Hiring a summer nanny has many advantages, especially for families in which both parents have full-time jobs. During the school year, after-school daycare or nannies are easy solutions for a few hours each day, but what about the full eight hours you are at work during the summer? That’s where hiring a summer nanny will come in handy.

1. Obtaining Help with Transportation – If your kids are into sports or extra-curricular activities, it can be tough getting them to everything on time while working around your already busy schedule. A summer nanny can get your kids to and from their various activities without you having to worry. If you can make it to the soccer game, great, but if not, you have someone to get your kids there safely.
2. Establishing Flexibility with Time Off – In this respect, a summer nanny has an advantage over a daycare center. Many centers will charge you for days that your kids can’t come, making them less efficient solutions for parents with irregular summer schedules. While most full-time nannies are paid for a set number of hours each week, you may be able to make arrangements with a temporary care professional so she’s only paid for days she actually works.
3. Obtaining Light Household Help – With a nanny, you will get a little extra help around the house as long as household chores are covered under your employment agreement. Chores such as keeping the kids’ playroom clean and helping them make their bed and pick up their clothes will help you out in the long run. Keep in mind, though, that nannies are traditionally only expected to handle chores directly relating to the care of children and the messes they make.
4. Providing an Individual Focus – One advantage summer nannies have over day camps and daycare centers is that they have the ability to focus on your kids as individuals. Day camps and daycare centers have too many kids to really see your children as individuals, and the activities organized are generalized to encompass a variety of interests, but those may not match the interests of your child. Hiring a summer nanny provides your kids with plenty of one-on-one interaction, and she can plan activities customized to fit your kids’ interests.
5. Establishing a Long-term Relationship – When your child is cared for by one dedicated nanny throughout the summer break, she’s able to establish a relationship with one caregiver. Daycare centers and sporadic care through a variety of sitters make it difficult for kids to form those bonds, and establishing a long-term relationship with a summer nanny can turn into a more permanent arrangement in the future.
6. Saving Money – In some cases, private nanny care is actually cheaper than working with a daycare center. Depending on your individual arrangement, you may very well find a nanny whose compensation is lower than the exorbitant fees charged by daycare centers, especially if you’re frequently stuck with late pick-up or extended care fees or if you need to enroll more than one child.
7. Creating Activity Variety – Large daycare centers tend to find a handful of activities that keep kids as occupied as possible and then stick with those activities. A private nanny, on the other hand, will generally be more creative when it comes to planning outings and activities. With fewer children under her care, a nanny is free to be more imaginative than daycare administrators with dozens of kids to consider.
8. Establishing a Live-In Arrangement – Though live-in nannies aren’t quite as common as they once were, the practice is far from extinct. Some summer nannies, especially college students forced to move out of a dorm between semesters, will gladly accept a live-in arrangement that makes them more available to you and provides them with the room and board they need for the season in addition to a paycheck.
9. Vacation Childcare Assistance –  There’s nothing wrong with wanting to slip away for a night out on the town or a kid-free dinner while you’re on vacation, but finding trustworthy childcare isn’t always feasible when you’re away from home. If you find a summer nanny that’s willing to travel, bringing her along for the ride can make that task much more easily managed. Keep in mind, however, that your nanny isn’t actually on vacation during the trip. Any time that she spends with your children is technically considered on the clock and she should be paid accordingly, as well as be given a reasonable amount of time off.
10. Obtaining Personal Service – A daycare center offers very little in the way of personal service, as they have needs of far more children to consider. If your child needs special care or requires personal attention, a summer nanny can provide that care much more easily than a crowded daycare center.

Don’t fret about what to do with your kids during the long summer months! Contact a reputable nanny agency in your area, place an ad on a local classifieds ad site or visit an online nanny recruiting website to find the personal, private care your family needs.

From preventing the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle to teaching kids valuable lessons they’ll carry throughout their lives, youth sports like soccer are packed with benefits. There are also a variety of lessons that parents can learn from their child’s involvement in the sport, especially new soccer moms that aren’t quite acclimated to the atmosphere of youth sports leagues. These are 10 of the rules that all soccer moms, both rookie and seasoned vets, should follow.

