| IN THIS ISSUE:
Message from Kathy|
Announcements |
In the News
Tax Tips From Breedlove and Associates |
Ask the Expert
MBF Superstars | What Clients and Nannies are Saying |
Serving the Community Summer Greetings!
As I speak to parent employers of nannies, I continue to hear themes of partnership and teamwork. MBF families place a great amo unt of dependence on their nannies or nanny/household managers to help “run their lives.” Our amazing caregivers (the title is no coincidence as they do indeed care for the whole family) are always stepping up to the plate to take on greater responsibility, ease the often heavy burden of their employers and walk alongside them to assist in whatever capacity is most needed. In my household, that may change on a daily basis! My precious nanny of 2 years functions as camp director, driver, chef, trainer, personal assistant, project manager, travel companion, activities coordinator, personal shopper, and much more! I can barely function on days that she is not a part of this parenting team, responsible for molding and shaping the character and development of four little lives! Many hours have been spent brainstorming together on creating goals and plans for fine motor skills, large motor skills, language development, cognitive development and social/emotional development. Together, we work toward achieving these goals and then together, we celebrate the victories!
If you do not currently have the advantage of this type of wonderful partnership, MBF can help you find that perfect match! Best regards,
Kathy Dupuy, Owner and Founder
Office Expansion
After 14 years in business, our staff has grown and we have expanded our offices within the building! Our address will remain the same at 1101 Capital of Texas Hwy. S, Building H, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78746, but we encourage you to stop by anytime to see the new space! We would also like to remind you that if you move, please notify MBF so we can update our records. Fall Backup Care
Be sure to take a look at your 2008-2009 school calendar and book your Mom's Best Friend sitter for the fall student holidays!
Mom's Best Friend Founder Selected as 2008 Austin Business Journal 'Profiles in Power' Finalist
We are proud to announce that Kathy Dupuy, President and Founder of Mom's Best Friend, has been selected as one of 25 finalists for the Austin Business Journal Profiles in Power Awards. A Profile in Power is a working woman of distinction that has gained recognition because she is a successful business owner or member of top management with a company or organization of any size and has given back to her community. Profiles In Power
Mom's Best Friend Adopts Background Checks with Ongoing Monitoring
The Austin Business Journal recently published a story called "CSIdentity on the Prowl" regarding CSIdentity, a local company that monitors background check company. "Austin-based nanny agency Mom's Best Friend is one of the first to try the new service that checks employees' criminal histories once a month. 'We've just always felt very strongly about making sure we have the most comprehensive checks,' says Kathy Dupuy, founder and president. 'Sending caregivers into homes is so personal.'"
Austin Business Journal, June 27, 2008
Child-care workers hold future in their hands
Mom's Best Friend was featured in the Houston Chronicle on the front page of the Jobs section. Following is an excerpt, "Since nannies work in the employer's home instead of in a child-care facility they must have the ability to motivate themselves and a knack for creativity. Agencies such as Mom's Best Friend provide ongoing support to nurture those skill sets. 'We have quarterly follow-up calls, a bimonthly newsletter with craft ideas, recipes and exprt timps, an annual nanny recognition event, and ongoing-education opportunities with guest speakers,' Dupuy said."
Houston Chronicle, May 25, 2008
Q: I have my own business. Can I run my nanny’s payroll through the company? A: Unfortunately, the answer is no. The IRS considers this practice illegal. Additionally, it exposes your business – as well as your personal finances – to unnecessary legal risk. Here’s a brief explanation. To encourage employment, businesses receive tax breaks on their payroll expenses. As a result, every employee must be a “direct contributor” to the success of the business. The IRS has ruled that a nanny is a “direct contributor” to the household – not the business. Therefore, the nanny must be treated as a household employee and paid through the personal finances of the family. Once the family has complied with the state and federal household employment tax process, the family is entitled to tax breaks on their personal income tax return. If handled incorrectly, both your business and your personal tax returns will be inaccurate and require you to prepare amended returns – and pay back taxes along with penalties and interest. Additionally, if the nanny is paid by the business, your business assets will be exposed in the event of legal action. The bottom line: you can easily avoid all the legal and tax problems if you pay your nanny through your personal bank account and take your tax break on your personal return.  Founded in 1992 — by household employers for household employers — Breedlove & Associates is a full-service, full-support tax & payroll service. They have served more than 11,000 clients and processed more than $1 billion in household payroll. By focusing on the unique needs of household employers, Breedlove & Associates’ expertise and efficiency has been recognized in The Wall Street Journal, Kiplinger’s, Business Week and SmartMoney.com. For more information or a free phone consultation compliments of MBF, call 1-888-273-3356 or visit www.breedlove-online.com.
Q: I work full-time and see my nanny only briefly on her way in the door in the morning and then on my way out the door in the evening. How can we effectively communicate and partner together when we never really have time to sit down and talk? A: As a mother of 4 unique, challenging but precious children and a business owner having worked with hundreds of families over the last 14 years, I cannot begin to stress to importance of keeping open channels of communication and always closely working together. Even though you work outside of the home full-time, you can still create systems which enable frequent, ongoing conversation and joint planning. There are several tools you can use to make sure that you are consistently on the same page... Read full response
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| | | | | John began his childcare career in high school when he volunteered to help care for a child with muscular dystrophy for over four years. John has also worked as a teacher at Children's Courtyard, caring for children of all ages, including infants. John became a babysitting resource for several families at the school, and eventually was hired on as a full-time nanny manager for a family with four young children.
John is completing his associate's degree in History and would like to continue to obtain his bachelor's in early childhood education so he can teach kindergarten. | | Jennifer’s experience as a nanny manager began when she worked for a family with four children!
Jennifer has been described as “a very reliable caregiver" and “very on top of things.” One former employer even going so far as to call her “the perfect babysitter” and “A natural with children.”
Jennifer has cared for kids of all ages in her many years as a nanny. She is a highly creative caregiver who loves doing crafts with children. She has even decorated a nursery for one family. |
MBF should be commended for its response time to requests and availability.
--Derek A, Nanny Client
 The sitter was great. She really interacted well with my son. They played board games, hide and seek, and much more. I was very pleased with her service. Thanks so much! It really eased my mind knowing I could leave my child in very capable hands and feel comfortable doing so. I appreciate your time helping me in a time of need.
--Angie J, Sitter Client You work very hard to make sure that I get all the jobs I can. You also make sure that the clients who request me, get what they ask...you are my great agent working very hard on my behalf and looking out for my best interest.
-- Temujin Scott, Sitter
Each quarter, our staff looks forward to our time with the gir ls at The Settlement Home. Comming up at the end of July, our ladies at MBF will make crafts and decorate cookies with the girls. We are looking foward to a day of fun and interaction with the girls! The girls can give their creations to their house parents and friends!
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