When: Wednesday, August 18th from 11am-1pm

Where: Wallingford Playfield,  4219 Wallinford Ave N.

Who: Nannies (with or without charges)

What to Bring: A picnic lunch.  We will provide cupcakes from Cupcake Royale for dessert!

Activities: Scavenger hunt, wading pool (bring appropriate attire) and playground

We will also be announcing our Nanny of the Year at the picnic!

Please RSVP to the agency by August 13th and let us know how many children you are bringing along! We hope to see you all there!

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!

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.

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!

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!

1.  Update your resume.  Is your current job on there?  Make sure to add the children’s ages, household duties, and the duration of the position.  Also, add the family’s contact information to your reference list.

2. Discuss the job transition with your current family.  Let them know you need to start looking, and talk through expectations as far as timing and giving your official notice.  When will they no longer need you?  Can you continue part-time if you haven’t found a new full-time job?  It is better to talk through these scenarios now so that there are no surprises later.

3. Request a letter of reference from your current family to add to your files.

4.  Update the agency with what you are looking for, your “ideal” scenario, availability, and revised paperwork.  Other paperwork will need to be updated such as application questions and background check forms.

5.  Think through your “deal-breakers” — what is most important to you (commute, age of children, schedule, etc.) and communicate those to the agency to help find the perfect match.

6.  Check in regularly with the agency and also check the online job posts as most positions posted now have Fall start dates.

Twin Falls State Park: only 35 miles east of the city, the first mile is flat and has lots of exciting natural features to explore.

Cougar Mountain: located between Newcastle and Issaquah, packing in a quick day-hike doesn’t get much more convenient.  Also, because of the area’s mining history, it’s easy to combine nature hike with history lesson for a well-rounded, educational outing!

Check out Best Hikes With Kids: Western Washington & the Cascades at your local library branch for more great ideas, and visit the Seattle Parks & Recreation website for in-city options.

Before embarking, be sure to let someone know where you are going and your plan/route.  Pack a first aid kit, rain gear, water, and snacks!  Have fun!

Check out these farms to plan your next U-pick adventure!  Be sure to call ahead to confirm hours and berry availability, since berries ripen based on the weather (thanks to Parent Map for this great information!).

Remlinger Farms: Carnation, WA

Bryant Blueberry Farm: Arlington, WA

Mercer Slough & Larson Lake Blueberry Farms: Bellevue, WA

To find additional U-pick farms, visit pugetsoundfresh.com, click “Find a Farm” and search for U-pick.

For more information on Urban Foraging and berry types, storage, and picking tips, read this article at ParentMap.com

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!

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.