May 17, 2012

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Finding a good babysitter can make you a better parent

January 15, 2011 By

A babysitter is somebody that looks after a child or a number of children on a casual, informal basis. Most babysitters only work short hours now and again and many babysit at short notice for friends and relatives.

Do babysitters earn money?

Many babysitters charge for their childcare services but others, who babysit on an occasional basis for their friends or relatives, do not charge. Many parents take it in turns to babysit each others’ children while the other goes out for the evening or has some time to themselves. Babysitting is a popular job for teenagers, as it gives them the opportunity to earn a bit of extra cash now and again.

Who can be a babysitter?

Anyone can be a babysitter; babysitting is not regulated in the UK so it is the parent’s responsibility to choose a suitable, capable and trustworthy individual to look after their child. There is no age limit for babysitting but experts from the NSPCC do not recommend children under the age of 16 to be left alone with younger children; this does not automatically mean that teenagers over the age of 16 are capable of looking after children, as some are more mature than others. Parents should use their judgement to determine whether it is appropriate to leave an individual with their child. Parents who leave their children with a child under the age of 16 will still be legally responsible for the child, even though they are not with the child.

Some people babysit as a job, though babysitting is most commonly a casual job done by young people to earn money but many people also rely on their friends and relatives to look after their children.

Finding a babysitter

Many people are fortunate to have friends and family members to call on if they need a babysitter, but for some, finding a babysitter is difficult. There are various ways of finding a babysitter; you can ask friends of friends or colleagues if they know of any babysitters, you can look in local newspapers for adverts or use agencies or networks; you can search online to find a babysitter with an agency and they are usually registered childminders or qualified with experience in childcare.

Filed Under: Childcare Tagged With: , , ,

What is an au pair?

January 14, 2011 By

Au pairs are nannies who work in foreign countries. They usually go abroad to learn a language or experience a different culture and live with a family and help out with the domestic chores and partake in childcare to earn money. Au pairs generally live with the family and help with the general running of the house, as well as looking after the children in exchange for paid accommodation and a small wage. Most au pairs are young, single women aged between 17 and 27. However, this is not always the case.

Who can be an au pair?

Many European countries are part of an au pair scheme, which allows people to travel freely to these countries and take a job as an au pair without requiring a visa. The scheme allows nationals of participating countries to live with a family for up to two years and learn the language, whilst helping around the house and looking after children. To participate in the scheme in the UK, au pairs must work at least five hours five days a week and be prepared to babysit two evenings a week; they must come to the UK to learn English and agree to help out around the house and care for the children for up to two years.

Au pairs do not have to have formal qualifications, though many may have qualifications. As they are coming to the UK to learn English, it is important to recognise that many au pairs will not speak fluent English when they arrive. It is advisable to find out as much as possible about the individual before you offer them a post as an au pair in your home and choose somebody who meets your expectations and is well-suited to childcare.

How much do au pairs earn?

Being an au pair is not a well-paid job but it provides an ideal opportunity to experience a different culture and learn a new language; au pairs have their accommodation and living costs paid for and authorities recommend a weekly wage of around £55 (some employers may pay more than this).

Filed Under: Childcare

Does having a nanny affect your childrens well being

January 14, 2011 By

A nanny is similar to a childminder, but a nanny goes to the child’s house whereas a childminder works from their own home. Some nannies live with a family, while others live at home and go to the family’s house just to look after the children.

What does a nanny do?

A nanny looks after children and often offers additional help to their childcare work to the parents of the child. This may mean that they help with the general running of the house by doing domestic jobs related to the child, such as the washing and cooking for the child, especially if they live in with the family. Some nannies do not do any domestic duties and some do, it depends on the individual case.

The primary role of the nanny is to provide one to one care for the child. Some nannies look after more than one child but this is usually only the case if they are looking after siblings.

Nannies work different hours according to their employer; some may only work before and after the children go to school, some may work full-time and some may work during the night.

A typical day

The work of a nanny is often varied and no two days may be the same. However, a typical day may include giving children breakfast, getting children ready for nursery or school, taking them to school and then returning to the house to tidy the house, sort out the washing, make the children’s beds and get the house ready for when the children get back from nursery or school. In the afternoon, nannies may go and pick up younger children from nursery school and then head to school to collect older children.

