2009 First Class Care Nanny of the Year Contest

First Class Care had its first annual Nanny of the Year contest to honor its hard working, exceptional nannies. Families were asked to submit a brief essay on why they love their First Class Care Nanny. We picked the top 4 to win an INA (International Nanny Association) Membership.

Meet the four 2009 First Class Care Nannies of the Year!

Mariola
Her Family wrote:
Our nanny is Mariola and she has been a wonderful addition to our family for over a year now. My daughter Samie, who is 2 1/2, absolutely adores her and when Mariola arrives in the morning she jumps up and runs to give her a big hug and kiss. They attend My Gym together and art class and in addition Mariola takes her to the park, the water park in the summer, and for walks. They spend time outside when it is nice and go to the library when the weather is not as good. She reads and sings to her everyday and works with her on manners, numbers and colors. They have tea parties and play with play-doh or paint when at home. My daughter is the type that likes to stay busy and Mariola accommodates her incredibly well with her never-ending energy and patience. They are two peas in a pod and I appreciate more than anything the love, attention and care she has provided my daughter. She has encouraged her creativity and optimism and nurtured her naturally happy attitude. Mariola truly is a wonderful person, as well as nanny, and surely deserves nanny of the year!
Sincerely,Karen, JJ and Samie

Susan
Her family wrote:
I would love to nominate Sue as "Nanny of the Year". She has carried our family through my pregnancy-induced bed rest; the arrival of my 3rd daughter-helping our whole family/toddlers adjust; and has managed to develop well-earned love by my not-easy-to-open-up daughters. Sue adds security, stability, love and comfort to our home life. Since she began, she has adjusted to our many needs by slowly adapting with ease. We hold Sue dear to our hearts; she has made a mark on our family and we know that she will always be a part of our lives. Sue is the most hard-working and best nanny there could be. Please consider her for this well-deserved recognition.
Thank you.
Most sincerely,
Lauren

Melissa
Her Family Wrote:
We love our first class care nanny Melissa. My 3 year old son lights up with joy when I tell him that it's a Melissa day. Melissa comes prepared with an array of creative games and art projects for my kids. She creates fun adventures whether it's an outing or at home. Most importantly she lovingly and warmly cares for them. I love watching her interact with them and I've learned many things about child care from her! She is a special gem and we consider ourselves so lucky to work with her.

Thank you, Debbie


Elena

Her Family Wrote:
Every time they hear the front door creaking open, our three boys start clapping and yelling, "EH-NA, EH-NA, EH-NA!" This word is our one--year-old twins' name for our amazing nanny, Elena, who brings sunshine, laughter, and a restored calm every time she walks through the door. In the year that "EH-NA" has been our modern-day Mary Poppins, she has changed the lives of our entire family - right on down to our dog. Elena joined our household after several difficult years for our family, and she jumped right into the chaos with her quiet, flexible, and cheerful manner. My children know how much she genuinely cares for them, and she always treats them with love and kindness - even at times when others probably would lose patience! She completes well beyond the amount of work expected of most nannies, and she does it w/ jokes and laughter - even in the kind of challenging circumstances created by three little boys. Elena has done everything from wipe away tears and bandage skinned knees to change hundreds of dirty diapers, spend the night, fold endless piles of laundry, cook authentic Romanian meals, research child development, plan fun activities, give discipline advice, and even clean up dog throw-up."She always helps me," says our 4-year-old, Jack. "I love her because she's so friendly and nice to me."Our family knows we are privileged not only to know Elena as our nanny, but also just to have such a wonderful person in our lives.

-Darren and Kristy

Tips to Get Organized for School!

Many families have trouble staying organized in today's busy lifestyle. When parents work and multiple people are in charge of running a house, it is essential to be HIGHLY organized. An organized family helps children concentrate and spend time on school rather than where they left the other shoe.

1. Prepare for changes. When families are in a laid back schedule from summer it is hard to one day just wake up and be ready for the first day of school. Instead, try waking up on the new schedule 1-2 weeks prior to school starting to get into the new routine.

2. Clean out your closets. When school starts it is hard to find time to do much. So before school starts clean out your closets of any outgrown or worn out clothes. This will make it easier for your kids to pick out their own outfits for the next day.

3. Create a calendar with space for each family member to list appointments, activities, homework assignments and reminders. Keep it in an open area like the kitchen.

4. Preparing what your kids will need for the next day is crucial. Lay out clothes, pack lunches, and have backpacks packed the night before.

5. Color Coordinate so each child has a specific color for all binders, backpacks and supplies.

6. Keep a dry erase board so all family members can write down items needed from the grocery store, dry cleaners, or school supply store and then one person can get everything in one trip.

7. Designate a study space. It is best to have a study location that is neat, has all the necessary supplies, and will allow children to concentrate on homework.

8. Keep important phone numbers in a binder. If you have numbers for doctor's, workers, teachers, etc. in one place, everyone can find what they need quickly.

9. Open communication. Make sure everyone knows what is expected of them and what needs to get done each day. If you have a last minute request, have a place where you know everyone will look. Leave them a note and they will be able to complete the task.

If you use even a few of these tips to stay organized your family will have more time to play and have fun together. More fun means less stress.
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By: Erin Krex
Owner of First Class Care
Article was published in NPN magazine