appreciation Archives - Nannies and Mommies

Valentine’s Day Kids

HOLIDAY

Celebrate love and connection with your children with Valentine’s Day for Kids. Create meaningful activities to fill this day with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Let’s make this Valentine’s Day Kids unforgettable for your little ones!

What is Valentine About?

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Explain to your children that Valentine’s Day is about sharing love and kindness. Teach them the Golden Rule: “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” Encourage them to perform random acts of kindness, such as helping a sibling or their classmate, sharing toys, or offering a helping hand to someone in need. Emphasize the importance of accepting everyone for who they are and celebrating our unique differences.

* See our Valentine Store *

Crayon heart shape

Turn broken crayons into a fun and creative Valentine project! Simply melt down your old crayons in a double boiler, pour them into molds (like ice cube trays or muffin tins), and let them harden. Play with color mixing. These unique, homemade crayons make wonderful gifts for friends. Write a special message on the package, like “You Color My Day!”

Easy Crayons

Sensory bin

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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate with your little ones than with a sensory bin? Here are some ideas to get you started:

Fill a bin with heart-shaped foam pieces, red and pink pom-poms, and heart-shaped sequins. Add some red and pink silk scarves for draping and swirling and some red and white feathers to represent Cupid’s arrows.

Make treats:

Simple sugar cookies

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red and pink food coloring (optional)

Mix all together, roll dough and cut heart shaped cookies. Bake 350F for 8-10 min and decorate with own fantasy

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* See our Valentine Store *

Valentine Cards

Help your child create unique and heartfelt cards for their friends. Encourage them to personalize each card with a special message, or special decoration expressing their love to their family and friends. Kids favorite: Stickers and creativity.

Simple idea: Dip child’s fingertip in the red paint and press it onto the construction paper to create a fingerprint heart. Let your child decorate the fingerprint hearts with markers or crayons. Write a message such as “You’re pawsome!” or “I love you bunches!”

Create butterfly garden

This Valentine’s Day show your kids love for nature by creating a “Butterfly Garden.” Plant butterfly-attracting seeds (Milkweed) together, teaching them about giving back to the environment. This hands-on activity creates a connection to nature and encourages a love for all living things.

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Recycled Art

Unleash your creativity this Valentine’s Day kids with an eco-friendly art project! Gather recycled materials like paper rolls (perfect for vases), paper towel rolls (for backdrops they are easy to drop water color), and colorful paper scraps. Let your child’s imagination flow as they create unique and heartfelt decoration or cards.

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Nanny Appreciation

NANNY, PARENTING

Small Gestures, Big Impact: Appreciating Your Nanny. Nannies are the unsung heroes of many households. Showing your appreciation for their hard work doesn’t have to be grand gestures; small acts of kindness can go a long way. Here are some ideas for nanny appreciation:

Verbal Appreciation

Say “thank you” often: Genuine gratitude is always appreciated.
Specific compliments: Acknowledge their efforts, like “Thank you for being so patient with [child’s name] today.”
Share your appreciation with others: Let your nanny know you value their work by mentioning it to friends or family.

Thank you

Thoughtful Gestures

Thank you – Gift Card

Small gifts: Surprise them with a coffee gift card, a small plant, wine, or their favorite snack.
Handwritten notes: A heartfelt note expressing your gratitude can be incredibly meaningful. Also, ask your children to create special notes for your nanny
Involve them in family events: Make them feel like part of the family by including them in special occasions.

Growth Environment

Pay for Child Development Classes: Help them stay updated on child development milestones and growth
First Aid and CPR: Pay for their current certifications
Certified Courses: Help them to become certified professional.

Certification

Gift Ideas:

Gift Basket

Create photo memory album for your nanny with children/nanny time
Nice massage or tickets to concerts for her time off
Gift Baskets filled with her interest small things – art supply for artistic nanny , cosmetic for night outs, chocolate for sweet tooth, notebooks for writers or music books for singers.

Don’t forget to appreciate your nannies on special occasions like Christmas and their birthdays. While many nannies value financial support, thoughtful gifts can also make a significant impact. Small tokens of appreciation can go a long way in showing your gratitude for their hard work and dedication.

Remember, appreciation builds a strong and trusting relationship with your nanny. These small actions can make a significant difference in their job satisfaction and overall well-being.

