Top 5 Reasons to Use a “Live” Agency…From a Nanny’s Point of View

Thursday, June 11th, 2015

If you are a nanny looking for a new charge or as a family looking to hire a nanny in Durham, Cary or Wake Forest, what could very well be the most important part of the search process is decided up front: whether to use an online service, use word of mouth, or a “live” nanny agency (meaning an agency that conducts the process in person). If you are looking for a nanny or babysitter in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area, you have a great option; using The Nanny Boutique! As a nanny who has used many different methods to find a position, I have been the most satisfied with my placement through The Nanny Boutique, and the family in Morrisville I work for was extremely satisfied with the process as well. There are quite a few reasons that using a live agency is the best method for finding a job or a nanny, but here are my 5 favorite reasons.

1. Serious employers and career nannies are most likely to be found at an agency, not online.
As a nanny, I knew that the family I was placed with had a serious investment in finding a nanny. This helped to understand the family was serious about keeping a nanny long term, which helps foster a great relationship between the employee and the employer. As a family, you can rest assured that The Nanny Boutique only accepts the best nannies in the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill areas and that each nanny has put extra time and effort into their application and screening process before she was accepted into the agency.

2. The screening process is done for you by a real person with a strong investment in your family or career.
When you invest into an agency to handle the screening and interview process for your family, you can be assured that they have prescreened candidates to enter their pool, and then screened again to find the right candidate for your family. The only candidates they will send are the best in the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. The candidates match your needs and values for your family. For nannies, we can know that the families we will be interviewing have a serious commitment to hiring a nanny, and know we are not wasting time interviewing with families that don’t know exactly what they want, need or may not be aware of their obligations as a household employer in Cary or Wake Forest.

3. Finding the right family or nanny at the right time is made much easier by having a third party assist with matchmaking through process.
I tell everyone who asks it was good ole fashioned matchmaking and a little fate. The agency did their job and listened to my needs. I was transitioning out of one charge and within the week was set up with a great family in the Morrisville to proceed and interview with. I was hired by the first family I met with because Rita set me up with the right family to fit my needs and ensured that I was the right nanny to meet their needs. I have used online services before and it often took 10-20 phone interviews to find the right fit. Many of the families that I work with had the same experience, and I can’t imagine going back to that method now that I have worked with a reputable agency.

4. Agencies find all of those great word of mouth nannies and screen them and match them to meet your family’s needs.
Many people will tell you that the best way to find a nanny is through word of mouth. But what happens if you don’t have any resources in Cary or Apex that can recommend a nanny? What if you meet a nanny or two and none meet your needs? Agencies find many of their candidates through word of mouth, reputation, grass roots networking, professional organizations and referrals. This is something the average family may think is possible but often become frustrated. Do yourself the favor and leave it to the experts.

5. Agencies may send candidates your way, but great agencies continue past the interview and assist with your work agreement.
Having an advocate for you in the interviewing process is great. However, the process after the interview is really where reputable agency shines. Working out a contract that is legally binding and thorough is extremely difficult and time consuming without help. One of the best attributes about The Nanny Boutique, they give families in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Cary the assistance needed with finding the right candidate. Furthermore, go farther than any other agency in the area by assisting with negotiations of the work agreement. This means that you will find a nanny who is the best of the best and what she does, a great fit for your family and you will be provided all of the assistance and consulting needed to be certain both parties are satisfied with the work agreement and have a legally binding contract to keep everyone on the same page for the duration of the employment.

The Nanny Boutique is a nanny and babysitting agency that specializes in placing professionally screened caregivers or babysitters and nannies in the Apex, Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill areas.

