Inclement weather, train derailments, flight delays- these are all potential situations that could keep a person from their child or elderly relative. But other emergency situations exist- your charge could develop a high fever, knock a pot of boiling water from the stove, develop an allergic reaction that prevents them from breathing - that requires a nanny or senior caregiver to react quickly and make the right choice in getting medical attention. 

“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well”- Voltaire

We all have our own unique ways of showing appreciation for the people around us that make our lives easier or brighten our day in some other way ...  Whether it is your employee, nanny, spouse, boss or even a kind stranger, make sure you show how valuable their positive impact in your life is for you.  If someone challenged you to get out of your comfort zone and meet a goal, especially during the holiday season, remember to appreciate what they have done for you. Get creative with the ways you say “Thank you!”

HomeWork Solutions is proud to announce the publication of the ABC Nanny Guide. Our own Kathleen Webb shares tips, tricks and lessons learned from 25 years of working in the nanny industry, both personally and professionally.

A food allergy is an adverse immune response to a food protein. They are distinct from other adverse responses to food, such as food intolerance, pharmacological reactions, and toxin-mediated reactions. [Wikipedia]

Worrying statistics reflect that the percent of children in the US suffering from allergic reactions is increasing each year. Approximately 1 in 20 children in the US has a food allergy. [Centers for Disease Control] The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports an alarming 1 in 50 Americans will experience an anaphylaxis attack. 

Allergic reactions vary depending on the type and severity of the allergy and can affect each person differently. Mild allergies can cause slight discomfort while life threatening reactions like "anaphylaxis" can occur in individuals with severe allergies.

Families who have children with allergies know the importance of prevention and most of them have an emergency plan in place.  When hiring a nanny, parents need to explain all emergency procedures and ALL details provided in writing and placed in a visible place (preferably in more than one place). Together review your Food Allergy Action Plan.

Most countries, including the US, require manufacturers to list the 8 most common allergy causing ingredients on food labels, in language even kids can understand.  Food manufacturers must also disclose if the factory produces these elements, even though they are not included in the specific product.

The most common foods that cause allergies are:

• Nuts
• Strawberries
• Eggs
• Milk
• Fish
• Shellfish (crab, shrimp, lobster)
• Wheat
• Soy

A wonderful resource for caregivers working with a child with food allergies is the Kids with Food Allergies Foundation, a division of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Do you work with a child with food allergies? Share your tips on keeping your child safe.

Vanessa Vidal, FPC
HomeWork Solutions, Inc.

Halloween is one of the best memory-making holidays for every child. Those costumes that took hours to put together turn into timeless photos, and the generosity of neighbors can leave your children with a sugar rush that lasts for days ...

This fun tradition can also have some hidden hazards. As parents, guardians and/or child care providers, it is our responsibility to ensure the safety and well being of our children.  Please find below a list of safety tips and tricks to keep your child happy and safe this Halloween:

Today’s smart phones are miniature computers on the go. Nannies and parents are constantly discovering new apps that help with care coordination, communication, and just plain saving time. Busy moms and nannies are constantly comparing apps and recommending their favorites to their friends.

Welcome to the social media era, where our friends are called "contacts", our thoughts "comments" and experiences "posts" … 

The Nanny Community is formed by a hard working, hands on team of professionals.  I am so fortunate to network with nannies across the country, and regularly attend nanny educational forums.  I am amazed by the commitment, continuous learning, effort and passion of these women, dedicated to the wellbeing of our children and to make this world a better one! 

Going on vacation?  Visiting the family?  If you are ready to hit the road with your child and you are taking you nanny with you, allow us to share these helpful tips to avoid any misunderstanding, uncomfortable situations and make your trip a complete success!

Personal finance expert Jane Bryant Quinn recently discussed the "nanny taxes" on the popular TV show The Street - stressing that these are not just for nannies! We have posted often about the obligations of families who hire cleaning ladies, maids, and senior caregivers to report and pay the employment taxes. The IRS recently announced an IRS Nanny Tax amnesty program, promising stepped up enforcement going forward.