INA Scholarship Essay Winner ... Heather McKinley

The Regarding Nannies Development Team is enjoying a few days to recoup after the INA Conference in San Francisco. We met so many wonderful people and look forward to bringing you their stories and expertise in the days and weeks ahead.

While we're unpacking, recharging and getting organized, we bring you another one of our favorites ... meet Heather McKinley. She submitted the winning essay for the Regarding Nannies INA Conference Scholarship. We met Heather at conference and are pleased she had the opportunity to enjoy her first conference and become part of the Regarding Nannies 'family'.


INA Scholarship Essay
by Heather McKinley

For as long as I can remember children have been my passion in life. In the summer of 2007 I was given a wonderful opportunity that changed my path in life. I left my school and home in Indiana to live with a family in Maryland for the summer to be the nanny for two girls. By the end of the summer, not only did I want to stay, but I had changed my major from Elementary Education to Children’s Ministry.

As I got into my new classes I knew I had made the right decision and was already thinking ahead to my next summer. That summer I spent six weeks in California for a Children’s Ministry practicum. A week later I went back to Indiana to start my new nanny job for a little girl to finish out my summer.

While I finished my last semester at Indiana Wesleyan in December 2008 I knew I wanted to find another nanny position. I moved again to watch a little boy and fully enjoyed those seven months. I got married and again we moved; this time to Cincinnati, Ohio. This brought a new and wonderful beginning to where I am today.

When I became a nanny in 2007 I did not know there was such a thing as a Professional Nanny. However, when I moved to Cincinnati in late 2009 I found a wonderful group to be a part of called CincyNanny. I learned that I could be a Professional Nanny and be part of an even larger organization. I was then able to find that the International Nanny Association offers a conference to help nannies around the world be better employees and better individuals. On our own each one of us can do good things, but as a group we can learn from each other and do great things. This made me want to be a part of the puzzle.

The INA Conference to me is a way to complete the puzzle. I not only want to put my piece in, but be joined by the pieces (people) around me so I can grow and become a better nanny for my family. There are many skills I feel I would learn by attending this conference. The first one being that I would love to become a professional, credentialed nanny. I would do this by coming Thursday to take the INA Nanny Credential Exam Review and Exam. Second, many of the classes resonate with what I am doing in my job now. Four of these classes are: “Positive Discipline for Young Children”, “Working with Families in Stress”, “Learning Through Play”, and “Is Food Your Enemy—or Your Best Friend? How to Handle Your Food and Weight Issues”.

My time at this conference would not be wasted and my employers’ family and I would both benefit from this time in the long run.

Heather has been a nanny since the summer of 2007. She has been caring for two boys under the age of 3 since October. She nannies near the Blue Ash & Indian Hill area. She is a live out nanny. She is a proud member of the INA & CincyNanny

Nanny Portfolio's A - Z / Regarding Nannies Favorite

The Regarding Nannies Development Team is headed to San Francisco for the 25th Annual INA Conference. While we're away, we bring you some of our favorite posts to revisit or if you're just joining us, enjoy them for the first time.

Nanny Portfolios A to Z
by Myrna Alphonse
NAN Conference Phoenix Arizona
Copyright September 2004

In this tight economic period, I recently had the experience of putting to work my time tested portfolio skills. The content still proved positive results! This is your chance to put together a portfolio of your own or revamp a portfolio you already are using.

Read the entire article on here.

Tuesday Tips ... Making the Most of Your INA Conference Experience

The Regarding Nannies Development Team is looking forward to attending the upcoming INA Conference in San Francisco.

While we have been attending for many years, we realize there are many first-timers out there. So, we asked a few of our colleagues to share with us what they thought conference attendees should bring to conference.

Some are practical, and some require work, but overall, your INA Conference experience is one you will never forget, and that you will look forward to again and again.

On the practical side …
Cortney Gibson, Erin Krex - Business cards

Taylor Augustine – dollar bills for the raffle

Debra Mathwig and Cortney Gibson suggest bringing photos of your charges (if permitted by employers) to brag about.

Pat Cascio, Cortney Gibson, April Myers and Christy Ochs all recommend comfortable shoes. Your feet will thank you.

Becky Kavanagh says bring extra money, you’ll want some items to take home and there is always a great "raffle" to get caught up in, with nice items you may want. Becky also recommends … often first time attendees are concerned about their dress and fitting in. Business casual will do it - you want to look nice but feel comfortable. Often in the hotel people will know we are with a group and we want to represent well.

Pat Cascio and Christy Ochs suggest a sweater or sweatshirt for the cool evenings.

Cortney Gibson says - You'll be bringing home more than you brought with you. Pack a small bag in your suitcase that can be used to bring home raffle prizes and other goodies.

Kim Peters suggests … if you are searching for a new job, bring your resume/portfolio. When playing tourist, bring local tourist/attraction info.

Many of our conference experts recommend bringing a small notebook to take notes during workshops, write names and numbers down of new people you meet.

Getting the most out of your conference experience …
Debra Mathwig shares with us – bring your open personality, don't be shy about going up to some one and saying hi and that you are new to INA. I know at my first conference I hung out with only a few people I knew until the last day when I met quite a few nannies. I now talk to those nannies quite often and get valuable ideas and support from them, but I wish I would have said hi and accepted their invitations to hang out a lot earlier in the conference.

