Jovie

Happy National Nanny Recognition Week! 🌟 To all the incredible nannies out there, thank you for your endless dedication, love, and support. You play such an essential role in our families' lives, nurturing and shaping the future with your kindness and care. We appreciate all that you do, each and every day. 🎉💖

Get your hands dirty with pumpkin spice playdough! 🎃

Make homemade playdough with a fall twist by adding pumpkin spice. You’ll need flour, salt, water, cream of tartar, vegetable oil, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix the ingredients together, cook them on the stove, and let the kids knead the dough once it’s cool. This activity provides a multi-sensory experience, combining touch and smell, and encourages imaginative play and creativity!

 

Prioritize emotional well-being! Each children to identify and express their emotions through storytelling, role-playing, or using emotion cards. Helping them navigate their feelings builds emotional intelligence and resilience.

 

Practice patience and understanding! Take time to listen, validate their emotions, and offer gentle guidance as they navigate challenges.

 

Choosing the right nanny for your family? Compare travel nannies and at-home nannies to see what fits your needs best—flexibility or stability, higher or lower costs, and new experiences or routine care.

1. Flexibility and Availability:

Travel Nanny: Available to accompany the family on trips, providing childcare in different locations and adapting to changing schedules.
At-Home Nanny: Typically has a more structured schedule and set location, providing consistency and routine for children at home.

1. Cost and Expenses:

Travel Nanny: Often involves higher costs due to travel expenses, accommodations, and potential overtime pay.
At-Home Nanny: Generally less expensive since there are no additional travel-related costs, and the pay rate may be more predictable.

1. Experience and Skills:

Travel Nanny: Often requires additional skills such as adaptability to new environments, handling travel logistics, and managing children in unfamiliar settings.
At-Home Nanny: Focuses more on routine childcare activities, household management, and maintaining a stable environment for children.

1. Child’s Comfort and Routine:

Travel Nanny: May need to help children adapt to new routines and environments, which can be challenging for some kids.
At-Home Nanny: Provides a consistent routine and familiar environment, which can be comforting and beneficial for a child’s development.

 

Dive into Sensory Fun!

Sensory play is a wonderful way to stimulate your child’s creativity and help them explore the world around them. Try these 6 sensory activities to engage their senses and spark joy:

Playdough Creations: Let them mold and shape colorful playdough into fun designs!
Sand Play: Build sandcastles or create patterns in kinetic sand.
Water Tables: Experiment with pouring, scooping, and splashing water.
Rice or Bean Bins: Fill a bin with rice or beans and hide small toys for a treasure hunt.
Ice Play: Explore temperature by melting ice cubes with warm water or salt.
Sensory Bottles: Fill clear bottles with water, glitter, and small objects to create mesmerizing effects.

Let the fun begin! What’s your child’s favorite sensory activity? Share in the comments!

 

Parenting is a beautiful blend of joy and challenge. Remember that every effort you make is creating a lifetime of memories and a foundation of love for your child.

You are enough, and you’re doing great!

 

Here are 3 ways to build confidence!

1. Set Achievable Goals: Help them set and reach small, attainable goals
2. Celebrate Successes: Recognize and reward accomplishments, no matter how small
3. Positive Affirmations: Teach them to use affirmations like “I am strong” or “I can do it”

 

Tips for encouraging self-reflection:

- Journaling: Encourage writing or drawing about their feelings
- Mindfulness Activities: Practice deep breathing or meditation
- Self-Assessment: Help them recognize their strengths and areas for growth

 

Happy National Parent's Day off! 🌟 Today is all about YOU, amazing parents! Treat yourself to a day all to yourself, and don't worry about the little ones. Jovie has you covered! Let us entertain the kids while you indulge in some well deserved "me-time". 💖

Here are some protein-packed snack ideas!

Nut Butters: Almond butter with apple slices, peanut butter on whole grain crackers
Nut and Seed Mixes: Homemade trail mix, chia seed pudding
Lean Meats: Turkey slices, chicken strips

What else would you add?

 

Come see us this afternoon at St. Mary’s University. If you like our mission to Build Stronger Families then we may have a job for you!

👶🏠 Nanny or Housekeeper? Parents are facing the tough question: "Should I expect my nanny to clean my house?" 💭 Swipe to hear from our expert nanny concierge, Laura Davis!

Easy hydrating snack ideas!

Fruit Smoothies: Blend fruits with yogurt or milk

Cucumber and Melon: Refreshing and hydrating options

Frozen Fruit Pops: Blend and freeze fruit for a cool treat

 

Parenthood is a rollercoaster of emotions, but every laugh, hug, and ‘I love you’ makes the ride worth it! Do you agree?

 

Nanny tip: Keep kids engaged and energetic with plenty of outdoor play. Organize games, obstacle courses, or dance parties that get everyone moving. Don’t forget, join in on the fun too!

 

When a tantrum strikes, try getting down to your child’s level and using a calm, gentle voice to acknowledge their feelings. Sometimes, all they need is to feel understood.

 

We had a great time at the job fair yesterday! If you missed us, just apply online at www.jovie.com

Did you know that playing with blocks helps develop fine motor skills and spatial awareness in toddlers? Encourage block play to build both creativity and brain power!

