communication Archives - ��AV Family Care

For Nannies: Goal Setting for Your Nanny Career This Year

��AV Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:45:41 +0000

A new year is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and think intentionally about where you want your nanny career to go. Whether you are early in your career or have years of experience, goal setting helps you stay grounded, motivated, and confident in the work you do every day.

At ��AV Family Care, we believe nannying is a profession, and like any profession, it benefits from clear goals that support your financial well-being, personal care, and professional growth.

Below are a few areas to consider as you set goals for the year ahead.

Financial Goals: Building Stability and Confidence

Financial stability is a foundational goal for many nannies, and it looks different for everyone. This year, you might consider:

Negotiating a fair wage that reflects your experience and responsibilities
Ensuring you are properly classified as a W-2 employee
Setting savings goals or contributing regularly to an emergency fund
Tracking overtime, mileage reimbursement, and benefits

Understanding your finances allows you to advocate for yourself and build long-term security in your career.

Personal Goals: Prioritizing Self-Care and Balance

Nannying is deeply rewarding work, but it is also physically and emotionally demanding. Setting personal goals around self-care is not a luxury, it is essential.

This might include:

Creating boundaries around your work hours
Scheduling regular rest and downtime
Connecting with other nannies who understand your work

One meaningful way to focus on yourself this year is attending the , a space designed for connection, rest, and renewal within the nanny community. Investing in yourself strengthens not only your well-being but also the care you provide.

Professional Goals: Investing in Your Education

Continuing education helps you stay current, confident, and competitive in your career. Professional growth can take many forms, including:

Certifications and Courses

Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) certifications or courses
Infant and toddler development training
Specialized care education for sleep, multiples, or special needs

Industry Credentials

Maintaining or pursuing INA credentials demonstrates commitment to excellence and professionalism

Conferences and Community Learning

These events offer education, inspiration, and the chance to build meaningful professional connections.

Communication Goals: Strengthening Nanny-Family Relationships

Is one of your goals this year to improve communication with the families you work with?

Clear, respectful communication is one of the most valuable skills a nanny can develop. It supports trust, reduces misunderstandings, and helps working relationships thrive.

If this is an area you want to strengthen, we encourage you to check out , a thoughtful resource filled with insights, real-life experiences, and tools designed to support healthy nanny-family communication.

Setting Goals That Work for You

When setting goals, remember:

Start small and be realistic
Write your goals down and revisit them regularly
Celebrate progress, not just perfection

Your career is a journey, and each step you take toward growth matters.

At ��AV Family Care, we are proud to support nannies who are invested in themselves, their profession, and the families they serve. Whatever your goals are this year, we hope you give yourself permission to pursue them with confidence and intention.

If you’d like guidance, resources, or support along the way, ��AV Family Care is always here to help.

The professionals at ��AV Family Care personally assist nannies, babysitters and families in St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, Miami and Orlando to find the right childcare arrangement. Our mission is to provide a safe and personalized approach for families and caregivers to connect with each other that is not an internet search. ��AV has worked with families, nannies, sitters, newborn care providers, and tutors for over 35 years and looks forward to working with you! To find great nanny and babysitting jobs visit us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or Call 314-725-5660.

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Family Travel: Traveling With Kids

��AV Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 11:40:22 +0000

Family travel is something most families do throughout their years together. Traveling on vacations is often an annual tradition families have. From the time your child is born, it is likely you will take him or her on trips to see family members, theme parks, and even just one day drives. While safety is often the first thing parents consider when traveling with their kids, keeping them happy and busy along the way also adds to the success of the trip.

Safe Travel Tips

Safety is the most important factor with children traveling. Family travel should always been done with caution paid to safety above anything else. Here are some tips to keep everyone safe.

• Insure everyone is using proper safety belts and car seats throughout the trip. It’s tempting to loosen the belt for long trips, but high speed accidents on highways are common during the summer months.

