys are also abundant. The laughing is contagious. The cute phrases and mispronounced words come faster than I can document. The boys each so different - learn from each other, challenge each other, and powerfully love each other.

I don’t know how I could speak today and not introduce you to my boys:

First born, H.

Nicknamed “Bruiser” by our occupational therapist not only for his football build, but his aggressive learning style. This boy goes after everything with his whole heart. He was the first to walk, but no so gracefully. He loves to vacuum, set the table and even opens my car door for me as I leave at the end of the day. Saying, “By Geyuh, have a good day, go to work, see Doug”. He loves to laugh VERY loud, play VERY hard and yet is sweet and genuine. Which is why we cannot help but laugh as he still exchanges his “F”s for “TR”s. Train is Fain and Truck is… well. Can you imagine their 3-year-old birthday party at the Fire TRUCK Museum?

In the middle, is T.

T is very intelligent, the first to blow us away with his alphabet, counting, and memorization. Daily I will hear line after line of a book or song, which I cannot always place. He probably heard it only once, himself. T was the last to walk; he is cautious to perfect a skill before he even starts. He rarely lost his balance after his first steps. T loves chocolate with a passion. He has the biggest feet I have ever seen on a child. He skips more than he walks, and seems to wake up daily with un-tameable bed head. This year T got to go to a special class and ride the school bus by himself. Each day T hops off the bus, greets me with a huge smile and hug, and then skips off to find his brothers to hug.

Last but never least, we have N.

N is a character, and fills the role of the “baby” of the family. He has always been a little high-maintenance and into the details of everything. Music is in his heart and he was humming lullabies before he was talking. His favorite songs are Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” and “Rum-pah-pah-pum” (Little Drummer Boy). He even belly laughs EVERY TIME he hears a particular drum solo. N is the youngest flirt I’ve ever met, and does not know a stranger. He is compassionate for anybody hurting or sad. He is laid back but passionate defying the odds placed before him. Though challenged with mild Cerebral Palsy, low tone, club foot, feeding tube and even pronounced failure to thrive. If you saw him today you’d have NO IDEA! He has monkey climbing skills, rides a scooter “fast”, and turns somersaults. He also has a willingness to eating anything and everything put in front of him.

Being a Nanny to me is a wonderful responsibility to provide safety, love, encouragement, and consistency in the lives of children. I do not take it lightly. I strive each day to be patient, loving, and fun. Not to just teach information, but to live out the character qualities I desire to remain in their lives.

I see myself as an important part of a family team. My opinion matters and is respected. My unique strengths are benefits to my family, and my weaknesses are balanced by strengths of the team.

As I have grown older, I have realized how greatly my first caregivers impacted my life. My grandmother, who I called “Nanny” passed 3 years ago, but still I am being mentored by her character, love and faithfulness.

I am a professional. This means that I look at my career as one that is continually growing. I seek out avenues that will not only contribute to my current job, but to my role as a leader in the industry. I submit myself under the umbrella of affiliation that has established a standard of excellence, and try to align myself with that standard.

Last year at conference, I was challenged to think about what I have to offer, as I am the only one who can share that unique gift. Looking at my qualities, I recognized I am leader and enjoy working with people. I love learning, being challenged, and mentoring others. I love technology. I also was very excited to find the “Nanny World” that many in Cincinnati were not yet opened to. I quickly felt the desire, responsibility and excitement to return and give what I had received – using my unique gifts.

Late summer, I began writing the CincyNanny blog to help connect our Cincinnati Nannies to the Nanny World I’d discovered. I wanted them to have the resources and knowledge I’d stumbled upon and bring that standard to Cincinnati. Word of mouth is spreading to Nannies and families that we provide great links and resources about the industry.

Last fall, I started a community for Nannies in Cincinnati. CincyNanny had our first meeting in celebration of National Nanny Recognition week in September. Since then we gather regularly for play dates and Nannies Night Outs. We attend local training, and now a few are here at conference. We have an online private forum to connect, encourage and plan together. This fall CincyNanny will have our first one-day workshop during NNRW, and celebrate our 1-year anniversary. It has been amazing to finally have a local community of friends and colleagues who understand the profession and rejoice each other’s successes. (My husband can only listen to my potty training strategies for so long)

As I responded to the challenge at conference, my life was greatly impacted. I would like to give you that same opportunity. What are you passionate about? What is it that you have to offer?...To your job, to your city, or to your industry? I challenge you to write down three new goals before you leave San Francisco. Maybe it’s…

