April Krause, MPNA Co-Director, recently led a workshop for us on how nannies can help their employers have GREAT, low stress holidays this year. In addition to April's awesome suggestions, I've added the ideas and tips that MPNA nannies had to offer, as well!
General Holiday Tips and Tricks
*Continue with routines when you can, including bedtimes, naptimes, and eating. Continue to have children eat healthy and limiting junk food. No one wants a cranky kid to deal with.
*Continue to let children get some fresh air, it will not only de-stress them but also you.
*Make sure to ask parents if there is anything extra you can help with, this might just include getting a few extra items at the grocery store, or straightening up the extra bedroom.
*Make sure you know your schedule for the holidays, usually grandparents are in town, so you might not be needed as much
-If grandparents are around while you're working, try to work *with* them on schedules and activities. Visiting grandparents are often a source of stress for nannies. Many grandparents judge their daughter/daughter-in-law for having a nanny, some are jealous that the nanny gets to spend all this time with the grandchildren, some feel awkward and out of sorts and this comes across as being unfriendly. Whatever the reasons behind any stress or strife, a nanny can minimize this by engaging the grandparents and communicating openly.
-Invite grandparents on outings, playdates, classes, and activities whenever possible
-Print out the daily schedules and routines so grandparents can see them, point out where there are gaps in time or open time to do fun things with their grandchildren and ask for their input on what they'd like to do
-Realize that grandparents are often there to spoil...and are thus probably going to want to allow cookies for lunch, or skip naps, etc. Nannies are wise to not take this personally or as an insult and to find workable, win/win solutions. Flexibility goes a long way!
-Don't allow unhealthy communication triangles between grandparents, parents, and nanny.
*Check out this list of articles from parents.com. Although it is referenced for Christmas, most of the strategies are applicable to all holidays.
Traveling Tips and Tricks
*Remember lines will be longer in airports, train stations, etc.
*Remember to be sure that you pack extra snacks, toys, and things to do while traveling.
*Pack extra diapers, wipes, and a complete change of clothes for each child to put in carryons. Put extra clothes in a large ziploc...that way, there is something to stash wet/soiled clothes.
*Ask parents if they would like for you to help pack or get anything ready for traveling
*Double check airline security regulations regarding bottles, sippy cups, liquids, etc
*Be sure the kids laundry is all done so that when packing they are not looking around for things
*If your child has a favorite thing such as a blanket have another at home or on hand just in case something happens to the first one
*Find some toys they have not played with in a while or get a few little new ones, so they have something new and fresh to play with.
*If you are packing children's clothes, it can help to pack each outfit in a large ziploc baggie complete with socks, undergarments, and hair accessories (if appropriate). This helps keep things organized and easy to deal with in a hotel.
*Chocolate does not travel well to warmer climates.
Halloween Tips and Tricks
*Make plan with parents about how much candy a child can have each day and when it will be given
*Save candy for use on gingerbread house around Christmas Time
*Roast pumpkin seeds for a healthy snack
*Use candies for math and science experiments
o Candy sorting
o Candy counting
o Dissolving candy in different liquids, including water, vinegar, and club soda
o Mentos and Coke is a great Gyser!!!
o Try some Candy Experiments
*Make sure that all children’s costumes have all the parts together and are put up, easier to find things on Friday then having parents look for things on Sunday before Trick or Treat
*Offer to run errands for last minute bits and pieces for costumes, hem long princess dresses, trial run monster make up, etc.
*Really don't want the children to eat all that candy? Consider donating it or participating in the Halloween Candy Buy Back
Thanksgiving Tips and Tricks
*See if there is anything extra needed around the house during the holidays, maybe picking up more things at the grocery store, making sure extra beds are made up with clean sheets and bedding
*Have kids make placemats for the table. Have children write the name of each person on the placemats, laminate them with Contact paper.
*Keep charges and visiting guests busy with some of these Thanksgiving crafts, activities, and projects
*If you are working the day after Thanksgiving, the mall playplace is a BAD idea of an outing for the day.
*Check out places in the area that might be having specials on admission and even running special activities, including museums, libraries and recreation centers
*If relatives will be visiting, communicate with employers about visiting children and what the childcare arrangements will be. It is not unreasonable to request to be paid for watching extra children, but that call is up to each nanny/employer.
*Ask about family plans and what you can do to help. Employer hosting Thanksgiving Day dinner and cooking all day Wednesday? Offer to keep the kids out of the house and somewhere fun for the day. (Detroit Science Center, Cranbrook Institute of Science, The Henry Ford, Ann Arbor Hands On Museum, even the Zoo if the weather is mild enough!)
*Consider helping children find ways to thank people around them. Even small children can help make thank you cards for people in the community (such as the lady who always gives them lollipops at the bank, the friendly waitstaff at your favorite lunch spot, or even make thank you's for the firemen...and take a chance to tour the firestation!)
Hanukkah Tips and Tricks
*Have children set table for dinner, good time to teach about place settings
*Ask parents if there is any food you need to start ahead of time
*Make sure all clothes and things that will be worn to dinner are out and pressed as needed
*Have children help to decorate house or table, grandparents love to see what children have made, perhaps try some of these Hanukkah crafts and projects
*Talk to parents about going though old toys and getting rid of some so there is room to have the new toys, discuss where they would like toys donated and whether or not they want the children to participate in taking the donations in.
Christmas Tips and Tricks
*Countdown to Christmas either with an advent calendar or a paper chain
*Remind children of manners especially at parties, practice manners at home through play.
*Have children help decorate Christmas tree by making ornaments or other decorations around house
*Talk to parents about going though old toys in the house before the kids get more toys at Christmas, discuss where they would like toys donated and whether or not they want the children to participate in taking the donations in.