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What I wish I said to kids when they were younger

PARENTING

Now that I’m older, I often look back and wish I had told my kids certain things when they were younger. Whether it was about the importance of school, following their dreams, or being more responsible with their time. There are so many valuable lessons that could have been imparted.

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Unfortunately, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day stress of raising a family and forget to take those important moments to tell kids how much they mean to us. We may even be reluctant to push them too hard or put too much pressure on them.

If I could…

If I could go back in time, there are a few pieces of advice that I wish I said to kids when they were younger:

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Work hard now and be proud of your accomplishments

“Don’t let the present moment overshadow the incredible things you’re building! Work hard now, dig deep and push yourself further. The satisfaction of looking back on what you’ve achieved is a feeling unlike any other.”

“Remember, success isn’t a destination, it’s a journey paved with challenges and triumphs. Be proud of the small victories along the way – the extra hour you put in on a project, the skill you finally mastered, the goal you achieved. These moments accumulate, building a foundation for even greater accomplishments in the future.”

Don’t be afraid to take risks

“I know things might seem tough right now, but remember all the amazing things you’ve accomplished already! You passed that test last week, and remember how proud you were when you finally mastered riding your bike? Every challenge you overcome, every late night you spend studying, adds another sparkly gem to your crown of achievements.”

“Don’t be afraid to take chances, even if you stumble a bit. Remember how you learned to walk? Lots of little falls before you took off running, right? Every misstep is a chance to learn and grow even stronger. So keep reaching for the stars, my love. Mommy believes in you, and the feeling of achieving something you set your mind to – that’s the sweetest reward of all!”

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Find something you’re passionate about and pursue it with all your heart

“You are capable of incredible things, and I want you to remember that. Remember the way your eyes lit up when you learned that new song on the piano? That’s passion, honey. It’s that spark that makes you want to learn, to create, to push yourself further.”

“Don’t be afraid to explore, to try new things, and to chase after what sets your soul on fire. You’ll surprise yourself with what you can achieve, and that’s something to be incredibly proud of. Now go out there and find your spark.”

Take responsibility for your actions

“It’s okay, everyone makes mistakes! But what matters most is how we learn from them. Taking responsibility for your actions is a big part of growing up.”

“When you take responsibility, you’re not just saying “sorry,” you’re showing that you understand what happened and why. It means thinking about what you could have done differently and learning from it. When you take responsibility, it shows everyone around you that you’re mature and capable of learning. People respect that and you’re working to be the best version you can be.”

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Stay positive, even when times get tough

“Being positive isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about knowing that even when things are hard, you can find a way through. It’s about having that little voice inside you whisper, “I can do this!”

“Sometimes, a positive attitude is all it takes to turn a bad day around. Maybe you can write down things you’re grateful for, or call a friend who always makes you laugh. Even a small smile can change your perspective. Keep that positive light shining, and you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish!”

One thing is for certain: My kids are my world and I want nothing but the best for them! So no matter what age, I will always strive to be there for them. Guide them in the right direction, and help them reach their full potential. That way, they can go out into the world with confidence and take charge of their lives!

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This Mother’s Day show you care with thoughtful gifts

LIFESTYLE

Finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift can be a challenge. From heartfelt mementos to something practical, there are so many options that it can be hard to decide. Whether you’re looking for something special and unique or just want to show your mom how much you appreciate her, we’ve rounded up some great ideas that she’s sure to love.

A pillow case is an essential part of any bedroom. It not only adds a layer of comfort and protection to your pillow, it also helps keep it clean and fresh for longer use. This satin pillowcase adds extra comfort but also nourishes your hair, skin and prevents wrinkles.

This mini wafer maker can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Not only will you have the pleasure of preparing delicious treats for the whole family, but you’ll also save time and money by avoiding pre-packaged snacks. Mini wafer makers are great for small households or those who don’t need to make large quantities at once. Fun colors available.

Choosing the right coffee mug can be a fun and exciting experience. Whether you are looking for something to take with you on-the-go or something special and unique to use at home. Stainless steel, leakproof and fun

The convenience of a heated coffee mug is undeniable. With the push of a button, you can have your hot beverage right in your hand, ready to be enjoyed! Plus, you don’t have to worry about running out for refills or burning your fingers on an overly hot cup. A heated coffee mug keeps your drinks at the optimal temperature for the entire duration of your day. Ready whenever you need it.

