I'm sure at some point I've talked about Interviews......but today I'm reopening the topic.
This will be more of a story than the do's and don'ts of an Interview.
A few weeks ago I sat across from a very nice lady in a STL Bread Co, whom I was interviewing, and while I was asking questions, I could see she was getting a bit nervous. Now anyone who has interviewed with me knows how laid back I am so it was interesting to see her get so nervous.
At one point (as always done) we talked a bit about our personal life, our kids to be exact. We were talking in general about their ages and things they go thru at certain ages. I mentioned that
I didn't have difficulty with my daughters until my oldest, upon turning 25, decided to go thru a stage of really disliking me.....upon hearing that, this very nice (around my age) woman decided that exclaiming I've had it so easy I can't complain, then throwing her balled up napkin at me, was a good idea.
Well no, bad idea.
(I hardly flinched at the outburst due to having 3 brothers and them putting me thru the ringer during childhood, I am prepared for anything and everything at any time.) ;-)
So back to bad idea....she had no idea at that moment that she had just lost out on getting a job.
While being playful and open is a great quality, throwing something at the Interviewer that you've known for a whole 30 minutes is a big no-no.
After talking with her for a bit longer we ended the interview. A few days later, a letter was sent out explaining we were not interested in moving forward with her at this time.
The moral of this story is, when interviewing, please keep all objects in hand! No really, refrain from throwing things, including exclamations that the Interviewer has had an easy life with the children....assuming that and stating it out loud is impolite....and as far as throwing things.... it's an immediate dismissal for employment. (what would happen in a family's home!??)
Have a great weekend.......or week depending upon when you read this. :-)
Business Director - one of a group of persons chosen to control or govern the affairs of a company
Human Resources - people, especially the personnel employed by a given company, or institution in charge of
employment decisions.
Bookkeeper - the work of keeping account books or systematic records of transactions
Adman - a person who works with/in advertising
Advocate - to speak or write in favor of; support or urge by argument; recommend publicly
Confidant - a close friend or associate to whom private matters and problems are discussed
Researcher - to make an extensive investigation into: to research a matter/person thoroughly
Blessed individual - blissfully happy and content; fortunate
Again, that's just the short list of what my duties are but along with all of those responsibilities, I can honestly say, I like each any every one of them.
Yes, there are days that I have struggled with a decision, or wasn't able to get every Nanny into a position immediately. Those days are fewer and far between now. After 3 awesome years, we have all seem to have reached a nice stride.
And I understand that when you own a business, it can't possibly be ALL ABOUT BUSINESS. There are days I spend on the phone with my Nannies who have called for a personal discussion. There are days when I have spent the entire day going through constant rolling emails, working on situations that needed attention....that aren't necessarily related to Nanny needs.
Then there are the days/weeks/months that roll by and everything is working smoothly. Nannies are working, Families are content and I'm able to fully concentrate on current incoming permanent or on-call Families.
I wouldn't turn over any part of what I do because I enjoy it all.
When I've been asked why I do what I do, and how I accomplish it in all it's enormity, I simply answer, because I was called to it, and when a person is called to do something, anything, the equipping comes with.
My favorite day: When a Family calls or emails to tell me how much they love their Nanny. --That is my goal; to get a call a day from a Family that appreciates their carefully chosen, patiently matched, wonderful Nanny.
I can almost hear the phone ringing now..............
Be good to the agency and be a professional with your families, the rest will take care of itself... A.B. -------------- The one thing I love about the NannyMall is that our great leader is always there for any of us. We can always count on each other and you just like you can count on each of us to be there for the agency and for you. We back each other up because you were very careful when you chose your nannies. We work great together and I believe with my whole heart that all the families are very happy with their nannies since you where very careful when matching them together. This is the best agency to work with and I am very happy with my choice. B.W. -------------- Thoughts about NannyMall: I have been to several sites applying for nanny positions and either never received a response or was led on and eventually tossed on the back burner. With NannyMall, I received a response the next day and a interview the day after that. Patty is very attentive, professional, and dedicated to getting the best nannies for our families in need. The prosess of finding a nanny for every family is one of diligent and personal attention. I am very happy with my time with NannyMall and will not even think of pursuing a different agency! D.L.