1. Don’t Berate the Coaches or Officials – The first and arguably one of the most important rules for soccer moms to follow is that berating the officials or coaches simply is not allowed. While most officials are loath to throw out a parent because it will ruin the game for the kids involved, you shouldn’t take that goodwill for granted.
2. No Sideline Coaching – Coaches of youth teams are almost always volunteers, and the job is largely a thankless one. It’s not unusual for parents to approach coaches to air grievances and to explain how they could have coached the team better themselves, which is certainly off-putting to the coaches who are donating their time. Your kids’ coach probably won’t be won over by your logic, but there’s a good chance he’ll be less than pleased by your tirades. Unless you plan to take up the mantle of Coach before the next practice, don’t try to do the coach’s job for him.
3. Familiarize Yourself With the Game – Few things are as embarrassing to a child as a parent that’s shouting for a touchdown during a soccer game. If you plan to be truly involved in your child’s athletic pursuits, you should make an effort to at least learn the basic rules of the game.
4. Pack Plenty of Healthy Snacks – Kids will work up a big appetite from running up and down a soccer field, which is one of the reasons why parents are encouraged to bring snacks to practices and games. Don’t be the parent that doesn’t hold up their end of the bargain. If there’s an arrangement among moms determining who supplies snacks on a given day, don’t skimp or skip your turn altogether.
5. Don’t Put Undue Pressure On Your Child – There’s a joy that comes with winning, and there’s no doubt that kids gain plenty of benefits from playing youth sports. Still, even the most talented middle and high school athletes had to learn how to play. During this phase, your child should be playing soccer for the experience and to learn the basic techniques. Don’t treat her like an entire professional soccer career is down the drain because of a simple mistake or honest error.
6. Don’t Force Your Child to Play – While there is definitely a wide array of benefits that come from playing sports, your child is not likely to reap the emotional and social ones if she truly hates the game. It’s important to encourage plenty of physical activity, but you shouldn’t force an absolutely unwilling child to continue playing every season.
7. Encourage Plenty of Practice – Practice makes perfect, which means that your little one needs to work on his technique while he’s at home, too. Soccer practice shouldn’t be the only time he picks up a ball, especially if he’s eager to play. You might have to make some new rules about practicing indoors if you’re interested in preserving your lamps, but you should also make sure that he has ample opportunity to practice in the backyard or the park if he feels so inclined.
8. Model Good Sportsmanship – Good sportsmanship is learned, not an innate ability. Your child will learn much about how she reacts to a given situation by observing and taking cues from your behavior. That’s why it’s so important for parents to model good sportsmanship; otherwise, it’s a difficult concept to teach the youngsters.
9. Don’t Criticize the Other Team – It’s tempting to bash the players on an opposing team, especially if they won the match. Still, you should remember that those players are also someone’s children, and that your kids don’t need to get the message that badmouthing their opponents is acceptable behavior.
10. Encourage Kids After a Loss, Don’t Lecture – After a loss, it’s easy to get so wrapped up in helping your child to learn from his mistakes that you slip into a lecturing tone. Your child will feel bad enough about losing, and will need your support. Instead of giving her a rundown of the mistakes she’s already beating herself up over, try to point out the things that she did right during the match.

Remember that the experience of participating in a youth sports league is supposed to be a fun and enriching one for your children. Bad behavior or a lack of interest expressed by a parent can be enough to spoil that experience for her altogether, so it’s important that you adhere to the basic rules of soccer mom etiquette in order to ensure that the experience is a fulfilling and rewarding one.

The first time you hear the question, “Can I spend the night over at my friend’s house?” you will know that you have reached another milestone in your child’s development. You may wonder if you are prepared for this step, as well as be concerned about his level of readiness for a first sleepover. It’s not uncommon to be awakened in the middle of the night by a phone call from a homesick child, but it’s still an experience you’d like to avoid if at all possible. So how can you tell if your child is ready for his first sleepover?

Usually, children have had sleepovers with relatives before the day comes for the sleepover with friends. Your child may be used to spending special time with Grandma and Grandpa, and be a bit more equipped for a sleepover with a friend as a result of those experiences. You feel comfortable with family members because in a way they are an extension of you, but you don’t have the same reassurance when it comes to allowing a sleepover with a stranger. Before you can determine your child’s level of readiness, you’ll have to objectively examine your own feelings on the subject.

Figure Out How You Feel About the Situation

Sometimes, it’s not the readiness of a child that’s called into question. Parents often need to prepare themselves for the first night away too. In order for your child to feel secure in spending the night away from home, you need to feel okay about it yourself. Unless you know the host parents very well, you may be reluctant to let your child go. These feelings of uncertainty are normal. Your child will be away from you and you will have no control over the situation. Take some time to get to know the other parents a little better. Make sure they have your emergency contact information and that your child knows that she can call home.

