Newsletter, Issue 3 - April 06

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HAPPY EASTER FROM THE NANNY EXPERTS
We wish you a Happy Easter!

Due to an increased demand for nannies, maternity nurses and private tutors, we have had an extremely busy month. We have therefore decided to send our newsletter out on a bi-monthly basis, rather than monthly, so that we can concentrate more of our time on placing candidates with our clients. Back issues of our newsletter can soon be be viewed on http://www.thenannyexperts.com/.

For those who have not seen a previous issue of our newsletter, we are a newly established childcare agency based in Hong Kong. We offer professionally trained and experienced Western nannies and maternity nurses across Asia, as well as fluent Mandarin speakers. Our nannies provide parents with peace of mind, help children with homework, stimulate their minds and teach them a new language or improve their English speaking and writing skills. Our maternity nurses will live in with families in those early critical weeks after you bring your newborn baby home and help mothers settle baby into a good feeding and sleeping routine by giving hands on advice about breastfeeding and training the baby to sleep through the night.

Our newsletter aims at providing useful childcare information to parents and nannies. If you think it would be of interest to your friends, we would appreciate you forwarding it to them simply by clicking “Tell a friend”. If you would not like to receive our newsletter in the future, please click “Unsubscribe”.

We hope you enjoy our newsletter!

APRIL'S TIP FROM THE NANNY EXPERTS

In the last issue, we set out our top 10 tips for hiring the right nanny. This month we share our top 10 tips for retaining her.

  1. Have a written agreement with your nanny, setting out clearly her duties and benefits.
  2. Take time to establish do’s and don’ts.
  3. Communicate closely and regularly with your nanny about the children.
  4. Allow her time to bond with the children.
  5. Do not undermine her authority in front of your children.
  6. Give your nanny her own space.
  7. Do not expect her to carry out domestic chores, unless clearly agreed in advance.
  8. Avoid having marital arguments in front of your nanny.
  9. Have respect for your nanny’s plans. Avoid asking her to stay late at short notice.
  10. Carry out regular appraisals and reviews - communication is the most important thing.
IN THE NEWS

Three of our supernannies have been in the news recently. The Parents-Journal ran a series of articles on childcare, from babies to toddlers to older children and interviewed our nannies for tips. The first article featured New Zealander maternity nurse Catherine Bennett, who is on our books and who helps families settle newborn babies into a good sleeping routine. The second featured Australian nanny Rebecca Schott, whom we placed with a family with 3 toddlers. And in the latest issue, the Parents-Journal ran an interview with French nanny Edith Lemardalee, who works for a family with older children. Edith shared practical and useful tips for parents and childcarers on how to bring up happy, disciplined and confident children. She is a babysitter and a private French tutor who can be booked through the Nanny Experts.

You can read her article in the March issue of The Parents-Journal,
available from any Bookazine store. http://www.bookazine.com/

Edith Lemardalee
SPEAK MANDARIN


We have a lot of demand from clients for Mandarin speaking nannies or tutors for their little ones. Here's a useful website we found which you can use to practice your Putonghua to keep up with the Little Joneses.

www.bbc.co.uk/languages/chinese/real_chinese

IS YOUR CHILD BEING BULLIED?
By Allison Ip, Educational Advisor

Bullying is very common among children at school or in the playground. Being bullied can cause far-reaching and long-term negative impacts on a child’s psychological development by damaging his self-esteem and confidence, as well as causing physical injuries. Look out for tell tale signs such as torn clothing, bruises, loss of money or toys, moody outbursts, withdrawn behaviour and reluctance to go to school or after school activities – all signs that your child might be the victim of a bully.

If you discover that your child is being bullied, encourage your child to talk to you about the problem and to reach out for help - this is the first step to stopping the bullying. Do not encourage your child to fight back with aggressive behaviour. You can teach your child to stay away from bullies by asking him to stay close to teachers on duty or to mingle with other groups of children. You can also ask your child if he would like you or somebody that he trusts, such as a nanny, a close friend or a relative, to pick him up from school or the playground. Teach him to be more confident and assertive. You should report the bullying to a teacher and ask the teacher help your child as well. A trained child psychologist can help your child by teaching him ‘bully busting’ techniques.