-------------- As far as the agency (and the owner, Patti). I feel that you've been a Godsend (not just to me)..you have listened to me..(and us) and not only for potential jobs..but I feel that you really care about what we have to say (or if we have problems with our jobs...even if you didn't place us there--my case in fact)..you have given me advice on many aspects of it. Listened and answered my calls, e-mails and most important (to me), as a Nanny for 20+ years, I was afraid that I was too old to compete with the ones in their 20's--30's. I do not have the same stamina as a younger Nanny, but I carry a lot of experience and sometimes, that is against me in getting a new job?
As a Nanny that also had (another agency) looking for positions for me (they found me employment for many years..full and part time and temporary positions). I am looking for employment as a Nanny..not in competition with other Nannies..just a job that I enjoy working, can love the kids as a Nanny should..but also, know that I am appreciated and loved (from the kids). NannyMall appreciates each and every Nanny, whether you are young or old, whether you have 2 yrs experience or 20 yrs experience.
(Patti I can tell you personally, that you've been very encouraging, to me, in many ways with your positive attitude with your business..and with encouragement that we..as Nannies..are important to you..and I felt that every time I talked or e-mailed you..that you took the time to listen to me).
I know, thru my experiences, too...with NannyMall..that you give one-on-one attention to your NANNIES and to the potential EMPLOYERS.
You try your best to match the perfect Nanny to the families and you give 150% to each and every potential Family and 150% to each and every potential Nanny.
Afterall...we all want to be appreciated. We all want to have the perfect Mary Poppins, but mostly, we all want to know we made a DIFFERENCE in these kids that we have for such a short period (even though I have kept in touch with most of my 'kids'..I still have many years, I hope, to give to 'new kids')? K.J.
So what is the most important thing to know before going to an On-call job? Is it the phone number, the address, directions, the family name, the dog's name??
It's the correct address with specific directions.
The street of St. Louis and St. Charles can get a little confusing especially with ALL the construction. This street is closed, that one is now one-way, etc.....
We used to recommend driving the route a day or two before the actual job but now with gas prices touching near $4.00 a gallon, we highly recommend doing a thorough online map search....with at least 2 map sources. And of course, make sure they make it out to the car!
What to do if you get lost: Do not panic nor get flustered. Call the family immediately. If no answer, call your agency. (assuming you are working through an agency) They will either call the family for you and/or guide you to their home from your location.
When you arrive to the home, smile, apologize, thank them for requesting you and assure them the children are in good hands.
When you think of Organic baby food with no additives or preservatives it sounds simple but if it's so simple, why isn't organic baby food easier to find? There is a good reason so few companies offer these products. The process of becoming USDA Certified Organic is labor intensive, difficult and often frustrating.
You must find a supplier that follows all of the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) guidelines.
There is a mountain of paperwork, specialized training, specified production facilities and inspections from multiple government agencies.
Because this process is so daunting, most companies just give up before achieving the organic certification. While the certification process is not enjoyable for companies seeking USDA Certified Organic status, it’s great news for consumers. You can be confident that the quality of your food is superior, from the farm all the way to your freezer.
Today I am talking with Katie Johnson Dowd, the creator of Nature's Simple Blends Organic Baby Food. As the mother of 4 Katie knows the importance of offering your children the best and most nutritious foods available. I asked Katie some questions about what set her on this path to opening her own organic baby food company and here are her answers.
Did you make your own baby food with all 4 of your boys? I made some of the older boys baby food, but I supplemented with the store bought stuff. They weren't real happy when I did that. When the twins were born, I made everything. I started testing different blends that you could not get at the store. I experimented with blends like spinach and broccoli.
When did you decide that it was best to make organic baby food? I started reading a little bit about organic about 8 yrs ago, but the produce was pretty scarce, so our family went completely organic about 3 yrs ago, when the twins started eating baby food and the produce was more readily available.
What made you decide to make organic baby food for your children? I started doing research on organic baby food and found that there are not many options out there. There is one brand that you can get at the grocery store, but a lot of things had been recalled for botulism. And with the suggestion of my sister Donna, I knew that I could offer a much safer, tastier and healthier method to feed the little ones for the St. Louis area.