Still looking for activity, craft, and snack ideas? Try some of our favorite ideas websites:
Family Fun
DLTK Kids
Perpetual Preschool
Crayola
And never forget to ask your local librarian for book suggestions if you're stuck for holiday themed story ideas!
Happy Holiday Season!
MPNA
Friday, October 29, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Recipe for a Playdate Party!
Are your charges counting down the days until summer break begins? Or perhaps they are too little for school and you are gearing up for lots of sun soaked summer fun!
For the past few summers, our group has had a tradition of summer "playdate parties" that have been a roaring success...so much so that we've carried them into the rest of our year. This summer, we have three such playdate parties planned for our paid members. (as per MPNA policy, events held at private homes are open only to paid MPNA members and specific guests of the hostess).
Past playdate parties have included our annual "Red, White, and Blue Playdate", "Kid-lympics 2008" (which coincided with the 2008 Summer Olympics), a Mardi Gras themed party, a rather spontaneous St. Patrick's Day event, Winter Sports Extravaganza, and last year's highly successful "Pirate Party Playdate". This summer we'll enjoy our patriotic party once again and add in "Flag Day Playdate Party" in June and "End of Summer Luau Playdate" in August. Our playdate parties traditionally run from 10am until 1pm with each guest bringing their own picnic lunch.
We've received several email requests from nanny support group leaders in other communities about these events, so we thought we'd take the opportunity to share our simple recipe here:
Pick a theme. Along that theme, set up a few simple snacks, choose a simple craft activity, one (or more) large group structured game/activity, and invite your guests. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!
Some tips to help things go smoothly:
Don't make your theme too specific or involved unless you really really love lots of details and stress. Simple themes are easiest for everyone anyway. If you aren't sure what kind of theme to do, go browse your local dollar store or discount party supply store for inspiration. I kid you not, the massive fun of our Pirate Playdate Party was largely due to the fact that a party supply store had all their pirate themed stuff on sale for 50 cents, including a huge pin-the-flag-on-the-pirate-ship game that normally priced out at around $20. Ten minutes and twenty bucks after lucking into that little clearance bonanza I had a cart full of pirate gear to fill our scavenger hunt treasure chest AND costume all our guests. We encourage guests to dress with the theme, but always have a few little things for those who forget or weren't comfortable (such as beads for Mardi Gras and eyepatches for pirates). Holidays and "National Day of This or That" days also make great party theme ideas.
Snacks can be simple and healthy. In the summer, fresh fruit is often the easiest way to go. For our Red, White, and Blue party all the snacks fit the color theme: a fruit salad of bananas, blueberries, and strawberries or raspberries, blue and white corn chips with salsa, a huge bucket of watermelon chunks. For the Pirate Party, it was simple foods creatively labeled. Veggie sticks became "finger bones of those who walked the plank", banana slices were "pieces of eight", and raspberries became "eyes of our dead foes". Keep in mind severe food allergies of your guests (and don't be afraid to ask ahead of time if they have any!).
Finding a craft that fits all ages can sometimes be a trick. We've found that simple gluing crafts allow younger children the ability to be creative (with supervision, of course) as well as allow older kids free imaginative reign. At our Mardi Gras party, a table with glue sticks, paper masks, and bowls of feathers, buttons, and large sequins kept our toddlers and preschoolers busy and happy for quite some time. St. Patrick's Day found us using cut peppers for shamrock shaped painting stamps. For our Flag Day party guests will be encouraged to make and design their own paper flags. We've also found it easiest to set up the craft table for a specific time frame and let the kids approach it when they are interested. Often an older child will start crafting and the younger ones, who don't want to be left out, quickly follow.
A large group activity is nice, if you can come up with one to keep things organized, but not always necessary. Eating picnic lunch outside and keeping everyone busy with bubbles and beach balls has often been enough for us (and don't forget sprinklers for hot summer day parties!). Search online for simple help and ideas. Websites like perpetual preschool, dltk kids, and family fun are full of ideas and printables. Our little pirates had a blast searching for buried treasure as a team. Clues hidden around the house led them to their pirate's booty, with older children reading the clues and the host children leading the way through the house. That particular event needed last minute changes...our original map took us outdoors but had to be reworked because of rain.
Sometimes, combining activities is the way to go...such as an "assemble your snack" activity.
And be flexible, it saves everyone a lot of stress. Guests will be late. Others will just not show. And sometimes the kids will change things up. At our Kid-lympics playdate the original plan was for the kids to each make their own paper torches with construction paper rolled into cones and stuffed with red, orange, and yellow tissue paper "flames". Several of the older children in attendance decided to make all the torches themselves and then hide them as a scavenger hunt for the younger children. It wasn't in the plan, but it was a huge hit with everyone! The true goal of the playdate party is for everyone to enjoy being with everyone else even if not everything in the plan gets done.
Enjoy!
For the past few summers, our group has had a tradition of summer "playdate parties" that have been a roaring success...so much so that we've carried them into the rest of our year. This summer, we have three such playdate parties planned for our paid members. (as per MPNA policy, events held at private homes are open only to paid MPNA members and specific guests of the hostess).
Past playdate parties have included our annual "Red, White, and Blue Playdate", "Kid-lympics 2008" (which coincided with the 2008 Summer Olympics), a Mardi Gras themed party, a rather spontaneous St. Patrick's Day event, Winter Sports Extravaganza, and last year's highly successful "Pirate Party Playdate". This summer we'll enjoy our patriotic party once again and add in "Flag Day Playdate Party" in June and "End of Summer Luau Playdate" in August. Our playdate parties traditionally run from 10am until 1pm with each guest bringing their own picnic lunch.