Katie Vaughan
“Your first INA conference is an amazing experience! A world of new friends and colleagues, great ideas, and memories are at your fingertips. The most important thing you can bring with you is an open mind and a desire to learn and grow as an individual. Take every opportunity to network and meet fellow conference members, make sure to go on group activities and don’t miss a chance to interact with your peers and the conference speakers. There is so much experience and knowledge packed into the members that make up INA - make a commitment to soak up as much knowledge as possible during the conference so that you can hit the ground running with enthusiasm and a new ideas upon your return home.”

Tom Breedlove
With so many smart people, fresh perspectives and unique approaches to problem-solving, I think the most important thing to bring is a wide-open mind. In our rapidly-changing world, it’s important to regularly eliminate pre-conceptions and make room for new possibilities. What was the ideal way to do something a year ago may now be obsolete. Similarly, a new way to think about technology, tools or partnerships may create exciting new opportunities. It’s all there for those who are willing to participate with their mind wide open.

Kathy Webb recommends bringing a completely open mind. You are there to learn, not arrive knowing it all.

Stephanie Breedlove
I think the most important item is a fresh notepad and a commitment to think “out of the box” and take notes. This is always at the top of my list, and this will be my 16th conference. The conference is filled with new ideas, business tips, best practices, important statistics,… that get forgotten by the time you get home. A little note taking to capture some of this valuable information could make a significant difference in the success of your business.

Karen Yatsko
Bring an open mind. Don't think that you know all there is to know in your field. Whether an agency employee or a twenty year nanny, there are always topics at the INA Conference that will expand your knowledge. As a nanny, I tried to branch out and talk with others - a talk with a traveling nanny could inspire a change in the direction of my nanny career. A casual conversation with a nanny tax specialist might help my paycheck and retirement. Meeting an agency owner gave me a new perspective on how they interview parents. Bring a positive attitude. The INA Conference is a chance to meet others in your career field. If you are their complaining about your job, you going to carry around a negative vibe. Remember "Wendy Whiner" on Saturday Night Live? Stay positive and learn from others how they changed things with a positive outlook.

Becky Kavanagh
Bring an open mind - - - good no matter how many times you've come to a conference. Open yourself up to whatever comes your way. A positive attitude - - - this is experience is going to be great if you think it is. You'll meet new people, make some good friends, learn a lot and enjoy a beautiful city. Attend the Orientation on Thursday - - - before the opening reception there's a brief orientation to help new people get ready for a great conference and allows for time to ask questions about INA and the conference. You'll meet some INA members and Board members there. Make the Rounds - - - it's easy to meet a few people and then stick to them like glue, but then you'll be missing all the networking opportunities. Instead sit with new people at each luncheon or breakfast, visit the booths during network time and talk to other attendees, and yes - find some new friends to hang with as well.

Alice Shaffer wants to remind you that “Since I am playing the "raffle lady" again this year my best tip for you is bring address labels for all of the raffle tickets you will want to buy. Remember buy 5 get one free! A dollar a ticket. Lots of gifts cards, chocolate, music, and so forth. Half of all proceeds go to the Imagine Bus Project

I make a game of the conference attendee sheet and try to make sure I meet every single person who is attending the conference. I try to have a short chat with them. I have been doing this for years with all of my nanny conferences. It is a great way to meet people and network. I also send out cards in the mail or emails to people and the speakers as well after the conference.

Do you have a tip to share with first time conference attendees? We look forward to seeing many of you at conference, and for those not able to attend, we will be posting some of our favorite Regarding Nannies posts the week we are away, and look forward to sharing the information and experts we meet at conference with you in the weeks following conference.

Many thanks to all of our conference experts for sharing their thoughts and tips with us.
Taylor Augustine – Nanny
Kathy Webb – HomeWork Solutions, 4NannyTaxes.com, NannyNetwork.com
Debra Mathwig – Nanny
Kim Peters – Nanny
Erin Krex – First Class Care
Cortney Gibson – Newborn Care Specialist, Gibson Newborn Services
Christy Ochs – Nanny
April Myers – Nanny
Katie Vaughn – Westside Nannies
Becky Kavanagh – Nanny
Tom Breedlove – Breedlove & Associates
Karen Yatsko – Nanny
Pat Cascio – Morningside Nannies
Stephanie Breedlove – Breedlove & Associates

Monday Moxie: The Imagine Bus Project-INA Conference Charity 2010

Monday Moxie: The Imagine Bus Project- INA Conference Charity for 2010


This year, INA has selected The Imagine Bus Project as its Annual Conference Charity. The Imagine Bus Project (TIBP) is an arts education organization that addresses the lack of visual arts programming in kindergarten through 12th grade by providing arts education to underserved children and youth in partnership with local school districts, juvenile detention centers, after school programs and community based youth organizations throughout the Bay Area.

The Imagine Bus Project reaches out to youth in underserved communities and provides them with sustained, positive and creative outlets for personal expression. Using visual arts techniques and working closely within communities, professional artists and educators bring thoughtful ideas to youth and empower them to explore their potential, develop critical thinking skills and build their self-esteem.

