When you’re getting to know new caregivers, parents commonly ask for an in-person meeting before making a hiring decision. Interviewing a potential sitter or nanny gives you a better sense of your chemistry as employer and employee, and offers you a chance to follow up on any gaps in background or experience. But while an … Continue reading Why interviews aren’t enough when you’re hiring a nanny
Category: Parents
How to assess nanny personalities (and make sure they don’t clash with your own)
When it comes to hiring a new caregiver, it can be hard to find someone who’s exactly the right fit. Are you looking for someone who’s assertive and plans fun activities for the kids, or a nurturing nanny who loves to cuddle your newborn? Maybe you’re hoping your nanny will take initiative and set goals … Continue reading How to assess nanny personalities (and make sure they don’t clash with your own)
6 Ways to Keep Doing the Things you Love after Kids
Everything changes once you have kids—it’s a statement you’ll hear countless times from well-meaning family and friends before your first baby arrives. And while that bit of foreshadowing is both exciting and terrifying, it can leave new parents feeling as though their old life, and everything they enjoyed about it, is gone forever. The fear … Continue reading 6 Ways to Keep Doing the Things you Love after Kids
How to Be a More Supportive Husband, According to Real Moms
There’s no doubt about it: today’s dads are splitting child care and chores with their spouses more than ever before. But we know the division of labor at home is still far from equal, with moms spending nearly twice as much time caring for the kids on average than dads do. The truth is, moms … Continue reading How to Be a More Supportive Husband, According to Real Moms
7 Steps to Prepare Your Year-End Nanny Taxes
January 31 is the deadline to provide your employee with their W-2. Now is the time to start preparing your nanny taxes. If you’ve been tracking hours worked, withholding taxes each pay period, and remitting quarterly, congratulations! You’re in good shape this tax season. If not, it isn’t too late. It’ll just take more work … Continue reading 7 Steps to Prepare Your Year-End Nanny Taxes
These Tips Helped Me Teach my Daughter How to Love Her Body
by Louisa Fitzgerald, Sittercity mom Seven years ago, when I found out I was pregnant with a girl, I was over the moon. But if I’m being honest, after the initial excitement and joy, fear about raising a confident girl who would feel comfortable in her own skin crept in. After all, I knew what … Continue reading These Tips Helped Me Teach my Daughter How to Love Her Body
How to Expose your Child to Diverse Holiday Traditions
In December, Christmas can feel all-consuming, especially to kids who are eager to participate in their favorite once-a-year activities. But as our world becomes more diverse, it’s more important than ever for parents and sitters to expose kids to different cultures. The winter holidays of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa provide a perfect opportunity to teach … Continue reading How to Expose your Child to Diverse Holiday Traditions
Here’s Why You Need to Talk to Your Kids About Mental Illness
It’s no secret that mental illness has been on the rise for decades. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the numbers are staggering: 1 in 5 adults in America experience a mental illness. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. 20% of teens ages 13-18 live with a mental health condition. Suicide … Continue reading Here’s Why You Need to Talk to Your Kids About Mental Illness
How to Talk to Your Kids About the News
In the age of constant media exposure, it’s impossible to completely shield our kids from the 24-hour news cycle. Reports and imagery about mass shootings, terrorist attacks, war and natural disasters like hurricanes, forest fires and tornados bombard us on a daily basis on TV, radio and the internet. And even if your kids aren’t … Continue reading How to Talk to Your Kids About the News
Social Media Comparison is Toxic. Here’s How to Ditch It.
For parents, social media can be a great way to connect with other moms and dads, find playgroups and kid-friendly community events, seek support and advice, and keep our far away family and friends updated as our kids grow—but there’s undoubtedly a darker side to social media. At worst, Facebook, Instagram and other social sites … Continue reading Social Media Comparison is Toxic. Here’s How to Ditch It.