Consider Your Child’s Level of Independence

Children grow toward independence at different rates. Some are quick to seek out new and different things, while others prefer to stick with what they know by embracing change slowly. This means that you may have a youngster who is ready to spend the night with friends by the time she gets to kindergarten, or you may have a child that is nearing puberty and still declines invitations for sleepovers. You are the best judge of your child’s readiness for a night away from home.

Allowing your child to seek his own comfort level in the move toward independence is important. Keeping your child too close when he’s ready to take steps toward autonomy is just as detrimental as pushing him out when he is not ready to go. At the same time, he may think he is ready to spend the night with friends when you’re well aware that he hasn’t quite reached that stage. If you feel strongly that he is not ready for a full night away from home, you might let him go for a while then bring him home at bed time. Always let your child know that calling home is an option, no matter what time the call comes.

Look for Signs of Readiness

Just preparing for a sleepover will give you a clue as to whether or not your child is actually ready for this big step. You and your child will most likely have some anxiety over the first night away from home, even if he’s ready to spend the night away from home. If you’ve met the host parents, supplied them with your emergency contact information and feel that your child will be staying in a safe, well-supervised home, then you should put your worries to rest. If your child clearly wants to take this step, now is the time for you to be supportive and be ready to let go a little.

Some children who are used to traveling a lot or spending nights with relatives may not have problems sleeping in different places, and therefore may be excited about spending the night with friends. Other kids feel secure in their usual routine, and are uncomfortable with the idea of changing it. However you child approaches the situation, be supportive.

Take into consideration your child’s night habits. Does she wake up a lot during the night for attention or bathroom trips? Waking up in a strange environment can be upsetting for a child, and the host parents may not appreciate being on duty all night long. If your child is very active at night, she may not be ready for a sleepover yet.

Timing can be critical as well. When things are going smoothly at home, sending Junior off to spend the night with friends is fine. If there are things going on at home, like the addition of a new baby, a move, a divorce or the death of a loved one, this would not be a good time to expect him to be ready for a sleepover if he hasn’t experienced one before. If he has a desire to go and you’re in agreement that’s one thing, but if the invitation has been offered and he would rather stay home, don’t force the issue.

Children who show independence, are willing to take responsibility for their actions, follow instructions well and look forward to new things are more likely to enjoy a first-time sleepover than those who don’t possess these qualities yet. You want your child to have a good time, and enjoy their time with friends. You also want your child to be a good guest. If you feel that your child may not follow the rules or be respectful of the host home, then it’s wise to put off a sleepover until you’ve had a chance to work on his manners. When you feel confident that your child will make a good guest and be comfortable staying away from home, those are solid indicators that he’s ready for his first sleepover.

It’s not uncommon for high-quality preschools in densely populated areas to have waiting lists that are years long, with parents campaigning to earn their infants a spot on the list. With so much emphasis placed on the importance of a stellar preschool experience, how can you be sure that you’re making the right choice for your child? A first-rate preschool on your list doesn’t have to be expensive enough to break the bank; these are ten of the signs that it’s still a high-quality institution.

1. Plenty of Age-Appropriate Toys and Books – Just as kids need to work on certain developmental milestones in preschool, they also need to be free to play, laugh and have fun during preschool classes. Look for plenty of developmentally-appropriate toys and books around the classroom.
2. Teachers are Certified – Because so many preschool programs are private, instructors in many states are not required to hold state licensing or teacher certifications. Look for programs with licensed, fully-trained teachers who are experienced in the realm of early childhood education, rather than glorified babysitters.
3. Waiting Lists – Trendy schools may have waiting lists despite a relative lack of substance when it comes to curricula, but most preschools with waiting lists are popular because they have a great reputation and a commitment to maintaining the small classroom sizes that their young students need, despite the opportunity to increase revenue by increasing enrollment figures.
4. Small Class Sizes – Preschoolers are impulsive and difficult to control under the best of circumstances, so the student-to-teacher ratio needs to be quite small. Large class sizes are a sign that the school values revenue over the quality of their program, and could be a big red flag indicating that it’s best to look elsewhere.
5. A Strict Sick-Child Policy – When your child inevitably comes down with a cold or the flu, you’ll probably bemoan your choice to look for a preschool with a strict sick-child policy when you’re forced to arrange alternate childcare for the day. For all the times that she comes home healthy, however, you’ll be glad that the preschool takes such a hard stance on sending sick kids home before they infect teachers and other students.
6. Welcoming to Volunteers and Walk-Throughs – Preschools that are welcoming to visitors and open to the idea of having parents volunteer usually have no problem with maintaining transparency regarding policies and daily habits. Those that discourage parents from volunteering or are restrictive in their attitude towards parental visits may have such policies because they’re afraid of bad publicity, should a parent discover what their classes are really like.
7. Healthy Meal Plans – Many preschools expect parents to pack snacks and lunches for diminutive students, but there are those out there that have cafeteria services. If a preschool on your list has an on-site cafeteria, ask if you can see a copy of the menu. Healthy, wholesome fare is a good sign, while junk food may indicate the need for you to look elsewhere.
8. Clean and Safe Facilities – One non-negotiable trait of a stellar preschool is a clean, safe facility. If surfaces seem sticky or grimy, equipment and furniture is rickety or kids don’t seem to be well supervised, you may want to think twice about entrusting your child’s care and early education to such a facility.
9. Current Licensing – Make sure that the preschool has all appropriate licensing and is an accredited institution before shelling out your hard-earned money and investing in your child’s early education unwisely. Check the laws and regulations in your state to determine the legal minimum, then look for a preschool that exceeds those standards.
10. Pre-Reading Skills are Emphasized – Play is an important part of the way your child learns, but some skills need to be developed along the way while she’s in preschool. A high-quality preschool program will offer some sort of pre-reading skill training in preparation for kindergarten, ensuring that youngsters start off on the right foot before practical reading instruction begins.

