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SitterCycle: Kids + Imaginative Play

Do your kids love playing dress ups, or with dolls? Do you find they’ll play for hours with the cardboard box, and push cartons around the kitchen floor under your feet all afternoon? Yet give them a structured play set and they’ll soon look to you for guidance? Maybe you find yourself becoming the “mummy” cat whilst they run around the yard mewling and enacting strange animal behaviours?

Yep? Oh wait, me too!

Here in the nanny life, we love imaginative play. We love it so much that evening bath times turn into ritual-like sessions so indulgent that little fingers turn into shrivelled prunes and the bath water becomes freezing ice water before we can make our way into bed.

Imaginative play is some of the best play that children can experience.

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So why does this happen?

Because your kids, and my nanny kids, are indulging in the true form of beautiful, unadulterated free-play. And in terms of childhood development, this is pure gold.

Children & Imaginative Play + Why Is It Important?

Imaginative play first begins to occur from around the age of two onwards. Although we do know that kids tend to grow and develop at varying stages.

You’re probably already familiar with imaginative play; you’ll often see it in the form of “pretend” play. Or when kids answer, “it’s just pretend” after you’ve attempted to stop them from feeding their dinner to the doll.

As adults, this “playing pretend” can sometimes grate on us. I know that if I’m not in the right mood, scooting around on the floor purring and meowing because Miss 5 is the “owner” and I’m the “baby kitten” can get old very quickly – about the time it takes for my knees to start protesting!

But it’s the process that’s important. It’s your child taking control of a situation, experimenting with cause and effect, and dealing with outcomes based on decision-making.

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7 Ideas For Kids + Imaginative Play

We love imaginative play because it’s the time for little minds to engage their creativity, to explore their surroundings, to try on new experiences, and even better, to wind down a little.

Imaginative play is a stepping-stone along the path of a child’s early learning & self discovery.

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So support and encourage imaginative play in your children, it’s best to start simple. To create a great environment to allow this precious process, dedicate a purpose area and construct together a series of “offerings” to kick start the process. To see some examples for fostering imaginative play, and to read the complete article, click here to find 7 ideas for offering ‘invitations to play.’

Loving this article? Want to see more ideas on imaginative play? Jump over to SitterCycle, to see the full list of ideas: 7 Ideas To Foster Imaginative Play In Your Kids.

**This article appeared first online at SitterCycle.com, contributed by Nanny SheCanDo.

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At SitterCycle our mission is to improve the lives of families, nannies, and professional care givers through supportive education, resources and community. SitterCycle professional development classes certification programs are address the rigours of childcare and promote successful working relationships between nannies and the families who employ them.

Nanny Mag: The Diaper Bag Checklist

What’s In Your Diaper Bag?

The baby I nanny for started daycare recently. It was an emotional ordeal for both myself and BossMum as we prepared to leave her in the care of almost strangers within a daycare facility. Strangely enough (although most fortunately), Baby Viv was not at all perturbed by the turn of events. Excited at the sight of colourful new toys and new friends to play with, she leapt from our arms the moment we arrived and barely gave us a backwards glance. So whilst BossMum and I were a little unsure about how events were going to unfold, we were glad the introduction of a day each week spent at daycare was going to allow her the opportunity to explore her social skills and surroundings.

The morning of the new daycare routine we rushed out the door like any other; in a disorganised chaos.

We arrived at daycare to realise that Boss Mum had left her laptop at home along with the seven-year old’s homework folder, and that the baby was still wearing her breakfast all over her ‘clean’ outfit. So much for making a good impression.

What we did remember to bring however, was the carry-all diaper bag!

The ultimate diaper bag checklist

To be honest, the diaper bag is one of my favourite possessions. I simply can’t leave without it. Yes the older kids use it as an excuse to discard items they no longer wish to carry, and yes sometimes it gets heavy to lug around. But it’s also my saving grace.