In addition to supporting The Imagine Bus Project through our Annual Conference raffle, local nanny support groups may wish to gather art supplies to donate. Due to the nature of the programming, it is asked only the following supplies on their wishlist be donated.

The Imagine Bus Project supplies wishlist includes:

Paint brushes
Acrylic paints
Drawing paper
Water color paper
Video projector

Please email admin@nanny.org if your group plans to donate supplies.

Saturday evening from 5:00 to 6:30pm will be the INA Conference Raffle. Your "Raffle Lady" Alice Shaffer and her Raffle helpers will be talking to you throughout the conference to get raffle tickets in your hands. Half of all monies raised during this raffle will go to the Imagine Bus Project. Make sure to bring your address labels to put on your raffle tickets. There are so many awesome raffle gifts for you to win. Help raise funds for the Imagine Bus Project while having fun at the INA Conference this year.

Financial Friday: $79.99 For $100 Check Certificates For Hyatt Hotels

Financial Friday: $79.99 For $100 Check Certificates For Hyatt Hotels

by Alice Shaffer

About two weeks ago, I received an email from Kim P., a professional nanny and Regarding Nannies follower, telling me that she was in Costco and found that they sell Hyatt Check Certificates in the value of $100 (two $50) for $79.99. She said she wanted to let the Financial Nanny know ASAP! I was floored! The INA Conference is at the Hyatt Fisherman's Wharf and we have an awesome rate of $115 a night plus 15.5% tax. Could I honestly save another $20 a night with these Hyatt Check Certificates?

To read the rest of this article please visit
The Financial Nanny:
$79.99 For $10 Check Certificates for Hyatt Hotels

Monday Moxie: INA Scholarship Essay

INA Scholarship Essay
by Heather McKinley

For as long as I can remember children have been my passion in life. In the summer of 2007 I was given a wonderful opportunity that changed my path in life. I left my school and home in Indiana to live with a family in Maryland for the summer to be the nanny for two girls. By the end of the summer, not only did I want to stay, but I had changed my major from Elementary Education to Children’s Ministry.

As I got into my new classes I knew I had made the right decision and was already thinking ahead to my next summer. That summer I spent six weeks in California for a Children’s Ministry practicum. A week later I went back to Indiana to start my new nanny job for a little girl to finish out my summer.

While I finished my last semester at Indiana Wesleyan in December 2008 I knew I wanted to find another nanny position. I moved again to watch a little boy and fully enjoyed those seven months. I got married and again we moved; this time to Cincinnati, Ohio. This brought a new and wonderful beginning to where I am today.

When I became a nanny in 2007 I did not know there was such a thing as a Professional Nanny. However, when I moved to Cincinnati in late 2009 I found a wonderful group to be a part of called CincyNanny. I learned that I could be a Professional Nanny and be part of an even larger organization. I was then able to find that the International Nanny Association offers a conference to help nannies around the world be better employees and better individuals. On our own each one of us can do good things, but as a group we can learn from each other and do great things. This made me want to be a part of the puzzle.

The INA Conference to me is a way to complete the puzzle. I not only want to put my piece in, but be joined by the pieces (people) around me so I can grow and become a better nanny for my family. There are many skills I feel I would learn by attending this conference. The first one being that I would love to become a professional, credentialed nanny. I would do this by coming Thursday to take the INA Nanny Credential Exam Review and Exam. Second, many of the classes resonate with what I am doing in my job now. Four of these classes are: “Positive Discipline for Young Children”, “Working with Families in Stress”, “Learning Through Play”, and “Is Food Your Enemy—or Your Best Friend? How to Handle Your Food and Weight Issues”.

My time at this conference would not be wasted and my employers’ family and I would both benefit from this time in the long run.

Heather has been a nanny since the summer of 2007. She has been caring for two boys under the age of 3 since October. She nannies near the Blue Ash & Indian Hill area. She is a live out nanny. She is a proud member of the INA & CincyNanny

Monday Moxie: Presenting the INA Scholarship Recipient

The Regarding Nannies Development Team wants to thank those of you who submitted an essay for the INA Conference Scholarship. This was a hard choice for us. The submissions were wonderful. We wished we could have chosen all of the entrants as the recipient.

The recipient of the First Regarding Nannies INA Scholarship is:
Heather McKinley of Cincinnati, Ohio

Heather has been a nanny since the summer of 2007. She has been caring for two boys under the age of 3 since October. She nannies near the Blue Ash & Indian Hill area. She is a live out nanny. She is a proud member of the INA & CincyNanny

Congratulations Heather and we look forward to meeting you in May at the conference.


To read Heather's essay, stay tuned to next week's Monday Moxie on April 5, 2010.

Thursday Table Talk: Thursday Additional Workshops at the INA Conference

Thursday Additional Workshops at the INA Conference
By: Alice Shaffer

The 25th Annual INA Conference is less than two months away! If you are still on the fence, you still have time to get in on the early bird conference fee (April 1) and take advantage of the awesome additional workshops offered on Thursday May 20, 2010 starting at 1:00pm. These workshops have a small additional cost to them. This includes an American Red Cross Basic Water Rescue Certificate, INA Credential Review and Exam, a New Agency workshop, and Newborn Care Specialist 201 class.