• To Challenge your children in your care in a particular area
• Or Renegotiate your work agreement
• To Enhance communication with your employer
• To Volunteer for an INA committee
• To Join with others to start a local community for Nannies or revitalize a group that has been established
• Maybe its to Write a book, a blog, or article for a newsletter
• Accept a nomination or nominate another for NOTY

This weekend will be what you make of it. You have so much that you can take with you – more than the wonderful information you receive at the workshops. Take time to really connect. I would never have thought I would share great friendships with the strangers I met last year. Nannies that support and mentor me. Who believed in me as NOTY nominee way before I was ready to think about it. They called, emailed, took me to breakfast – gently nudging me. Thank you to all these Nannies that have opened their hearts to me also opening up new doors of opportunity. I am grateful.

While putting together my portfolio, I was flooded with support. I am sure that all of the nominees would agree THAT was an honor in and of itself. Being a Nanny is a daily planting into the future. There are moments where I can see the children are learning and growing, but the true test will be if they grow up to be stable, contributing, members of society. As part of this process, friends, colleagues, employers, and children I have cared for have stepped forward in delight to rally around me. It is if I can see those seeds that I have planted in the last 19 years…come to fruition! I spent weeks checking my email to end up in tears, hearing the wonderful things they said. It has been overwhelming.

I want to thank the family I work for, as they have allowed me to grow and rewarded me for it. The have provided financially and always go beyond what is expected. I am blessed to have such a wonderful job, working with positive people who truly care for me and respect me. Their nomination essays were extremely generous, and still bring me to tears.

Thank you to INA, and all who have helped mold the association over the last 25 years. You have already given so much to me personally. I am overjoyed and honored to represent you and serve you.

My wonderful husband has been my biggest supporter. There were times in this journey where I doubted that I could deserve this and wrestled with accepting the nomination. He repeatedly confirmed what he saw in me and encouraged me… “Do your best, that is all anyone can ask for”.

Lastly, I must take my “Oscar” moment and Thank God. Through all the changes in my life, He has been the one constant.

Thank you all very much.

High5 Friday: Resources for Children with Food Allergies

It is Food Allergy Awareness Week and over on the Regarding Nannies Blog, Glenda, Alice, and Kellie have dedicated the week to discussing food allergies. I found this information great and thought you would benefit from it too. I encourage you to jump over to the 5 posts on Regarding Nannies, and read up!

High5: Resources for Children with Food Allergies

5. Food Allergy Awareness Week and the Journey of 9 to Their Diagnosis

Monday, Alice shared many stories of those who noticed something wrong and how they found out they were allergic to dairy, milk, soy, preservatives, or Celiac's disease. They also share how they have been able to maintain a balance with their allergies in their daily life.

4. List of Peanut Free Foods

Tuesday, the team shared a list of Peanut Free Foods as a resource from Stafford Conway School if Fredericksburg, VA.This list includes examples of healthy snacks, fruits, veggies, cheese, dairy, chips, crackers, ice cream, snack items, and candy.

3.Recipes for Kids with Food Allergies

Featuring recipes for kids with specific types of food allergies. There is a Dairy Free Banana Bread, Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets, and Tofutti Cheescake as well as a Dairy Free Pie Crust!

2. Living and Working with Children with Food Allergies

INA Credentialed and Nanny with 2o years experience, Tonya Sakowicz shares her experiences as a Nanny and mother of children with food allergies.

1. Tips for Living with Food Allergies

Financial Nanny, Alice, shares how to save money when eating healthy and dealing with food allergies and a list of links to companies that will help along the way.

RESCHEDULED! Lunken Picnic and Park Playdate

Hey all, I was originally going to move the picnic/park play date originally scheduled for today to an inside location due to rain. Well it looks like the rain is holding off, but I have a boy with a fever this AM. Because of lack of response I am rescheduling the Lunken Park and Picnic Playdate to Fri., May 28th 10 a.m. -12 noon. Hope to see you then!

[Quick Tip Tuesday] Sunscreen-ing!

Quick Tip: Sunscreen-ing!

For an easy, time-saving application, store the sunscreen next to the toothbrushes in the bathroom. While a child brushes teeth, apply sunscreen!

Remember to apply 30 minutes to sun exposure and re-apply as needed.

Trisha is a full-time Professional Nanny in Anderson. She is dedicated to her family and enjoys her days with B and P. She joined CincyNanny to befriend other Nannies and network for playdates. Trisha is very excited to be living in a new apartment and is volunteering on the "cincynannyPALOOZA" planning committee.

