LLD's Hope 2.0 Plan

One of my sitters and good friends sent me an article from The Economist “The Year of Hope 2.0” by Arianna Huffington. I always liked Arianna ever since I saw her speak at Radio City back in 2008. I have been meeting with professional, smart women now more than ever who are looking for work and trying to keep going during this ‘recession’ or whatever we are calling it now. 

I feel it is so important to have a strong network that you can go to when you need career assistance, job referrals, networking & event opportunities and side jobs to keep you afloat in the mean time.  LLD’s goal is to provide these qualified, wonderful women a networking platform where they can go to stay inspired and motivated. Whether you are new to a city or looking to meet new people after a job change, LLD will provide you with tips to get involved in the community, meet new families, what events to stop by and even post announcements you can share with the rest of the LLD sitter network.

I agree with Arianna, we all need to stop relying on Washington to make the changes; the changes come from within each of us. LLD is excited to launch this initiative and make even more of an impact on the lives of our sitters just like they make a significant difference in the lives of our family’s children.

Check out the article here http://www.economist.com/node/17493282

-LB

Stock up with CleanWell this Season

Its holiday season, but it is also cold season. Stock up for the holidays and be prepared to fight off that cold with CleanWell!

LLD was happy to attend one of the coolest kiddie Halloween parties last night, equipped with a blow up house, Halloween music, costumes, themed goodies and more! As the ‘hall monitor’ for all the kids I was stocked up with my CleanWell wipes in case of dropped food, spilled drinks or expected seasonal coughs and sneezes.

My favorite products as a childcare provider are the All-Natural Hand Sanitizing Wipes, which come in singlets that are easy to pack for parents and sitters on-the-go.  I also love the All-Natural Foaming Hand Sanitizer perfect for the washroom or high traffic areas. Both are quick and easy when rushing the kids out the door, but ensures everyone is germ free.

CleanWell offers a natural alternative to traditional antibacterial products. CleanWell products contain thyme, a natural essential oil that has been used for centuries.  Their products are made in America, biodegradable and certified cruelty-free by PETA.

CleanWell can be purchased at Target, Whole Foods Market and Amazon.com

 

-LB

My Adventures in Babysitting, by Laurie Keith

What does it take to be a good sitter? Someone asked me that the other day and it made me think about my approach when it comes to meeting a new family and building a relationship with their children.

I believe successful babysitters have to have to demonstrate two things: building a personal connection with the parents and being clear about their childcare and family needs and becoming a trusting friend and mentor to the children.

I think it’s extremely important to get to know the family you’re sitting for. The first time I meet a family, I make sure to understand their parenting style and routines. What time does the child go to bed? Do they like water or milk? Do they get to watch TV before bed? Do they want a bedtime story or song? Every family is different and if you can mirror your babysitting style after what the child is comfortable with – you have a better chance of connecting to the family. Children want to feel safe and secure with you after their parents leave.

It’s also important to bond with the children. You can’t just show up and throw in a movie. I always engage with the kids and ask them questions about themselves and their lives. One unique thing I like to ask is “what questions did you ask today?” vs. “What did you learn today?” I love knowing what a child finds curious about the events in their life. I also think it’s important to play with the kids… they are kids after all! The last time I babysat, one of the children wrote a song and we put on a performance – I sang and they played the instruments. We recorded the whole thing to watch back. It was so much fun and a memory we’ll have forever.

To me – caring for children comes naturally. I think it’s because I am able to relate to them and see the world on their level. I want them to feel completely comfortable around me and be able to communicate to me about their wants and needs and also their dreams and fears. I think the role of a babysitter is unique – I’m clearly the adult that is in charge – however I develop a friendly bond with the children and act as a mentor for them. I think it’s important for children to have a role model outside of their parents – and this is the type of relationship I try to form with the children I babysit. Forming a special friendship with a child not only impacts their life – but also profoundly inspires mine.

Submitted by:

Laurie Keith

Beyond Teaching is Beyond Amazing: Interview with Dimity Kirwan

I had the pleasure of sitting down at Peacefood Café yesterday with Dimity Kirwan, the CEO of Beyond Teaching a super savvy, fast-growing online community of teachers seeking extra work as tutors and caregivers.

Dimity connects teachers with parents who are looking for skilled and knowledgeable individuals to work with their children. Sound familiar to LLD?

Beyond Teaching believes that providing children with ongoing learning experiences is essential. Dimity and I understand that parents often struggle to find top quality childcare and tutors. LLD & Beyond Teaching are proud to collaborate in developing a solution for busy moms throughout the tri-state area by providing the best local tutors and caregivers. During the interview I had the opportunity to ask Dimity several questions about herself and Beyond Teaching.

Tell us about your story?

I’m from Wilton, CT, which is in Fairfield County. I have a twin sister, a younger brother and sister, and 3 much younger half sisters, for whom I often babysat and nannied. I went to Tulane University, in New Orleans. When I graduated, I joined Teach for America and completed a masters of education, specializing in Childhood 1-6, from Pace University whil

e teaching in Harlem.

What led you to start Beyond Teaching ?

Throughout my first three years of teaching, I supplemented my income through babysitting and tutoring, but connecting with families was always tough. I loved working with kids one on one and wished that I had more opportunities to do so, as did my fellow teacher friends. I thought it would be such a great business to connect these wonderful families I was meeting with great sitters/tutors.

What is the coolest thing that has happened to you this far?

