Hey <<First Name>>,

“There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings.”
— Hodding Carter

POP QUIZ
Which actress played the nanny in The Nanny sitcom?

In this issue:

• Hiring a Nanny
• Flying With Kids
• Picking The Right Preschool

The time has come for you to head back to work, which means it’s Nanny hunting time. If you’ve ever seen the sitcom The Nanny, you know you have your work cut out for you when choosing the right one.

Every family has different needs. Keep these tips in mind when hiring your nanny:

1. Outline your and your family’s needs (do you need weekend help or weekday help?).
2. Determine your budget.
3. Think about the long-term (are your kids young? Will they potentially need a nanny for a couple more years?).
4. Ask your friends if they have any nanny recommendations.
5. Have a list of questions ready to interview the nannies you’re interested in.
6. Ask your candidates for references.

Now, let’s hire a nanny:

• Write a job description including the number of hours and specifics you’d like your nanny to complete.
• Locate candidates via Facebook groups, friends, or look on Care.
• Schedule an interview with the chosen one.
• Call their references, and do a background check.

When hiring a nanny, ultimately you’re entering into a partnership - and partnerships have contracts and rules. These are a few suggestions when onboarding your nanny:

1. Outline remuneration, hours, duties, and amount of leave.
2. Explain your parenting style to them.
3. Plan your holidays in advance so your nanny knows whether they’re needed over a period of time.
4. Remember that your nanny is there to look after your kids, not the rest of your house.

Ever wondered what it's really like to be a nanny? This nanny with 25 years of experience details everything from the good to the bad to the ugly. Read her full story here.

You don’t want to be THAT parent with the kid that’s screaming and crying, because they’re bored and hate airplane food.

Ready to become the super organized travel family of the century?

When flying with kids, remember to:

• Pack light.
• Use bright bags.
• Check that each bag isn’t overweight.
• Make sure they get enough sleep before your travel day.
• Get your partner or family member to go on board first with excess luggage (only carry babes).
• Pack their favorite snacks.
• Bring your own entertainment (let them download their favorite shows, or bring their favorite game).

Now, what you also want to read is this in depth travel guide from a flight attendant. Given that they see when parents get it right, and when parents get it wrong, flight attendants have found what works and what doesn’t. This is what works and will make your travel experience with kids that much more pleasant.

Alesandra Dubin is a professional traveler who has been traveling with her twins since they were two years old. These are her top tips for traveling with kids:

1. Fly with global entry for the entire family.
2. Buy your kids proper suitcases, not pretty backpacks that you’ll end up carrying.
3. Stay at places that have kids clubs at the hotel.

Finally, before you head to the airport, ensure that you:

• And your children are seated together.
• Have a 🤢 bag at the ready.
• Pack an extra set of clothes (for everyone).
• Bring food alternatives (fussy kids + plane food = potential disaster).
• Check the hotel has a crib and connecting doors.

The preschool you choose for your child is not a decision made lightly. After all, preschool is the foundation for their learning. You know what they say about solid foundations…

How do you go about searching for a flawless foundation?

• Know your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
• Visit the school you’re interested in and examine the environment.
• Chat with the program director to get a feel for what your child will be learning.

Here’s what to look for in a high-quality preschool according to research:

1. Teachers have formal post-high school training.
2. Teachers are positive and caring.
3. Teaching is interactive and engaging.
4. The school uses positive discipline and patiently guides the child’s behavior.
5. Kids have a lot of free playing time to encourage social learning.

Not all schools will match your profile. These are some important factors to remember when choosing a preschool:

• Don’t choose a school that’s only interested in making profit.
• Ensure the school has multiple facilities, resources, and equipment to stimulate your child’s learning.
• Avoid schools with oversized classes (25+).
• Check that the school is serving healthy, good quality foods at lunchtime.
• Ask if there are dedicated spaces that separate learning from play and nap time.

What if your kid consumes knowledge like no other and is considered gifted? We’re getting young Sheldon vibes. Sending them to a normal preschool won’t stimulate them enough. This guide explains how to identify if your kid is a genius, and offers advice on where to send gifted children to school so they can develop their mindset in the best way possible. Read the full guide here.

Fran Drescher starred in The Nanny.

What is one travel destination you’d love to take your kids to one day?