5 Tips for Traveling with Your Baby

Summer is upon us and many families are currently traveling or plan to travel within the next month.  Here are a few tips when traveling with your baby:

1. Book the aisle & window seat (if the plane seats 3-across) .  Then call the airline to let them know you will be traveling with a baby, the airline will take note and if it's not a full flight will leave the middle seat available.

2. Pack enough formula/food on your carry-on for 24 hours.  It's best to be prepared in case your plane gets diverted or you are stuck on the tarmac for a long period of time.

3.  Bring an empty pillowcase on the plane.  Ask the flight attendant for pillows and blankets.  Stuff your empty pillowcase with the pillows and blankets.  This creates your own boppy for breastfeeding and a nice comfortable cushion on your lap where your baby can sleep. 

4.  When loading the plane, do not immediately sit down.  Typically parents traveling with small children are in the first group of people to board the plane.  When you board, stand near the back of the plane holding your baby.  If you sit down too soon, by the time it's time for takeoff your baby will have ants-in-their pants.

5.  When the plane is ascending or descending make sure your baby is sucking.  Sucking can be on a bottle, pacifier, etc.  The "sucking" should begin once you personally feel the plan ascending/descending.

Bonus:  Bring fun-size chocolates to pass out to those sitting closest to you.  A great way to break the ice and help ease they pain of a screaming baby.  Everyone loves chocolate!!

What are Typical Nanny Duties?

On a weekly basis inquisitive parents ask me, "What are typical nanny duties?"

My answer, "ANYTHING that has to do with your child." Here is an extended list

of responsibilities nannies can take on (but not limited to):

- Preparing meals

- Laundry for children

- Researching the best schools, classes, sports activities to attend

- Purchase and read age-appropriate books

- Schedule play-dates

- Drive to school, activities, and doctors appointments

- Grocery shop (if time permits)

- Make sure child's supplies are fully stocked (i.e. diapers, wipes, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.)

- As the child grows, clothes fit and those that don't are donated and/or given away

- Create a weekly schedule (with parents approval)

- Help with homework

- Stay current on event happening in your city that are kid friendly (concerts, events, museums, new classes, etc)

- Be a positive role model in character, personal hygiene, and presentation

- COMMUNICATE. COMMUNICATE. COMMUNICATE. Have conversations daily with parents about the child's day (milestones, moods, behaviors, preferences, etc.)

- Keep a "To Do" list of tasks, goals, activities, and schedules

- Keeping a Food Journal -likes and dislikes- This helps so the same foods are not repeated.

The Hard & Fast on How to Land Your Dream Nanny Job

Do you wonder how some nannies are getting jobs and you've been waiting weeks, possibly months to find your dream nanny position? Here are 4 tips on how to land your dream job:

1. Set realistic expectations: Everyone wants a high paying salary, but do you have the experience and qualifications for a top-paying nanny position? If you answer is, "heck yeah", see if you meet the following criteria:

- 10+ year experience working as a professional nanny, I repeat AS A PROFESSIONAL NANNY.

- A college degree

- Longevity at your positions 3+ years (not hoping from job-to-job)

- Flexibility to travel for weeks, possible months at a time.

- Verifiable references (reference letters & UP-TO-DATE phone numbers of former employers)

- Passion. Are you living your passion. Is being a nanny, working with children, something you are passionate about. This will come across to anyone you come in contact with. Live your

passion!

*Know that with high-paying nanny positions comes lots of competition, you need to bring your A-game.

2. Presentation: How do you present yourself during your interview with an agency, and if given the opportunity with a potential employer:

- Professional attire is ALWAYS a plus, and shows that you take your career seriously.

- Your hair and nails should be well groomed. No excessive jewelry or make-up.

- Have a copy of your resume and copies of your references in hand.

- Give a firm handshake and look the interviewer in the eye when speaking

3. Salary: It's a hard topic and the majority of the nannies who I meet are not comfortable discussing salary. The truth of the matter is the economy is still struggling, and nannies need to be flexible with their salaries. As an example, nannies who used to make $20/hr. are now willing to accept a position for $18/hr. Most nannies who meet (and exceed the qualifications listed above) are set on making a top-salary. On average, if you are not flexible with your wages, you will be looking 3-6 weeks for your next position (possibly longer). Nannies who are more flexible with their wages, are more likely to get a new job- or at least an opportunity to for an interview. I know we all have bills to pay, but if possible I suggest being flexible with your salary.

4. Professional Resume: Need I say more? This is a MUST. This is a whole other blog post, and I will post "how to have a professional resume" later this month.

5. Patience: "Good things come to those who wait." If an agency says "check in with me once a week," then by all means call them once a week. Agencies (good agencies that is) receive hundreds of emails and phone calls of week of potential candidate's. I suggest emailing, rather than calling the agency you have applied with.