We've received several email requests from nanny support group leaders in other communities about these events, so we thought we'd take the opportunity to share our simple recipe here:
Pick a theme. Along that theme, set up a few simple snacks, choose a simple craft activity, one (or more) large group structured game/activity, and invite your guests. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!
Some tips to help things go smoothly:
Don't make your theme too specific or involved unless you really really love lots of details and stress. Simple themes are easiest for everyone anyway. If you aren't sure what kind of theme to do, go browse your local dollar store or discount party supply store for inspiration. I kid you not, the massive fun of our Pirate Playdate Party was largely due to the fact that a party supply store had all their pirate themed stuff on sale for 50 cents, including a huge pin-the-flag-on-the-pirate-ship game that normally priced out at around $20. Ten minutes and twenty bucks after lucking into that little clearance bonanza I had a cart full of pirate gear to fill our scavenger hunt treasure chest AND costume all our guests. We encourage guests to dress with the theme, but always have a few little things for those who forget or weren't comfortable (such as beads for Mardi Gras and eyepatches for pirates). Holidays and "National Day of This or That" days also make great party theme ideas.
Snacks can be simple and healthy. In the summer, fresh fruit is often the easiest way to go. For our Red, White, and Blue party all the snacks fit the color theme: a fruit salad of bananas, blueberries, and strawberries or raspberries, blue and white corn chips with salsa, a huge bucket of watermelon chunks. For the Pirate Party, it was simple foods creatively labeled. Veggie sticks became "finger bones of those who walked the plank", banana slices were "pieces of eight", and raspberries became "eyes of our dead foes". Keep in mind severe food allergies of your guests (and don't be afraid to ask ahead of time if they have any!).
Finding a craft that fits all ages can sometimes be a trick. We've found that simple gluing crafts allow younger children the ability to be creative (with supervision, of course) as well as allow older kids free imaginative reign. At our Mardi Gras party, a table with glue sticks, paper masks, and bowls of feathers, buttons, and large sequins kept our toddlers and preschoolers busy and happy for quite some time. St. Patrick's Day found us using cut peppers for shamrock shaped painting stamps. For our Flag Day party guests will be encouraged to make and design their own paper flags. We've also found it easiest to set up the craft table for a specific time frame and let the kids approach it when they are interested. Often an older child will start crafting and the younger ones, who don't want to be left out, quickly follow.
A large group activity is nice, if you can come up with one to keep things organized, but not always necessary. Eating picnic lunch outside and keeping everyone busy with bubbles and beach balls has often been enough for us (and don't forget sprinklers for hot summer day parties!). Search online for simple help and ideas. Websites like perpetual preschool, dltk kids, and family fun are full of ideas and printables. Our little pirates had a blast searching for buried treasure as a team. Clues hidden around the house led them to their pirate's booty, with older children reading the clues and the host children leading the way through the house. That particular event needed last minute changes...our original map took us outdoors but had to be reworked because of rain.
Sometimes, combining activities is the way to go...such as an "assemble your snack" activity.
And be flexible, it saves everyone a lot of stress. Guests will be late. Others will just not show. And sometimes the kids will change things up. At our Kid-lympics playdate the original plan was for the kids to each make their own paper torches with construction paper rolled into cones and stuffed with red, orange, and yellow tissue paper "flames". Several of the older children in attendance decided to make all the torches themselves and then hide them as a scavenger hunt for the younger children. It wasn't in the plan, but it was a huge hit with everyone! The true goal of the playdate party is for everyone to enjoy being with everyone else even if not everything in the plan gets done.
Enjoy!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
When "Nanny" means "Hero"
Nanny Tips talks with Alyson Myatt, nanny and hero, by Tara Lindsay
This past March, the nation applauded the heroic actions of a Kentucky nanny. This past week, that nanny graciously agreed to talk with me about her experience. I found Alyson Myatt to be a true example of who and what a nanny is and I feel deeply honored that she so openly and willingly shared her story with me for this blog.
More than a month after she risked her own life to save her 5 year old charge from a house fire, 22 year old nanny Alyson Myatt is still a little surprised at all of the attention she’s gotten for her heroic act. Doing her job and being who she is, according to Alyson, doesn’t feel like anything extraordinary.
Alyson says that becoming a nanny was a natural progression for her. As the sixth child of ten siblings, Alyson grew up helping to care for her younger siblings, nieces, and nephews. She started babysitting around the age of 15, was lifeguarding at 16, and by age 19 was working as a professional nanny in a career that she says is “like second nature.” Alyson nannied for several families in the Louisville, KY area and discovered a natural gift for connecting with autistic children. In the work of nannying, Alyson found that she loved “the little things that others often don’t notice…when the children smile, when they are laughing, those special little moments of connection that are so priceless.” Alyson, who is not working while she heals from her injuries, says, “I’m really going to miss those moments with Aden.”
Several months ago Alyson answered an ad for a new live-in nanny position in Shelbyville, KY, to care for 5 year old Aden Hawes. Alyson believes God led her to this particular position for what is now an obvious reason. “I saw the ad in a paper that I hardly ever look at and got excited about it.” It was Alyson’s first live-in position. She and Aden quickly developed a strong bond and affection for one another.
On a Monday night barely two months after starting the position, Alyson tucked Aden into bed completely unaware that less than 24 hours later she would be thrust into the national media spotlight as a hero and, for the nanny world, as a shining example of her profession.
