Be Prepared This Hurricane Season

With Emily, Eugene, and who knows who else is on their way, it's time to prepare for ...dun dun dun...hurricane season! When working with kids, this time of year can be a bit scary. Don't worry though, here are some tips to help you get through a power outage.

1)Stay Calm- If you're anxious, the kids will know it and react. Stay calm, and even make it fun for the kids. Get excited, and say things to the kids like, "yay, fun, no power, lets play!" Make the best out of a bad situation.


2)Be Prepared- Knowing it's hurricane season, talk to the parents before they leave. Ask them where the flash lights are and spare batteries. Candles are also okay to use, but not necessarily recommended. Make sure the children do not go near the lit candle.  Never leave the kids alone in a room, keep your eyes on them at all times.

Also, make sure you arrive with a fully charged cell phone. You always want to make sure the parents can get a hold of you and vice versa. Occasionally text the parents to let them know everything is okay.


3)Prepare food- Have meals, and non-perishable foods ready. If you are taking care of a baby, prepare bottles and keep them in the refrigerator. The fridge should stay cold for a while, just make sure you only open it when absolutely necessary.


4)Have fun- If the power goes out during the day, it's easier to find activities to do. You can play board games, card games, arts and crafts, etc. However, if the power goes out at night, the task is more difficult (unless the kids are sleeping). You can still make it fun though.
-Build tents and forts
-Grab a flash light and put a shadow show on the wall. Little Bunny Foo Foo, is a personal favorite of mine.
-Ask the parents if the siblings can have a sleepover in the same room. This is a fun treat for the children, and they will feel safe.
-If the kids are old enough, playing hide and go seek in the dark is also fun.
-Grab a wireless radio, play some music, sing and dance in the dark.

I hope everyone finds these tips useful. Please feel free to share some of your favorite power outage activities, and please stay safe this hurricane season!

Love,
Elyssa and The Babysitting Company

Monika's TBC Experience

The family that I babysit for visits South Florida every other month to enjoy beautiful weather and beaches.  One night that they came in, they took me out to dinner with the children.  After dinner, the family dropped us off at Dave & Busters to play video games and pool.  The night finished off with delicious desserts.  I enjoyed every minute of my time with the children.  I feel very blessed to have a wonderful family in my life.

The Babysitting Company: Entertainment Edition

This blog is a bit different than our typical blogs. I just felt the need to vent about something I saw on TV the other day.


I do not watch TV often, but when I do the Real Housewives on Bravo are my guilty pleasure! Anyone else?


I decided to watch Real Housewives of New York (on demand) the other day, and oh boy did it tick me off. Now it is time for me to vent.

Warning! If you are not familiar with the characters of the show, you might be a bit confused.


LuAnn, was creating a music video for her latest song, and wanted the rest of the ladies to co-star in it, with her. Ramona told her that she couldn't because it was inappropriate and she didn't want to set a bad example for her 16-year-old daughter. Understandable.


But wait, in every single episode Ramona is drinking bottles and bottles of Pinot Grigio. Not to mention, it appears she is quite the drama queen. Who wants to see their mom picking fights on TV?!

So here I am venting. Ramona (I'm sure you're reading) please decide if you want to be a good role model for your daughter or not. If you just don't like LuAnn and once again just trying to cause a scene, then own it!


Whooo, feels good to get that off my chest!


Thank you!!
Elyssa

Mark your calendar for 7/24!

When: Sunday, July 24th

Location: Courtyard by Marriott Miami Aventura Mall 
2825 NE 191st Street Aventura, Florida 33180

IMPORTANT: YOU MUST RSVP by E-MAIL TO WHAT YOU ARE ATTENDING. All of the information sessions are the same. You only need to come to ONE!

Parking is free.

 If you choose to do CPR, it is $35 for new certifications and $25 for renewals. Cash only.

You are also welcome to bring any friends with you! You don't need to bring anything else. 

SCHEDULE:
9:00am: Information Session- I will be going over the new guidelines in detail and you will have a chance to ask any questions.
10:30am: CPR Certification and renewal
11:30am: Information Session- I will be going over the new guidelines in detail and you will have a chance to ask any questions
1:30pm: CPR Certification and renewal
3:30pm:Information Session- I will be going over the new guidelines in detail and you will have a chance to ask any questions

Two babysitters for the price of one!!

The Babysitting Company's goal is to always ensure families that their babysitter is not only fully qualified with the best babysitting credentials but also have gone through a rigorous training program. Part of the training program consists of new sitters (who have a clear drug test, background check, have been personally interviewed and have a complete file), shadowing a sitter that has been with the company for at least one year on a reservation.

This benefits families in so many ways! First, you always know that your sitter has met the high standards that TBC has set. Second, you can take advantage of having 2 great sitters! Are you having a sleepover, pool party, birthday party or just a big play date? Call The Babysitting Company for a fun evening with not just 1 but 2 great sitters!!!

*Restrictions apply
*24 hours notice required
*Excludes holidays

Let's Play A Game!

Since we work with kids we all know how to have fun and be silly, but now it's our turn to play a game!

Babysitters: If you are spotted wearing a TBC t-shirt you are instantly in the running to win a prize! You can also take a picture of yourself in a qualifying location (pretty much any appropriate,  public place).

Non-babysitters: If you report to either myself or Rachel that you saw someone wearing a TBC t-shirt, and got their name, you are instantly in the drawing also.

Please realize that me and Rachel have eyes everywhere and we are smart (ridiculously smart), so please no teaming up, or cheating, or you will be disqualified.

Have fun!!! Let us know if you have any questions!
Elyssa and The Babysitting Company

Sitter of the Month - June

Debi Andrews
The sitter of the Month for June is Debi Andrews. Debi has been working with the company for almost 3 years and is now truly a part of The Babysitting Company family. Debi has a magical connection with our clients, especially infants and toddlers. She has a great and calming energy that soothes and comforts both babies and new moms! Our clients often schedule their evenings out and trips around Debi's availability and she always accommodates even when it means losing sleep or taking 3 jobs in a day! We are lucky to have Debi as a part of our team!



Sandra Lopez
Sandra has been working with the company for just about a year and we had an instant connection. Sandra is helpful, kind and very patient. She also takes charge and is a great leader. I appreciate everything that Sandra does for me and for the company.

Nancy Vazquez
Nancy is a natural born leader and a go getter. She takes every responsibility very seriously and always goes above and beyond what she is asked to do. She gets along with everyone and I thank her for all of the extra effort she puts in to making clients feel comfortable.



Sincerely,

Rachel