Before you start visiting preschools, it’s wise to decide which education philosophy best meshes with your parenting style. Most private preschools will be built around the Montessori, High/Scope, Reggio Emilia or Waldorf approaches to early education. Do your homework to find the style that best suits your needs and then explore the available options in your area.

In a world filled with video games that sense movement, books that can be read on electronic devices and three-dimensional television displays, the games of your childhood may seem quaint and downright antiquated at first blush. Upon closer examination, however, you may realize that the playground is one place where little has changed. These 10 classic games are sure to be just as popular with today’s kids as they were among you and your own playmates of days gone by.

1. Hopscotch – All you need for this classic game is a bit of sidewalk chalk, a decently-sized pebble and some coordination. Teaching kids the hopping pattern is almost as much fun as the game itself! If the prospect of skinned knees and the parent-sanctioned throwing of rocks is off-putting, consider an indoor hopscotch mat and a beanbag instead.
2. Dodgeball – Splitting kids into two equally-sized groups and handing out a few balls can provide for hours of good-natured fun. This is one game that improves with the addition of more players, so there’s no one left out when you’re dealing with a large group. The rubber dodgeballs that were standard 20 years ago are still available in sporting goods stores and from online retailers, but opting for a few foam balls with softer surfaces might be a more safety-conscious move.
3. Horse – If all you have on hand is a basketball and access to a hoop, you’re not restricted to a few games of one-on-one. Horse is a faithful standby that’s ideally suited for two players. Because there’s no guarding, Horse may also be a safer alternative to traditional basketball for younger children.
4. Mother May I? – Remember all of the giggles resulting from a successful tag? Share the fun of Mother May I? with your own children, but be sure to explain that it’s not okay to answer every request with a “No, you may not” to avoid losing the game. Use Mother May I? as an example of inevitable loss, and a chance to impart good sportsmanship skills along with proper grammar usage.
5. Simon Says – Whether you’re on the playground, in the car or in the living room, Simon Says is an infinitely portable game that requires no more equipment than a few players and great listening skills.
6. Foursquare – Before there was a social networking application called Foursquare, it was a beloved playground game. Relive the days before social media seemed to take over everyone’s life by teaching your child the original meaning of Foursquare!
7. Tag – Kids sometimes have a larger supply of energy than the patience available to their parents and caregivers, which is why any game that helps them burn off some of that excess energy is a blessing. There’s something timeless and almost perfect about tag, as it’s difficult for kids to claim that another is cheating, so disputes are few and far between. Just be sure that all kids understand the importance of tagging one another gently, as rough tags can happen in the heat of competition.
8. Red Light, Green Light – Getting caught moving after the traffic light commands everyone to “freeze!” is more funny than frustrating, and the awkward poses borne of freezing in mid-movement are an endless source of humor. Show your kids how to play Red Light, Green Light by participating in a few rounds, then sit back to watch the show!
9. Freeze Tag – When you have a large group on your hands, a regular game of tag can leave the title of “It” shuffling very quickly. This classic spin leaves everyone frozen after they’re tagged, making for funny sights and longer games as “It” chases down every member of the opposing team.
10. Red Rover – Kids come hurtling across the playground from one line to another, barreling into the opposing team and either breaking through their defenses or landing squarely on the ground as they’re trounced. Make sure that Red Rover games happen on a patch of lush grass that’s free of debris, and that everyone understands the difference between blocking and throwing someone.