Did you see changes in your children when you starting feeding them organic foods? I didn't see any changes in my kids because of organic per say, but I felt better because I knew that my kids were eating food with out chemicals. I think that the benefits will be seen in the long run. Why do you think organic is important? I think that organic is important because we get so many chemicals in our bodies from so many places, like our houses, the air, the water, medicine etc., the last thing that we need is to get it from our food. Why put chemicals, hormones, additives and preservatives in our bodies when we don't fully know what they will do or how they will effect us in the future. I refuse to put my family at risk from the things that I can control.
What else do you want to share with us about your business and why is organic worth it? With our baby food at Nature's Simple Blends, when the product is Apples and Pears, that is what you get. Nothing else is added!! The ingredients for each product are listed right on our website so that you can see for yourself exactly what goes into them.
Our blends are steamed soft, then pureed, then flash frozen to maintain the highest nutritional content. The store brands are heated to extremely high temperatures for canning and then much of the nutritional content is lost. We have over 35 different blends of fruits and vegetables to introduce the little ones into the world of solid food.
We take every precaution to make sure that our parents receive the best product available. Another perk to Nature's Simple Blends is that we hand deliver to your door. Today's moms are very busy. We thought that this door to door delivery method would make feeding their little ones safe, healthy,organic baby food more convenient.
Is organic baby food only for babies? No, it's not just for babies. It's also for people on a soft solid diet like the elderly and people who have had weight loss surgery. I have even had some interest from someone who was a body builder who needed some extra calories to add to his oatmeal at breakfast. I have found that there are times in everyones’ lives when they need to be on a soft food or pureed food diet for one reason or another. Our blends taste so good that even the grown ups enjoy them.
Katie is the mom of 4 little boys: Shannon age 8, Karter age 6, Aiden age 3, Jace, age 3 (twins)
NannyMall will have a Registration Page on their website, NannyMall.com, that families can enter to win one of two great cases of Organic Baby Food. The contest will begin July 15th, watch for additional information on KSDK's Channel 5 show, Mom's Like Me at 7pm July 15th. Ends Aug 15th, 2010 and winners will be chosen by Random.org and is sponsored by RegardingNannies.com! Glenda says: If you visit RegardingNannies.com, leave a comment on RegardingNannies' blog and if you are a winner of the Give Away, you will win something extra!
Nannies are people, not superheros........sounds like a "duh" statement I know, but did you know there are people who think Nannies are impervious to "normal, everyday life" because they are employed to work with children.......you know, the children that may have gotten an early call on their life to throw a tantrum at every "no?"
While "she" may be a "hero" in our eyes from time to time because she got Trevor to eat his broccoli or got Elle to clean up her toys withouta promise of a treat, she's just doing her job.......but let me re-phrase, she sees it more than "just a job." Nanny chose to watch your children. She wants to help your children learn & grow. She wants to help you by helping them.
So here are 10 ways you can make your new Nanny feel welcome ---because she chose your family just as much as you chose her.
1. Make or buy a "welcome home" card. Even if she's not a live-in Nanny, she will be employed within your home, so a welcome home card is totally fitting. If children are of age to help, perhaps have them make it.
2. Find out what foods/snacks she likes and stock your pantry/fridge with her favorites.
3. Introduce her to your extended family so when you are talking with her about them, she knows of whom you are referring and will feel attached to the conversation.
4. Share with her your favorite lunch spots and offer to pay for her lunch a couple of times a month, she will feel included in "your life."
5. Encourage her to join a Nanny Support Group. They are essential in Nanny's life as it offers an outlet to speak with other professional Nannies about the daily experiences.
6. Show her you value her by remembering her birthday and anniversaries. Have the children make cards and/or presents.
7. Immediately include her in parenting decisions so she's always on the same page, you will gain her gratitude.
8. Speak to her as you would a good friend. She will always remain the professional and not take advantage of your kind words.
9. When you see your Nanny stepping out and really going above and beyond, reward her for it.
10. Always, always, always, talk with her about your concerns away from the children. She will be very thankful for your decision to do so.
Most of all.......let her know what a huge help she is to you and your family!
NannyMall, llc talks with Glenda Propst about changes in the Nanny Industry
Agency: When you did you begin your Nanny profession?
