Not all sitters are created equal. When looking for a new babysitter, make sure you find someone who can match your parenting type! Just as parents have different approaches to taking care of their kids, so do babysitters. Some can be strict, while others are more laidback. Some sitters may focus solely on carrying out your house rules, while some may proactively take it upon themselves to keep your kids preoccupied while you’re away. Since nannies and babysitters essentially serve as extensions of parents, it’s important to find a childcare provider whose babysitting style aligns with your p ..read more

Who is your parenting role model? Here are five parents in popular culture that are great role models for parents as well as childcare providers. Parenting is hard work, and parents deserve a world of love and recognition for everything they do for their children. As a parent, you are your child’s biggest role model. How you interact with your children, your family and the people around you teach them much more than anything you may say. Children tend to emulate the way their parents behave, and this will dictate their own behavior well into adulthood. How, then, do you set a good example for ..read more

As April 1st approaches, plan on starting April Fool's Day with one of these fun prank ideas. Get kids in on the fun with this time-honored tradition. Many of us can think back to memories made by a good April Fool’s Day prank. Whether it’s a donut box full of veggies or a surprise that ends up much different than expected, getting into the spirit of April Fool’s Day can lead to so much fun and laughter—when done the right way. While there are definitely some pranksters out there who use April Fool’s Day to cause harm, it’s also an opportunity for us as parents to reinforce positive alternati ..read more

Women have revolutionized the field of STEM. This Women's History Month, learn about four of the most iconic women in the field throughout history. March is Women’s History Month. As such, it’s the perfect time to celebrate women from all over the world! Women have made waves throughout history in every field, and it’s important to recognize our achievements—especially this time of the year. For the entire 31 days of the month, schools, daycares, and home childcare centers center activities and discussions around women’s history. The STEM—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—fiel ..read more

Cultivate cultural awareness and appreciation in your little ones. Introduce them to these springtime holidays from around the globe. Everyone loves spring! The days are warmer, flowers are in full bloom, and the weather is just right for your little ones to come out and play. A season of literal and spiritual new beginnings, peoples, and faiths all over the world mark this season with civic, cultural, and religious holidays. Whether it’s the end of a fast, a religious high holiday, or simply celebrating the change in season—springtime rituals can be found in various cultures around the globe ..read more

Spring is here! And with springtime, comes spring cleaning! The air is warming, and the first flowers might already be in bloom where you live. And it’s time to air out the house and indulge in some spring cleaning. While this time-honored tradition of using the season change to deep clean is helpful, it can also feel like a bit of a chore for the whole family. Unfortunately, while every child likes to make a mess, none enjoy cleaning up after! Turn spring cleaning into a game to help include the kids. Check out these activities to do with the kids that can make spring cleaning fun, instead o ..read more

Get all your green attire and leprechaun hats ready! And enjoy these traditional St Patrick’s Day recipes to make with the kiddos this year to celebrate. Are you ready for March 17th? It’s that time of year to break out all your green attire and keep from getting pinched. St Patrick’s Day is a time to have some fun, wear something green, pull out those cute leprechaun hats, and look for a lucky four-leaf clover. Depending on where you live, the local community may get in on the fun too—for example, the city of Chicago in Illinois dyes the river green in honor of St Patrick’s Day, welcoming fa ..read more

Daylight savings time can be a headache for parents, but planning ahead is key to not waking up with crabby kids. The first question most kids ask about daylight savings time (DST) is if bedtime is going to be earlier or later? But first, what is daylight savings time all about and why do we move the clock? Is it still worth it to do so as a society? And what effects will it have on your routine and sleep schedules? These are the other questions parents have to figure out how to address with their kids this time of year. The clock change this year falls on Sunday, March 13. The hours won’t tu ..read more

Nannies have been influential caretakers for centuries. This International Women's Day, we're highlighting ten of the best TV and film nannies of all time! Sometimes called a nanny, other times a governess or a babysitter, the characters who look after children in movies are somehow always the most popular. Something about their charm sticks with the audience long after the closing credits finish rolling. Whether their character is sweet, kooky, or a little bit ‘unusual,’ the nanny has been the heart of family films across the decades. In time for International Women’s Day, let’s remember ten ..read more

Women’s History Month is observed in March as a 30-day celebration of everything that women have accomplished throughout history. It is a time to not only appreciate the many historical female figures who have helped shape our world, but it is also a reminder to love and appreciate the women in our lives. Mothers, grandmothers, aunts, caregivers, and more—so much of daily life depends on women. All this is on top of their historical achievements! There was a time when the women who impacted history were simply overlooked in the history books. Even today, research is underway to rediscover and ..read more