If you have have been interested in opening your nanny agency or just recently in the past two years opened your agency, you really would benefit from going to the New Agency workshop. I actually went back in 2003 at my first INA conference and absolutely loved every minute of the program and still remember a lot of the information given. It helped me decide on whether or not to open a nanny agency. Which I decided against at the time. After the Thursday workshops don't forget to join everyone at the Opening Reception at 6:30pm.

AMERICAN RED CROSS BASIC WATER RESCUE 3-YEAR CERTIFICATION
Thursday May 20, 2010 1:00-5:00pm
cost $40

This course is designed for participants who do not need to be trained as lifeguards, but who require certification in victim recognition and general first aid topics. The class includes an in-water skills session to practice basic water rescue techniques, designed to assist victims and keep them faceup until more help arrives. This course is excellent for camp counselors, child care providers, health and fitness facility employees, and others who are around water on a regular basis. Presented by Lia Brewer and Serena Jolley, American Red Cross Water Safety instructors.

To help ensure an enjoyable and successful experience:

• Dress comfortably. Bring a bathing suit, towel, and swim cap if your hair is longer than shoulder length. Goggles are optional.
• Please arrive on time, no admittance is permitted 15 minutes after the start of the class.
• All necessary course materials will be provided during class.
• Practice sessions can be physically demanding. If you have any questions about your ability to participate, consult with your Health Care Provider prior to the course.
• Bring a pen/pencil and reading glasses if necessary.

Course Certification

• Payment of the course fee is not a guarantee of certification.
• Basic Water Rescue certification is valid for three years.

To be eligible for course certification you must:

• Be present for the entire course. + Successfully complete all required skills.
• Pass a multiple choice written exam at 80% or better.

INA NANNY CREDENTIAL EXAM
Thursday May 20, 2010 2:30-5:30 pm
cost $40

Nannies who wish to take the INA Nanny Credential Exam must submit a completed INA Nanny Credential Exam application to the INA Membership Services Office prior to the May 1, 2010. Please contact Michelle LaRowe at admin@nanny.org for additional information. Attendees should bring a copy of “Beyond Parenting Basics: The International Nanny Association’s Official Guide to In-Home Child Care” to this session. If you do not have a copy, you can purchase a copy during the conference registration process and it will be shipped to you prior to conference.

Newborn Care Specialist 201: A Day in the Life of a NCS

Thursday May 20, 2010 2:30-5:30 pm
cost $35

Join Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) Cortney Gibson and take an in-depth look at advanced newborn care, sleep training and what it truly takes to work as a NCS. Attendees will discuss the day-to-day reality of this career and tackle some common misconceptions. Learn how to take what you know about newborn care and apply it to real-life situations. Attendees should already have some newborn care experience and strong knowledge of the basics, as this is an advanced care workshop. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, so come prepared! Handouts will be provided along with hands-on demos and an informative visual presentation.

Ready, Set, Go! A Workshop for New Agencies
Thursday May 20,2010 2:30-5:30 pm
cost $35

Ready, Set, Go! is a must-attend session for those new to the nanny referral business or those considering opening a placement agency. Join agency owners and consultants Wendy Sachs and Sharon Graff-Radell to learn the nuts and bolts of starting a household staffing referral agency and discover what needs to be considered as a young agency in today’s market. This in-depth presentation will focus on financial considerations, marketing, recruiting, competition, and insightful business practices that pertain specifically to our industry.

This workshop will also feature:

• Background Checks 101 presented by Lynn Peterson of PFC Information Services, Inc.
• Legal Issues 101 presented by Bob King, Esq., of Legally Nanny®
• Payroll and Taxes 101 presented by Kathy Webb of HomeWork Solutions / 4NannyTaxes.co

Spotlight on......Individual Nanny Coaching At The INA Conference

Individual Nanny Coaching At The INA Conference
by Alice Shaffer

Have you ever just wanted 15 minutes with one of the professional nannies you have met online or at a conference? Well this year, INA has slated from 2:45-3:45 pm on Saturday May 21, 2010 your chance to have your 15 minutes with a Nanny Coach. This is a great opportunity to meet some of the various nannies who have various experiences and potentially some helpful advice for you. Don't forget to sign up for one to four of these Nanny Coach slots when you get to the INA Conference. We hope to meet you there!


Kellie Geres
Working with Divorced Families
Kellie Geres is a professional nanny / household manager with 21 years of experience and has spent the past 12 years working exclusively with divorced parents. She is the 1997 INA Nanny of the Year, former INA board member, current Association of D.C. Area Nannies (ADCAN) president and member of INA and NANC. She is one of the development members of Regarding Nannies. She blogs at All Things Nanny.

Becky Kavanagh
Professional Development / Marketing Yourself as a Professional
Becky Kavanagh is the 2006 INA Nanny of the Year and has over 20 years of professional nanny experience. She is past president of INA and in 1998 was awarded the prestigious Parents Magazine Child Care Award. Ms. Kavanagh is active in the nanny community and also serves on staff as a placement coordinator with Nannies from the Heartland, a Minnesota-based nanny placement agency. You can find her blog posts at Nannies from the Heartland.