Glenda: In 1984 I was a live in nanny, worked a 12 hour day and 1/2 day on Saturday. I cared for a newborn, 12 and 14 year old. My responsibilities were mostly caring for the baby, the baby’s laundry, activities, grocery shopping , supervising the teenagers and transporting them where they needed to go. I had 2 weeks vacation, one week of my choice and one of theirs, health insurance and grossed $250 a week.
Agency: Flash forward 15 years into your career and please share the duties, wages and benefits.
Glenda: Fifteen years into my career I worked about 40 hours a week, I was provided a car, reimbursed for mileage, and even though my work agreement stated 2 weeks of vacation I usually ended up getting about 6 weeks vacation. I can't really remember how much my salary was at this point but I want to say it was about $12 an hour. At this point I had a 2 year old and she kept me busy and on the run all day long. I picked the older child up after school and supervised homework etc.
I am still with the same family and my job changed dramatically as my kids got older. Now I work about 25 hours a week and about 8 of those I work from home doing things for the mom on the computer. My duties are less child care related and more household manager related. The parents and I have a very good relationship and we ebb and flow with each other. My hours are 7:30-5:30 but on my long days I will often work from home until about 9 or 10, and then run errands on way to work and be there for the kids when they get home from school to transport them to music lessons, playdates, supervise homework or just hang out with them.
Flexible hours are not something that I recommend but if my boss asks me to stay later and get dinner for the kids, I am always willing to do that. My employers have always been so respectful of me and always allowed me to have a life beyond my job.
When you choose to stay with a family long term, you have to be willing to go with the flow of the changes in your work schedule and the changes in what your family needs most. Now beyond laundry my duties are grocery shopping , errands, and organizing family photos. Getting the photos off the camera and getting them uploaded to an online site and burned to disc.
Photos are very important to my employers and in the digital age with 3 cameras in the family in addition a DVD recorder, it takes a lot of time to make sure these important documents are taken care of. I also research camps and classes for my younger charge and try to encourage her creativity by planning lots of fun art projects and activities.
My employers have always made a point of compensating me. In the past I have talked to nannies who say that their salary caps out but my employers are very good to me and make sure that I am compensated the same as I would be if I had left them and started over with a new family.
One thing that I will say is that I think employers realize that nannies are not maids or housekeepers. Nannies care for children, and maids mop floors. If you want someone to take care of and nurture your child, hire a nanny. If you want someone to take care of your house hire a maid. If you hire one person to do 2 jobs they will do one thing well and one thing not so well and you should only want the best for your child.
Agency: Where do you see the Nanny industry headed in the next decade?
Glenda: In the next decade I think we will start to see the impact the generation of children raised by nannies has had. I think that people will finally start to view nannies more as professionals and realize that the women in this profession are educated, articulate and passionate about what they do. There have been so many misconceptions about nannies over the years via books, movies and media and I hope that some of the public education will start to pay off.
Glenda Propst has been a professional nanny for 25 years. She is a founding board member of INA. She was the 1991 INA Nanny of the Year and was one of the 3 Co Founders of the now defunct National Association of Nannies.After working as a Child Care Center Director for 9 years she attended the St. Louis Child Day Care Associations Nanny Training Program and has worked with 2 local families. The first for 8 years and the second for 17 years. She is a member of The Regarding Nannies Development Team with Alice Shaffer and Kellie Geres.
Thank you Glenda, for your wisdom and constant support! The Nanny Industry wouldn't be where is it without you!
Why should families use a Nanny Agency? Doesn't it cost too much? What is the Agency's role? How do families benefit when using an Agency? Why can't families just use an inexpensive online Nanny locator?
Why should families use a Nanny Agency? The use of an Agency cuts down your time spent looking for childcare. A dedicated Agency will take the time to learn your needs, spend time going over your family application, making sure nothing is overlooked or forgotten.
Agencies should and will match criteria between both the family app and the Nanny app, cutting out the Nannies families wouldn't even consider. Agencies contact Nanny's references, eliminating "phone tag" for the families.
Doesn't it cost too much? Some Agencies charge Registration and then a flat Agency Placement Fee onlyafter Nanny is hired. NannyMall's Fees can be found on the website. (NannyMall charges a flat fee)
Though most Agencies charge a Registration Fee and a percentage of the Nanny's Annual Gross once placement is confirmed. For example: Nanny's Annual Gross Pay is $28,000. That's a placement fee of $2800. (plus Registration)
The fees we are discussing are for permanent placement; the fees for On-call Nannies are relatively inexpensive! They can range from $12 to $25 per on-call placement.