At about 3 am on Tuesday, March 23, 2010, Alyson says she was awoken by the smoke detectors. She raced upstairs to find the bathroom fan on fire. The fan had not been working properly and somehow the switch to it had been turned on eventually causing the small fire. (There is currently an investigation underway to determine if the fan was defective and what, if any, liability may lie with the manufacturer.) Alyson turned off the switch and quickly put out the flames. After thoroughly checking the walls, ceiling and fan to be sure the fire was completely out Alyson called her dadboss, who was out of town on business, to let him know what had happened. She asked him if she should call the fire department but was told that probably wasn’t necessary. Following instructions, Alyson went back to bed thinking that the crisis was over.
Three hours later, around 6 am, Alyson was awoken again by a large “boom”. At first, she says, “I thought it was Aden.” In reality, the bathroom ceiling fan had caught fire again and the boom was the fan falling down to the floor. Like a good nanny, Alyson sprang from her bed to go check on her charge. As she once again raced back up the stairs she encountered a hallway engulfed in flames that firefighters say were as hot as 400 degrees. Aden was in his room, on the other side of the flames. Acting on instinct…an instinct prepared and honed by her years of childcare experience and training as a lifeguard on how to handle emergency situations…Alyson did not hesitate. “I didn’t think anything, I just acted.”
Barefoot, Alyson ran through the fire to Aden, entirely focused on getting to him with zero thought or regard for her own safety. The five year old, terrified and trapped, trusted that his nanny would save him. Scared for Aden’s safety, Alyson called to him as she ran through the flames to let him know she was on her way. “I’m here, Aly! I’m in my bed!” Alyson grabbed the child from his burning room and then, with him in her arms, ran back through the flames on her already badly burned feet to get him to safety. According to several media reports, fire officials stated that if she had waited even a minute to run to his rescue, Aden would not be alive today.
Once outside, Alyson loaded Aden into the minivan and used the tips of her toes to drive them both to safety at a neighbor’s house. Unable to walk and in excruciating pain, Alyson sent the boy to the neighbor’s door and told him to ring the doorbell until somebody answered.
Alyson was taken to the hospital by ambulance. She had second and third degree burns on her arms and hands, and third degree burns on her feet. The skin on her feet was hanging off in shreds. “I felt like I was walking on goo,” Alyson says, “but it was my feet.”
Aden, saved by the love and heroics of his nanny, was completely unhurt.
The next hours and days were a blur. Aden’s father was called and rushed home to Kentucky. Knowing his son was okay, J.B. Hawes raced from the airport directly to Alyson’s bedside to check on her well being and to try to find an adequate way to thank her for saving his child’s life
Alyson didn’t realize until Friday, three days after the fire, that her actions had garnered her so much attention and acclamation. When her sister finally showed her all the media reports and the national reaction, Alyson found it all “kind of overwhelming. I didn’t think it was a big deal.” She has been surprised at the number of people who have told her they would have gotten themselves out to call 9-1-1 and let the firefighters rescue the child. “I just did what was in line with who I am, I didn’t realize that was so rare.” While it may be rare outside the nanny world, it is lucky for Aden that Alyson is who she is. In interviews after the fire, Shelbyville Fire Chief Willard Tucker, who called Alyson’s actions “above and beyond normal heroics”, said that if Alyson had called the fire department and waited for them to get Aden that Aden would be dead.
In the immediate aftermath of Alyson’s injuries, doctors spoke of skin grafts and speculated about whether or not a full recovery was possible. They said she probably wouldn’t walk for six months. Three days after the fire and crying with agonizing pain the entire time, Alyson was up and walking. Her healing has continued to defy predictions. She has not needed a wheelchair or a walker, though she does use a cane for support when she walks. She did not need skin grafts, and was released from the burn unit after only a week. “My feet are healing really fast”, she said in our recent phone conversation. “I go to hyperbaric therapy three or four times a week and it is speeding up the healing but we don’t know exactly when it will all be done. Everybody heals differently.” She is now expected to make a full recovery.
Because the length of her recovery is uncertain, Alyson says she has asked Aden’s dad to hire a replacement nanny for Aden’s sake so that he has some stability and consistency in his care after this traumatic event. “I still see him and pick him up from school sometimes,” she says.
Meanwhile, the bills have been coming in. Alyson’s one week stay in the burn unit alone was $46,000. That doesn’t include the ambulance ride, emergency room services, hyperbaric therapy, and more. Without insurance it is a hefty burden but one that Alyson is not going to stress over. She is, she says, putting it in God’s hands.
When talking about being a nanny Alyson speaks with a love and passion common in our field. She talks of learning to be more patient and how, with children, you learn to not take things for granted. She talks with great affection for her charges and through it all it is easy to feel her enthusiasm and joy. Working as a nanny, she says, “I get a good feeling, like I’m achieving something really great.” It is a sentiment that most nannies can likely agree with.
Alyson is unsure as to whether or not she will seek another nanny position. After speaking with her, it is obvious that any family would be lucky to hire a nanny with her compassion and common sense. Alyson is primarily focused on recovering and figuring out what her options are. She is confident that God has a plan for her to follow, but for now it is too early to say what that might be. The nanny profession would certainly be lucky to claim her as one of our own.
Alyson has some advice for her fellow nannies, as well. “Be trained. Know CPR. Know how to use a fire extinguisher and know where it is kept. Have a fire plan.” She also eloquently sums up what motivates many nannies.
“Have your heart in the right place. If you’re not doing it for the children’s sake, then maybe you shouldn’t be doing it. You really have to have a heart for kids and for people in general.” This is crucial to being a good nanny because, as Alyson concludes, “You have people’s lives in your hands.”
If you’ve been inspired by Alyson’s story and would like to contribute to the Alyson C. Myatt Trust Fund to help cover the costs of her medical expenses, please visit www.alysonmyatt.com for more information.