Susan Lehman
Discipline Issues
Susan Lehman is a certified positive discipline associate and certified professional nanny. She has over 20 years of professional nanny experience and has dedicated her life to developing happy, secure and independent children. Ms. Lehman uses the tools and skills she learned at the Coaches Training Institute in San Rafael, California, to coach parents on every aspect of their child’s development and care. Her teaching style brings warmth, humor, comfort and enthusiasm to all her lectures and experiential workshops for parents, teachers, child care providers, and any groups who work with children or families.

MaryAnn X. Meddish
Multiples and Specialty Diets
MaryAnn X. Meddish is the 2009 INA Nanny of the Year and has over 20 years of professional nanny experience. She specializes in working with multiples and children who require special dietary considerations. You can find some of her articles on the INA Blog.

Glenda Propst
Leaving a Family
Glenda Propst has 25 years of professional nanny experience. She was the 1991 INA Nanny of the Year and has been with her current family for 16 years. Mrs. Propst specializes in helping nannies through the transition of leaving a family. She is is one of the development members of Regarding Nannies. She also blogs at Gentle Transitions

Angela Riggs
Traveling with Families
Angela Riggs has been working with child care providers, students, parents and families for over 20 years. She has researched and participated in extensive traveling experiences with children and has planned enriching learning opportunities for them by utilizing local community resources as well as creative resources when traveling abroad.

Alice Shaffer
Getting Started in a New Community
Alice Shaffer has been a professional nanny for the past 15 years and is one of the development members of Regarding Nannies. She is also known by her peers and through her blog as “The Financial Nanny”.

Weekend Round Up March 8-12

Just in case you missed something this week on Regarding Nannies: Here are the links to this weeks posts.


Monday Moxie: Regarding Nannies launched their essay promotion for an INA Scholarship.


Tuesday Tips: Sherrie Eddlebute taught us how to use "Google Reader"


Wednesday Creative Nanny: Nanny Gael Ann and her "creative assistant" shared with us their version of Sock Bunnies. A must do Spring Craft.


Thursday Table Talk: INA Conference Speaker Highlight: Lila Reyna

Financial Friday: Alice shared some information on how to get $125 by opening a bank account.

Next week on Regarding Nannies:
We will have Nitty Gritty Interview Questions , tips for purging that mountain of papers, and another INA conference speaker highlight.

Don't forget that if you are attending the conference, you only until March 31 to get your Service Award Pin applications turned in. You can email them too.

Financial Friday: Getting $125 for $100 Investment

Getting $125 for $100 Investment!
by Alice Shaffer

As I was reading my financial blogs this week, I noticed several of them were discussing that Chase Bank has a new offer of $125 for opening a new checking account. You need to open the checking account with $100 , set up a direct deposit and keep it open for 6 months, or they will deduct the $125 when you close the account. This got me thinking about the upcoming INA Conference. Hotel rooms are $119 a night plus tax. Here is a chance for me to get a room for basically free for saving $100 in a new checking account. "Perfect!" I have that in my savings account over at ING. So as soon as I get my coupon code from one of the blogs, Hustler Money Blog or Maximizing Money I will open my new Chase checking account and be $125 closer to my financial goal for the INA conference.

To read the rest of the article please visit:
The Financial Nanny: Getting $125 for $100 Investment

Spotlight on ... Lila Reyna, INA Conference Featured Speaker

The Myth of “Stranger Danger”

If you ask your child to describe the face of a “stranger” or “assailant,” chances are they will mentally sketch a scary and menacing person. They may even describe this person as suspicious and clothed in all black with dark beady eyes. Unfortunately, most people who prey on children behave and look quite the opposite. As a result, children are less likely to perceive them as a threat. In the eyes of a child, a complete stranger who strikes up a conversation quickly becomes someone that child “knows.” Keep in mind that most children are abused by someone they really do know, such as a family friend, relative, neighbor, or babysitter for example. Personal safety is not just about teaching children who or what to avoid but also includes positive rules so that children know how to keep themselves safe.

So what else can we do as parents to equip our kids with the proper tools against the bad person that might invade their life?

Talk about situations and explain what your rules are for their safety.

Have a red alert signal or password that let's your children know what to do in a possible dangerous situation.

Keep them involved in confidence building activities such as martial arts or self-defense workshops where they will learn, not only self-defense but also how to interact with others in a respectful and safe way.

Do your best to always know where they are and whom they are with.

Encourage them to tell a trusted adult if they have been approached by a stranger or by a known person that made them feel uncomfortable.

Telling children, “Don’t talk to strangers” is not only ineffective, it can actually put them at greater risk. Instead, teach your child how to recognize the specific lures used by predators and especially, to trust their instincts about people and situations. Learning to be assertive and aware of their own feelings and surroundings will arm children with tools that are much better able to protect themselves from violent crimes.

Lila Reyna
Action Awareness
Lila Reyna is a martial arts instructor of Kuk Sool Won and is currently testing for her third degree black belt. With martial arts expertise and training in the natural healing art of Psychosymmetrolysis®, Ms. Reyna trains the everyday seeker to be their own bodyguard. Ms. Reyna founded Action Awareness, a unique training that effectively heightens mental, physical, and spiritual receptiveness. Her energetic presentations are designed to help prevent harm inflicted by another, to increase internal awareness and to facilitate self-empowerment. Her book, “Quiet Mind, Warrior Spirit,” may be ordered at http://www.consciousselfdefense.com/.