What is the Agency's role? Agencies are to provide excellent services to families in need of experienced childcare. They are there to walk you through the process of hiring the very best Nanny for your family. The family has unbiased people, aka the agency, to discuss each Nanny's portfolio should the decision become difficult. i.e. we're your sounding board! :-)
How do families benefit when using an Agency? 1. They have a knowledgeable staff to help guide them. 2. They know the ins and outs of hiring a Nanny. 3. They perform the interviews, backgrounds, reference checks. 4. They work side by side with Household Tax specialists. (who can teach the family how to pay Nanny legally AND help save on their taxes!) 5. They provide forms that help smooth out the hiring. (less confusion when there's a family-nanny agreement in place) 6. Most importantly your Nanny Placement Agency is there to help and encourage you through the entire process so that the very best Nanny is found for your children.
Why can't families just use an inexpensive online Nanny locator? They can....but there are many Agencies that would discourage that process and here are a couple of reasons why: Agencies screen potential Nannies with many methods: application, face to face interviews, reference cks, background checks, personal character references, etc.... Should any of those come up as a negative, Nanny isn't used within the Agency.
Some of these Nannies that have been turned away from an Agency will turn to an online Nanny placement service. And there's a real good chance they won't tell you why they were turned away from an Agency, nor is it probable the family will even know to ask if Nanny did apply with an Agency and then ask why she isn't with said Agency.
So a local Agency is your first defense in making sure Nanny is who she says she is and really has the experience she says she has. These are the people that are coming into your home every week and spending time with your precious children and they should be who they say they are. Plain and simple.
Also, I'm not one to use a cliche' but, you get what you pay for......who do you turn to when "hired from the internet Nanny" decides to bail for the day or week or worse yet, totally? Do you have a backup plan/person to take over? When you use an Agency, the Agency first makes sure Nanny is on the up an up and not only that, they also have meticulously weeded out the "not for us Nanny" and have given you only the best of the best. Not to mention....should the best of the best not feel well one day, Agency has backup Nannies that can be called out to help!
A call to your local Agency is the first step a family should take when hiring childcare. Although, it is true that you can find great help online....Agencies just make it easier.
These are but a handful of Why's w/the questions answered....written in Our Own Words.
NannyMall is local to St. Louis and St. Charles, MO and offers many services to meet your childcare needs.
NannyMall's Nanny meeting was smaller in numbers than expected but it was mighty in strength due to the speakers!
Shirley McFadin spoke to the Nannies about her recent diagnoses of breast cancer. She was able to tell us of the challenges and triumph of recovery and now being cancer free. She also shared with us the beauty of her doctor's words, "You do not need any further chemo or radiation." She is an inspiration to so many women and probably doesn't even know it.
Connie Houlihan also joined us and told the Nannies about her great service. NannyNurse™ Network. * When your child is sick & you need to work, NannyNurse™ Network creates peace of mind for your family. They provide medically trained and screened caregivers, NannyNurses™, in your home to nurse your child back to health. They serve the Greater St. Louis area.
If you'd like to contact Shirley please shoot an email to us and we'll get you in touch with her. To visit NannyNurseNetwork, just click the link.
Our meetings from here on out will be held at the Comfort Inn & Suites in Chesterfield Valley. The conference room had more than ample room, it was clean and they served coffee and water. Plus it was very reasonable!
We hope that ALL Nannies will begin to attend. This group/meeting was started in order for all Nannies, ours, independents, from other agencies, newbies, etc.... could come and connect with other Nannies. No one knows the joys and challenges of a Nanny profession except another Nanny.
We're looking to redefine the public's view of a Nanny....it is a true profession that is seasoned with experience, laughter, patience,grace and joy; at these meetings the Nanny will learn, grow and experience understanding from leaders in the industry and from this humble agency. We invite all Nannies. For more information please visit our site: NannyMall.com
The single most important thing to know about a Nanny is: She's a professional through and through.