As a nanny for small children, this bag has become my best friend. At any point of time, I can guarantee that at least one child will want something, or need something. Someone will be hungry. Someone will be thirsty. Someone needs spare batteries for their toy. Someone is cold and wants the spare jacket I packed for them when they refused to dress properly. And of course when you’ve got a baby, wipes, diapers, dummies and blankets are essentials.

Everyday I look after my carry-all diaper bag. I re-stock it. I clean it. I protect it from the elements. I also tote it with me across all kinds of distances. My saving grace has accompanied us to the Zoo, the Aquarium, on long-haul plane flights, trudged through mud in the countryside and had sand all through it during summer beach vacations. It has rescued me in times when I’ve been caught out without tampons, or spare snacks for the kids. It’s always got a clean grow suit to change a sick-up covered baby and has even on occasion been to the gym.

Over the years I’ve used many different diaper bags. One was frustratingly tough and rigid and difficult to manoeuvre into the storage below the pram. One was so heavy and long-handled that it tipped the pram right over (with the baby still strapped in). One bag failed the waterproof test and saw the demise of an iPod. And embarrassingly, one sported the stench of mouldy tuna sandwich for longer than I care to admit to.

Over time I’ve come to develop a preference. These days it’s my old faithful, the Longchamp Canvas bag. It’s hardy and durable, waterproof, malleable, and squishy enough to fit into small spaces. Plus, it’s got plenty of inside storage to compartmentalize the various toiletry essentials, baby items, spare clothes, kids toys and ‘busy bags’.

So like any other day, the carry-all diaper bag came with us that morning to daycare. Because even though daycare has all the necessary things like spare diapers and dummies, blankets and extra baby bottles, I’ve grown a little attached. The diaper bag has become my best friend and saviour in desperate times of need. That morning, the diaper bag was reassurance. It was my safety blanket. For even though the baby was old enough, and self-assured enough, and socially adjusted enough to go to daycare for the morning, I wanted to feel as though I were still needed. Having been a part of our lives since as long as we can remember, and so on such a momentous day, it was only natural that the bag should accompany us.

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Tips To Packing Your Carry-All Bag:

To ensure your diaper bag becomes part of your family, and your saving grace in desperate times of need, make sure you pack the essential items. You’ll need to cover snacks and food supplies, spare clothes, a travel first aid kit, sunscreen and activities to keep kids occupied (such as colouring books, pencils and ‘busy bags’). You’ll also need to pack some items that may not be used as regularly, but come in handy, such as spare batteries, portable phone chargers, an emergency credit card and a road map.

The nanny life; it pays to be organised.

Do you have a carry-all bag loaded with the kid’s essentials? Do you ever take a gamble & leave the house without it?

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A version of this post appeared first in the September/October issue of Nanny Magazine, contributed by Nanny Shecando. Nanny Magazine covers everything from from a nanny’s relationship with their charges to their complex relationship with the parents. The magazine offers provoking features on hot topics such as gun control and obesity, advice for nannies who experiencing ethical dilemma on the job, and even the nanny’s personal life.

Holidays + Sydney Children’s Festival

Well it’s that time again – school holidays are upon us!

Is it just me, or do you find they come around so quickly? Although, ask the kids and they’ve been counting down for the last 20 days!

School holidays can be a bit of a whirl wind. With your days spent ferrying kids across town to activities, fitting in play dates and sleepovers, trips to special places and long “are we there yet” type road trips. But they’re also jam-packed with plenty of fun. And if like me, you’re a little bit tired from the school term, from the early morning battle to get the kids out the door in time, and the impossibly early afternoon school pick ups in car park like traffic, they’re a blissful reprieve from ordinary life.

“I think we’re all after a little bit of a break, and to have some of the hard work (the planning and the organising) done for us!”

These school holidays, the Sydney Seymour Centre is host to the Sydney Children’s Festival. Over 6 days, from Tuesday 23rd September to Sunday 28th September, they’ve put together a festival guide to suit your child’s every desire. And with the tag line shake it, make it, see it, and star in it, it’s bound to be a winner with the kids.