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5 Nanny Tax Facts…and Myths

Thursday, February 5th, 2015

5 Nanny Tax Facts…or Myths?
Having a household employee can be a complicated situation; employers need to be aware of federal, state, and local tax and wage laws in order to stay compliant. There are many issues about which household employers may have questions – the list below answers some of the most common ones. Read on to learn about 5 nanny tax facts…or myths.
1. It is illegal to pay nannies through your company’s payroll.
FACT! It is not proper for an employer to pay a household employee through their business payroll. A household employee is an employee of the home, not the business, and therefore would not qualify for the tax deductions that would otherwise be allowed with a traditional business employee. In most cases, federal household employment taxes must be paid on the employer’s personal federal income tax return, either annually or quarterly. The only exception to reporting federal household employment taxes on the employer’s personal federal income tax return is if they are a sole proprietor or if their home is on a farm operated for profit. In either of these cases, the employer may opt to include federal household employment taxes with their federal employment tax deposits or other payments for the business or farm employees. For more information, refer to IRS Publication 926.
2. Nannies are entitled to overtime pay.
FACT and MYTH (in some cases)! According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to pay overtime pay of one and a half times the regular pay rate. Overtime pay must be paid for work over 40 hours per week. However, some live-in nannies are exempt from overtime depending on the state in which they are employed. Employees hired to provide baby-sitting services on a casual basis, or to provide companionship services for those who cannot care for themselves because of age or infirmity, are exempt from the FLSA’s minimum wage and overtime requirements, whether or not they reside in the household where they are employed. State and local laws for overtime vary and may supersede the federal FLSA law. Consult a certified professional at GTM for more information, or contact your state department of labor for your state’s specific laws. A household employer should specify in the work agreement when approved overtime can occur and what the specific rate of pay will be to avoid conflict when the issue arises.
3. Nannies are independent contractors.
MYTH! There are specific differences between an employee and an independent contractor. An employee is a person who takes instruction from the employer, has a schedule set by the employer and uses tools and equipment provided by the employer. An independent contractor is a person who works under their own conditions, sets their own schedule and uses their own supplies. Most nannies who work in an employer’s home whether it be on a temporary or full-time basis are considered household employees, not independent contractors because they work under the family’s control and have their schedule and pay set by the family. In the past, the IRS has made determinations that caregivers are considered employees and it is illegal for a family to treat them as independent contractors. Read more about this issue.
4. Employers do not need to track a nanny’s hours.
MYTH! According to the FLSA, employers are required to keep records on wages, hours and other items as specified by Department of Labor regulations. These records include hours worked each day and total hours worked each week. Not keeping proper time records makes it difficult to prove the hours an hourly employee has actually worked and when they may be eligible for overtime pay in the event of a wage and hour audit by the Department of Labor. Learn more about record keeping for your nanny or other employee.
5. Only full time nannies need to be paid legally.
MYTH! Any household employee who earns $1,900 (2015) or more in a calendar year must be paid legally and the employer must withhold Social Security and Medicare taxes regardless of whether they work on a part-time or full-time basis. Employers must pay federal unemployment tax for any employee who earns wages of $1,000 (2015) or more in a calendar year. Since the wage threshold for these requirements is low, many times even the most part-time employee needs to be paid legally.

This Blog is brought to us by an expert in Household Employment Tax law, GTM Payroll Services; http://www.gtm.com/household

The Nanny Boutique is a nanny and babysitting agency that specializes in placing caregivers or babysitters and nannies in the Apex, Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill areas.

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Protecting Children from the Dangers of Your own Home

Friday, February 7th, 2014

            Your house is everything- the place where you’ve built your life and raised your family….  It’s more than a house, it’s your home.  Whether you’re snuggling on the couch watching television with your little ones after a long day or cooking your family a nice warm meal, there is something so peaceful about lounging around in your jammies and spending time with the ones that you love.  Your house is your sanctuary and is what most consider to be where they feel the safest.  Yet, did you know that there are hazards all around your home?  Unlike those hazards that present themselves in the community here in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and Apex, these dangers aren’t always visible to the human eye- which makes them even more likely to be overlooked!