When it comes to preserving your precious memories, few things can compare to a good quality photo album. Whether you’re looking for an heirloom-quality album to pass down through generations or just something simple and stylish to show off your photos, there are plenty of options available.

Essential oils are an amazing way to add a powerful boost of natural healing and fragrance to your life. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, emotional support, or holistic wellness benefits, there is an essential oil that can help.

The Nut Basket is the perfect gift for any occasion. Whether you are looking to celebrate a special event or simply show someone you care, this basket of nuts will surely please. Rich in protein, fiber and essential vitamins.

Customized name airpod cases offer the perfect way to show off your own unique style and personality. Whether it’s a special message, initials, or favorite phrase, you can create a customized earbuds case for someone special.

Chakra singing bowls are an amazing tool for mental and physical relaxation. They can be used to open the chakras, bring balance to your body and mind, relieve stress, and promote overall well-being. Unlike regular bowls, these bowls vibrate at a frequency that helps to clear energy blockages in the body.

Facial serums provide deep nourishing benefits that can help improve the health and appearance of your skin. These concentrated formulas are designed to penetrate deep into the skin, delivering a powerful dose of antioxidants, vitamins, and other essential nutrients. With regular use, facial serums can help reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

We hope that this Mother’s Day you got inspired with perfect gifts. ~ Nannies and Mommies

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Motherhood is Equal to 2.5 Full Jobs

PARENTING, UNCATEGORIZED

Do you feel overwhelmed with the mountain of tasks you need to complete each day? Between all the diaper-changing, meal prep, and bath-time duty, it’s no wonder you’re so tired. A recent study from Welch’s Market Researchers OnePoll showed that most mothers are working an average of 98 hours per week. They’re working the equivalent of 2.5 full time jobs.

A Never-Ending Workload

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Between May 05, 2017, and May 11, 2017, the study profiled the weekly schedule of 2,000 mothers of children ages 5-12.

On average, moms began checking off tasks at 6:23am and wouldn’t finish their parenting or work-related responsibilities until 8:31pm that evening. In total, that makes each day equivalent to a 14 hour shift--way more than the amount expected of a typical 8-5 full-time job.

This exhausting workload might sound familiar to moms, especially those who are also employed. According to the US Department of Labor, in 2020, over 70 percent of all women with children under age 18 were working or looking for work.

Yahoo News reports Casey Lewis, MS, RD and Health & Nutrition Lead at Welch’s said: “The results of the survey highlight just how demanding the role of mom can be and the non-stop barrage of tasks it consists of.”

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How Can You Help?

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The study found that wet wipes, tablets, fast food drive-thrus, and tv shows are the handy solutions to a mother’s most common problems. What else helps Mom’s sanity stay in check?

Anything you can do to cut down on that never-ending pile of tasks would be great! Look around the house and think about what chores need to be done. Doing those routine tasks saves her time and energy.

Big Stressor – Food

The study cites an overwhelming majority of moms (84%) are concerned about their children getting a healthy, well-rounded diet with vegetables and fruit. Extra help with grocery shopping, meal planning, and food preparation can do wonders for busy moms.

Time to Relax

Most importantly, mothers need time to relax and recharge. The study reported the average mom is lucky to get around an hour and seven minutes to herself per day. For some moms, an hour alone might sound like a dream. Partners, grandparents, and supplemental caretakers like nannies and babysitters can step in and give mom a chance to “clock out.”

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Sometimes, overworked moms might not even be sure how to unwind. Here are some ideas:

Watch a favorite movie or catch up on the latest show
Take a long bath
Enjoy a glass of wine or cup of coffee
Catch up with friends and family
Creative hobbies like art
Reading or journaling
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While most moms would agree parenthood is worth all the stress and messes, there are still ways to make their lives easier.

Moms don’t need a study to know motherhood is not an easy job–or 2.5 Full Jobs! Still, maybe it’s eye-opening for others to see the evidence of just how time-intensive motherhood can be. Hopefully, this research reminds the rest of society just how much support (and coffee) moms really need.

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