One major difference in the way kids play today and the way that they entertained themselves a few decades ago can be attributed to the advent of the “helicopter parent” culture. Some games, like dodgeball and Red Rover, have fallen from favor with some parents out of fears regarding their safety. The fact that you’re not afraid of a few bumps and bruises doesn’t mean that the parents of your kids’ playmates feel similarly. Before introducing a potentially dangerous game, be sure that your kids know the proper safety precautions and are prepared to have a game or two broken up by an anxious adult.

Participation in organized sports has a variety of benefits for kids, potentially boosting everything from their academic performance to their self-esteem. Kids who can’t manage their feelings after a loss or compete honorably because they’re so focused on winning, however, may not reap those benefits in the same way that their peers with good sportsmanship skills do. Helping your child learn the basics of being a good sport starts at home and extends to the playing field, and these 12 tips can help you to instill those qualities.

1. Model Good Sportsmanship – Your children learn about social interaction largely through the observation of the adults they trust and admire, so one of the most effective ways of teaching your child to be a good sport is to model that behavior yourself. That means no yelling at coaches, referees or umpires when you think they made a bad call; you don’t want to pass those habits on to your child.
2. Play Games of Chance from a Young Age – In order to learn how to lose gracefully, your children have to lose on occasion. While your first instinct may be to allow your child to win whenever possible, it’s important to play games of chance with her and to use the times when she loses as a teaching opportunity.
3. Instill a Respect for Authority – Part of being a good sport is learning how to accept the calls a referee or umpire makes even if you disagree with them and to follow the directions of coaches. Those things require your child to have some semblance of respect for those authority figures.
4. Avoid a “Winning is Everything” Attitude – When your child feels as if the only way he can please you is to win at all costs, he’s no longer focused on being a good sport, or even having fun while he competes. The entire focus of playing a sport shifts to obtaining a win, making it even more difficult for him to accept an inevitable loss.
5. Observe Your Child During Practice – Watching how your child behaves during practice will give you an idea of the areas in which she needs a bit of instruction regarding good sportsmanship. If you’re never present for practice, it’ll be difficult for you to get an accurate picture of how she handles adversity on the field.
6. Listen to Coaches – Training in good sportsmanship starts at home, but your child’s coaches will also have a strong impact on how he learns to behave. Take the time to listen to your child’s coaches during practice and games; if they’re not behaving well, they’re probably passing on those same bad habits to the kids on their team.
7. Discuss More Than Final Results – After a game, it’s tempting to get into a discussion about the results of the game and how it could have gone differently. Rather than talking about the end score, look for highlights of your child’s performance to praise and opportunities to talk about the type of sportsmanship exhibited by the other players.
8. Encourage Support of Teammates, Too – Being a good sport is more than just accepting a defeat gracefully; it’s also supporting your teammates. Even gifted kids who never complain about losing can be perceived as bad sports if they have a tendency to hog the ball or to try to make all the plays themselves.
9. Don’t Assign Blame for Losses – When the results of a game don’t come out the way your child hopes, don’t place the blame for a loss at anyone’s feet. Just as you won’t want to tell your child that he’s solely responsible for an entire team’s loss, neither should you place that blame on his teammates or coaches.
10. Avoid Minimizing Her Disappointment – Telling your child that “it’s just a game” after a loss may seem like an effective way of putting the loss into perspective and showing her that it isn’t all that important in the long run, but you’re actually minimizing her feelings. Let her know that it’s okay to be sad about a loss, but it’s more important to focus on how to do better next time.
11. Keep the Big Picture in Mind – The proper perspective is everything when it comes to kids’ sports. Players on a varsity team will have more experience in both game play and losing than those on a youth soccer team, and you can’t expect your child to handle his first real taste of defeat gracefully when he’s six. Work on good sportsmanship, but realize that those skills will take time to fully develop.
12. Establish a Policy of Congratulating the Winner – A good sport congratulates an opponent on a job well done, even if she’s sad that her team lost. Establishing an early policy of offering sincere congratulations to a victorious opponent places the groundwork for good sportsmanship as your child gets older.

Despite its diminutive size, the pacifier can stir up plenty of big debates among parents and childcare providers. While detractors maintain that binkies are responsible for everything from dental problems to nipple confusion, the stance of the American Academy of Pediatrics actually holds that a pacifier can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and satisfy a baby’s need for non-nutritive sucking. All good things must come to an end, however, and your child’s binky use is no exception. Weaning a child from a pacifier doesn’t always have to be a terrible experience, despite the assertion of detractors. By following these hints and tips, you may find that pulling the plug on your child’s paci is easier than you expected.