            You may think that by cooking your family a nice, yummy dinner that you are providing them with nourishment to keep them growing and strong- and this is true, but without proper food handling techniques you may be unintentionally spreading E. Coli and Salmonella.  Both of these bacteria affect your gastrointestinal tract and can cause symptoms such as severe dehydration and diarrhea.  Make sure that you are not passing these germs on to your family by washing your hands thoroughly with hot, soapy water before and after preparing raw meats.  Also make sure that you are using separate cutting boards, not only between meats and vegetables, but also between different types of meats.  These measures, along with cooking meats at safe temperatures, can help ensure that you are protecting your family from the risk of a bacterial infection.

            Do you know what year your home was built in?  There are so many different types of homes here in our Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Apex, and Morrisville areas.  There is much new development here in Raleigh, but there are a lot of historic houses here in Downtown Raleigh and Downtown Apex.  If your house was built before 1978 and hasn’t been updated, then lead is most likely lurking in your paint, household dust, pipes for drinking water, and even your soil.  Side effects of lead poisoning include changes in mental development as well as behavior and nerve disorders.  Avoid exposing your children to these dangers by getting your house tested.  If your house in the Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, and Apex area was built before 1978 and you suspect lead poisoning, it is also important that you get your children tested and treated.

            Another silent peril in your home is carbon monoxide.  Hiding in your kerosene and gas space heaters as well as your gas water heaters, wood stoves, fireplaces, automobile exhausts, and tobacco smoke, carbon monoxide is a flavorless, odorless gas.  Unfortunately, carbon monoxide gives almost no warning before you become very sick causing symptoms very similar to the flu and even death.  According to the CDC, approximately 500 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year.  You can help ensure this doesn’t happen to your family by having a qualified technician service your gas appliances and fireplaces each year.  You can also install a carbon monoxide detector in your home which you can purchase at your local Walmart or Target here in the Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, and Chapel Hill area.

            As you can see, there are many risks around your household that could be harming your family.  They won’t always jump out in front of you such as the everyday dangers that can present themselves in the Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, and Apex communities, but they are most definitely to be taken seriously.  By following the measures above, you can help ensure that your family really is safe and sound in your peaceful sanctuary also known as home.

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The Importance of Having Your Children Vaccinated from the Flu

Wednesday, January 15th, 2014

It’s that bone chilling time of year again with the passing of the Polar Vortex in full effect here in the Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, and Apex areas.  You’ll be lucky if you can even get your child to put on a coat, let alone a hat and mittens, but what about those flu vaccines?  Is it too late to get one?  Are they even helpful?  Well the answer is no it’s not too late to get one and yes they are helpful. The single best way to prevent your child from getting the influenza virus is to make sure they are vaccinated annually.

          According to the CDC.gov, “each year an average of 20,000 children under the age of 5 are hospitalized because of influenza complications” and more than 165 flu-related pediatric deaths were reported during the 2012-2013 influenza season.  The flu is much more serious than the common cold and the CDC recommends that all children 6 months of age and older get the flu vaccine.

          There are a couple of different types of vaccines available for your children.  You can choose a standard dose shot that is approved for children over the age of 6 months or a standard dose nasal spray approved for all children over 2 years of age.  Each version of the vaccine protects against 3-4 different strains of the flu virus.  This helps to ensure that your children are protected from various forms of the flu that, based on research, are likely to appear during that particular influenza season.

          So where is the best place to search for that flu shot here in the Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, and Chapel Hill areas? There’s no need to even have to go to your doctor’s office.  There are numerous CVS and Walgreens in the Morrisville, Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, and Chapel Hill areas that offer these vaccinations.  There are also many Targets that have pharmacies including the smaller ones such as in Brier Creek of Raleigh and Supertargets located in Morrisville as well as Raleigh near Triangle Town Center and the Southpoint area of Durham.  Another place you may not expect to get your flu shot is Costco, either in Durham on N. Pointe Drive near Duke Campus or in Raleigh off of Wake Forest Road.

