High5 Friday: Rules for Unemployment (J.O.B part #1)

Over the last year, layoffs have been getting closer and closer to home. My husband and I have watched his fellow employees go in two and threes. We have watched friends and family lose their jobs and through this recession we have felt blessed to be spared. But, in September I surprisingly found myself now unemployed.

Looking back, I found this was the only position that ended without my choosing. It was also the only position that I left without having something to go right into. Though 32 years old, I found myself in a brand new experience. The good news.... I felt very prepared.

I plan to share some of my experiences and opinions with you over the next couple of weeks. I hope that my story may be of help in some way. This week begins a series of 5 posts called "J.O.B."

High5: Rules for Unemployment

I have often given advice to nannies who are unemployed to set up "rules" for themselves. The goal, to use time-off in a productive manner. I now found myself having to take my own advice. While I haven't been unemployed before, I always took mental notes on what I would do. I think it is important to stay focused on your purpose during this season, and setting some ground rules may just be the way to do that. After all, my job was to "Get a Job" (sing shan-na-nahs here).

5. Get Up
As silly as it may seem this was a big one for me. My previous position required me to start work at 7:00 a.m. each morning. I handled it (with coffee), but will always remain a night person. I work well at night (in fact I'm writing this at 11:00 p.m.) and new that if not planned I would let my schedule drift later and later. Just as it was important for me to keep a regular sleep schedule and set my alarm  for work, I felt it that my process of finding a job, was just as important. I set my alarm each weekday for 8:00 a.m. and made sure I had at least 8 hours of sleep each night before.

4. Get Ready
Who doesn't like to have a PJ day every so often? This can become a dangerous habit for the unemployed. I believe that when you start living this habit you can start to feel down on yourself. It is so important to stay positive during the process. Each day, get up, take a shower and start your day as you would for work or interview - wear make-up and stay away from a daily ponytail. Wear something that makes you feel pretty each day. Enjoy the chance to wear jewelry (with out fear of pulling), cute clothes (that won't be spit up on) and even girlie shoes (not fit for the sand at the park).

3. Get Out

I presume that money is tight, so be careful about how you are spending your time. I tried to get out a little or a lot everyday. Some days I was interviewing, but other days I needed to spend time on the computer or making calls. At home it was easy to get distracted. Since I was  given a large Starbuck's gift card, I made this my new office (Starbuck's has recently began offering free wi-fi at least here in Cincinnati). My location has large high-top tables with their own outlets and lamps. I found a nice spot back in the corner and would often spend hours at a time working here. It was nice to be around people and see action happening around me. I was always much more productive than I would've been at home. This option was also cheaper than frequenting my favorite stores. Though I admit I did get a few good buys. (Below is me at "my office")

2. Get Active
It is a great idea to get moving each day. Go to the park, walk your neighborhood, or go to the gym (if this isn't an extra expense). This is a great habit that you may have not been able to make time for. The endorphins released while exercising keeping your from getting mopey, but having positive feelings in this hard time. Take the time to do something active that you love or search for something new!

1. Get Focused
Time off for me turned into a blessing. I have never had the luxury of not working even for a short season. I was able to process through my feelings and grieve the loss of job I expected to be long-term. I had more time and quiet to reflect and pray and open myself up to be lead in new directions. Along with my job search and interview processes I accomplished projects that were on my to-do list for a year. The time allowed me to really make a wise decision without feeling stress. I have connected with friends that I sometimes seemed to busy for. I learned more about me in this last 6 weeks than I have in the last couple of years, and I know that without the time off, I would not have had the journey. I truly can say that this has been a blessing.

So, you are probably wondering if I have accepted a position? Yes. My situation did not work out exactly as I expected, but did work out for the best. I will be starting a new position on Monday, at my church, in an administration/project manager role. My degree is in Theology and previously worked in the ministry at a church before. This position is part-time and will allow me the opportunity to still work with the triplets as a part-time nanny. I believe that I have been given the best of both worlds. I am excited that I will be able to continue in the nanny world, but also have this new journey at my church. It was a decision that did not come lightly. Thanks to all my friends for your support and prayers!

Stay tuned next week for part #2!