FIRST AID – OBJECT IN THE EAR
By Peter Sommer RN (UK), Director – Training Division. Asia Medical Services Ltd.
Small Children often put things in their ears, occasionally an insect may crawl in while the child is sleeping. A child may be fussing with the ear or tell you they have something in the ear.
  • Don't probe the ear. Don't attempt to remove the foreign object by probing with a cotton swab, matchstick or tweezers. To do so is to risk pushing the object further into the ear and damaging the fragile structures of the middle ear.
  • Only use tweezers if the object is clearly visible, is pliable and can be grasped easily, then gently remove it.
  • Try using gravity. Don't strike the child's head or shake; instead gently tilt the head to the side of the affected ear in the direction of the ground to try to dislodge the object.
  • Try using oil for an insect. If the foreign object is an insect, tilt the child's head so that the ear with the offending insect is upward. Try to float the insect out by pouring mineral oil, olive oil or baby oil into the ear. The oil should be warm but not hot. As you pour the oil, you can ease the entry of the oil by straightening the ear canal. Pull the ear lobe gently backward and upward for an adult, backward and downward for a child. The insect should suffocate and may float out in the oil bath. If you don’t have oil, use lukewarm water.
  • Don't use oil to remove any object other than an insect. Do not use this method if there is any suspicion of a perforation in the eardrum — pain, bleeding or discharge from the ear.

If these methods fail or the child continues to experience pain in the ear, reduced hearing or a sensation of something lodged in the ear, seek medical assistance.

 

http://www.asiamedicalservices.com/

BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS OF YOUR CHILD
By Dr Eunice Wong, Paediatrician
Behaviours involve movements or activities that can be observed objectively. It is not easy to judge your child’s behaviours because there may be multiple reasons behind them.

When parents bring up their concern at the behavioural problems of their children in the clinic, they often present their concern with personal judgment and emotion.

For example, “it bothers me that my child ‘lies’ all the time. When I asked him if he finished his homework while he was playing his video game, he said yes. But later I found out that he lied.”

My professional advice is not to assume the worst of your child. It is possible that he did not even hear what you were asking because he was so engrossed in his game and did not pay attention to his answer. He was oblivious to the question and gave his answer without thinking so that he could continue playing his video game. If we use the word ‘lying’, it has a negative moral connotation and will alienate your relationship with your child. It would be better to make this statement, ‘Hey, I found out what you told me is not the fact. Please help me to understand why you still have not finished your homework.

To allow your child the benefit of doubt can salvage your relationship with your child and facilitate communication. You will then find that your child actually wants to do well if these underlying issues are resolved and he is treated with respect.
THUMBS UP
By Jasmin Blunck, Urban Soul Editor-in-chief

Children that suck their thumbs are at risk of damaging their upper palate and/or damaging their potential adult teeth.

If your child cannot give up try the Thumb Guard. It has been in use for over a decade in the USA. It is a medical grade plastic guard that sits over the thumb and is fixed to the wrist by a brightly coloured rubber disposable bracelet.

Email: thumbguarduk@blueyonder.co.uk for more details and mail order.

HUSH HUSH
By Jasmin Blunck, Urban Soul Editor-in-chief

My Little Sea Shell Volume 2 is a CD of lullaby music by John Levine that triggers the alpha brain waves, which aid relaxation. Check at HMV or http://www.silenceofmusic.com/

WHERE DO BABIES COME FROM
By Jasmin Blunck, Urban Soul Editor-in-chief

In a recent article in The Times (UK) Dr Tanya Byron answered a question about a lady who asked what she should have said when her 5 year old daughter asked where babies come from. In her detailed reply, Dr Byron recommended a couple of books - Mummy Laid An Egg! by Babette Cole and Claire Rayner's The Body Book. If you would like a copy of the article let us know.