Nannies take their jobs very seriously and whether they are a Nanny for 1 year or 30, they will all tell you how rewarding the profession is and they prefer working with children.
As with any profession experience speaks volumes! If you are considering hiring a Nanny the 1st thing to look for is a diverse background in childcare.
The second most important thing to check is their references. They can call themselves a Nanny but perhaps they were sitters for a couple of families on weekends....look for length of time with a family, look for consistency and talk to the previous employers. If they aren't friends or families they will definitely give an unbiased reference.
Ask them to give you a copy of their background check and driver's history. They can have that pulled M-F. Ask if they are CPR certified, if not, are they willing to become certified? Infant CPR has changed in the last few years so make sure they take an updated class!
Don't forget about taking out taxes on Nanny's wages, she will get older too and will need to collect Social Security just like everyone else, so please take that into consideration. There are tax breaks for the Employer!
If you'd like to know more about hiring a Nanny please contact NannyMall.com and we'll be happy to answer all your questions! If you'd like for an agency to take care of gathering the Nannies to interview, we can help with that also! NannyMall.com
While this truly isn't just a "Nanny topic" it certainly can affect your life as an individual. And while being a Nanny is one of the BEST professions, unfortunately not all Nannies are paid above board and wages aren't reported to be readily seen by say a car dealer or mortgage co, so a really good credit report is a MUST for Nannies.
Credit reports are very important and should be checked at least once a year.
Print your credit reports as you receive them, do not save on your computer.
Look over them very thoroughly. If you see an item that is puzzling, back track thru your paperwork, thoughts and transactions to make sure this isn't just an item you had forgotten about. If you know that an item isn't yours, dispute the item. It's all online and very easy. They have 30 days to respond. After their investigation is complete they will email their findings and you will be able to ck your report again. If it still remains and you know it isn't yours, dispute it again and again.
Each time you talk with someone, record name/date and time. Keep copies of all originals that you send.
Your credit report and score has everything to do with purchasing a house, a car, renting an apt, getting a credit card, getting good rates on insurance (yes, they do ck it!), etc....
Credit reports can show negative information forever but good news, after 7 years for credit cards and collections, 10 years for bankruptcy, by law you may request for those items to be removed. (for MO, other states the laws are different) Important note: The bureaus do not and will not automatically remove the older items, it has to be requested by the consumer.
Try not to close credit card accounts if they are in good standing. The longer they are reported as a positive acct, the better for your score.
Make your payments on time....not a day or two late. On time or late, credit lending companies WILL and DO report every month. It's kind of like an eternal credit report card...sad but true.
Your credit report always shows more than just your credit worthiness. Your report shows all your reported addresses, alias names, places you have worked, phone numbers, public records, etc....
There's somewhat of a limit of information people can see but if there is anything damaging on it and in the event your employer/new creditor wants a copy, it's best to know yourself beforehand about anything negative, therefore being able to explain or let them know it's being disputed.
Well I could probably go on for hours but I'm sure you want to get started checking your credit report!
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Personal Lessons 101
I will attempt to briefly tell you what my personal experiences have taught me and how I seem to have to learn the lesson over and over again.
About 20 years ago I realized something very important: A good credit report and credit score will get you further in life than a bad one. --Nice blanket statement I know but please follow these lessons that I painfully learned--
First Lesson: When I was 20 I went through a few things that completely disrupted my credit and probably due to ignorant bliss, I didn't care nor understand how it would effect me, until a few years later when I went to purchase my first home at 23.
We had found our "dream" home! A day later, we made an appointment w/a mortgage lender and went into their office to start the process. They ran my credit and then sat across from the table and nicely explained how I was UN-creditWORTHY. I was shocked and angry, angry at myself for turning a blind eye to being credit-WORTHY. Long story short, I paid off all the outstanding debt and was able to purchase my first home.
Second Lesson: Fast forward about 12 years. I was in my 30's and out of the blue I was receiving the dreaded "collection calls." I kept telling them that I don't know what they are talking about, I never had a Visa card from xxxBank. The letters were outrageous too. I'd get one a week. It was like a bad dream. THEN a light bulb went on! Check my credit report!! Sure enough, someone had stolen my identity! They had racked up over $19000 in credit card purchases!