CincyNanny Roundtable - Food Allergy Awareness and Safety

CincyNanny Roundtable 

Food Allergy Awareness and Safety

By: Lindsey Kanis

10.26.2010

It is estimated that 3 million U.S. children have a food allergy [FAAN]. 16-18% of those children have had reactions while at school [FAAN]. 25% of those cases occur before a child has been diagnosed with a food allergy [FAAN]. Several studies have found that a majority of school have inadequate allergy management and emergency preparation including epinephrine for such allergic reactions, many anaphylaxis. 

A food allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to food. The body makes antibodies to the food causing asthma, hives and other symptoms.

Common Food Allergies:

• 8 foods account for 90% of food-allergic reactions [FAAN]:

-Milk. Only 2.5% of kids under 3 have a milk allergy. Most develop in the first year of life and many will outgrow the allergy in only a few years. Many of these children are just fine substituting with non dairy formulas and soy or rice milks while some are allergic to only cow’s milk and may use goat’s milk as an alternative, but is not recommended without doctor’s permission. Always read labels: milk and casein (a milk derivative and protein) are hidden ingredients in many non dairy products (including canned tuna and some meats). [FDA] Always ask: butter is used in most baked items and on most everything at restaurants. However, milk is easily substituted with water or fruit juice in many recipes. Deli meat slicers in most delis are used to slice both cheese and meat. Some children may have a reaction to milk or oils of these products just touching their skin.

-Egg. 1.5% of young children but is the allergy doctors believe most likely to be outgrown. Most reactions will appear as skin irritations (rashes, hives or intense dryness) but may include anaphylaxis*. Eggs are found in many baked goods, some pastas including those found in soup, and are used as a “wash” on a variety of items before baking, frying or topping (i.e. pretzels are washed in egg before being salted). Egg is also found occasionally in the froth or foam topping of coffee drinks, as well as egg substitutes that use egg whites. Some vaccines including the influenza vaccine contain egg proteins and a doctor should be consulted before using these vaccines. In baking, eggs can be substituted with several small recipes that are equivalent to egg.

-Peanut. Between 1997 and 2002, peanut allergies in children doubled [FAAN]. Reactions to peanuts can vary in intensity depending on sensitivity of the individual. However, 20% of these children outgrow the allergy. Younger siblings of these children are at a higher risk to develop peanut allergies. Individuals with peanut allergies are likely to develop other food allergies, including tree nuts and so most people allergic to peanuts avoid all nuts and always carry epi-pens (epinephrine shots) because most reactions include anaphylaxis*. Besides the obvious of peanut butter, peanuts and peanut oils can be found in chili sauces, hot sauce, pesto, gravy, salad dressings, pudding, cookies, hit chocolate, egg rolls, pancakes, pet foods, candies, Asian and Mexican dishes, vegetarian meat substitutes, glazed and marinades. Read labels: It is also important to note that equipment used to make many products may have been in contact with peanuts or peanut oils. When eating out, ask specifically for new utensils to be used for serving, preparing foods. [FDA]

-Tree nuts. It is estimated that 1.8 million Americans have allergic to tree nuts (walnut, almond, hazelnut, coconut, cashew, pistachio and Brazil nuts)[FAAN] and it is among the leading causes of fatal and near fatal reactions to foods. It is rare to outgrow a tree nut allergy. Unexpected sources of tree nuts include salad dressings, barbecue sauce, pancakes, pasta, honey, pie crusts and breading for chicken. Many reactions include anaphylaxis* and require a shot of epinephrine. 

-Did you know: It is disputed whether or not a coconut is a nut. It is traditionally thought of as a fruit and carries low risk of allergic reaction for people allergic to tree nuts. The FDA only began classifying the coconut as a nut in 2006. [FDA]

-Fish. 2.3% of Americans report allergy to seafoods [FAAN]. Salmon, tuna and halibut are the most common culprits of fish allergic reactions, however it is recommended that all fish be avoided as well as seafood restaurants all together. Cross contamination is a risk as well the risk of reaction from airborne proteins in the steam while cooking. It is considered to be a lifelong allergy. Caesar dressing, Bouillabaisse, Worcestershire sauce, Barbeque sauces all contain fish ingredients. 

-Shellfish. 60% of shellfish allergic reactions occur for the first time in adulthood. It is recommended that individuals with shellfish allergies avoid seafood all together, seafood restaurants as well as Asian restaurants (they use sauces and base ingredients with fish). Reactions can include anaphylaxis*.