          It just goes to show that there are multiple locations here in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Morrisville, and Apex where flu vaccinations are available.  Do your children a favor and get them vaccinated!  With extreme weather like the polar vortex rolling around all over the country, including our very own Raleigh, Durham, and Cary, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

The Nanny Boutique is a nanny and babysitting agency that specializes in placing caregivers or babysitters and nannies in the Apex, Raleigh, Durham, Cary and Chapel Hill areas.

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‘Tis the Season!

Thursday, December 12th, 2013

The holidays are upon us! As you drive through the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill areas there are lights everywhere you look. Whether it is the Christmas tree at Briar Creek, the holiday wreaths that line the streets of Apex, or the lights brightening the homes of Cary, we are surrounded by Holiday Cheer.

Regardless of religion or belief this is a season of family, friends, and happiness. From Thanksgiving through New Years the families of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill can be seen celebrating. Stores are lined with discounts, Christmas lights, and the latest and greatest toys for children to beg their parents to buy.

Often times we allow our children to become so wrapped up in the “want” of the holidays that we forget about the “give”. This year, we at the Nanny Boutique encourage the families of Apex, Cary, and Raleigh to teach your children the importance of giving back.

There are many ways to give back during the holiday season, allowing families to determine how much of a commitment they want to make. The amount of time spent “giving” is unimportant; the true magic of the season is showing children that while it is fun to receive presents, it is also fun to give back to those who are less fortunate.

One way to give back is to donate to Toys for Tots. This can be done in a number of ways; either by buying a toy with your child to donate, or by hosting a “Toys for Tots” party in which invitees are encouraged to bring a toy to donate for the children in need. The next step is to drop these toys off at any Toys for Tots drop site. These include the Apex Fire station, the Cary Autopark, and the Fidelity Investments in Raleigh.

**For a complete list of Toys for Tots drop sites in the Raleigh, North Carolina area, please visit: http://raleigh-nc.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/donate-toys.aspx **

Another way to get in the giving mood this holiday season is by picking out an “angel” from an angel tree. This allows you to purchase gifts and essentials for children who may not have the opportunity to receive gifts this holiday season. Many churches and businesses participate in Angel Trees; a few examples are St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Cary, or Edenton Street United Methodist Church in Raleigh. This is a good way to take your child out to shop for someone else, and to explain how there are some families that simply do not have the same holiday experiences as others.

Lastly, the whole family could take the time to volunteer at a soup kitchen or shelter. Volunteers are appreciated all year, but they are especially necessary during the holiday season, when more people are looking to spend time with other people and enjoy a hot meal. The food bank in Raleigh hosts a kids day, in which children ages 5-12 can assist in age appropriate activities.

**For more information on volunteering or donating to the Raleigh Food Bank please visit: http://www.foodbankcenc.org/site/PageServer?pagename=getinvolved_volunteer **

Another great place to volunteer for the whole family is the Durham Rescue Mission.

The Durham Rescue missions gives people the opportunity to donate to the Thrift Shop, donate money in order to provide meals, or donate time to serve food to those in need.

**For more information on volunteering or donating to the Durham Rescue Mission please visit: http://www.durhamrescuemission.org/ **

No matter how you choose to spend your holiday season in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, there is always an opportunity to discuss with your children the importance of giving back. There are many places to volunteer or donate, whether you live in Cary, Raleigh or Apex, and as is true in any situation, a little goes a long way.

Happy Holidays from those of us at the Nanny Boutique!

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Is Your Child Being Bullied? How to Find Out and Stop it Now!

Monday, November 18th, 2013

Our team of dedicated and faithful nannies at Nanny Boutique have spent a lot of time getting to know your children.  Whether it’s babysitting for families, church nurseries, or even at hotels here in Apex, Raleigh, Durham, Cary and Chapel Hill, we have grown to know and care for your little ones as if they were our own.  It doesn’t matter if we’ve only become acquainted with your child for a night or if we have been watching them grow up here in Raleigh, Cary, and Durham right alongside you over the years- we are always concerned about their safety and well-being.