When the children get back from school, the nanny may give them something to eat then arrange some activities, which may include painting, drawing, playing with toys and games and playing outside; they may also suggest going on a trip to the park or the library. Some children take part in after school activities and nannies usually take them to these clubs or activities; this may include dance class, swimming lessons, playing musical instruments or playing a sport, for example. In the evening, the nanny may supervise children doing homework before making them some tea; after tea, they have a bath and then a story before bed.

Do you need qualifications to be a nanny?

Many nannies have no formal qualifications but they possess a great deal of experience in caring for children. Some nannies that have had formal training will have expertise in related areas to childcare, such as nutrition and health and safety.

How much do nannies earn?

This depends largely on the family you work for, how many hours you work and how many children you look after. The fee is usually dependent on whether you live with the family or not. In general, nannying is not very well paid but wealthier families may pay nannies a very generous wage. Nannies who live in with a family generally earn less because they get their accommodation paid for.

Filed Under: Childcare Tagged With: ,

Childcare options for younger children

January 14, 2011 By

Childcare is very important for many parents as it enables them to combine having a career with being a parent. There are many different childcare options available to parents and guardians.

Childcare options for younger children

There are many different childcare options for younger children. These include nursery schools and pre-schools, playgroups, childminders, nannies and Sure Start children’s centres. Nursery schools, play groups and Sure Start centres provide care for many children, while babysitters, childminders and nannies tend to provide care for a single child or a small group of children.

When choosing a childcare provider, there are a number of things which parents may wish to consider. Some parents may prefer their child to have one to one attention, while others may prefer their child to be part of a larger group at a play group or nursery. The amount of care required and the fees may also play a part. Some parents who do not work or work part-time may just require a few hours of childcare per week, while those that work full-time may need full-time childcare. Fees may vary according to the individual provider but as a general guide, nannies and childminders tend to charge between £6 and £10 per hour (this usually depends on the number of children and where you live), while nurseries and playgroups charge between £25 and £50 per day. There is financial help available for parents and all children aged three and four are entitled to 15 free hours of childcare each week for 38 weeks of the year.

Childcare options for older children

Many schools offer after school clubs to provide care for children until their parents finish work. Some parents also employ nannies or babysitters to collect their children from school and care for them until they come back from work.

A career in childcare

Childcare is a popular career choice, as it has many benefits and can be very rewarding. Many people who decide to pursue a career in childcare study childcare courses at school or college and gain practical experience in a suitable setting. Many students spend time in nurseries and play groups, as well as completing assignments and academic exams. Some people choose to complete NVQ, GCSE or diploma courses in childcare, while others will not have any relevant childcare qualifications and will start from the bottom and work their way up. Many people start courses once they have started a job and gain qualifications as they go.

In order to become a childminder, it is essential to register with the National Childminding Association. All childminders working in the UK must be registered childminders.

Filed Under: Childcare Tagged With: ,

Healthy family

January 14, 2011 By

A healthy family life is really important, as it will have an effect on each family member’s healthy living, but it can be difficult trying to keep everybody happy and healthy. Health living is key to a happy family life and there are some simple steps to try and promote good health. These include eating well, exercising on a regular basis and taking time to do fun activities, de-stress and relax.

Healthy children

Children are often prone to illnesses because they do not have fully developed immune systems and they tend to pick up infections and illnesses at school and nursery. In order to keep your child healthy, try to provide them with a healthy, varied diet from a very early age. If you introduce them to a variety of foods when they are little, they are less likely to be fussy when they get older. Try to encourage your child to eat fruit and vegetables. If they won’t eat them in their original form, blend them or crush them to go in soups, smoothies, pasta sauces and casseroles.

Try to encourage your child to exercise on a regular basis. Get them involved in local clubs and teams and get involved in activities, such as swimming and going for walks, with your children. Exercise will help their growth and development, as well as giving them confidence and enabling them to meet new friends.

Ensure that your children are up to date with their immunisations and take them for regular dental check-ups.

Healthy adults

A healthy diet plays a key role in keeping you healthy, so try to ensure that your diet is varied and full of healthy foods. Try to eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and wholegrain carbohydrates. Try to prepare food yourself, as you can control the amount of oil, sugar and salt you use. Home cooked food is usually much better for you than processed, ready-made meals and fast food.

Try to stick to an exercise regime to keep you in a good healthy living routine. This need not mean going to the gym religiously but you should try to do physical activity for 30 minutes five times a week. Take the opportunity to get out and about as a family, walk the dog together, go for a bike ride and go swimming, for example.