• Be sure that the driver gets enough sleep and that parents are able to stay alert not only in the car but also on airplanes and buses.

• Keep items out of the car that could be choking hazards for small children. Travel games often have small pieces and are meant for older children. The jarring of a car can easily cause these to slip down the child’s throat.

• Be sure everyone knows where to meet if for any reason the group is splitting up. Cell phones are a good communication device and the responsible person’s within each group should have one.

• Talk to your children ahead of time about the risks of strangers and who to talk to if they do get lost. For family travel to be fun, everyone has to remain safe.

Family Travel Things To Do

When it comes to being on the road or in a plane for an extensive amount of time, busy kids are happy ones. Parents can do a number of things to keep kids active and busy so they don’t become overwhelmed with the long trip.

• Pack snacks. Kids are hungry every few hours and snacks are the best way to keep them quiet. Prepackaged items are sold in individual sizes, but you can also choose crackers, grapes and other small foods and place into small bags. Juice boxes and bags travel well.

• Pack an activity bag. For younger children, these goody bags can be a surprise for once you are on the road. Load them up with small toys, coloring supplies, stickers, and other activities you know they will enjoy. Don’t let them go into the bag until they are on the road.

• Pack things to do in backpacks. For older children, keeping them busy will help to cut down on your stress. Handheld games, video games, a deck of cars and travel size games can work very well. Include a few comic books, a magazine or even a book they want to read.

Many of today’s ultra fun activities for the car are in the form of technology. Portable game players, tablets, and movies are sure ways to keep everyone busy. Download the latest songs, movies and books. Challenge each child to a photo scavenger hunt using a camera or phone camera.

Family travel is often best when everyone on the trip is looking forward to something that interests them. When there are two completely different opinions, cater to both. For example, if you are traveling to an area where there is a lot of camping and wilderness hiking, and one child does not care for this, find out if there’s a local show or museum nearby they may like to stop in during the trip.

Traveling with kids is enjoyable when you plan ahead. Take the time to talk to your kids about the trip alerting them to the length of the drive. While traveling at night is not always an option, this is also a good way to cut down on the boredom factor. Many kids are happy enough with a few things to do and the conversation of the parents to keep them busy. Make this a trip that everyone enjoys by sharing stories, ideas and thoughts in an open forum. Everyone will feel welcome and happy before, during and after the trip.

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October is Fire Prevention Month: Essential Safety Tips for Nannies and Families

��AV Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 11:03:00 +0000

October is Fire Prevention Month, a crucial time to focus on the steps we can take to keep our homes and families safe from fires. Whether you’re a nanny caring for children or a parent managing a busy household, taking a few simple precautions can prevent fires and save lives.

At ��AV Family Care, we want to make sure both nannies and families are well-prepared and informed. Here’s a guide with important fire prevention tips and safety measures to keep in mind this month and all year long.

1. Check Smoke Alarms Regularly

Smoke alarms are your first line of defense in case of a fire, but they need regular maintenance to work properly.

Test smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button to ensure they are working.
Replace batteries twice a year, or when you hear a low battery beep.
Make sure there’s a smoke alarm on every level of the home, and especially near bedrooms.

Tip for Nannies: Check with the parents to confirm that all smoke alarms are functioning, and ask when they were last tested.

2. Create and Practice a Fire Escape Plan

In the event of a fire, every second counts. Ensure your family has a clear escape plan and that everyone knows what to do.

Designate two exits from each room, such as doors and windows.
Practice crawling low under smoke and feeling doors for heat before opening them.
Set a family meeting spot outside that’s a safe distance from the home (like a mailbox or a neighbor’s house).

Tip for Nannies: Make sure you know the family’s fire escape plan and practice it with the children. During babysitting shifts, always be aware of exit routes in case of an emergency.

3. Be Cautious with Candles and Open Flames

Candles can add ambiance and scent to a home, but they also pose a fire risk, especially when left unattended.