Monday Moxie: Win a Conference Scholarship to the INA Conference by Regarding Nannies

Yes or No?

1. Can you imagine spending 3 days with other professionals who actually understand your job and can offer you support advice and great resources?
2. Would you like to attend conferences and workshops that are geared specifically to the needs of professional nannies and learning how to meet the unique challenges of your job?
3. How many times have you wished that you had access to a professional nanny who could address a specific concern or problem you are struggling with?
4. Would you like to feel validated for the work you do with children every day and connect to a part of this profession beyond the walls of the private homes you work in?
   

If you answered YES to any of these then you don’t want to miss this opportunity to attend the 25th Annual International Nanny Association’s conference May 20-23 in San Francisco, California. Regarding Nannies is excited to be offering a 2010 Conference Scholarship to an INA Nanny Member. We would love to have an INA nanny member who has never had the chance to go to the conference to come to this year’s conference. We are asking that you write an essay and submit it to us by Wednesday March 24, 2010.

To Be Eligible You Must:

• Be a current INA Member (membership info)
• Have never attended an INA conference
• Be employed more than 25 hours a week as a nanny
  

What The Conference Registration Scholarship Includes:

• Thursday: 6:00pm Conference Orientation & Evening Welcome Reception (appetizers)
• Friday: Breakfast, Lunch, Network breaks and Workshops.
  
• Saturday: Breakfast, Lunch, Network breaks, Workshops and Closing Reception & Raffle.
• Sunday: INA Board Meeting (optional).
  

Expenses You Will Be Responsible For:

• Thursday, Friday & Saturday Dinner expenses
  
• Thursday Workshops-optional (costs of workshops)
• Friday evening optional activities (cost of evening activity)
  
• Hotel expenses ($115 plus 14% tax nightly) –you can have up to 4 in a room There is a roommate coordinator should you want to share expenses.
  
• Airfare discount available on American Airlines (details)
  
• Airfare to San Francisco (SFO) or Oakland(OAK)
  
• Ground Transportation to the hotel (discounts for Super Shuttle etc)
  
• Hotel Parking (details)
• Rental car if you choose, though not needed (details)
• INA Membership ($35)
  

Before Submitting Your Essay:

• Make sure you utilize spell check and grammar check before submitting.
  
• Check with your employers to make sure you can have off May 20-23, 2010. You may need travel days on Wednesday May 19 and maybe Monday May 24, 2010.
• Confirm that you have the financial ability for the additional costs of the conference outside the scholarship.
  

You may want to ask your employer if they would be willing to help you offset some of the expense for the conference. For example: they could offer frequent flyer miles, they could offer to pay for all or 1/2 of your airfare, they could offer to pay for one or more nights at the hotel for you, or even your INA membership as a job benefit. Some nannies even negotiate these things into their work agreements when looking for a job. Remind your employer that their children will directly benefit from your opportunity to broaden your professional horizons. Discuss with them the schedule of workshops available, there might be some they would like you to attend.



Rules:

1. Write an essay between 400 and 500 words letting us know:

Why you want to go to the INA conference and how you feel going will help you improve your skills as a professional nanny?

2. Email your essay to nannyentry@gmail.com
3. Please include at the top of your essay: your name, email address and phone number

4. Then go to the Submit the form checklist and intent to go to the conference and fill out the confirmation form for your entry.
(Form to be filled out here)

5. Email your essay by Wednesday March 24, 2010 to nannyentry@gmail.com

If you have any confusion or questions about how to do this email us at regardingnannies(at)gmail(dot)com and we will help you.


Notification of Winning:

• You will be contacted on Sunday March 28, 2010 via phone if your essay is chosen for the Scholarship.
• If you are not chosen you will receive an email letting you know so that you can take still advantage of the Early Bird Registration that closes on Thursday April 1, 2010
• The winner will be announced on Monday March 29, 2010 on the Regarding Nannies blog.
  

Thank you so much for entering the Scholarship Essay and we look forward to reading your essays. Good luck and we hope to see you in San Francisco in May!

Financial Friday: All the details for the 25th Annual INA Conference!

Make sure you go to The Financial Nanny and read all about some of the great discounts and deals you have for the 25th Annual INA Conference.......along with a special sneak peek at Monday's Moxie on Regarding Nannies.

Spotlight on ... Donna Shannon / Coyote Visions

Donna Shannon of Coyote Visions is a featured speaker at the upcoming 25th Annual INA Conference.

Ms. Shannon shares with us some insight on transformations ...

The first step in becoming is believing

Posted by admin . Published on 16 February 2010

Are you trying to change your career? Or even a more personal aspect of yourself? I have found that the first step is you have to believe it yourself before anyone else will.

I’ve seen this several times in private service, especially when I worked at the Starkey Institute. During their 8-week program, people from all different backgrounds worked towards becoming Household Managers. It’s not an easy transition. At some point in the course, it seemed like every student hit their wall – were they going to make the transition? Or was the leap too great?
When they began to really see themselves as Household Managers – not students, not job seekers, not former business owners – but a real HM’s, ready to serve their principals with honor and respect, that was when we knew they were going to make it in this demanding industry.