More than a month after she risked her own life to save her 5 year old charge from a house fire, 22 year old nanny Alyson Myatt is still a little surprised at all of the attention she’s gotten for her heroic act. Doing her job and being who she is, according to Alyson, doesn’t feel like anything extraordinary.
Alyson says that becoming a nanny was a natural progression for her. As the sixth child of ten siblings, Alyson grew up helping to care for her younger siblings, nieces, and nephews. She started babysitting around the age of 15, was lifeguarding at 16, and by age 19 was working as a professional nanny in a career that she says is “like second nature.” Alyson nannied for several families in the Louisville, KY area and discovered a natural gift for connecting with autistic children. In the work of nannying, Alyson found that she loved “the little things that others often don’t notice…when the children smile, when they are laughing, those special little moments of connection that are so priceless.” Alyson, who is not working while she heals from her injuries, says, “I’m really going to miss those moments with Aden.”
Several months ago Alyson answered an ad for a new live-in nanny position in Shelbyville, KY, to care for 5 year old Aden Hawes. Alyson believes God led her to this particular position for what is now an obvious reason. “I saw the ad in a paper that I hardly ever look at and got excited about it.” It was Alyson’s first live-in position. She and Aden quickly developed a strong bond and affection for one another.
On a Monday night barely two months after starting the position, Alyson tucked Aden into bed completely unaware that less than 24 hours later she would be thrust into the national media spotlight as a hero and, for the nanny world, as a shining example of her profession.
At about 3 am on Tuesday, March 23, 2010, Alyson says she was awoken by the smoke detectors. She raced upstairs to find the bathroom fan on fire. The fan had not been working properly and somehow the switch to it had been turned on eventually causing the small fire. (There is currently an investigation underway to determine if the fan was defective and what, if any, liability may lie with the manufacturer.) Alyson turned off the switch and quickly put out the flames. After thoroughly checking the walls, ceiling and fan to be sure the fire was completely out Alyson called her dadboss, who was out of town on business, to let him know what had happened. She asked him if she should call the fire department but was told that probably wasn’t necessary. Following instructions, Alyson went back to bed thinking that the crisis was over.
Three hours later, around 6 am, Alyson was awoken again by a large “boom”. At first, she says, “I thought it was Aden.” In reality, the bathroom ceiling fan had caught fire again and the boom was the fan falling down to the floor. Like a good nanny, Alyson sprang from her bed to go check on her charge. As she once again raced back up the stairs she encountered a hallway engulfed in flames that firefighters say were as hot as 400 degrees. Aden was in his room, on the other side of the flames. Acting on instinct…an instinct prepared and honed by her years of childcare experience and training as a lifeguard on how to handle emergency situations…Alyson did not hesitate. “I didn’t think anything, I just acted.”
Barefoot, Alyson ran through the fire to Aden, entirely focused on getting to him with zero thought or regard for her own safety. The five year old, terrified and trapped, trusted that his nanny would save him. Scared for Aden’s safety, Alyson called to him as she ran through the flames to let him know she was on her way. “I’m here, Aly! I’m in my bed!” Alyson grabbed the child from his burning room and then, with him in her arms, ran back through the flames on her already badly burned feet to get him to safety. According to several media reports, fire officials stated that if she had waited even a minute to run to his rescue, Aden would not be alive today.
Once outside, Alyson loaded Aden into the minivan and used the tips of her toes to drive them both to safety at a neighbor’s house. Unable to walk and in excruciating pain, Alyson sent the boy to the neighbor’s door and told him to ring the doorbell until somebody answered.
Alyson was taken to the hospital by ambulance. She had second and third degree burns on her arms and hands, and third degree burns on her feet. The skin on her feet was hanging off in shreds. “I felt like I was walking on goo,” Alyson says, “but it was my feet.”
Aden, saved by the love and heroics of his nanny, was completely unhurt.
The next hours and days were a blur. Aden’s father was called and rushed home to Kentucky. Knowing his son was okay, J.B. Hawes raced from the airport directly to Alyson’s bedside to check on her well being and to try to find an adequate way to thank her for saving his child’s life
Alyson didn’t realize until Friday, three days after the fire, that her actions had garnered her so much attention and acclamation. When her sister finally showed her all the media reports and the national reaction, Alyson found it all “kind of overwhelming. I didn’t think it was a big deal.” She has been surprised at the number of people who have told her they would have gotten themselves out to call 9-1-1 and let the firefighters rescue the child. “I just did what was in line with who I am, I didn’t realize that was so rare.” While it may be rare outside the nanny world, it is lucky for Aden that Alyson is who she is. In interviews after the fire, Shelbyville Fire Chief Willard Tucker, who called Alyson’s actions “above and beyond normal heroics”, said that if Alyson had called the fire department and waited for them to get Aden that Aden would be dead.
In the immediate aftermath of Alyson’s injuries, doctors spoke of skin grafts and speculated about whether or not a full recovery was possible. They said she probably wouldn’t walk for six months. Three days after the fire and crying with agonizing pain the entire time, Alyson was up and walking. Her healing has continued to defy predictions. She has not needed a wheelchair or a walker, though she does use a cane for support when she walks. She did not need skin grafts, and was released from the burn unit after only a week. “My feet are healing really fast”, she said in our recent phone conversation. “I go to hyperbaric therapy three or four times a week and it is speeding up the healing but we don’t know exactly when it will all be done. Everybody heals differently.” She is now expected to make a full recovery.
Because the length of her recovery is uncertain, Alyson says she has asked Aden’s dad to hire a replacement nanny for Aden’s sake so that he has some stability and consistency in his care after this traumatic event. “I still see him and pick him up from school sometimes,” she says.
