We all know the holidays are the busiest time of the year and your nanny is working just as hard as ever to help care for your children, keep your home in order, and help you maintain your sanity. During the hustle and bustle of the holidays make sure you take some time to remember a gift for your nanny! A little appreciation can go a long way in making them feel valued and cared about. It’s industry standard to give your nanny a holiday bonus that equals one week’s salary. We realize … [Read more...]
9 Creative Elf On The Shelf Ideas
An Elf on the shelf isn't just for Christmas, it's for every Christmas, for the next 10 years. Think before you buy... If you've already bought a family Elf, it's too late for you. You've probably experienced the panic of waking up to realize your Elf hasn't moved since yesterday and you must dash to move it before the kids wake up to see. Or maybe you're running out of simple, creative ways to place your family Elf, as all Elf parents go through at some time. To help ease the panic of … [Read more...]
5 Eastside Places To Take The Kids For The Holidays!
We all know that the ‘most wonderful time of the year’ and keeping the kids busy on winter break can be overwhelming. To help, we've put together a list of our favorite ways to experience the holiday spirit with the kiddos in tow! Take part in the Eastside's most unique holiday celebrations, offering excitement and fun for everyone! 1. Snowflake Lane Experience the wonder of falling snow, dazzling lights, festive music, toy drummers and dancers, and see all your favorite characters! … [Read more...]
November Nanny Spotlight: Molly McKeown
We are thrilled to share our Nanny Spotlight for November, Molly McKeown! Molly came to us with over 15 years of childcare experience and it was our pleasure to place her with a permanent family. She is loved by her placement family and the ANFU staff! Describe your background and education in the childcare realm and beyond. I graduated from Emmanuel College in Boston, MA in 2001 with a degree in Communications and a minor in Psychology. I have a keen memory and feel that this trait has … [Read more...]
Get Organized…Enough
Inventory – not just for retail stores! Know what you have from clothes to paper towels. Neutral is good. Spend 10/15 minutes each night getting your house back to “neutral”. Quality over quantity. Pay a little more for a higher quality item. Schedule daily tasks. Monday: vacuum, Tuesday: sweep, Wednesday: skip day... Don't tackle too much at one time. Organize one space and move on, don't try and conquer the entire house in one weekend. Don't break the bank with new … [Read more...]
Why Choose a Placement Agency?
New to the world of nanny placement agencies? Why is A Nanny for U any different than going to a website to search for childcare yourself? ANFU Owner and proud parent, Rebecca Dyk, takes a moment to explain how hiring a placement agency can work to your benefit! Recruiting nannies is exhausting, time consuming, and can be disappointing to say the least; this is by far the biggest and most difficult piece of the hiring process. Often times you will get your hopes up and think you’ve found … [Read more...]
7 Seattle Restaurants That Are Perfect For Children
Seattle is well known for its delicious food and locally owned restaurants. So, if you live in Seattle, you’ve got it made when it comes to eating out! Going out to eat is always an enjoyable experience here because you get to try new and unique foods, along with a delightful environment. With that being said, going to a restaurant with children is a whole other ballgame. Not all places are kid-friendly. In fact, a lot of places aren’t. Some restaurants don’t offer many food options, which can … [Read more...]
Celebrate Your Nanny During National Nanny Recognition Week
Families, agencies and communities have celebrated National Nanny Recognition Week since 1998 to recognize the outstanding work of nannies and childcare providers. National Nanny Recognition Week is observed on the last week of September, falling on September 23-29 this year. Join us in celebration to acknowledge and thank all the outstanding nannies for their childcare contributions! Here are some of the best ways to show your nanny how much you appreciate and value the care they provide to … [Read more...]
DIY Summer Fun! 7 Cheap and Easy Projects for Kiddos
Summer is here, and not a moment too soon! But how do we coax children away from their favorite screens and out into the sunshine? Here are 7 cheap and easy DIY outdoor activities to delight and engage them! (Click images to be taken to their source) -Written By Rachel Clark, an ANFU Nanny! 1. Tree Swing Who DOESN’T remember riding a tree swing at one point in their childhood? This throwback project can remain part of your family for years, and adjusts easily as your kids grow. 2. Giant … [Read more...]
Meet Brandi!
Brandi Lefebvre Up Close & Personal: An Interview with A Nanny for U’s After-Hours Coordinator, Brandi Lefebvre! Tell us a little about your background. I grew up in Mariposa California, a very small town, on a Llama Ranch! I have a large family and am the oldest of 4 kids. After I graduated high school I stayed in California for school but eventually made my way to Seattle where I started working in customer service for Alaska Airlines, this is the only only job I’ve had that … [Read more...]