-Wheat. Children most often have this allergy, but outgrow it before adulthood. It should not be confused with celiac disease (an intolerance to gluten). People with wheat allergies can eat other grains including amaranth, barley, corn, oat, quinoa, rice, rye, and tapioca. It is usually fairly easy to substitute wheat flour with alternatives in recipes. Read labels! Wheat can be in anything: ice cream, marinara sause, play doh, rice cakes and hot dogs.

-Soy. Soy allergies are difficult, but common especially in infants and children. Soy is in so many products that people with this allergy often need a nutritionist to help maintain a healthy diet without soy. Reactions can include anaphylaxis. Soy and soy beans can be found in baked goods, canned tuna, formulas, soups, and even peanut butter.

The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires food manufacturers to disclose in plain language whether products contain any of the top eight food allergens, when present in any amount, even in colors, flavors, or spice blends. [FAAN]

Have your charges been tested for common food allergies?

Are you educated on their allergies (if any)?

 - Pronounced: ana-fill-axis .... A serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death. An anaphylactic reaction may begin with a tingling sensation, itching, or a metallic taste in the mouth. Other symptoms can include hives, a sensation of warmth, wheezing or other difficulty breathing, coughing, swelling of the mouth and throat area, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. These symptoms may begin within several minutes to two hours after exposure to the allergen, but life-threatening reactions may get worse over a period of several hours.” 

-From “Anaphylaxis” by FAAN http://www.foodallergy.org/section/a

FAAN The Food and Anaphylaxis Network http://www.foodallergy.org

FDA The Food and Drug Administration http://www.fda.gov 

[Quick Tip Tuesday] Meal Time Tot Talk

Quick Tip Tuesday: Meal Time Tot Talk

By: Nanny Beth

I was a nanny in Connecticut; it was my first professional nanny position. I was so eager! Katie was 18 months old and wise beyond her years. I purchased placemats with a colorful map of the United States. One was at each child's seat, one for Katie and one for Max (her 3 year old brother ). Each evening I would pre set the table with the breakfast items...a bowl, a glass, silverware and some of the things we might eat like fruit, etc... but on each child's placemat I would place the vitamin on a different state. In the morning as they were eating I would ask them on what state they found their vitamin. It was a fun and educational game. In a few months time Katie, only 18 months old, knew so many states AND their capitals! Each week we went to the local Dunkin Donuts for a treat - coffee for nanny and juice and a bagel for baby. Katie would proudly tell the ladies at Dunkin Donuts the capital of Connecticut and then each week they would ask her to tell them the states and their capitals. I am confident no other 18 month old could recite the capitals of the United States! This is one educational tool I used to turn a meal into an event!

Nanny Beth Barnes was first a nanny in Connecticut in 1998. She's worked with many kinds of families: single fathers with surrogate babies, double doctor families, families with multiples and high profile families. She finds great joy with families and my position is that of watching the children grow and learn from my help and examples. Beth states, "My joy is provided by Baby M who is a delight in every way! She has learned basic sign language and excels at most everything. I have been blessed to have a family that works as a team with me in the adventures of their child."

Thanks so much for sharing your experience and that fun tip! If you are looking to purchase your own placement to use for learning, check out Tot Talk Placemats! Then have some tools you might like. We are always open to CincyNannies sharing their tips! ~ CincyNanny Greta 

[Quick Tip Tuesday] Vitamin Time

 
Quick Tip: Vitamin Time 

Establishing routine for children can help things run smoothly. Vitamins are just one of those small things to incorporate into our day, but done at the same time, create a normal habit. With children, healthy habits are a wonderful thing keep consistent.

Each morning, for the triplets I place a small bowl on their breakfast plates containing their vitamin. They know that they must crunch this before getting up from the table and putting their plate in the all done spot.

These little bowls have been so convenient for small treats, dipping (see here), and sauces. It is just the right size for little hands and the colors are eye catching and cute.

[Quick Tip Tuesday] Beyond the Wipes

Quick Tip: Beyond the Wipes

Ever wonder what to do with all those leftover bulky wipes containers? I while reorganizing a drawer one day at work, I needed  a  divider/organizer. 

           I wasn't about to go searching through the house so, I grabbed an old wipes container and took off the top portion leaving the bottom. It turned out to be the perfect size and even added a little color to the inside of the drawer. Repurposing items always make me feel good!

What baby items do you repurpose? Email me at gretaschraer(at)mac(dot)com and we may make it  a "quick tip"!