Know When to Start the Weaning Process

Parents and childcare providers that eschew binkies often do so out of the misguided notion that a pacifier can harm kids’ dental development, even when they’re used during early infancy. While this isn’t strictly true, pacifiers can begin to cause problems if they’re still being used when a child reaches about four years of age. Pediatric dentists recommend that parents begin limiting the use of binkies after age two, with a goal of eliminating dependence altogether by age four. Some kids may willingly put down the paci before they reach the age of two, but others will struggle to give up the comfort they get from their binky. If your child is still struggling to let go of the pacifier, it’s okay to weather the dirty looks from strangers if he’s under the age of two. After two, though, it’s time for breaking ties with the binky.

Take a Gradual Approach

If you know that your child is going to have a particularly difficult time parting from his binky, you’ll probably have more success with a gradual weaning method than a cold-turkey approach to breaking the habit. Start by eliminating binkies in distress-free situations, when your child is happy and occupied at home. When that step has been mastered and she no longer asks for a pacifier for everyday use, let her know that binkies stay in the house. She will then learn that her binky can’t come outside with her, and will learn to leave it behind when she goes on adventures. Later, talk about how binkies don’t leave her crib, and that it’s only there for nap and bed time. When she’s overcome reliance on her pacifier for everything except sleeping, it’s time to begin working with her on breaking that last tie. Whether you invoke the “Binky Fairy” or come up with your own method of eliminating night-time binky use for self-soothing purposes, you’ll be able to break her dependence on a pacifier once and for all.

Give Him a Pep Talk

If the gradual method seems too involved and like it’s only prolonging the process for a child that isn’t likely to struggle with the transition much, you may want to work with the three-day pep talk model. Let your child know that his binky will be gone in three days. Don’t try to convince your child that this is an exciting move, or even one that he should like. Just be direct and matter-of-fact about explaining that he only has three days. The next morning, repeat the same pep-talk, replacing “three days” with “tomorrow.” On the third day, enlist your child’s help in collecting all the binkies around the house by making the task an enjoyable one. When they’re gathered, explain to your child that he’s becoming a big boy that doesn’t need a binky.

Stick to Your Guns

Regardless of the method you use, there’s a good chance that your child will fight to keep his paci and may even throw a tantrum or two along the way. The most important and effective thing you can do at this point is simply to stick to your guns. No matter how angry he gets, don’t break down and find a pacifier to soothe his tears. This only sends the message that a tantrum garners the results he’s looking for. Keep reminding him that big boys don’t use binkies, that they’re for babies who need them to feel comfortable.

While you will need to adhere to your commitment regarding the breaking of a binky habit, it’s also important that you try to keep the situation as stress-free as possible. Make sure that saying goodbye to binkies doesn’t coincide with other stressful changes, as it can be overwhelming to your child to give up several things he’s attached to or to absorb several dramatic alterations in his routine.

If you’ve never tried making your own jewelry, you might want to start.  When you make your own jewelry you have the opportunity to customize the jewelry for the person that will be wearing it.  You can choose bead colors that will coordinate with her outfits or reflect her favorite colors.  In the end you, will save yourself money and the gift will have your special touch.  Take a look at these 20 blogs for jewelry ideas that you can make for yourself or as a teacher’s gift.

Necklaces

Make your own necklace to match an outfit by working with plastics.  If your child’s teacher loves purple, you can use some purple clay to make a necklace as a teacher’s gift.  Or maybe you want to work with some pretty beads that you found. Whatever the case, these five blogs will show you how to do it.

• Faux Cloisonné Enamel- New How-To Jewelry Making Video from Friendly Plastics Learn how to make your own cloisonné for a necklace by watching this video.
• Glass Map Necklace Using very few supplies you can make quite a conversation piece necklace using a map.
• Tutorial: Make a Pixie Dust Necklace This craft would be a great gift for a young girl or something that girls could make at a sleepover.
• DIY Kitschy Beaded Necktie Necklace Using seed beads you will create a tie shape to wear as a necklace.
• DIY Art Clay Bead Necklace Create your own beads with clay, bake them and string them onto a leather cord for a one-of-a-kind necklace.

Earrings

Creating your own earrings can be a way to express your style and personality.  For those people that you want to make earrings as a gift for, you can personalize them for that person’s tastes.  Whether you make wired or stud earrings, you will be able to find the directions on how to do it on these five blog articles.