One of the most common disturbances we sometimes see here in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Apex among children is bullying.  It could be verbal bullying (teasing or name calling), social bullying (leaving someone out in a group or spreading rumors), or even physical bullying (pinching, pushing, spitting)… none of it is okay!  So how can you tell that your child is being bullied and what are some of the warning signs? Some of these may include:

●       any new injuries that cannot be explained

●       any lost or missing items such as clothing, school supplies, jewelry, or video games

●       withdrawal from school such as: poor grades, not wanting to go, consistent complaints of not feeling well

●       frequent nightmares and trouble sleeping at night as well as difficulty paying attention

●       decreased appetite or sudden onset of overconsumption of food

            Being able to recognize these signs is surely important because not all children who are bullied will ask for help.  Children may fear telling an adult because they may feel that they are being a “tattletale” and this can cause further problems among their peers.  Children may also feel that they have no one to turn to.  Unfortunately, not all children have a good support system, and so they may feel that they are on their own and this makes them even more vulnerable to bullying.

            So what can we do to help prevent bullying?  First off, children need to know what bullying really is.  Some children may not be aware that anything is abnormal, and so it is our job to spread the word and let our little ones know what is and what is not acceptable behavior.  If children are able to understand that something is wrong, they may be more likely to speak up.  We have to let them know that we are there for them, whether it’s your child, your student, or some little one that you just happen to know, encouraging them to share thoughts and feelings will allow them to open up about anything that is on their mind.

            If we are a witness to bullying, then it is our job to step in and stop it immediately.  The sooner an intervention happens, then the more likely that the problem will not escalate.  The children should be separated immediately to ensure safety.  Remember to stay calm and do not immediately question the children involved, but do not ignore the problem either.  It is best to let everyone calm down and then you can get to the root of the problem by asking each child about the incident on their own.  This prevents the children from arguing and lets you calmly assess the situation to try and find a resolution to the problem.

            Just remember that bullying is a serious issue.  It may arise from situations such as a little girl teasing a little boy she has a crush on, but it can also be far more serious than that.  Our nannies at Nanny Boutique have encountered different experiences with many children here alone in the Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Morrisville, and Apex areas.  If you EVER suspect that any kind of physical abuse or weapons are involved in the situation, you should immediately call for the police and/or medical attention.  Physical harm is never okay and should always be taken seriously.  By calling for help immediately, you could save someone’s life.

The Nanny Boutique is a nanny and babysitting agency that specializes in placing caregivers or babysitters and nannies in the Apex, Raleigh, Durham, Cary and Chapel Hill areas.

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A Stroll in the Park with Nanny Boutique

Thursday, August 1st, 2013

            Here at the Nanny Boutique, we do a lot of hotel babysitting and out-of-towners are always asking us what it is like to live in the Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, and Apex area.  They know that our area consists of many booming and neighboring cities and that many businesses make up our Raleigh area, but what they don’t realize is how green our busy city life is.  It doesn’t matter if you are in Morrisville, Holly Springs, Cary, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, or Durham… everywhere you look there are trees and grass- which means there are plenty of parks around every corner!  In fact there are so many parks in our Raleigh Durham area, which it sometimes almost makes it difficult to choose which one to go to!

            Did you know that Raleigh itself has two state parks?  William B. Umstead park in Morrisville and Raleigh offers 22 miles worth of hiking trails along with camping, picnicking, canoe rentals, fishing, horseback riding, and mountain biking trails.  Falls Lake State Recreational Area in North Raleigh also offers camping, hiking, picnicking fishing, and boating as well as swimming, and playgrounds.  The best part is that admission is free with small rental fees for the canoes. Between these two parks, there is plenty of fun for the whole family- and that’s not the end of it!