*VIP Nannies Inc. represents the top nannies in Southern California, those who have a genuine passion when it comes to working with children. For more information about how to become a VIP Nanny, visit www.vipnannyagency.com or LIKE them on Facebook, www.facebook.com/VIPnannies

DEMA: Domestic Estate Managers Association

Last night I had the honor of attending the DEMA: Domestic Estate Managers Association chapter meeting at the Baltus in West Hollywood. The room was filled with private service professionals- let me repeat PROFESSIONALS- who have a passion for the private service industry.

We heard from Charles MacPherson from The Charles MacPherson Academy for Butlers & House Managers in Toronto, Canada. Mr. MacPherson educated many of us in the room on the history of the private service industry and where we are headed.

We encourage all private service professionals to join DEMA www.domesticmanagers.com a wonderful organization!!

Professional Nannies in High Demand

This past month when many families are traveling to their vacation homes for the summer, the "nanny biz" is typically quite slow. Well not this past July. We have had job orders from Santa Barbara, throughout Los Angeles, and down to San Diego all needing to hire household help.

The trend is that professional, quality, experienced nannies are getting jobs faster than ever. There are many qualities of a Professional nanny. Here are a few qualities of a professional nanny:

1. Has a passion for children. You cannot fake passion. Here at VIP Nannies Inc. in Studio City we interview nannies on a daily basis. Some phone interviews and some in-person interviews. When a nanny is passionate about her job it comes out in her/his actions- her excitement to find the next family to work for, her thankfulness for her last position, the qualities and characteristics that make her a fabulous nanny. PASSION is not superficial. It's real and genuine!

2. College Educated. Whether this is a Master Degree in Education or an AA in Child Development. Having extended education, beyond high school, is a quality of many professional nannies.

3. Has Professional Resume. I cannot repeat this enough. There are many online website that can help create a professional resume. Have a professional resume ready at all times, and update your resume after every job whether temporary or full-time.

4. Experience. This may seem like a "no brainer" but the truth is VIP Nannies only represents nannies who have 4+ years of PROFESSIONAL, and I mean PROFESSIONAL, nanny experience. We do not accept applicants who are looking to make a career change.

How VIP Nannies Works... A Real Life Story

Today, Monday, July 19th at 10:00am, we had a mother from the Pacific Palisades call VIP Nannies in a panic because she needed a nanny for her children immediately. They mother described the details of the position and the characteristics they look for in a nanny. I asked if she would like me to send her resumes of potential nanny candidate's for her to view, and she said, "No, that's not necessary. I trust you Rebecca. I trust your company will send us the nannies you feel would be the best fit for our family. We really need to conduct interviews today." By 1:30pm the family was interview Nanny #1, and at 2:30 the family offered her the position

That was music to my ears, to hear a client say, "I trust you Rebecca!" VIP Nannies has worked hard over the years to gain the trust of families throughout Los Angeles, and Southern California. The #1 way family's hear about VIP Nannies is by a 'word of mouth referral.' We truly appreciate all referrals and hope that you too can trust VIP Nannies to find you the best nanny for your children!

Sincerely,

Rebecca Stewart

CEO/President

VIP Nannies Inc., Household Staffing

Families Needed for a Documentary on a Well Respected Cable Network

New network is looking for parents who are juggling the "work-life balance." They are casting for the pilot in the next 3 weeks, it will be in Good-Taste, on a well respected network. Here's the email I was sent (I told casting I would pass it along): ARE YOU OR YOUR SPOUSE A PARENT WHO WORKS WAY TOO MUCH? ARE YOUR CHILDREN ALWAYS COMPLAINING THAT YOU OR YOUR SPOUSE ARE NEVER HOME OR AVAILABLE? IF SO, WE WANT TO SPEAK TO YOU! RESPECTED CABLE NETWORK is looking for families with children up to the age of 17 to take part in a new documentary about working parents trying to manage their busy lives. We are interested in talking to people who find it a challenge to maintain a healthy work-life balance. If you feel that this is you, or someone you know, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact Josh Paris (323) 463-3340 for more details

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the dad's and grandpa's in the world today!

One of our VIP mom's said, "Our legacy to our kids will be our "presence" NOT "presents"! Let's enjoy the pampering but understand and be reminded of the impact..."

I am blessed and honored to say I have the BEST father EVER! When I was little my dad was my soccer coach, as I got older he became my basketball coach and took me to my first Laker game. :) When I reached high school my dad was the #1 Team Parent, taking the team to out of town tournaments, coordinating fundraisers, and attending every game possible. In college my dad was extremely supportive and always available to talk when I called home. In my adult years my dad has been extremely supportive of my marriage, my career choices, and the decision to own and operate VIP Nannies Inc., Household Staffing! My dad has always been a part of my life and I attribute who I am today by the PRESENCE of my dad in my life. Enough bragging! I Love you dad and wish you a very, very Happy Father's Day!!