October Nanny Spotlight: Erika Prins
We are pleased to honor our wonderful nanny Erika Prins as this month’s Nanny Spotlight! Describe your background and education in the childcare realm and beyond. I have been an official nanny for two years now and I have done some part time nanny and babysitting throughout high school and college. I studied Early Childhood Education and Child Development at Eastern Washington University. What is your favorite part about being a nanny? There are several reasons I love being a … [Read more...]
7 Reasons Why Caregivers Drink Coffee
Mondays We can nap anywhere... We need to keep up Mommy, mommy, mommy! Kids have a LOT of feelings... Sometimes you need to #TreatYourself Turns out you don’t need a reason! … [Read more...]
September Nanny Spotlight: Nataliya
We are pleased to honor Nataliya—one of our very own Backup Care Nannies—as this month’s Nanny Spotlight! Not only is Nataliya known for her prompt introductory calls, informative questions, and leaving a great first impression with every family, but she truly exemplifies what it means to be a fantastic nanny! Families cannot stop raving about how much children love her, how prepared she is for care, and of course all of her amazing crafts and activities! Time and time again, families take … [Read more...]
10 Ways to Celebrate Your Nanny
This year National Nanny Recognition week is September 24th-30th For nannies, National Nanny Recognition Week is a time to celebrate the wonderful work they do and the difference they make in the lives of the children they care for and the families they serve. For families, National Nanny Recognition Week is a time to show their nanny just how much they appreciate her/him and the contribution they make to the family. Here are ten ways you can show your nanny how much you appreciate them! … [Read more...]
Meet Danielle!
Danielle Downey Up Close & Personal: An Interview with A Nanny for U’s Corporate & Temporary Placement Director, Danielle Downey! What was it that led you to join the team at A Nanny for U? Every job I’ve had has been centered around children, beginning with working as a babysitter through middle school and high school. In the last few years, I’ve started working in more administrative roles, so combining administrative work with work being centered around families and children … [Read more...]
9 Tips and Tricks for a Successful Campout with Kids
Early fall is a great time to take your kids camping, the campgrounds are less busy and the weather is still good. Camping with kiddos is a lot of work but so worth it! Here are some tips and tricks that have helped us survive enjoy camping with little ones. Location, location, location. Make sure you choose a campground that takes reservations! Most campgrounds are unlikely to be full this time of year, but the last thing you want is to have to drive around with a car full of bored kids … [Read more...]
10 Ways to Celebrate Your Nanny
This year National Nanny Recognition week is September 24th-30th For nannies, National Nanny Recognition Week is a time to celebrate the wonderful work they do and the difference they make in the lives of the children they care for and the families they serve. For families, National Nanny Recognition Week is a time to show their nanny just how much they appreciate her/him and the contribution they make to the family. Here are ten ways you can show your nanny how much you appreciate them! … [Read more...]
Back to School Tips
Where did summer go? Where did summer go? It felt like we were just breaking out the swim suits and shorts and now the back-to-school season is upon us! New school supplies, haircuts and special end-of-summer outings all play into the back-to-school routine. Here are a few of our tips, on how to ensure a smooth transition into the school year! Set up a bedtime and wake-up routine in advance! If possible, it’s best to establish bedtimes and wake-up times two weeks in advance of the start … [Read more...]
August Nanny Spotlight: Genny Rathbun
“[Genny is a] fun, caring and responsible person to be in company of your child!” We are pleased to honor Genny—one of our very own backup care nannies—as this month’s spotlight! Not only does Genny boast the highest customer satisfaction rating month over month in our backup care department, she is a true leader on our nanny team! She brings our nanny team together by sharing fun ideas and supporting and recognizing others. She recently shared her secrets of success with other nannies in … [Read more...]
Make the Most of Summer
Make the most out of the last long weekend of summer! Where has summer gone?! We can’t believe that August has already arrived and almost gone! While back-to-school season is upon us, we still think it is important to make the most out of the final weekend before school begins. Here are some our ideas on how to make the best of the remainder of your summer! Hit the beach! For those of you that live on the north side of Seattle, Brackett’s Landing/Marina Beach in Edmonds is a hit! For … [Read more...]
Kristin’s Top Ten Activities for August!
Kristin’s kids PNW beachin’ it this summer—hence no bathing suits. August always comes with mixed emotions for me—it’s the last full month of the summer which means days are starting to get shorter and the end of summer is lurking. At the same time, it boasts the summer’s hottest and summeriest days. Is summeriest a word? Sure, why not! If you’re like me you probably have a long list of summer fun ideas to check off the bucket list but somehow managed to save them all for August because you … [Read more...]