            It may seem like two state parks are enough, but there are over 59 parks in the greater Raleigh area.  Between Fuquay-Varina, Apex, Chapel Hill, Durham, Morrisville, Cary, and Raleigh, there are more than 10,000 acres of Greenways and recreational areas for you and the family to explore.  Some of our favorites include: Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, Fred G. Bond Park in Cary, Shelley Lake Park in Raleigh, Morrisville Community Park in Morrisville, Bass Lake Park in Holly Springs, Homestead Park in Chapel Hill, and Apex Community Park in Apex.

            Have you been to any of these parks lately? During these warm summer months, it’s always nice to get outdoors and find some inexpensive activities for the family! And the next time you run into an out-of-towner?  Well you’ll certainly know where to tell them to visit!  So what are you waiting for?  There’s a park somewhere in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, or Chapel Hill right around the corner waiting for you and your family!

The Nanny Boutique is a nanny and babysitting agency that specializes in placing caregivers or babysitters and nannies in the Apex, Raleigh, Durham, Cary and Chapel Hill areas.

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Encourage Children to Relax by Picking Up a Book

Thursday, June 20th, 2013

As summer approaches parents in Raleigh,Cary, Apex and Chapel Hill are scrambling to find activities for their kids. When they aren’t taking their kids to the neighborhood pool or Pullen Park in Raleigh, they are trying to find activities around the home to do.

Families around Cary can be seen playing outside with sidewalk chalk or jump ropes. Children in Apex ride their bikes, roller blades and skateboards through the neighborhood. In Holly Springs you can find Dads outside barbequing, Moms gardening, and children walking the dog.

There are so many activities to enjoy throughout Cary, Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Apex, but lets face it… Sometimes we just get tired. Parents need a break too, even in the summer. It seems as though the number one go to for tired parents is to pick up the remote and plop the kids in front of the television, just to get a few moments of peace.

Why do we need to resort to the television in times of need? Instead, why don’t we have our children pick up a good book to read? There is no rule that you have to read a book to your children in order for them to enjoy it- even if your child is not of reading age there is plenty of enjoyment that can be found from simply looking at pictures.

Not only that- but we just found a great rainy day activity for the whole family to enjoy! Why not take a weekly trip out to a Wake County Public Library. There are locations throughout Holly Springs,Cary,Raleigh, Apex, Durham and Chapel Hill:

Cary Community Library

310 S. Academy Street

Cary, NC 27511

Baby Story Time every Wednesday at 9:30am

Holly Springs Community Library

300 W. Ballentine St.

Holly Springs, NC 27540

Family Story Time every Thursday at 6pm

Eva Perry Regional Library

2100 Shepherd’s Vineyard Drive

Apex, NC 27502

Toddler Story Time every Monday andFriday at 10:30am

For more information on Wake County Public Libraries and for more events visit them:http://www.wakegov.com/libraries/Pages/default.aspx

Allow your little ones to pick out their favorite books, and next time you are looking for some peace and quiet you won’t need to resort to turning on the television.

Children are learning when you least expect it- what better way to encourage relaxation and growth than reading? There are books for all ages to enjoy, from Dr. Suess to Fancy Nancy- even simple books about construction, trucks, or transportation. Younger children can enjoy Bob Books, which encourage reading at a young age. As they get older they may enjoy Disney Classics or Junie B. Jones.

As your children grow they will begin to learn that reading is not something boring, or something they need to do for homework, but it can really be enjoyable. Try to foster these feelings the next time you need a moment alone.

The Nanny Boutique is a nanny and babysitting agency that specializes in placing caregivers or babysitters and nannies in the Apex, Raleigh, Durham, Cary and Chapel Hill areas.