• How to Make Wire Loops – Jewelry Making Basics {Video} If you are new to making jewelry with wire, this is an excellent video tutorial to get you started.
• Making Button Earrings You can make hoop earrings or stud earrings using vintage buttons.
• Polymer Clay Four-Leaf Clover Earrings Make any shape you’d like with this simple clay technique for making studs or dangly earrings.
• DIY Prada- Inspired Rose Cabochon Rhinestone Stud Earrings Get a truly professional look with the process outlined on this post.
• Craft Tutorial: How to Make Cupcake Earrings Watch this video to learn how to make darling cupcake earrings for you or someone else.

Bracelets

Bangle bracelets are back in style, which opens up a creative door for making your own customized bracelet using an old thrift store find.  If you like a smaller chain style bracelet, you can do that as well when you read through the ideas found on these five blog posts.

• Conversation Heart Charm Bracelet Find out how to make the conversation heart charms out of polymer clay and attach them to a chain.
• The Unintended Urban Warrior Trilogy: Chain and Pearl Bracelet This project is pretty in a Victorian style.
• How to Make Your Own Bangle Bracelet form for Molding Silicone  Create your own custom form to make bangle bracelets.
• DIY: Diamond Friendship Bracelets Using only embroidery floss you can knot your own bracelet in no time.
• DIY Recycle Your Old Bangle! You can give your old bangle bracelet a makeover using very few supplies.

Pins/Rings

Rings can get pretty expensive when you buy them at a jewelry store.  And while you can get cheaper rings in the costume jewelry sections, why not create your own using vintage buttons, wire or wood?  Make one of these five rings as a surprise for your child’s teacher.  It’s unlikely the teacher will receive the exact same gift from anyone else.

• The Day of the Grumpy Cat If you have a quirky sense of humor, this brooch may appeal to you.
• Make Your Own Flower Ring This quick project can be done in about 15 minutes.
• How to Make Your Own Button Ring Follow this simple tutorial to make yourself rings for every day and for everyone else you know.
• How to Make a Ring by Steam Bending Wood An interesting project using wood veneer.
• DIY: How to Design Your Own Wire Bow Ring Using some pretty wire and jewelry tools you can bend your own bow ring.

When a close friend or family member dies, the ceremony celebrating their life and allowing the loved ones left behind to grieve can be a therapeutic experience in the minds of adults. For children, however, the funeral ceremony and visitation can be a scary and upsetting experience that makes dealing with the death of someone they care about even more traumatic. Making sure that your children are properly prepared for a funeral is one of the most important things you can do for them after a loved one passes on, but it can be a tricky task.

Know the Difference Between Encouragement and Pressure

The fundamental belief that attendance at a funeral is both therapeutic and compulsory can cause many parents to believe that requiring a child to attend is the best course of action, even if they clearly express a reluctance to do so. Making sure that you understand the difference between encouraging your child to attend a memorial service for closure and putting them under overwhelming pressure to make an appearance is one of the most important things you can do for them. Depending on your child’s age, how close he was to the deceased and how you expect to react when you’re faced with such a final goodbye, you may actually want to consider allowing them to sit this one out.

Talk About What to Expect

If you’re confident that your child is emotionally mature enough to understand the implications of a funeral service and he’s made the conscious choice to attend with you because he wants to pay his last respects, not because he’s being pressured to attend, then you’ll want to have a frank discussion about what he can expect to see. If the ceremony will be an open viewing, you’ll need to talk about the fact that the deceased loved one will be visible. This is also a good time to let your child know that funerals are a time for grieving, so might see people crying or becoming very upset. It’s especially important to discuss your own grief, so that he’s not scared by a display of mourning from you.

Encourage Questions

Attending a funeral is never an enjoyable experience, but it can be downright terrifying for children. The scary nature of a memorial service is amplified when your child isn’t sure of what’s going to happen and feels confused by the proceedings. Make sure that you allow him plenty of time to ask whatever questions he needs to ask, and that you answer them as completely as possible. The more knowledge your child has about what a funeral is, what he can expect to see there and why funerals are held, the less likely he is to panic out of confusion. Be prepared for some indelicate or even impolite questions, as kids that have little to no real experience with the concept of death aren’t likely to understand it fully and may have unexpected curiosity regarding the subject.

Be Honest

Regardless of how difficult it may be, it’s best to be honest with your child when you’re explaining the concept of death, dying or what happens at a funeral. Using the belief system of your own religion can help kids come to grips with where people go after they die, a question that isn’t easily answered any other way. Resist the temptation to tell a small child that the decedent is “sleeping” or “resting,” however. The last thing you want is for your child to attempt to wake his loved one up or to associate sleeping with never waking up again.