Sometimes the transformation took place after graduation. One graduate that we placed didn’t acheive her new HM job until several months after finishing the course. But the most impressive thing about her was the changes I saw at every stage. She was more polished at each interview. Her confidence increased after taking a housekeeping supervisors position, even though it looked like a step back. But she never gave up – and with each challenge, she believed in herself more.

It was a beautiful thing to watch, especially when we placed her in a Household Management position that was a near perfect match.

If you’re struggling with a career transformation yourself, keep at it. Believe that you can be what you strive to achieve. Fill in the necessary skills if need be. Use each setback as a chance to learn.

And be ready to soar when the right job presents itself.

Ms. Shannon is the author of Get a Job Without Going Crazy: A Practical Guide to Your Employment Search

INA Launches Service Award Pin Program - Apply for yours Today!

In celebration of INA's 25th anniversary, it is with great pleasure that the association is launching the INA Service Award Pin program.


Individuals who have been employed as a nanny, nanny educator or business owner (referral agency or industry service provider) for 5 or more years and are currently an INA member in good standing may apply for the INA Service Award Pin.

The INA Service Award Pin will be presented to nanny educators, referral agency owners (or their staff), and business owners (or their staff) who serve the in-home child care industry.

The Harriette Grant Service Award Pin will be presented to nannies and specialty nannies. This award pin, named in honor of Harriette Grant, reflects Harriette's dedication to the nanny profession. Ms. Grant was a founding member of INA, a founding member of the Association of DC Area Nannies (ADCAN) and was selected as INA's very first Nanny of the Year in 1990. Ms. Grant later went on to be a co-founder of the National Association of Nannies (NAN).

The Service Award Pin program originated within the National Association of Nannies. Thanks to the dedication and generosity of past NAN members, the Service Award Pin concept will continue on within INA and will share the same goal of recognizing those within the in-home child care industry for their hard work, dedication and commitment to professional excellence.

All Service Award Pin recipients must be present at the 25th INA Annual Conference to receive their award. INA Service Award Pins will be presented on Friday, May 21, 2010 during the INA Service Award Pin Breakfast sponsored by PFC Information Services, Inc.

To apply for an INA Service Award Pin click here for the 2010 application.

Deadline: March 31, 2010
All applications must be mailed and postmarked no later than March 31, 2010.

Web address of 2010 application PDF file

http://www.nanny.org/pdf/INA_Service_Award_Pin_Packet.pdf

Visit www.nanny.org on March 1, 2010 to register for

INA's 25th Annual Conference and for detailed conference information.

Discipline From The Inside Out

The following is from a series of articles by Ronald Mah. Mr. Mah will be a featured speaker at the 2010 INA Conference in San Francisco.

Billy?... (looks out and spots Billy in the back of the room) -- present.

Susie?... (there she is… little wallflower) -- present.

Glenn?... (uh... cute as usual) -- present.

Kathleen?... (there she is... for now!) -- present.

Mark?... (where it is he? In the back? No, that's Brian. Hmmm? Is he here today? Hmmm? No, not over there... no, not over there...)

Mark? Has anyone seemed Mark today? Hmmm? I guess... I guess he's not here today. Not present. (Mark's not here! Mark is not here! Mark is not here! MARK IS NOT HERE !!! YES!

No Mark tantrums! No Mark fights! No Mark arguments! IT'S TIME FOR A CELEBRATION! IT'S GOING TO BE A GREAT DAY TODAY! No Mark interruptions to distract the other kids. No Mark whining to take me from the others. Going be able to get work done today. It’s going to be a GREAT day! MARK IS NOT HERE TODAY!!

Not your darling! No… It can’t be your darling whose absence causes celebration among his/her teacher. Well, sometimes it is your darling! Or, maybe your darling is the invisible child who never causes any trouble but is also virtually unknown to the teacher and the other children because he/she is so quiet. Or, is yours the fidgety one? The “yes…but” kid. You know the one who, “yes is bright, but is so active!” Or, “yes is very sweet, but can’t keep his/her hands or feet still.” Or, yes, is well liked, but always has to be first. How do your darlings become the children of kindergarten, elementary school, middle and high school? How do they become the good, great, and… uh… other kids? How do they become the good, great, and other academic and social successes or failures of school and other future communities? Harsh as it may sound, when I tell the little vignette above to teachers from preschool age to elementary to high school, I get uproarious laughter, knowing nods, and teachers pointing fingers at each other. There are children that become so frustrating to teachers that they virtually celebrate when such children DO NOT come to class. Does this happen due to the dynamics of the classroom, the playground, or the home, the family, and the neighborhood, or the media? The anger is the classic therapist answer… it depends! There are many aspects and circumstances that contribute to a child’s success or failure. The home, the family, the neighborhood, the class, the playground, and even the media are the communities every child grows up and develops in.

Read the complete article by Rondld Mah

Ronald Mah is the author of several articles and books and DVD's.

Spotlight on .... Brooke Miller / INA Conference Speaker

The thing about making changes ....

This past weekend I lost my phone in my car. After having a friend call it and “shhh”…listen-for-it-to-vibrate-so-I-can-follow-the-sound-to-find-out-where-it-is…I figured it fell somewhere between the seat and the door.