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Your Vacation Is NOT Your Nanny’s

Friday, May 31st, 2013

It’s become that time of year again, here in the Raleigh and Durham area, when the weather is warm, children are getting more time off from school, and many North Carolina families are gearing up for their summer vacations.  For many families in the Cary, Chapel Hill, and Apex areas, having the nanny come along on vacation can be a great help to parents and facilitate a more relaxing and enjoyable trip.  We all know the pains of travelling and how difficult it can be with large families, so having an extra set of hands, eyes, and ears can make all of the difference!  Not to mention, mom and dad are able to have more alone time while the kids are able to enjoy themselves and spend quality time with someone they often see as much as their parents.  It sounds like a win-win situation for everyone, but don’t forget- your vacation is NOT your nanny’s!  While she may enjoy herself and get some downtime during the trip, please remember that your nanny is there to provide a service.  Often times during these situations, certain expenses can be overlooked as well as extra hours and time put in by your Nanny.  By following some simple measures, our Raleigh, Durham, Cary and Chapel Hill area families can sure that their nanny is just as happy as they are about having them coming along on their vacation.

            Remember that any time your nanny is spending time with your children, she is on the clock!  The law states that any live-out nanny who works over 40 hours in a 7 day work week is entitled to overtime at 1.5% of their normal rate.  Nannies should also be compensated for all other children they are caring for on the trip, such as cousins or friends of the family.  Any other travel expenses, such as airline tickets and daily meals, should also be paid for by the family.  It is up to the nanny to pay for any extra expenses that she occurs during her free time, but she has to eat three times a day and she wouldn’t have incurred that pricey airline ticket if she weren’t coming along on your vacation.

            It is also important to keep in mind that your nanny needs privacy during the trip.  Space may be limited and children often sleep on pull out sofas, but this is not an acceptable place for your nanny.  By providing her with a private room or separate area, she will have a place to relax and refresh on her own time, away from the family, and this will better prepare her to be ready for a long week full of fun, yet tiring, activities.

            Most importantly, sit down and talk to your nanny ahead of time.  By laying out expectations before you all take off, both you and your nanny will know what to look forward to on the trip.  If plans and expenses are set in stone beforehand, everyone will be on the same page and much more likely to enjoy themselves.  Taking your nanny on vacation with you can be a great experience for everyone involved, as long as families remember that the vacation is theirs, not their nanny’s!

The Nanny Boutique is a nanny and babysitting agency that specializes in placing caregivers or babysitters and nannies in the Apex, Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill areas.

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The Technology Craze

Wednesday, May 15th, 2013

If we had to guess, we would say that in the past week while out in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary or Apex you have seen at least one child using some sort of technological device. Whether it is a handheld gaming device, a parent’s Smartphone, or a tablet, it seems as though children of younger and younger ages are mastering technology- sometimes faster than their parents.

So what’s the problem? Or IS there a problem? Most parents do not think twice about popping their cell phones into the hands of a screaming toddler in a grocery store Harris Teeter, or allowing their young one bring a tablet with them out to dinner, just so Mom and Dad can enjoy some peace and quiet, and finish a meal in peace. Seems like a great idea! But what if we take a closer look at these families…

Next time you take your child to Bond Park in Cary, Pullen Park in Raleigh, Kelly Road Park in Apex, or Kids Together Park in Cary, take a close look at how many families are interacting, and how many are immersed in one technological device or another. Last time you were at a Wake County Public Library did you see children reading books, or did most spend their time on the computer? How about when you were at the Monkey Joe’s in Raleigh, JumpZone! in Cary, or The Museum of Life and Science in Durham? Were parents interacting with their children or were they on their cell phones?

There are so many benefits to allowing children to explore technology. There are millions of Apps out there that can encourage learning and growth, memorization and hand-eye coordination. However, isn’t it true that there is too much of a good thing? Teenagers “hanging out” now mostly consist of texting, YouTube videos, and Facebook. Social interactions are no longer face-to-face conversations, but instead “retweeting” something you agree with.

We are all guilty of the technology craze- without even realizing it. Next time you are out enjoying bonding time with your family, try putting down the technology and talking to your children… you might just learn something Facebook or technology could never teach you!

The Nanny Boutique is a nanny and babysitting agency that specializes in placing caregivers or babysitters and nannies in the Apex, Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill areas.

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