Austin

IN THIS ISSUE:
Message from Kathy | Supernanny | Announcements | Calendar
Nanny Network| Ask the Expert | MBF in the News
MBF Superstars | Craft Activity | Job Openings at MBF | Serving the Community

A Message From Kathy
As you may already know, the start of the school year can be a funny time for kids and parents alike. On one hand, everyone feels a little excitement at the end of the summer; they’ve all become a little tired of all the fun they’ve been having. Parents might be looking forward to a return to the quiet of daily routines which were lost with the passing of the last school year. And even though they might hate to admit it, kids, too, are always just a little relieved to be returning to some semblance of order as well.

Change, however, is always a little unsettling. The same things that can be exciting about a new school year—new classes, new schedules, new friends—can also cause anxiety for the kids you care for, as well as for their parents. I’ve come to understand this anxiety first-hand. This year will be the first that all four of my children will be attending new schools. That has meant more running around for new clothes, books, and other supplies than in years past. Not only that—we are also experimenting with homeschooling my two oldest children part-time this year, which has caused a great deal of change in our normal schedules.

As a result, I know how reassuring it can be to have support in maintaining something like normalcy in the first months of school. That’s why all of us here at MBF are committed to help steady things for the families we serve during this time, whatever their needs may be. For many of you already in jobs, that can mean increased job demands, depending on your responsibilities. As an MBF Nanny, we are confident that you will ably help the family you serve throughout these anxious months. In the meantime, we are available to offer you any advice and support you may need to help ensure your continued success.

For now, here’s wishing you a safe, healthy, and sane school year ahead!
Kathy Dupuy, Founder and President

Austin Nanny Network
Are you missing fun events like Nanny Night Out, Playgroups and continuing education? If so, you need to join the Nanny Network Yahoo group by emailing: austinnannynetwork@yahoo.com so that you can stay up-to-date on all upcoming events.

MBF Staff
We are continuing to grow at MBF and we encourage you to take a look at the new faces, and in particular the team that you work with on a regular basis: Our Staff.

Able Problem Solvers Session a Success
Claire Flynn with For Kids Sake presented "Able Problem Solving", a continuing education session to a group of MBF nannies on August 22nd. Over 30 nannies attended the session and the reviews for the content were fantastic. To be alerted of future MBF continuing education opportunities, please sign up fo the Nanny Network Yahoo group by emailing: austinnannynetwork@yahoo.com.

September 14: Nanny Night Out. If you are interested, please email austinnannynetwork@yahoo.com to join the Austin Nanny Network email list and receive complete details on this and other nanny events.

October 2: Supernanny application deadline

October 25: Annual Nanny Recognition Week Fall Festival and Supernanny Contest winner announcement

Last month's Nanny Network was a big hit. It was the opening night of The Nanny Diaries movie and we had a great showing of caregivers. MBF provided the candy and the nannies supplied the fun!

A: Well, here we are once again: Back to School! This is a time of great expectations, excitement and, of course, a little trepidation as well.

These tips and techniques will get you through at least the winter holidays! One thing we depend on heavily (and that is essential with a child who splits her time between Mom and Dad’s houses) is a family calendar. Ours is on the computer (Gmail) and every person is in a different color. While this is definitely a high tech approach, a simple wall calendar, put up where everyone can see it, can work just as well.

Another thing I would suggest is to schedule downtime. I find that my family benefits from that, and maybe yours will as well!

In addition to the family calendar, we have a central location for shoes, backpacks, cell phones and keys. And it’s right in front of the door to the car. Before the kids head to the bath tub at night, they pack their backpacks and leave them there. Then in the morning, it’s the last thing they put on.

Finally, to keep us on a healthy track, we pack a lunch 1 or 2 days out of the week. The kids check the lunch calendar and decide for the MONTH what days they want a school lunch. Then we plan a menu of lunches (noted on OUR calendar) so we can shop accordingly. Click here for some good sack lunch and snack suggestions. For more calendar and family organizing information, visit these sites:

Household Notebook: Make your own planner
Managing Your Family

Thanks and Happy School Year!
Tiffany Keeton, Nanny and Family Manager

Law firm tackles workers' juggling acts
Austin American Statesman, August 22, 2007

Nanny, household staffing service expands to San Antonio
San Antonio Business Journal, July 31, 2007

Press Release: San Antonio Moms Find New Best Friend
July 31, 2007

Austin Pernanent Nanny Virginia		Austin Temporary Nanny Amy
Virginia recently completed a short-term nanny position with an MBF family. She has her Ph.D. from the University of Texas in Educational Psychology. She was a principal for Sacred Heart Church School for over five years and has served on their school board. She has years of sitter experience, and she is a grandmother of a 5 and 8 year old. She has worked with all ages of children over the years in school. She adores children and has a deep passion for them.		Amy has been both a full-time professional nanny and a temporary nanny. She holds her masters degree in Family and Child Studies from Texas State University. She has also assisted in teaching Child Development classes at Austin Community College. Amy is very outgoing and she does an excellent job interacting with all children. She has experience with all ages and always arrives at a job prepared with activities and games!

Colorful
Autumn Leaves
Glue Paper plate

Instructions:
First, go on a leaf hunt around the back yard or at a park with your child(ren). Try and collect as many different sizes and colors as possible. Next, make your wreath shape from the paper plate by cutting out the center portion of the plate. Lastly, have the charge(s) glue the leaves onto the wreath plate to make an Autumn Wreath.

We currently have after school and part-time Nanny positions available, job numbers 5427, 5371, 5386 and many all day, after school, or temporary positions. Job number 5417 is a great opportunity to work with a large family of five children! Austin also has a few new positions; jobs 5005, 5274, and 5546.

We have plenty of semester and part-time Nanny positions available in Austin and Houston, perfect for a student who has classes on certain days, and/or needs to supplement their income.
Austin: click here for available semester positions 
Houston: click here for available part-time positions  

We are also seeking great housekeepers. Who do you know? Mom's Best Friend offers wonderful referral bonuses!!