My grant to start Beyond Teaching from the Jones New Yo

rk Empowerment Fund and meeting Dee Dee Meyers! I heard about this grant offer through Ladies Who Launch, applied, and received the grant in September 2010. All the recipients were featured in an ad campaign that ran in Elle & Real Simple Magazine.

So what is your goal with Beyond Teaching ?

On a larger scale, I'm hoping to empower teachers to utilize their skills beyond the classroom and to be compensated accordingly. I would love to do this full-time as I love being able to connect families and students with quality tutors.

What’s your favorite childhood memory?

Generally, playing outdoors with my siblings. Our house was in the middle of the woods, and we created a fantasyland out of nature! My love for nature has continued - when I'm not teaching or working on Beyond Teaching , I'm an avid rock climber and yogi!

So how do tutors get involved in Beyond Teaching ?

It's easy - take 10 minutes to visit our website www.gobeyondteaching.com and register for free.

Thanks to Dimity for all the great insight! That's all for now, make sure to keep following LLD!

-LB

How young is too young for a babysitter?

As the oldest of five girls, yes five! I have spent much of my life as a mother’s helper for my own mom. That background and experience is without a doubt what led me to run Lucky Lil' Darlings (LLD). My mother always believed (and I now agree) that a 12 year-old is too young to babysit alone and be fully responsible for children. As a result, I and my four sisters grew up with a mother’s helper until I got a bit older.

Once I turned 16 I bought my first car and was able to take my first babysitting job. I babysat for a family of three girls (7yrs, 5yrs and 4yrs old) about 5 miles from my parents' house. I felt confident that I could handle any situation, as I had my own vehicle to drive the kids somewhere in case of an emergency, knew quite a bit about meal preparation for kids, and had experience with my own sisters.

Through having spent more than a decade focused on professional childcare, I have met hundreds of sitters of all ages and babysat for hundreds of families. I think the most important factor a parent should consider when selecting a childcare provider is good old fashion instinct. Always use sitters directly referred from friends and always check references. Then, when you meet the sitter in person, just follow your gut. Is this person a good fit with my family? Can this sitter handle an emergency? If you don't feel totally comfortable that the answers are YES and YES, then I strongly advise you to find another sitter.

That instinct is at the heart of our Secure Sitter Selection process at LLD. After the candidate is directly referred, passes a background check and after we check references I always meet the sitter in person before sending her to any of our member families. After speaking with so many sitters throughout the years, I know exactly what to look for and ask candidates. Is the sitter professional? Is this person 100% reliable? Does the sitter know how to handle certain situations? Does the sitter have the requisite childcare experience we need? And, ultimately, do I get that "good feeling"?

That's one of the things I love most about LLD. We are essentially a professional screening service that allows me to promise my clients that when a sitter arrives at their home - they'll instantly have that same great feeling. Not only is babysitting an essential service for today's busy family, but LLD makes it so much easier for parents. LLD member families know our sitters are all rigorously-screened role models their kids will look up to. Our sitters are all college-educated, referred, dependable, interviewed and FUN, and they quickly become an integral part of our members' routines.

For any questions on finding your first sitter or LLD please contact me at Lindsay.bell@luckylildarlings.com

-LB

Baby Loves Disco Event & LLD

Only in NYC are kids taken underground for a cool dance experience with a rockin’ out DJ, yummy organic snacks, puppet making and more!

It all came alive this Halloween at the Baby Loves Disco event held at Le Poisson Rouge down on Bleeker. LLD hosted the popular puppet making table sponsored by Creativity for Kids, the company is based in my ole stomping grounds Cleveland, OH and has tons of inspiring products to entertain your child.

It was so cool.

The kids came decked out in lil’ spooktacular costumes and broke it down on the dance floor. Some of these kids can really dance. Huggies sponsored the event, which lucky moms left with heaps of diapers. My friends at Macaroni Kid Downtown were there giving kids Halloween tattoos, Plum Organics was next to our table handing out snacks, and moms loved learning about the new Chess NYC buddies programs & IntenSati for Mommies workshop on the UWS both of who are partnering their services with LLD! It was a day filled with fun for the kids as well as informational for the parents!

Moms & Dads left the event with a gift bag filled with coupons from Whole Foods, Clean Well & Ella’s Kitchen as well as lots of fun new activities to keep your lil’ ones active this winter! And for you loyal readers use code DISCO at check out on the Clean Well website!

Can’t wait for the next Baby Loves Disco Event November 5^th in Park Slope!

-LB

spooktacular themed snack

It’s almost Halloween and I love it! I am spending the weekend out in Locust Valley with one of our LLD families. Long Island has it all for fall; the changing of the leaves, the smell of crisp fall air, pumpkin picking…ahhhh country. Well sort of. My favorite thing about Halloween is hosting a gathering with spooktacular themed foods. As I surf the net for fun new recipes, I receive a thank you from an event that I attended (and LLD partnered with) hosted by Mom Trends at Glassybaby , the goodwill glass maker down in the village this past Tuesday. Perfect timing! They sent me the delicious recipe for their Parmesan Popcorn. Just what I needed! See recipe below. Let me know what you think of it!

Happy Party Planning!

Parmesan Popcorn

This is one of my favorite go to party snacks, perfect finger food to serve in, for example, decorative paper cones. Easy to make & actually very cheap. (Even though you couldn't tell by the flavor.)

1/2 stick of salted butter

2 tblsp truffle oil

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Melt the butter and the truffle oil over low heat or in the microwave. Take of the heat. Drip over popcorn and then add the parmesan cheese.