If you’re in Sydney these school holidays and looking to fill in some time this week with a great array of fun kid friendly activities, the Sydney Seymour Centre has it all! To help make the most of your holidays, they’ve got some daily festival guides filled with activities for the kids. And guess what, there’s a big chunk of these that are free too. Because we all know how expensive school holidays can be!

The 2014 Sydney Children’s Festival: Our Pick

Kazador Circus Tent, Sydney Children’s Festival.

Make Your Mark Sculpture Workshop, Sydney Children’s Festival.

Disco Au Go-Go (Silent Disco), Sydney Children’s Festival.

Kapow!, Sydney Children’s Festival.

2014 Sydney Children’s Festival, Seymour Centre
Cnr City Road and Cleveland Street,
Chippendale NSW 2008
23 – 28 September 2014

Tuesday 23rd September:

Colour Me Happy (Graffiti Wall), at the York Foyer. Free

The Great Dave (Circus Tricks), at the Kazador Tent.

Hula Hoop Workshop, at the Seymour Centre. Free

Wednesday 24th September:

KAPOW!, at the Reginald Theatre.

Bilingual Story time (Mandarin & English), at the Lawn Library. Free

Big Kids Magazine (Art Activity), at the Lawn Library. Free

Thursday 25th September:

Kiki & Pascal (Acrobatics), at the Kazador Tent.

Disco Au Go-Go (Silent Disco), at the Sound Lounge. Free

Horrible Histories (Quiz + Talk), at the Lawn Library. Free

Friday 26th September:

Paper! Tape! Torch! Workshop, at the Gallery.

Mr Gorski (Clowning), at the Kazador Tent.

Twinkle, at the York Theatre.

Saturday 27th September:

Whale In The Bath (Reading & Art Activity), at the Lawn Library. Free

Zine Creation (Art Activity), at the Lawn Library. Free

World Environment Day Exhibition, at the Box Office Foyer. Free

Sunday 28th September:

Let’s Dance (Workshop with Shaun Parker & Co.), at Studio 1. Free

Heidi Hoops (Hoop Tricks), at the Kazador Tent.

Make Your Mark (Sculpture Workshop), at the York Foyer. Free

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So there you have it, our pick of the 2014 Sydney Children’s Festival. Bring on the school holiday fun!

Will we be seeing you there?

For more information, and to see the daily festival guide, head over to their website at Sydney Seymour Centre.

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You Might Also Like:

The School Holiday Survival Guide
The Cost Of School Holidays
DIY Kids Craft Activity Ideas
School Holidays: 10 Things
School Holiday Baking: Chocolate Brownies

image credits

Interview: Brittney Schering

In another issue of the Nanny Industry Spotlight, we’re again crossing over to the Untied States (LA to be exact) to bring you Brittney Schering. Brittney is a professional nanny, a freelance writer and also the founder of new magazine; Not Your Average Nanny Magazine. It’s a magazine catered to both nannies and parents, and helps to open communication dialogues between both parties so that we may all better understand all that goes on in the daily nanny life. I’ve submitted many articles, like the importance of children exploring wide open spaces, to this new magazine and I look forward to seeing it grow as it continues to develop.

I seriously don’t know where Brittney gets her energy from, she runs across town all day looking after kids from multiple families and then still meets her writing deadlines. Plus she even has a gorgeous little puppy in tow most days!

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Brittney Schering
Los Angeles, United States
Career Nanny, Freelance Writer
Founder | Not Your Average Nanny Magazine

Los Angeles, Brittney Schering’s place she calls “home”. Photo – Eric.

Los Angeles. Photo – Somesuch Guide.

Brittney Schering, career nanny & founder of Not Your Average Nanny Magazine. Photo – Brittney Schering.

Tell us a little about your background, what path led you to becoming a nanny?