Never leave candles burning in a room without supervision, and always blow them out before leaving the room.
Place candles in sturdy holders and away from curtains or anything flammable.
Consider using battery-operated flameless candles as a safer alternative.

Tip for Families with Children: Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children and teach them about fire safety.

4. Use Kitchen Safety Precautions

Cooking is a leading cause of house fires. Whether you’re preparing a meal or a snack, it’s important to follow some basic kitchen safety rules.

Stay in the kitchen while cooking, especially when using the stovetop.
Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove to prevent spills and burns.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and make sure you know how to use it. (Check that it’s not expired!)
Never use water to put out a grease fire—cover the pan with a lid instead.

Tip for Nannies: If you’re cooking while watching children, keep them away from the stove and use back burners when possible.

5. Be Prepared for an Emergency

Even with the best prevention efforts, accidents can still happen. Having an emergency kit and a clear plan will help you act quickly if needed.

Have a fire extinguisher on each level of the home, especially in the kitchen.
Ensure all family members, including older children and nannies, know how to use the extinguisher.
Make sure children understand that if there’s a fire, they should “get out, stay out, and call for help”—never hide or go back inside the house.
Teach kids how to call 911 and what to say in an emergency.

Tip for Families: Regularly review fire safety rules with your children to ensure they know what to do, and involve your nanny in these discussions.

6. Be Fire-Wise with Heating Systems

As the weather cools, we start using heating systems and space heaters, which can increase the risk of fires.

Have your heating system inspected each year by a professional to ensure it’s working safely.
Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable, and never leave them on unattended.
Use fireplace screens to prevent embers from escaping, and ensure chimneys are cleaned regularly.

Conclusion

Fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility, and by taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of fires in your home. Nannies play a crucial role in ensuring children’s safety, and by working together with families, we can create a safer environment for everyone.

At ��AV Family Care, we believe in the importance of fire safety education. Whether you’re a parent or a nanny, make sure to review these tips during Fire Prevention Month and practice them regularly throughout the year. Together, we can keep our families safe and secure.

Stay safe, everyone!

Additional Resources:

U.S. Fire Administration – Fire Safety Tips for Families

For more safety tips and child care resources, visit ��AV Family Care today!

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Helping your Preschooler with Separation Anxiety

��AV Nannies & Sitters — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 11:55:19 +0000

It is common for kids, especially preschoolers, to suffer from separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is hard on both the child and the parents. Trust me I know, I have lived through it. Whether it was taking my children to school, a birthday party or a leaving them with a babysitter they cried. Leaving them was hard but leaving them when they are crying was even harder. Thankfully, I don’t have these problems anymore. Now when I leave them with a ��AV babysitter they wave goodbye with a smile on their face and start playing.

Here are some tips from Dr. Laura Horsch , a child psychologist in Menlo Park, California on helping your kids deal with separation anxiety.

1. It’s important for parents to keep their morning goodbyes consistent and short. “Lingering in response to crying or tantruming may inadvertently reinforce those behaviors,” explains Horsch. The rule of thumb in such situations is to strive for a short goodbye process.

2. “Parents are encouraged to prepare their children for what to expect, acknowledge their child’s feelings, engage their child in a goodbye ritual (for example, hug, wave, etc.), and reassure their child that they will return,” she says.

3. And it’s crucial for parents to talk openly with their children about their feelings. Read a book about kids going off to school or Mommy going to work and then discuss with your child. And remind them that Mommy or Daddy will always come back to get them.

Horsch reminds parents that being tearful before mom or dad leave is common and natural. “Remember that these challenges are likely a normative part of healthy child development. These experiences are part of a child’s building resilience and emotion regulation.”

And she adds that there is almost always a silver lining: “Most children calm down quickly and enjoy their day shortly after their parents’ departure.”

To read the complete article and interview with Dr. Horsch click

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communication Archives - ����AV Family Care