Try to ensure that you go for regular dental check-ups and see your GP if you feel unwell, develop symptoms or notice changes in your body.

Health and safety in the home

Many accidents happen in the home, so take steps to ensure that your home is a safe place, especially if you have children. Here are some tips for ensuring that your home is safe, warm and comfortable:

  • Keep stairways and corridors clear
  • Store chemicals, medication and detergents in a secure place, which is not accessible for children
  • Install stair gates and cupboard locks if you have young children
  • Cover sharp corners if you have young children
  • Keep your home warm and treat any damp (this can contribute to respiratory problems)
  • Use fire guards and socket plugs if you have children
  • Clean the bathroom on a regular basis to prevent mould developing
  • Hoover regularly
  • Wash bedding, clothes and towels on a regular basis

Happy family life and healthy living

Take time out to spend time together as a family and have fun. Whether it be going for a walk, playing games together, going for a short break somewhere or simply cuddling up together for a film. Try to eat together at night, spend time talking to each other and share any worries and concerns.

Filed Under: Family Health Tagged With:

Keeping children healthy

January 14, 2011 By

Children are prone to illnesses because their immune systems are not fully developed, so it is important to try and take steps to ensure that they keep as fit and healthy as possible.

Healthy eating

Health eating is essential for children’s healthy living, in terms of both growth and development, so try to ensure that you give them a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of fruit and vegetables. If your children object to eating fruit and vegetables try to encourage them to eat them by getting them involved in preparing and cooking foods, making food look nice and exciting (for example, if you make a homemade pizza, you can use mushrooms, peppers and pineapple to make a smiley face) and disguising vegetables and fruits in soups, stews, smoothies and pasta sauces. You can also try to persuade younger children by using their favourite characters as an example. For example, Popeye eats lots of spinach and that’s why he has big muscles. Try to set a good example by eating well yourself and try to prepare home-cooked food, as you can control the amount of sugar and salt you use.

Calcium is really important for children’s healthy living; calcium helps to build strong healthy bones, teeth and nails. Good sources of calcium include milk, cheese and yoghurts, and children should drink whole (full-fat) milk, as this contains more calcium.

Exercise and healthy living

Exercise is really important for children; it helps to strengthen their muscles and bones and gives them the chance to burn off energy and have fun with their friends. Children who exercise on a regular basis are also more likely to exercise during their adult life and this will bring a number of health benefits, as well as reducing the risk of serious illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer and strokes.

Try to encourage children to get involved in exercise from an early age to promote healthy living. This may involve them joining a football club, taking dance lessons, doing gymnastics or having swimming lessons, for example. You can also get involved in family hobbies and trips, such as bike rides, swimming, going for walks and adventure trips.

Children’s emotional health

Everyone has emotions and children often display their emotions in different ways; they may throw tantrums, get angry and frustrated, they may cry a lot or they may become withdrawn and quiet. It is important that you understand your child’s emotions and find ways to help them deal with these feelings. In most cases, emotional difficulties are fleeting and not a problem but if you notice that your child is struggling, you may want to talk to them about it and find out if something has caused them to be worried or upset. If they won’t talk to you about it, try seeing your GP.

Filed Under: Child Health Tagged With: ,

Thinking of Getting a Tattoo?

June 2, 2010 By

Getting a tattoo can be an exciting and creative experience especially as it leaves a symbolic and permanent mark on your body.  However if you do decide that you do not like your tattoo there are options which cater to provide effective tattoo removal such as laser treatment which is similar to laser hair removal. When contemplating whether to get a tattoo it is important to discuss your health and whether or not it would be suitable. Pregnant women or women trying who are undergoing treatments for infertility should be cautious about getting a tattoo and perhaps should wait till after their treatment.

There are many questions which need to be answered regarding getting a tattoo such as how much does it cost. The cost of tattoos varies according to the size and amount of colours used and where on the body you would want the tattoo to be placed. There are many professional tattoo artists who offer services for you get your tattoo done. An alternative to a permanent tattoo is henna which is natural and organic and leaves you with a natural temporary artwork on your body.

Other factors you should consider before getting a tattoo is whether you would want that permanent symbol or image or name on your body for the rest of your life. Things change in life and therefore always be cautious before putting names or certain offensive things on your body. If you are thinking of getting a tattoo the internet has information which will give you an extensive list of tattoo artists.

Filed Under: Cosmetic Surgery, Fertility and Pregnancy, Laser Treatments Tagged With: ,
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