I have always loved working with children, even when I was still a child myself. In 4th and 5th grade, I’d spend my summers assisting neighbours with their little toddlers – not seeing what I was doing as work, but merely fun. I was fascinated with babies and so eager to help in any way possible. As I grew up, that never changed. I began to babysit at age 12, and then at age 23, I started to nanny full-time after graduating from college. It is a perfect profession to be paired with writing. Children are amazing little creatures of curiosity, and when I must put pen to paper in the evenings after a long working day in the nanny life, they’re perfect inspiration!

| “It is the perfect profession to be paired with writing.”

What does your current nanny role involve?

I work for a few families. My day starts at 6am with a two-year-old little girl. I wake her up and get her ready for school and take her there by 7:30. Then I dart across town to Venice, where I care for two children; a newly three-year old boy and an 11-month old girl from 8am to 4pm. After this I shoot back over to the other side of town to pick up the two-year-old from school at 5:30pm, and take her home to start the evening routine. I usually leave and head home for the evening around 9:30pm. I have two other families that I also work for occasionally and on weekends. My schedule is jam-packed, seven days a week. I don’t sleep!

Can you describe the style of your work and your philosophy towards the role of caring for kids?

I’m very natural and maternal, I operate under a philosophy of leading by example, and I feel that manners are incredibly important. I love to teach children from a young age that politeness goes a long way – saying please and thank you, and more importantly, “may I.” I like to show children how to share their toys with other kids, and that it is not only the way to make friends, but more importantly, how to keep them! I also believe that giving children space to be themselves is vital. They are their own individual selves and deserve the chance to explore as they wish, so long as their safety isn’t at stake of course.

What’s the most challenging thing about your time in the nanny industry, and that you’ve perhaps had to overcome?

Parents taking advantage of me and my services! Of course the up-side to this happening is that I’ve fortunately been able to learn from this experience and now know how to sidestep this hurdle before it can happen again. Another big challenge is having to discipline spoilt children who have never heard the word “no”. It completely baffles me, but it is a sad and increasing reality here in Los Angeles. It seems that parents would rather their children hush so they can tend to their own needs than actually take time to listen and to help them learn these things. Then there are the parents who do not believe in discipline at all. I have decided they fall under a category I call “mission: impossible.”

What’s your take on workplace fashion. Given the LA weather, what’s your go-to nanny outfit?

My go-to nanny outfit is generally something comfy but still cute. I like to wear maxi dresses, but because I mainly care for infants and toddlers, I tend to go home a bit messier than I arrived in the morning! I typically wear clothes I don’t care too much about, so that if I am spit up on, or worse, then I won’t get that upset. My daily attire is a decent top and beans, or a t-shirt and yoga pants. I keep it simple and make sure that what I have on won’t limit my mobility, because I am all over the place when working!

Brittney Schering’s new magazine for nannies & parents; Not Your Average Nanny Magazine. Photo – Brittney Schering

Not Your Average Nanny Magazine. Photo – Brittney Schering

So you’re a nanny and a writer? How does that work?

Yes, it works awesomely, especially when I can work during nap-times. Writing is mostly deadline-based, so I often find myself working on writing projects on the weekends and at night after I get off work. Because I am a freelance writer, I make my own schedule and decide which jobs I can take on and fit into my nanny schedule. The key is to keep a healthy balance between the two.

| “If I start to nanny too much and my writing takes a backseat, I get unhappy, and vice versa.”

Tell us about your current project; Not Your Average Nanny Magazine.

My ultimate writing goal has always been to run a magazine. I toyed with content ideas like music, or arts, or events, and they’d always fall to the wayside. But then I had the vision for a nanny magazine, and I just ran with it. Because the subject matter is so near and dear to my heart, it seemed like something I should have thought of a long time ago! I spent some time prepping for the first issue, and gathering fellow nannies to contribute, and then in April this year our premier issue was published. We’ve now this month just published the 6th consecutive issue and it’s going extremely well. My bachelor’s degree is in Professional Writing, and that helped tremendously with getting the magazine published.

Can you give us some insight into the creative process? Do you work alone, collaborate or outsource parts of the magazine’s production?