Meanwhile, the bills have been coming in. Alyson’s one week stay in the burn unit alone was $46,000. That doesn’t include the ambulance ride, emergency room services, hyperbaric therapy, and more. Without insurance it is a hefty burden but one that Alyson is not going to stress over. She is, she says, putting it in God’s hands.
When talking about being a nanny Alyson speaks with a love and passion common in our field. She talks of learning to be more patient and how, with children, you learn to not take things for granted. She talks with great affection for her charges and through it all it is easy to feel her enthusiasm and joy. Working as a nanny, she says, “I get a good feeling, like I’m achieving something really great.” It is a sentiment that most nannies can likely agree with.
Alyson is unsure as to whether or not she will seek another nanny position. After speaking with her, it is obvious that any family would be lucky to hire a nanny with her compassion and common sense. Alyson is primarily focused on recovering and figuring out what her options are. She is confident that God has a plan for her to follow, but for now it is too early to say what that might be. The nanny profession would certainly be lucky to claim her as one of our own.
Alyson has some advice for her fellow nannies, as well. “Be trained. Know CPR. Know how to use a fire extinguisher and know where it is kept. Have a fire plan.” She also eloquently sums up what motivates many nannies.
“Have your heart in the right place. If you’re not doing it for the children’s sake, then maybe you shouldn’t be doing it. You really have to have a heart for kids and for people in general.” This is crucial to being a good nanny because, as Alyson concludes, “You have people’s lives in your hands.”
If you’ve been inspired by Alyson’s story and would like to contribute to the Alyson C. Myatt Trust Fund to help cover the costs of her medical expenses, please visit www.alysonmyatt.com for more information.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Earth Day Fun!
A few tips and tricks for sharing Earth Day with your charges
By Tara Lindsay, with help from April Krause and members of MPNA
It's Earth Day! How are you and your charges celebrating?
April 22, 2010 is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and an excellent opportunity to focus on our planet and environmental issues with our charges. At a recent MPNA coffee chat for nannies, several of our awesome nanny members shared some of their favorite ideas on things to do for Earth Day. We've added a few extra goodies, as well.
GET OUTSIDE! It's Earth Day, experience the Earth!
*Take a nature walk with reusable bags in which to collect fun items of interest: rocks, leaves, twigs, you name it! Check out local walking trails and nature centers, too.
*Take an extra bag on your walk to collect trash and garbage. Latex gloves are a good idea for this, and be sure to closely supervise children so that they don't pick up something sharp or dangerous
*Lay on the ground and watch the clouds go by. What can YOU see in the clouds? Do a little research first and be prepared to answer curious questions about how clouds are formed!
*Have a picnic, even if it is just in the backyard. Challenge the children to help you pack a lunch that has NO future trash in it (ie, using all reusable containers for food and snacks!)
*Visit the zoo, and focus on reading about endangered animals, threats to animal habitats, and what the zoo does to help.
*Try letterboxing...check out the recent letterboxing article by our cofounder, Tara Lindsay and featured on Regarding Nannies!
*Weather too nasty to be outside? Check out the local library for books about the environment and weather, visit a planetarium show, or even head to the local movie theater to check out Oceans, which opens on Earth Day!
DO A PROJECT!
*Plant something! It can be as simple as a small potted plant kit (better yet, use a cleaned out tin can and buy your own seeds) or as elaborate as having your charges plan and plant a full garden. Have an old plastic sandbox that isn't going to be used this year? Ask your employers if you can use it as a kids garden (and thus prevent the need to dig up the yard!). Be sure to drill holes in the bottom of it before adding the dirt so that excess rainwater has somewhere to go! Interested in composting? Watch this online slide show, Composting for Kids
*Build an indoor terrarium using a pop bottle to help teach about the water cycle. Want to make it an experiment? Build several...build one properly, and leave one thing different out of each of the others to demonstrate what can happen!
*Visit a recycling center
*Recycle/repurpose household items into crafts and usable items...check out this message center or this recycled tote.
*Try some earth or plant related art, like this watercolor earth.
*Did you go on that nature walk earlier? Use your found treasures to create a collage, or even to build your own creature creations.
BOOKS TO READ
There are many books to read to children that help them appreciate our planet. Here are a few of our favorites:
The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein
The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss
The Garbage Monster, by Joni Sensel
The Great Paper Caper, by Oliver Jeffers
The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle, by Alison Inches
The Three R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, by Nuria Roca
There are limitless things that we can do to help foster an appreciation and respect for the planet. We know you have other great ideas...please share them with us!!
By Tara Lindsay, with help from April Krause and members of MPNA
It's Earth Day! How are you and your charges celebrating?
April 22, 2010 is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and an excellent opportunity to focus on our planet and environmental issues with our charges. At a recent MPNA coffee chat for nannies, several of our awesome nanny members shared some of their favorite ideas on things to do for Earth Day. We've added a few extra goodies, as well.
GET OUTSIDE! It's Earth Day, experience the Earth!
*Take a nature walk with reusable bags in which to collect fun items of interest: rocks, leaves, twigs, you name it! Check out local walking trails and nature centers, too.
*Take an extra bag on your walk to collect trash and garbage. Latex gloves are a good idea for this, and be sure to closely supervise children so that they don't pick up something sharp or dangerous
*Lay on the ground and watch the clouds go by. What can YOU see in the clouds? Do a little research first and be prepared to answer curious questions about how clouds are formed!
*Have a picnic, even if it is just in the backyard. Challenge the children to help you pack a lunch that has NO future trash in it (ie, using all reusable containers for food and snacks!)
*Visit the zoo, and focus on reading about endangered animals, threats to animal habitats, and what the zoo does to help.
*Try letterboxing...check out the recent letterboxing article by our cofounder, Tara Lindsay and featured on Regarding Nannies!
