Turn Play Time Into Play Dates!

Nannies add a spark in the home. The one-on-one care they provide to children makes for great self-esteem boosters. Children experience individual learning. While the one-on-one care is great for child development, it is important for children to have social interaction as well. Play dates are great ways for caregivers to remain involved while helping children interact with others.

            In play dates, nannies can teach children how to interact emotionally and socially. They guide them to learn how relationships function in the form of friendships. Playing with other children provide the environment to learn how to share and compromise. Play dates are also strong antidotes to bullying. They provide the venue to introduce kids to the concept of accepting others.

            Children learn how to be polite and respectful during play dates. They’re able to learn to collaborate and cooperate with other kids and caregivers. Successful play dates are planned play dates. Forcing children to overplay may lead to restlessness depending on age. Allow them to “free” play for 60-90 minutes, maybe followed by a structured activity where everyone participates. By the end of the play date, children will have had adequate social interaction for the day and be ready to transition back into a one-on-one atmosphere.

            Play dates are easy activities for nannies to plan. They can be held in the house, park, a local gym, or Mommy and Me class. As part of the nanny’s responsibility, she should first be certain the parents are consulted about to whose home children are taken, or who may be coming into their home. Secondly, relay details about the play date back to the parents. Nannies can share how the kids interacted with others, how they respond in a group, and what sort of games they like the most. While the individual care and one-on-one playtime children receive at home is great for developmental growth, play dates help prepare children for the transition into the longer days of being with other children when they eventually enter school.

Don’t Let Summer Bite

The summer heat attracts seasonal bugs. Ants, ticks, flees, and mosquitos tend to bite more during the summer months. Kids spending more time outdoors during these warmer days, run a higher risk of being bit by bugs. While dressing children in long sleeves during the summer may not seem practical, parents and caregivers might want to consider thin, loose-fitting clothes that don’t include bright colors. Linen is a great alternative for shorts and tank tops. The light and loose material allows for children to be covered and cool.

            Wearing socks and sneakers instead of sandals when playing in grass can reduce chances of being bit. Be sure to also avoid dusk and dawn. These periods are when bugs tend to bite most aggressively. Scented soaps and lotions left on the skin add to the aggressive biting.

When kids want to be outside, just be sure to pick the right bug repellant. DEET, a slightly yellow oil believed to repel insects, is one of the most common ingredients in most bug sprays. Some repellents include extra ingredients to remove the DEET chemical. However, most experts agree that repellents with DEET have the best protection. Parents and caregivers have to keep in mind that products with higher DEET concentrations aren’t necessarily stronger than those with lesser concentrations; they just tend to last longer. If children are going to be outside for a few hours, repellent with 10% DEET will work. For longer days outdoors, 20% DEET proves more effective. Always consult a physician before applying bug repellent to children under the age of three.

            As a bonus, many bug repellents come with built in sunscreen, but be aware. These products should be used with caution. Sunscreen is meant to be re-applied multiple times throughout the day, while bug repellents, especially those containing DEET, are not. It is best to think about sunscreen and repellent as separate applications. Summer is a time to enjoy the long days outdoors. Kids should be able to play outside without the summer bite!

Idea from: Summer Safety