Keep it Age-Appropriate

By the time they’re into the elementary or middle school years, kids understand what death is. Even if they have never attended a funeral or memorial service, they’ve almost certainly been exposed to the concept through television, books or movies. These kids may need to know a bit more about what to expect from the memorial service itself, and less existential conversation about the destination of departed souls than their younger siblings. Very small children that aren’t verbally advanced enough to grasp the basic concept of death or dying may not be ready to attend a funeral, so it’s smart to use your own judgment when determining whether or not the memorial service is a suitable place for them.

Your child should be reassured that it’s okay to feel sad or to cry at a funeral, and that he doesn’t have to hide his feelings or try to be strong. He needs to know before he arrives at the service that his feelings are valid and that it’s okay for him to express them. A lengthy discussion with your child will make it easier to determine whether or not he’s ready to attend a funeral and can help you figure out what he already knows about the subject.

Trust is a highly prized commodity. It is something that is not freely given, but rather earned, and in some cases hard won. When it comes to the care of your child, it is imperative that there is a strong bond of trust between you and your nanny. This person is going to have a major impact on your child’s development in so many areas; it’s not just the physical aspect of having someone watch your child, as in the case of a babysitter who may keep your child for a couple of hours. The nanny is an important person in your child’s life, and will help him reach many of his developmental milestones by working in conjunction with you and supporting his efforts. For all intents and purposes, the nanny is the third (or second) parent in many cases.

Most parents hiring a nanny are interested in making a long term investment. Some nannies stay with the family that employs them for several years. Children learn to love these caretakers, and develop long-lasting, deep relationships with them. Taking these things into consideration, it becomes essential that trust is built with this person who is going to have such a strong influence on your child’s life. When you’re in the interview process of hiring your nanny, be sure to check the references she provides. Talk to the people given as references, and don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions. If there are any red flags, you need to keep searching. Also, make sure you have a thorough criminal background check in hand before you make an offer. Many nanny agencies will do a minimal background check, but in order to really build trust, you should make sure the check includes local, state and national databases. A clean record – driving and otherwise – is vital.

Business employers will often double-check everything on a person’s resume to ensure that the person portrayed on the paper is the same person the company is hiring. If businesses can be so picky, how can you do any less when it comes to choosing someone to care for your children? Don’t hesitate to confirm the information your nanny provides. Confirmation provides you with the peace of mind you need in order to know that you are indeed hiring the person you think you’re hiring. This will help you establish trust with your nanny in the long run, as you won’t have any reason to regard her with suspicion after a thorough examination of her resume, references and background.

Expectations on both sides need to be clearly stated and discussed before a final offer of employment is extended. Make a list of things that you require from your nanny, and do your best to think of everything that may come up. If you expect her to drive, will it be her personal car or the family car? You want to be certain that she will respect the family vehicle and not drive it for personal use unless you give her permission to do so. If she is using her own car, you want to make sure that she will not take your kids to unapproved destinations or on unplanned trips, and that you do your part to establish a trusting relationship by providing ample compensation for maintenance and fuel. You may have visitation rules if she’ll be living in or will often keep the kids in the evening hours. You must be clear about your expectations. This will prevent misunderstandings on both sides.

Some employers will use a nanny cam to monitor their childcare provider throughout the day. While many nannies don’t mind if they know about its use up front, there is still the issue of trust to consider. Use of such a device may make your nanny feel uncomfortable and untrusted. If you decide to go this route, make sure you talk about it before you hire. When you hire a consenting nanny, have her sign a statement indicating that she knows that she will be under surveillance. Should your new caregiver discover an undisclosed monitoring device, it will certainly have a negative impact on your professional relationship and will damage the trust she’s attempting to build with you.

Take advantage of a probationary period if you’re uncertain about a new nanny’s potential for longevity. See how the children like her and take your cues from them. Children have a way of knowing when the people around them are genuine. If you meet with some surprises where the nanny and your children are concerned, you may want to consider terminating the relationship. Ask a friend or relative to drop in on your nanny unannounced. This will give you an idea about what is happening in your absence. Not all nannies work out the first time around, and it’s much better to learn sooner rather than later that the relationship is not going to work.

Establishing clear boundaries from the outset will aid in building trust. When you both know what to expect from one another and you have open, honest communication, you will have a good foundation upon which to build. Keep in mind, though, that trust goes both ways. It’s important to treat your nanny with the respect that she deserves, or you may find yourself looking for a replacement after she abandons her post.