Thanks Nanny Trisha for sharing another great tip!

High5 Friday: Benefits of Being Paid Legally

Before looking for a position a Nanny should decide how she expects to be paid. Here in Cincinnati, from my experience, I am seeing more and more families open and flexible to paying their Nannies legally. Nannies in our city are also seeing the benefits that being paid on the books has for them. After reading an article on enannysource, I felt it important to pass on more information.

According to enannysource, it "Legal Pay Pays Off...The Nanny profession pays higher salaries that any other segment of the childcare industry - pre-school, daycare. and even times teaching. Each of these is paid "on the books". Nannies are in high demand professionals, and nannies' salaries should have the benefits of being paid legally. "

High5: Benefits of Being Paid Legally

5. Employment History

A nanny who is paid on the books will establish a work history for herself. This may not seem important until she finds herself applying for a school loan, trying to buy a car or even a house. Even renting an apartment can be hard without being able to show that you regularly receive an income. There are numerous situations that will expect a work history including application for health insurance, care insurance, credit card, etc. My husband and I dealt with this first hand when we purchased our home last summer and we would not have been able to without my employment history - 2 years worth - with evidence on our Federal 1040.

4. Unemployment

A person qualifies for unemployment if there job is terminated at no fault of your own. This is a free benefit you IF taxes were withheld. The amount can be up to six months worth, at 50% of your salary. This is a great option to have in a tough or great economy. Can employer deny unemployment? No, but they can contest them.

3. Future Benefits

When paid legally, a Nanny will earn social security and medicare for their future. For younger nannies it may seem too far in the distance or like we will never see this money. For dome of our veteran Nannies, retirement the golden years are getting closer everyday. While you may be unsure what the future holds, this another way to benefit.

2. Disability Insurance

It is my understanding the in most states, Disability is part of what is deducted from your pay. This includes if you are injured separate from your job or if you become pregnant and take maternity leave - this offers benefits while you are unable to work.

1. Viewed as a Professional

Working as a Professional Nanny, you are contributing to the viewpoint of a nanny, by society - her in Cincinnati and beyond. You have a responsibility to live out that professional characteristic in your career. By making a stand to be paid legally, you are saying that you see yourself as a part of your country, your city, your industry - and you want to give where you are expected to. The family that you are working for in most cases would not take a position themselves, where they are not paying taxes. We want them to understand, that we too are professionals, expecting no less.

Nannies should understand that when taxes are taken out of their check, their net pay will be reduced by around 20%, from the gross amount. It is a good idea, to know ahead of time what amount you will need to bring home and do that math accordingly. Very rarely will a family open to changing the way they are paying you, so talking about method of payment early in your interview process is recommended.

There are many resources online! Here are a few:

Is a Nanny an Independent Contractor or Employee? (enannysource)

Tax Faqs (enannysource)

Tax Breaks for Employers (enannysource)

Breedlove, Frequently Asked Questions.

GTM, Nanny Tax Calculator

Homework Solutions, More Questions Answered

Unemployment Benefits, FAQs

Each year, the International Nanny Association puts together a Salary and Benefits survey. Follow the link to the 2009 Salary and Benefits Survey, based on the information gathered about the 2008 work year. Please check back the updated version coming soon.

Some exciting news....

I am excited to announce that I have been nominated for the International Nanny Association's Nanny of the Year award for 2010. This process began back in January as my employer/family wrote essays to nominate me. I then created a portfolio providing INA with detailed work history, certifications, education, 10 pages of reference letters, and my own essays answers - which ended up being over 40 pages in total. It was an in-depth process, but totally rewarding. I am so honored and thankful to have a wonderful support of current and past employers and their children, family, friends and fellow nannies. I have received a wonderful gift in this nomination.

To learn more about the award and see past recipients: click here.

To see all of the wonderful 2010 NOTY Nominees: click here.

The award recipient will accept the "Nanny of the Year" award and title at NOTY Luncheon INA Annual Conference on May 21st, in San Francisco. I will keep you posted!

[Quick Tip Tuesday] Ready Plates

Quick Tips: Ready Plates

Headed to a restaurant with multiples or multiple children? Crazy? No... just adventurous! Here's a tip, take your own plates and the "appetizer" to keep impatient children from getting chaotic. Keep them in a large ziplock bag, so you can throw the dirty plates in when you're done and clean off when you get home. Anything that can save time will make your meal out more enjoyable. Though we try out many restaurants the routine of our own plates and cups keep my young boys comfortable and calm!