 

⚽ Parents - does your child have specific interests, like sports, music, or dancing? Our experienced and passionate nannies are here to nurture your child's interests and keep them engaged with the activities they love. Contact us today to find a great nanny match! 👶

Learning through play.

Playtime is a crucial part of learning and development for kids. Incorporate educational toys and games into playtime to make learning fun!

 

Here’s a simple and fun recipe for “Mini Pita Pizzas” that kids can help make:

Ingredients:
- Mini pita bread (or regular pita bread cut in halves)
- Tomato sauce or pizza sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your choice of toppings (pepperoni, sliced veggies, olives, etc.)

Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Pitas:
Place the mini pita bread on a baking sheet.
3. Spread the Sauce:
Using a spoon, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over each pita.
4. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
5. Add Toppings:
Let the kids add their favorite toppings on top of the cheese.
6. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve:
Allow the mini pita pizzas to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Cooking with Kids:

- Safety First: Handle the oven and any cutting tasks yourself. Let the kids help with spreading sauce, adding cheese, and placing toppings.
- Personalize: Encourage kids to create their own pizza designs with toppings.
- Have Fun: Make it a fun and interactive activity by discussing their favorite toppings and experimenting with different ingredients.

Enjoy your cooking time together! Let us know what kind of pizzas you’ve made.

 

Fun fact! Did you know?

Popsicle was discovered by accident by an 11 year old boy in 1905.

 

4 Mistakes to avoid as a Nanny.

Lack of Communication with Parents:

How to avoid it: Schedule regular check-ins with parents, provide daily updates, and openly discuss any concerns or suggestions. Use communication tools like shared calendars or apps to keep everyone informed.

Ignoring Safety Protocols:

How to avoid it: Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures, keep a close watch on the children at all times, childproof the home, and stay updated on first aid and CPR training.

Inconsistency with Discipline and Routine:

How to avoid it: Discuss and align with the parents on discipline strategies and daily routines. Stick to agreed-upon rules and schedules to provide a stable environment for the children.

Lack of Engagement and Interaction:

How to avoid it: Plan activities that are age-appropriate and stimulating. Encourage learning through play, read to them, and be actively involved in their interests and hobbies.

 

Quick tip!

When you’re out and about with your little one, it can be hard to keep track of everything. Here’s a quick tip to help make things easier: always have a bag packed with everything you need, including diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, and a snack. That way, you’ll always be prepared!

What are your must-haves?

 

Involve your kids in the kitchen and cook or bake together. Choose kid-friendly recipes and let them take part in measuring, mixing, and decorating. It’s not just fun but also a valuable life skill they can learn.

 

Backpacks are ready, school supplies are out, new 'fits are on - the kids are heading back to school! 🎒✏️ Have you checked your afterschool childcare off the list?

Our vetted nannies and sitters are devoted to making your school year routines seamless. Visit the 🔗 in our bio for more information!

What else would you add?

Ever wondered what working at Jovie is like? Swipe for some frequently asked questions from candidates ➡️

Choosing childcare for your family? 🌟 Here's a quick snapshot of what you can expect when you hire Jovie!

Try this fun DIY craft: Nature-Inspired Sun Catchers

Materials:
- Clear plastic lids (from yogurt containers, coffee can lids, etc.) or clear plastic plates
- Acrylic paints (variety of colors)
- Paintbrushes
- Water and paper towels for cleaning brushes
- String or ribbon for hanging
- Hole punch
- Optional: glitter, sequins, or small natural items like leaves and flowers

Instructions:
1. Prepare the Work Area:
- Cover the work area with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth to protect it from paint spills.
- Set out all the materials within easy reach for the kids.
2. Choose and Paint the Design:
- Encourage the kids to think about nature-inspired designs such as sunflowers, butterflies, leaves, or abstract patterns.
- Let them paint their designs on the clear plastic lids or plates using the acrylic paints. They can mix colors, create patterns, and even add glitter or sequins to their designs.
- If using small natural items like leaves or flowers, they can glue these onto the painted designs for extra texture and interest.
3. Allow to Dry:
- Once the kids have finished painting, set the lids or plates aside to dry completely. This may take a few hours depending on the thickness of the paint.
4. Punch a Hole:
- After the paint has dried, use the hole punch to make a hole near the edge of the lid or plate for hanging.
5. Add String or Ribbon:
- Cut a piece of string or ribbon, thread it through the hole, and tie a knot to create a loop for hanging the sun catcher.
6. Hang and Enjoy:
- Find a sunny window or an outdoor spot to hang the sun catchers. Watch as the sunlight shines through the painted designs, creating beautiful effects.

This Nature-Inspired Sun Catcher craft is a wonderful way for kids to explore their creativity while enjoying the beauty of summer. Plus, it provides a lovely decoration that they can be proud of!

5 tips to build self-esteem in kids:

1. Show your kids unconditional love every day.
2. Allow kids to make their own decisions and be responsible.
3. Praise your kids honestly and sincerely.
4. Encourage kids to follow their interests.
5. Don’t criticize your kids harshly.

 

We're thrilled to see our very own expert nanny concierge, Laura Davis, in Parents! Check out her helpful insights on navigating the back-to-school shuffle: https://www.parents.com/parents-hiring-before-school-babysitters-8693841

Heading back to school? 📚 Discover the top 8 reasons why a back-to-school nanny can be a game-changer for your family! 👩‍🏫✨