*Weather too nasty to be outside? Check out the local library for books about the environment and weather, visit a planetarium show, or even head to the local movie theater to check out Oceans, which opens on Earth Day!
DO A PROJECT!
*Plant something! It can be as simple as a small potted plant kit (better yet, use a cleaned out tin can and buy your own seeds) or as elaborate as having your charges plan and plant a full garden. Have an old plastic sandbox that isn't going to be used this year? Ask your employers if you can use it as a kids garden (and thus prevent the need to dig up the yard!). Be sure to drill holes in the bottom of it before adding the dirt so that excess rainwater has somewhere to go! Interested in composting? Watch this online slide show, Composting for Kids
*Build an indoor terrarium using a pop bottle to help teach about the water cycle. Want to make it an experiment? Build several...build one properly, and leave one thing different out of each of the others to demonstrate what can happen!
*Visit a recycling center
*Recycle/repurpose household items into crafts and usable items...check out this message center or this recycled tote.
*Try some earth or plant related art, like this watercolor earth.
*Did you go on that nature walk earlier? Use your found treasures to create a collage, or even to build your own creature creations.
BOOKS TO READ
There are many books to read to children that help them appreciate our planet. Here are a few of our favorites:
The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein
The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss
The Garbage Monster, by Joni Sensel
The Great Paper Caper, by Oliver Jeffers
The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle, by Alison Inches
The Three R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, by Nuria Roca
There are limitless things that we can do to help foster an appreciation and respect for the planet. We know you have other great ideas...please share them with us!!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
New Nanny Policy at the Detroit Zoo
A look at the new nanny policy/membership at the Detroit Zoo and how it may affect your zoo outings this year!
Spring has sprung~ and if you’re like most nannies in the metro Detroit area, you’re looking forward to lots of upcoming trips to the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak! In fact, if you and your charges are available, join us for a zoo visit on Monday, April 5. (Check our events page for information).
As you may have heard, the Detroit Zoo recently changed its membership policy regarding nannies. Previously, a nanny or caregiver could get into the zoo on the family’s membership, as long as the nanny/caregiver had a note from the membership holder giving her/him permission and a photo ID. This is no longer the policy.
Families who intend to allow a nanny/caregiver to enter the zoo on the family membership must now purchase a “Nanny/Caregiver Add On” membership for $25, in addition to their family membership. These add on memberships cannot be purchased alone, they MUST be purchased as a rider to another membership package.
I have to admit, I’ve always given a big mental “Thumbs Up” to the Detroit Zoo for their nanny policy. Allowing a nanny to enter on her employer’s membership…kids in tow…with permission and verification of identity seemed pretty fair to me. It allows my charges the same freedom as children who have a stay at home parent: to go to the zoo whenever we want on a paid membership, and it allowed us this with no additional cost penalty to my employers just because they are both employed parents.
The new “Nanny/Caregiver Add On” left me with several questions, not the least of which was “Why?” I recently called the zoo to get the answer and to find out more on how the policy change will affect nannies, caregivers, and families.
The big question: Why the change in policy? As all of us in the metro area are aware, the Detroit Zoo almost closed recently due to funding issues. According to the representative I spoke with, the zoo considered several factors in adding this new cost and the primary reason was fundraising. The “gate take” is their largest source of revenue and when they looked at the high number of people coming into the zoo as nannies/caregivers they saw an opportunity to raise money to help keep the zoo afloat and running. While I, personally, might not like this logic, I can see their point. If they are going to start charging for the nannies, this actually seems like a reasonably fair way to do it when you consider that the other options are far more expensive. And what are those other options?
* Nanny paying admission/parking each zoo visit. Admission is $11, parking is $5. This means $16 per visit. The Add On membership is $25, so it pays for itself in two visits. I don’t know about you, but we hit the zoo pretty often during decent weather months, probably 10-12 times during the season. That’s a pretty big price difference!
* Family purchasing a “Supporter” level membership, which allows them two additional guests per zoo visit. A Family Membership with the add on will cost $94 - $104 per year, depending on the county of residence. A Supporter level membership (without the add on) will cost $140 - $150. Now, it’s been a long time since I’ve had to take a math class, but I’m pretty sure that $104 is still cheaper than $140.
* Not going to the zoo. Well, this might be cheaper but for me and my charges this is an unacceptable option!
I was also told that the zoo found many abuses in the previous policy, including arguments at the gates and people trying to get friends in for free as “nannies” who were not nannies. (ex. Two parents come with child and insist that the other adult with them is their nanny. The policy was intended to allow nannies to come in place of parents, not to allow free visitors in on a membership that does not include that option.) Much of this was due to poor regulation, they admit, but it was a hard policy to regulate.
How the Nanny/Caregiver Add On works and how it affects us
*Families with existing memberships are required to add the nanny/caregiver option as of March 1, 2010. Some nannies may have luck still using the note one time per membership, but don’t count on this luck lasting for long. Be prepared to pay to get in if you choose to test your luck.
*The price will not be prorated to accommodate Family Memberships that still have several months left on them before expiration. The add on must be purchased now at full price. When it comes time for membership renewal, the full price will be assessed again for families wishing to keep the add on.
*Families are required to name the nanny/caregiver when purchasing the add on. A family can name up to three nannies/caregivers per membership (a bonus for families who employ more than one!). Nanny/Caregiver will be required to show photo ID along with the membership card at the gate.
*Nanny/Caregiver name will not appear on membership cards, but the card will indicate that the add on has been purchased. The name will, however, be in the computer system and come up when the membership card is scanned.