So I reached my arm down to grab it…nothing. After wishing my arms were longer and my hands were bigger, I reached further. My fingers eventually made contact, barely. I moved and reached and stretched and extended—and finally got a hold of it. It’s almost embarrassing to describe the level of excitement I felt when I realized it just might be able to make this happen…

Then I wiggled. I wiggled my arm and hand and grip back and forth and tried to maintain my hold long enough to free the phone to safety in my hands. At one point, I had it…and then it dropped again, letting me know my only option was to get out of the car, move the seat, and grab it once and for all.

Why am I telling you about my weekend phone follies?

Read the entire article on Soapbox Therapy

Brooke Miller will be a featured speaker at the upcoming INA Conference in San Francisco. To learn more about Ms. Miller, visit Soapbox Therapy.

Dr. Toy's Tips on Selecting Toys and Other Children's Products©

Stevanne Auerbach, Dr. Toy!

You want to find the best toys and other products for your child. The process of going to a toy store or finding toys online is challenging and can be overwhelming. There is a lot to know before you shop about how to find the right item that your child can enjoy for a long time.

Before you purchase any children's product, examine it and ask yourself the following questions:

1.Safety
Is the toy safe? Are there potential hazards? Is the product too small? Are there sharp edges or loose ties? Is it nontoxic? Will it take rough treatment? Does it meet Consumer Product Safety Standards? Is there a warranty?

2.Fun
Does it entertain the child? Does it amuse, delight, excite?

3.Age Grading
Is the product age-appropriate? Does it fit the child's age, skills, and abilities? Will it hold the child’s interest? Will it make the child happy?

4.Design
Is it easy to use? Does it look good? Does it feel good?

5.Versatility
Is it versatile? Is there more than one use for the product?

6.Durability
Will it last a long time? Children play hard and subject their toys to a lot of abuse and wear.

7.Interesting
Is it enticing? Is it fun to play with? Does it offer an opportunity to learn, and to think? Does it teach about the child’s living environment?

8.Creativity
Will it expand the child’s creativity?

The right products can expand the child’s imagination in art, crafts, hobbies, language, reading, music, movement, and drama.

9.Usability
Will it frustrate or challenge the child? Does it offer something new to learn, to practice, or try? Will the child know how to use the product? Or, will it be too difficult to use without adult assistance?

10.Packaging
Does the product match the package and the package match the product?

If the toy does not match ads or packaging it can be disappointing.

Is age-grading clear? Is the item in the store like the product shown in the print or TV advertisement?

11.Personal Values
Will it nurture childhood? Does it help the child express emotions, experience concern for others, practice positive social interaction? Does it promote wholesome childhood values? Or are there any violent, sexist, or other negative aspects to the product?

12.Educational
What will it teach? Does it expand positive self-esteem, values, understanding, and cultural awareness? Does it offer practice in skill-building? Eye-hand coordination? Fine and large motor skills? Communication? Does it educate the child about the environment? The community? The world? History? Computers? Other skills?

13.Maintenance
Can it be cleaned and reused? If it is not washable, can it be cleaned in some practical way?

14.Cost
Is it affordable? Does the price match the value received?

You want to find toys and products that offer an opportunity to think, to learn to practice, or try something new and beneficial. Some products are perfect for playing games; others are just right for activities such as construction projects, arts and crafts, puzzles, or a family hobby.

Having fun together as a family is an important part of a child's play experience. Play is, after all, a time for having fun. Learning is a lot easier and is more enduring when it's fun!

Here are few final thoughts:

1.Encourage your child to tell you about the toys and products on its wish list.
2.Consider getting one of those fantasy products the child wants, even if you think it's silly.
3.Childhood is fleeting. Even if we don't agree about the child’s choice, the child needs to learn to be responsible for decisions made as a consumer. The child is influenced a lot by what their friends are playing with and by what is seen on television.
4.Make a point of examining the toys and products included on Dr. Toy's extensive list of award-winning products (http://www.drtoy.com/) each one has valuable activity, creativity, or education built in, and your child will benefit.

Let's play!

Dr. Toy will be a featured speaker at the upcoming INA Conference in San Francisco.

She is the author of several books including,

Dr. Toy's Smart Play: How To Raise A Child With a High PQ (Play Quotient)

Choosing Childcare: Finding and Keeping the Best Childcare Arrangements">Choosing Childcare: Finding and Keeping the Best Childcare Arrangements


The Toy Chest: A Complete Sourcebook of Toys for Children">The Toy Chest: A Complete Sourcebook of Toys for Children


Some of Dr. Toy's Favorite Websites

Monday Moxie: The W's of INA's 2010 Conference

The W's of INA's 2010 Conference
by Greta Schraer
CincyNanny
reprinted from Friday January 8, 2010



International Nanny Association presents a Professional Nanny Conference each year! I have dropped hints the last couple of weeks about the fact that I am going and I think that you ALL should join me. This week's High5 is all the information that I have so far. I hope that is spurs you to seriously think about setting aside your resources to participate.


High5 - The W's of INA's 2010 Conference

5. Who?
This conference is designed for the Professional Nanny and Industry Professionals looking to grow professionally and personally.

To read the rest of the article please visit:
High5: The W's of INA's 2010 Conference

Starting this Thursday, make sure you check out Table Talk Thursday, as Regarding Nannies introduces you to the speakers of the INA 2010 Conference.