It may sound silly, but for me, the creative process happens in the shower. I also find I tend to do a lot of my best work when sitting in a coffee shop – it keeps me on task and focussed with plenty of coffee. I also get a lot of my ideas while I’m at work nannying, and I have to quickly write them down before I forget them. I do a lot of my work alone, although right now, the magazine would not exist without collaboration. It is a part of magazine culture – you must have an open mind and be able to work with others in order to run a proper, engaging magazine.

What can readers expect from the next issue of NYAN Magazine?

We’ve a big focus on “mannies” at the moment, and have just featured another outstanding manny who’s based in London. We also have a strong focus on travel and the various travel woes that nannies experience when on holidays with their work families, as well as a strong push of education, healthy lifestyle and of course the “back to school” theme.

How would you like to see things evolve in the next 6-12 months?

I would love to see us partner with a bigger magazine such as Parenting Magazine LA or LA Parents. Maybe even a renowned nanny agency to help us grow.

How do you balance it all?

I don’t really have a “typical” day of any kind. Because my jobs are always changing and I’m constantly taking on new work, my day is all over the place at the moment. I balance it by taking my MacBook to work, and during nap time, I work on NYAN Magazine as well as my freelance work. Thankfully, the pressure of the deadline is what drives my greatest work. So I am used to working within a small time window.

Just quickly, you mentioned that you take your puppy to work with you. How does that play out? Are the kids and parents OK with their being a puppy around?

The kids responded differently to the pup. The 1-year-old was fearlessly affectionate towards her, the 3-year-old was apprehensive at first (but is slowly coming around & becoming affectionate), and the parents were a little concerned at first. They were concerned that given she was a puppy, she would require so much attention which could distract attention from the kids. Now they all love her as much as if Frida [the puppy] were their own; much the same as I love their babies as if they were mine.

It has worked out really well! Because she is a young pup, we have been able to train her to be sweet & gentle with the children. It’s perhaps not all that conventional, and some families may not be ok with it, but we are all happy and it’s great to see both the kids and pup play together and learn to take care of each other.

Brittney Schering’s new puppy. Photo – Brittney Schering.

On the way to work with new puppy, “Frida”. Photo – Brittney Schering.

Puppy “Friday” and a little girl in Brittney’s care (permission to publish granted). Photo – Brittney Schering.

Inside Miracle Mile Toys, LA. Photo – Miracle Mile Toys.

So you’re based in Los Angeles, California. Why LA?

I absolutely love this city. I was born and raised in a tiny town called Trenton, Michigan [on the other side of the country] but I always had my heart set on the west coast. As a teen I’d dream of living in California. After graduating from college I made my first big move, and relocated to New York City. Although it was a profound place, it didn’t feel like “home” to me. Los Angeles is a different story however. I felt like I belonged here the moment I arrived!

Where do you shop in LA for the tools of your trade?

Miracle Mile Toys is a personal favourite. And of course I love Barnes & Noble, and Target is always a great place for affordable kids toys and craft products.

What and where was the last great meal you ate in LA?

It was actually at an Italian spot on La Brea called Amalfi Restaurant. My boyfriend and I were thrift shopping at Buffalo Exchange right next door. It was a matter of convenience and curiosity and it worked out perfectly!

Where would we find you on a typical Saturday morning?

You’d find me walking to the café with my new little puppy, Frida, before heading off to work. On the off chance that I don’t have to nanny, I’d be having breakfast with my boyfriend at one of our favourite local spots.

Your biggest personal and professional goals you’d like to achieve in the next little bit?

Essentially, to become closer to “entrepreneurial freedom”, whilst also taking the time to care for myself. I’d like to develop a personal agenda, with big picture goals as well as short-term tasks, as a self-love practice to keep me on the right trajectory.

What’s the best thing about what you do?

Working with children, and helping to mould their minds for the future, is truly the best. It’s the most rewarding opportunity I could ever imagine, and I absolutely love that it’s my responsibility to help raise so many awesome little kids.