*Nannies entering on the Family Membership w/Add On cannot enter alone. They must have the children (or at least one child) with them. In other words, this cannot be used in lieu of an Individual Membership. And take note: the zoo will now be adding the children’s names to the Family Memberships to prevent people from trying to sneak in additional children. If your employing family has a current membership, they will be asked to provide the children’s names upon renewal of the membership.
*Zoo memberships do have reciprocity with other zoos. However, each zoo has its own policy regarding nannies/caregivers and one zoo may not recognize or follow the policy of the Detroit Zoo. Thus, if you are planning on using the Family Membership to take your charges to one of the reciprocating zoos, please be sure to contact that zoo prior to your trip to see how, exactly, they will or will not honor the Nanny/Caregiver Add On.
Whether or not any of us like or agree with the policy changes, I think most of us agree that the Detroit Zoo is well worth the trip. I know my charges can’t wait to feed the giraffes again this year!
What’s your favorite part of the zoo?
Spring has sprung~ and if you’re like most nannies in the metro Detroit area, you’re looking forward to lots of upcoming trips to the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak! In fact, if you and your charges are available, join us for a zoo visit on Monday, April 5. (Check our events page for information).
As you may have heard, the Detroit Zoo recently changed its membership policy regarding nannies. Previously, a nanny or caregiver could get into the zoo on the family’s membership, as long as the nanny/caregiver had a note from the membership holder giving her/him permission and a photo ID. This is no longer the policy.
Families who intend to allow a nanny/caregiver to enter the zoo on the family membership must now purchase a “Nanny/Caregiver Add On” membership for $25, in addition to their family membership. These add on memberships cannot be purchased alone, they MUST be purchased as a rider to another membership package.
I have to admit, I’ve always given a big mental “Thumbs Up” to the Detroit Zoo for their nanny policy. Allowing a nanny to enter on her employer’s membership…kids in tow…with permission and verification of identity seemed pretty fair to me. It allows my charges the same freedom as children who have a stay at home parent: to go to the zoo whenever we want on a paid membership, and it allowed us this with no additional cost penalty to my employers just because they are both employed parents.
The new “Nanny/Caregiver Add On” left me with several questions, not the least of which was “Why?” I recently called the zoo to get the answer and to find out more on how the policy change will affect nannies, caregivers, and families.
The big question: Why the change in policy? As all of us in the metro area are aware, the Detroit Zoo almost closed recently due to funding issues. According to the representative I spoke with, the zoo considered several factors in adding this new cost and the primary reason was fundraising. The “gate take” is their largest source of revenue and when they looked at the high number of people coming into the zoo as nannies/caregivers they saw an opportunity to raise money to help keep the zoo afloat and running. While I, personally, might not like this logic, I can see their point. If they are going to start charging for the nannies, this actually seems like a reasonably fair way to do it when you consider that the other options are far more expensive. And what are those other options?
* Nanny paying admission/parking each zoo visit. Admission is $11, parking is $5. This means $16 per visit. The Add On membership is $25, so it pays for itself in two visits. I don’t know about you, but we hit the zoo pretty often during decent weather months, probably 10-12 times during the season. That’s a pretty big price difference!
* Family purchasing a “Supporter” level membership, which allows them two additional guests per zoo visit. A Family Membership with the add on will cost $94 - $104 per year, depending on the county of residence. A Supporter level membership (without the add on) will cost $140 - $150. Now, it’s been a long time since I’ve had to take a math class, but I’m pretty sure that $104 is still cheaper than $140.
* Not going to the zoo. Well, this might be cheaper but for me and my charges this is an unacceptable option!
I was also told that the zoo found many abuses in the previous policy, including arguments at the gates and people trying to get friends in for free as “nannies” who were not nannies. (ex. Two parents come with child and insist that the other adult with them is their nanny. The policy was intended to allow nannies to come in place of parents, not to allow free visitors in on a membership that does not include that option.) Much of this was due to poor regulation, they admit, but it was a hard policy to regulate.
How the Nanny/Caregiver Add On works and how it affects us
*Families with existing memberships are required to add the nanny/caregiver option as of March 1, 2010. Some nannies may have luck still using the note one time per membership, but don’t count on this luck lasting for long. Be prepared to pay to get in if you choose to test your luck.
*The price will not be prorated to accommodate Family Memberships that still have several months left on them before expiration. The add on must be purchased now at full price. When it comes time for membership renewal, the full price will be assessed again for families wishing to keep the add on.
*Families are required to name the nanny/caregiver when purchasing the add on. A family can name up to three nannies/caregivers per membership (a bonus for families who employ more than one!). Nanny/Caregiver will be required to show photo ID along with the membership card at the gate.
*Nanny/Caregiver name will not appear on membership cards, but the card will indicate that the add on has been purchased. The name will, however, be in the computer system and come up when the membership card is scanned.
*Nannies entering on the Family Membership w/Add On cannot enter alone. They must have the children (or at least one child) with them. In other words, this cannot be used in lieu of an Individual Membership. And take note: the zoo will now be adding the children’s names to the Family Memberships to prevent people from trying to sneak in additional children. If your employing family has a current membership, they will be asked to provide the children’s names upon renewal of the membership.
*Zoo memberships do have reciprocity with other zoos. However, each zoo has its own policy regarding nannies/caregivers and one zoo may not recognize or follow the policy of the Detroit Zoo. Thus, if you are planning on using the Family Membership to take your charges to one of the reciprocating zoos, please be sure to contact that zoo prior to your trip to see how, exactly, they will or will not honor the Nanny/Caregiver Add On.
Whether or not any of us like or agree with the policy changes, I think most of us agree that the Detroit Zoo is well worth the trip. I know my charges can’t wait to feed the giraffes again this year!
What’s your favorite part of the zoo?
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