July Nanny Spotlight: Rosangela and Kaila Seppala
Rosangela and Kaila Seppala We are thrilled to our Nanny Spotlight honorees for July, the amazing Rosangela and Kaila Seppala! This great mother-daughter duo brings so much joy to the ANFU team. Kaila has worked for ANFU for several years and is part of our Temp Nanny team; she referred her mom, Rosangela who we had the pleasure of placing in her long-term position. Describe your background and education in the childcare realm and beyond. Kaila: I started babysitting when I … [Read more...]
Top 15 Free Things to Do with Kids in Seattle this summer
School is out for summer, hooray! With the change in daily routine, it is still important to keep kids busy and engaged. That is why we created a list of the top free things to do with kids this summer in Seattle! Get outside and ride a bike on the Burke-Gilman Trail or for you eastside folks the Sammamish River Trail! Cool off in the 9,000-gallon International Fountain. Kiddos can play in the fountain bowl and venture right up to the smoother silver dome! Visit Farrel-McWhirter Farm … [Read more...]
Schools Out, Let’s Read!
Schools out, let's read! Getting kids to read during summer vacation can be a huge challenge! Convincing kids to crack open a book when they could be swimming, playing outside or hanging out with friends is no easy task! But there is a ton of value in hitting the books, even when it’s not required by a teacher. Reading over the summer is the most effective tool against the “summer slide,” and research shows that children who read when school’s out, enter the next grade better prepared than … [Read more...]
Kristin’s Top Ten Activities for July!
Happy 4th of July! It’s official…summer is here and we have a jam-packed schedule this year to show the kids why we live in the Pacific Northwest! My family has been in the summer mindset for a few weeks (months!?) already and are looking forward to the weather actually matching our state of mind. July for us means berry picking, kiddie pools, camping, beaching, and hiking. But it’s also nice to have some structured events/activities on the docket. I’ve included some weekday activities since … [Read more...]
June Nanny Spotlight: Bryonny Jensen
Bryonny Jensen We are thrilled to share our Nanny Spotlight honoree for June, the amazing Bryonny Jensen! Bryonny has been with ANFU for several years and is one of our permanently placed nannies, in addition to working on our Temp Nanny team. Bryonny is loved by many of our ANFU families. Describe your background and education in the childcare realm and beyond. In high school, I was excited that my on-the-job training program could be at the local daycare down the street. In college, I … [Read more...]
Benefits of Having Childcare at your Wedding/Event
Weddings and events should be enjoyable for everyone – and event childcare can be an easy solution to the often posed question; “can we bring our kids?” Wedding and event season is upon us, this means your weekends are being booked or you, yourself might be in the midst of planning a wedding or event. This is why we teamed up with Jen Owens, owner and lead designer at Jen Leslie Events, a Seattle-based wedding and event design studio to get her advice on planning weddings and … [Read more...]
Meet Lexi!
Lexi Biondi Office Manager and Placement Assistant Up Close & Personal: An Interview with A Nanny for U’s Office Manager and Placement Assistant, Lexi Biondi! What was it that led you to join the team at A Nanny for U? I love this team! I recently graduated from Seattle Pacific University and was interviewing in various places, there was something about this team I was drawn to more than anywhere else. They were welcoming, friendly, and tons of fun! I am beyond grateful for this … [Read more...]
Kristin’s Top Ten Activities For June!
While it’s not technically summer yet, we finally hit our first 70 degree day this past month and my sunglasses are officially out of their hiding spot!. While it’s not technically summer yet, we finally hit our first 70 degree day this past month and my sunglasses are officially out of their hiding spot! Our weekends are already filling up for the summer with outdoor activities (and a few indoor ones, since let’s be honest it’s not Seattle summer yet)—these are a few of my favorites for … [Read more...]
May Nanny Spotlight: Aubrey Rehn
We are thrilled to share our Nanny Spotlight honoree for May, the wonderful Aubrey Rehn! Aubrey has been with ANFU for several years and is one of our amazing Newborn Care Specialists. Describe your background and education in the childcare realm and beyond. I have a diverse and full background in childcare and education. I studied human development and teaching at WSU and graduated in 2009 with a Bachelors in Human Development with a specialization in Early Childhood as well as a … [Read more...]