Biggest piece of advice for new nannies starting out?

Be careful with what you say “Yes” to. The job itself – working with kids – is an awesome one, but it’s also a position where you can easily be taken advantage of (although not always intentionally so). Set your boundaries early on, constantly educate yourself, and being a strong and clear communicator is truly essential!

Peekaboo Playland, a great place for kids in LA! Photo – Peekaboo Playland.

Connect with Brittney Schering at Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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More Industry Spotlight Interviews: see superstar nanny Da Poppins

Because I’m big into community, and sharing the love, and supporting the nanny industry, I’ve been all about getting to know other superstars in the nanny industry. I want to shine a light on them, to highlight them, to let you get to know them, and share with you their magic secrets and tricks of the trade. The Nanny Spotlight at Nanny Shecando is something I’m really passionate about, and I’ve got some fabulous names lined up over the next few months. To get involved, please contact me with subject title nanny spotlight.

To participate in the nanny spotlight, please contact me. If you’re a rock star in your field, be it a nanny or sitter, childcare worker, primary teacher, nanny industry expert, nanny agency or children’s author, I want to hear from you!

A Touch Of Spring: Rolled Felt Flower Brooch

We are carrying on a spring flower theme for the step into spring series with today’s tutorial, this time from Sarah of Hunting for Ladybugs. It’s just the thing to help you step into spring. She has a super quick tutorial to make these sweet rolled roses that you could put on a brooch, use in gift wrapping or place in a vase on your window sill. Add a few drops of rose essential oil for the ultimate Spring indulgence!

Wearing a Touch of Spring: Rolled Felt Flower Brooch

You Will Need:

Some felt (thick card would also work well)
Scissors
Brooch Pin
Needle & thread (or hot glue gun)
Fabric Glue (optional)

Begin by tracing around something round – my circle is about 10cm diameter.

Cut it out.

Now cut it around in a spiral shape working from the outside in. Start with a straight line from the outside edge before spiralling. I’ve marked where I cut in pencil so you could see but just eyeball yours (otherwise you’ll see pencil marks on the top of your petals).

You’ll have some scraps – the centre circle and a little bit after my first loop around (you’ll want the spiral an even-ish width all the way around).

Now to roll. Begin at the outside edge as you roll the felt snake around itself. Keep the bottom edge aligned as you roll it around and around. The very centre of your circle will become the outside petals of the rose. They should splay out a little.

Thread your needle and secure the ends with hand-stitching. You could use a glue gun here if you preferred.

Ta Dah! A finished rose.

I made two more roses using the same method and then glued them onto a leaf shaped piece of teal felt. I then glued (you can also stitch) a brooch pin onto the back to finish my project.

I’ve also made this pink set as a small posy for a vase. This time I started with two circles of felt, both abt 20cm diameter. I cut and rolled the two tones of pink together to give the finished rose a bit more depth and interest.

Sarah has also recently made Mums Take Five (Wednesday’s #stepintospring spring flower craft), a fantastic new Cityscape Skirt to wear for Spring and has posted a tutorial on how to add simple appliqué shapes onto clothing.

Sarah Caporn is the hands behind handmade business Hunting for Ladybugs. Sarah has an adorable patch of cyberspace that is all about her love of sewing. As well as taking custom orders, she adores teaching people to sew and has developed a range of ‘Sew Your Own’ project kits to do just that. They include everything you’ll need to get stitching with loads of online support along the way via her Helpdesk group on Facebook.

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Step into spring with this easy do-it-yourself springtime centrepiece from Sheridan Anne, isn’t it just gorgeous! Celebrating the arrival of spring all week on the blog. Featuring some great “step into spring” tips to ease you into the new season, with favourites from Money Mummy, Mums Take Five, Sheridan Anne, and Hunting For Lady Bugs.You’ll surely be inspired to put a little spring into your step! Join us, and tweet your favourite spring themed posts using #stepintospring.