Annie’s Nanny Network

As we mentioned in an earlier post this year,  the Northwest Nanny Association is hosting the Seattle area Nannypalooza on September 18th.  Registration is now open on their website at www.northwestnanny.com. 

Nannypalooza is the annual conference of the National Association for Nanny Care.  Rather than host one national conference, NANC is working with local nanny support groups to offer the conference/training in cities across the US!

Now that temperatures are finally hitting the 75+ degree mark in Seattle, it’s time to plan some activities to let the little ones (and big ones) cool off!

Seattle Parks & Recreation will operate 15 wading pools, 5 spray areas, 9 lifeguarded beaches, and 2 outdoor pools this summer season. Studies have shown that using public wading pools as opposed to filling home “kiddy pools” or sprinklers can help in the water conservation effort. It’s also a great way for the kids to make some new friends in the neighborhood!

Check out the Parks & Recreation Wading Pool Schedule for 2010 to stay up on days/times the facilities are in operation. Water recreation areas are only operating during 70+ degree days.

July’s Nanny of the Month is Alyssa Wolfe! Alyssa has been our most requested Temporary Nanny over the last month and has demonstrated a flexible and positive attitude.

Alyssa’s favorite children’s picture book is The Girl who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Goble and for older kids she loves both Roald Dahl and Beverly Cleary books.

Congratulations Alyssa!

Now that sunny days are (almost) here in the Northwest, it’s time to find some fun and educational outdoor activities. Tide pool exploration is a fun way to introduce children to the sea life around them in a safe (and free!) environment. It’s easy to take advantage with the many beaches that surround us. Here’s a list of some great spots to check out:

West Seattle:

Charles Richey Sr. Viewpoint

63rd Ave SW / Beach Dr SW

This park is never too crowded and usually has easy street parking available. It includes Constellation Park and Marine Reserve with a tidepool sculpture of starfish, snails, clams, and an octopus.

Me-Kwa-Mooks Park

4503 Beach Dr. SW  (between Oregon St & Snoqualmie St)

Below Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook is a rocky beach that is accessible during low tide. See creatures such as limpets, lumpsuckers, blennies, chitons, nudibranches, and sea stars; then eat a picnic lunch at the picnic tables near the park entry.

Magnolia:

Discovery Park

3801 W Government Way

Discovery Park has two miles of beachfront to explore – South Beach is sandy and North Beach is rocky at low tide.

North Seattle:

Carkeek Park. 950 NW Carkeek Park Road

Carkeek Park is located on the Northwest side of Seattle. An elevated footbridge leads to the beach and tidepools. Other things to see and do: a wetlands boardwark featuring ducks and birds, Piper’s Creek which is teaming with salmon during spawning season, and a children’s play area.

Use this tide chart to find low tides for the area you are exploring. Follow the directions by choosing your location and date(s).

Remember to wear non-slip shoes that can get wet, leave the family dog at home, and pack water and/or a snack for later.

Share with us any other great beach spots you frequent!

June’s Nanny of the Month is Lilly Makic!  Lilly has been working for us since last fall in both on-call and on-going nanny positions.  Most recently, Lilly went above and beyond as our nanny manager for our date night event at the Space Needle.

We asked Lilly for her favorite summer-time activity to do with kids, and she said she enjoys making kid-size water stations using household items such as storage bins, whisks, and basters.

Congratulations Lilly!

Another reason high quality nanny care is so important:

A recent article in the Washington Post titled, “Low-Quality Child Care Can Have Lasting Impact,” details out findings from a federally funded study following 1300 infants of different ethnicities, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The study began in 1991 and compiled test score and behavioral data up into their teenage years. The findings showed that low-quality child care in the children’s formative years is continuing to negatively impact the same children as teenagers.

The economy may have taken a dip in recent years but high quality child care will always be important to families. Keep in mind that the knowledge, expertise, and emotional support you give to your charges makes all the difference in the world for years to come.