The Perks of Hiring a Summer Nanny
With summer just around the corner, organizing childcare is likely on the mind. Is it summer yet? While most of us can’t wait because PNW summer weather is why we live here through the winters, however, I know there are parents out there who are anxious about what summer brings—kids eating you out of house and home, busy summer camp schedules, and organizing childcare. If you are contemplating the latter, we wanted to breakdown the benefits of hiring a summer nanny versus relying on multiple … [Read more...]
Kristin’s Top Ten Activities For May!
Kristin’s youngest building an early appreciation of vintage airplanes at the Flying Heritage Collection. Back by popular demand, our Director shares her Top 10 activity picks for getting out with the kiddos this upcoming month. May is almost here; which means Cinco de Mayo celebrations, Boating Season opening day, Mother’s Day love, and Memorial Day three-day weekend! Among all of the local events and celebrations, here are a few of my favorite Puget Sound activities for the month—from … [Read more...]
Tips for Traveling with Kids!
As Summer travel plans draw closer, we asked our Backup Care Director for some of her tips when it comes to comes to traveling with kids. Don’t hold yourself to a strict schedule when you have a young one in toe. It’s hard to have a strict schedule while traveling with kids. Especially when there are changes in time zones involved, you never really know when they are going to need to sleep or when they may be awake when you’re really hoping for sleep! The biggest thing that has changed for me … [Read more...]
April Nanny Spotlight: Jordan Huyser
This month we’re featuring an amazing addition to our Temp Nanny team who has also worked as one of our permanently placed nannies in the past, the wonderful Jordan Huyser! Describe your background and education in the childcare realm and beyond. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, I made the stereotypical bold teenager statement and decided to go to college as far away from home as possible. I earned both my Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Master's degree in Oboe Performance from … [Read more...]
Back to Work After Baby
We know what a big transition many of our clients face in returning to work from maternity/paternity so we asked our Director Kristin and Backup Care Director Serena for some of their tips for parents going back into the workforce! It’s okay to ask for help. I knew it was going to be a challenge heading back to work full time when my daughter was three months old, as I was hearing it from literally every parent I knew! But I had not anticipated was how hard it is to juggle everything as a … [Read more...]
Kristin’s Top Ten Activities for April!
Our Director (and mother of two) shares her Top 10 activity picks for getting out with the kiddos this upcoming month. April is my favorite time of year. Not just because it’s my birthday month (that gets less and less fun as I get older), but because spring is here and the possibility of the occasional sunny day is upon us! You will see that I am longing for nice weather as most of this month’s Top 10 involve getting outside. I included a few ideas that will provide shelter for the wet … [Read more...]
March Nanny Spotlight: Leah Li
We are thrilled to share our Nanny Spotlight honoree for March, the wonderful Leah Li! Leah has been a part of our Backup Care Team since 2015, we are so lucky to have her as one of our awesome nannies! Describe your background and education in the childcare realm and beyond. Prior to joining the ANFU team, my main source of childcare experience was being a coach for my hometown’s youth cheerleading team. I grew up in a small community, which meant that the majority of people who I … [Read more...]
February Nanny Spotlight: Alena Obrochta
Congratulations to this month's amazing Nanny Spotlight honoree, Alena Obrochta! We have had the pleasure of placing Alena in three long-term positions now, and have continued to receive glowing feedback about her work. Describe your background and education in the childcare realm and beyond. I got my first nanny job when I was 15, doing before and after school care for a family in my neighborhood. I'm 24 now and still nannying, simply because I love it! I've taken a few Early … [Read more...]
Meet Abbie!
Up Close & Personal: An Interview with A Nanny for U Placement Consultant & Recruiter, Abbie MacRae What was it that led you to join the team at A Nanny for U? While I was going to school at Central Washington University over in Ellensburg, I worked part-time in the drive through at Starbucks. Rebecca Dyk, our ANFU owner, was a regular customer (“Iced Grande no-whip Mocha”). I got to know her when she drove through each day. As I was choosing what I wanted to do after … [Read more...]
January Nanny Spotlight: Sophie De Haan!
Congratulations to our January Nanny Spotlight recipient, the amazing Sophie De Haan! Sophie has been one of our Seattle Seahawks nannies, and has been a part of our amazing Temp team since 2015! Get to Know Sophie: 1. Describe your background and education in the childcare realm and beyond. I started babysitting when I was 12 years old (14 years ago) and loved working with children! I went to college with the hope of becoming a pediatrician. While attending college, I received training to … [Read more...]
New Year, New Team, New Leader!