Brought to you by Urban Soul Magazine - Hong Kong's hippest little magazine. http://www.urbansoulasia.com/

PREPARING THE PERFECT NURSERY
By Bumps to Babes

There is nothing more satisfying during the later stages of pregnancy than preparing the nursery for the arrival of a new baby. Whilst deciding on the colour of the walls, the fabric for your curtains and the theme for your nursery there are also important choices to be made when choosing the essential equipment.

There is a bewildering choice of options for your child’s first bed, from a carrycot, Moses basket, cot to a cot bed. All of which will provide a tranquil and cosy haven for your little one, it is simply a matter of choice and what best suits your nursery and home life.

It is important to consider the right type of mattress and to take time to become familiar with the general cot safety guidelines. It is always best to opt for natural fibres and it is advisable to have three sheets, one mattress protector and three blankets or sleeping bags on hand.

A stable changing station at a comfortable height is essential. Some are designed to function as other items of furniture such as chest of drawers, baths and dressers which often proves to be a more expensive option but extends the life of the unit.

Don’t forget the important safety equipment such as a room thermometer to ensure your baby does not get too warm or too cold; a baby monitor to provide peace of mind and to ensure you are alerted when your baby awakes and a useful night light.
When planning your nursery, try to allow room for a comfortable and restful place for you to sit whilst feeding and spending time with your baby. After all, you too will be spending time enjoying this room as much as your baby will.

Bumps to Babes carry a comprehensive list to help you equip your new nursery as well as offering expert advice to help you make the right decisions at this exciting time.

Bumps to Babes:
5th Floor, Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street, Central Tel: 2522 7112 and 21st Floor, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau Tel: 2552 5000
BOOK REVIEWS
LITTLE YASH HAS LOST HIS SMILE, BY NISHITA CHAITANYA
WHERE IS THE SMILE?
Little Yash lost his smile after he woke up in the morning. He looked through his pockets, inside the closet, under his bed, in the garden, under the sea. His parents, teacher and friends helped him look for it, but it was nowhere to be found! Did Little Yash end up finding his smile?

“Little Yash Has Lost His Smile” is a beautiful and colourful storybook with pop-up flaps, guaranteed to make you and your child smile. Recommended for children ages 6-8 years.

I’M SORRY, BY SAM NCBRATNEY
CHILDREN’S CONFLICTS

A pre-school boy and girl were best friends. They shared their fun and joy together. Their friendship was challenged one day as they shouted at each other. Although they wanted to reconcile, they feigned indifference to each other and stopped talking…

“I’m Sorry” genuinely captures children’s sentiments as they treat their ups and downs in friendships. The story and illustration are close to life. Recommended for children ages 4-8 years.

HAPPY TIMES TOGETHER, BY JO ENGLAND
HAPPY TIMES WITH CHILDREN
“Happy Times Together” is a collection of simple and creative ideas that will enable you and your children to spend happy times together! There are twelve themes for you and your children to brainstorm and create. It is filled with fun activities and yummy recipes loved by children. There is also a suggested party for each theme. To make the best use of your time with your children, “Happy Times Together” is not to be missed.

These books are available in any Bookazine store. Just print out the attached coupon to get 15% off. http://www.bookazine.com.hk/
DOUBLE TROUBLE?

Mothers of Multiples (MOMs) is a local organization for mothers who have twins or triplets. MOMs gives support and guidance to new and expectant mothers of multiples, and offers a forum for sharing information pertinent to pregnancy and raising multiple birth children. They also organize social activities for families and members throughout the year. If you are interested in becoming a member of MOMs, please visit their new website, http://www.moms-hongkong.com/

Disclaimer
The contents of this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views of The Nanny Experts and we assume no responsibility or liability for such content. You are advised to seek professional advice before relying on the accuracy, safety or value of such content.

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