In honor of the new year, we wanted to share some new (and familiar!) faces with you as we introduce our team and celebrate the relaunch of our blog! Addressing the Negative This last year has meant a lot of changes and some growing pains for A Nanny for U. Being a stalwart advocate of open and honest communication, we feel it our duty to share with you what this past year has meant for A Nanny for U. In 2016, our incredible owner Rebecca Dyk experienced some tumultuous life changes that … [Read more...]
Free Fruit for Kids!
Did you know that most grocery stores have a Free Fruit Program for kids!? That's right, most stores offer one piece of fruit per child for them to enjoy while you shop. For anyone who has had to wander the grocery aisle with a whiny, hungry child this is music to your ears! Go ahead, do a little happy dance... Each grocery store has different guidelines for their kid program, so be sure to ask customer service if you aren't sure of a particular store's policy. Below we have listed the … [Read more...]
10 New Year’s Resolutions Every Nanny Can Relate To
Nannies, are you already feeling overwhelmed for the new year!? We are here to help! We have brainstormed 10 New Year's Resolutions that will help you get healthy, organized, and more fashionable this upcoming year. Cheers! 1. Stop eating all the kid snacks. 2. Invest in a pair of rain boots and go puddle jumping. 3. Make some nanny friends. 4. Try new recipes even the pickiest eater will love. 5. Become a laundry folding ninja. 6. Teach the charges some manners. 7. Clean … [Read more...]
6 Parenting Tips That Stand The Test Of Time
You may think that being a lawyer or a doctor is one tough job. Well, say "hello" to being a parent. The responsibility of being a mother or a father is overwhelmingly tremendous. You are molding a precious human being and trying your hardest to mold the “best” way you can. Some days you will feel on top of the world, while others will leave you feeling exhausted. You will have moments where you feel like you’ve got it all under control and you’re doing a great job, and then there will be times … [Read more...]
7 Eastside Restaurants That Are Perfect For Children
We are thrilled to share a list of kid-friendly restaurants focusing on the Eastside! This post was inspired by our previous blog post ‘7 Seattle Restaurants That Are Perfect for Children.’ While Seattle may be well known for it’s food scene, the Eastside shouldn’t be overlooked if you are wanting to get out for a delicious meal with the whole family! Many Eastside restaurants are kid-friendly and as a bonus offer easier (and often free!) parking. While there are many popular chain restaurants … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Appreciate your Nanny
In Honor of National Nanny Recognition Week (September 20-26th) we have come up with a list of 5 ways you can make your nanny feel appreciated! Nannies have a heart of gold and spend their days shaping the hearts and minds of the little charges in their life. A simple thanks can go a long way in reminding them that all the big and small things they do each day are noticed and appreciated! Say thank you verbally or in a note. Most nannies are people pleasers at heart and knowing you … [Read more...]
Why Work with a Nanny Agency? (Part I: For Parents)
The process of finding a nanny can be daunting. Not only are you looking for someone you can depend on, but someone you trust to partner with you as you raise your children. That’s a high calling! So where do you start your search? Below are the top 8 reasons you should put your search in the hands of professionals. 1.You don’t know what you need When you work with a nanny agency you are working with a team of professionals that are skilled at matchmaking and are going to take the time to … [Read more...]
8 Reasons Why Being A Nanny Is The Best Job In the World
Being a nanny is unlike any other position. It’s the exact opposite of a typical 9 to 5 office job. Nannies relish in the unpredictability of this career. One day they are getting paid to take the kiddos to the zoo, while another day is spent going to the beach. I know you think you’ve got a sweet job, but I hate to break it to you – being a nanny is better. They get to play dress up, have their inner child come out and see the world through the eyes of a child. How wonderful is that? You … [Read more...]
Life After Having A Baby – Fantasy vs Reality
Having a baby for the first time is one of the greatest gifts in the world. Being a first time mother is by far one of the most rewarding jobs, but it can also be very challenging. This is going to be a year of so many unknowns! What you expect to happen probably won’t happen and things that you never thought you would experience will take place. You’re going to Google things you never imagined. You’re going to smell things your nose wished you could take back. One day you're going to feel … [Read more...]
20 Thoughts Every Nanny Has At Some Point
Being a nanny is one of the most wonderful and rewarding jobs you can have. With that being said, it can also be somewhat difficult at times – am I right?! You try taking care of a crying baby and helping out with the toddler at the same time and see how you feel. Nannies are our lifesavers, superheroes and our knights in shining armor. At the end of an enjoyable, but exhausting day, sometimes all you can do is laugh. When you work in childcare, some days can be quite hectic. It’s normal to … [Read more...]