A day or so after I had discovered this, I had a knock at my door, it was a Sheriff serving me papers, I was being SUED for these bogus charges! --We had to close all our bank accounts, credit cards, and take other measures to ensure this person couldn't get to my other information! -- The end of the story is this: I had to hire an attorney (would have been big $$ but I'm buddies w/a few attorneys), I contacted the Attorney General, Jay Nixon (at that time) to help in prosecution of the filing collection co, wrote letter after letter to the credit bureaus stating someone had stolen my identity and after 6 years and a 7inch stack of paperwork, the charges and information was finally dropped off my credit reports.
Did I learn some lessons?................you bet I did! I learned to check my credit report every year, I learned that after 7 years I can ask for items to be removed, I learned to always ask to see my credit report when I purchase a new home or new car, I've also learned that you can be guilty by name association. For that lesson, read Lesson Three.
Third Lesson: Fast forward to present day.....last Thursday.
I hadn't checked my credit report since 2007 because I KNEW I was fine...I had checked it every year, fought off some little things, saw my credit score grow to a beautiful number and had become complacent.
Thursday's work was slow and after another bothersome phone call......a collection co calling for a guy with the same name as my husband and asking if we still lived in Bowling Green, KY?
(nope MO his whole life)
BUT since my husband happened to have the same name as a person who has a huge collection co after him, this credit collection co feels like this HAS TO BE THE GUY THEY ARE AFTER, so they WON'T stop calling. (I'm certain at this point that I will have to go there and bang on their door to make them u n d e r s t a n d....it's NOT MY husband!)
Anyway, I think to myself, I had better check my credit report because it's been a while and while I'm absolutely positive there is nothing wrong with it, free is free and I go and check it online.
WELL YEP, you guessed it! There sat 2 items of collection for medical procedures! I nearly fell off my chair. First I looked at when this began....Aug of 2007! I had just checked it earlier that year....had I checked it in 2008 and not been so "yea, it's all good," I could have had it fixed!
So it has the company listed and the phone number. It's local....I'm thinking good because if they don't listen to reason via the phone, I'll just drive there and camp out until they listen...IT'S NOT ME!
I called and got a very NICE lady. I explained that I don't know what these 2 collection items are and could she please try to shed some light. After a very lengthy time and a bazillion questions later, her manager gets on the phone and says, " It looks like our credit reporting girl is at fault, she only matched you by name and not by social security number, we can't even find you in our system, indeed this isn't your collection." I felt a huge relief at that moment and asked if they would please inform the credit bureaus of this information, well...no they wouldn't, I had to do it myself. Okay, I can do that as I have countless times before. Not even an apology! This had been on there for 2 stinkin' years!
I hung my head, took a deep breath, and proceeded to contact all the bureaus to dispute these again, bogus collections.
I'm happy to report TransUnion responded very quickly and has already removed the two collections! The bureaus are to respond within 30 days....I'm looking forward to being completely exonerated.
Recently our Nannies were asked to tell us why they love being a Nanny. Their wonderful responses are posted below.
I like being a nanny because I love working with children. They remind me to smile and to stop and have fun! They remind me that life is precious and what is really important. I love being able to care for them however I can. I have enjoyed getting to know each child whom I have cared for over the years. Each is unique and special, their smile, their laughter and their personality. I have seen God's face in each one and each one has helped me to love a little more, smile a little more and have left an impact on me. I also love being able to help a family who needs childcare and I hope that brings them peace of mind. Jamie G.
What I love about being a nanny is that you get to share your compassion with other families and be able learn from them on how to become a better nanny/person. It is so exciting to meet new people and build new relationships. There is nothing more wonderful to see the smile on a person(s) face or the relief in the person(s) eyes that they found someone they can depend on trust them with their family...Its Great!!!! Tara P.
Children are like sponges.....they pick things very quickly…..their smiles and laughs are adorable...gotta LOVE those!! they are so innocent and loveable......kids make my day!! Anne B
Nannies! I love being a nanny and taking care of children because there are so much fun to be around. I love being able to see them grow as people and learn new thing everyday. Being a nanny is such a great experience for me. I always wanted to take care of kids and play with them. I love making them laugh and smile. This is the best job I could ever hope for! Always Becky T
I love being a nanny because I love being with kids, I don't have to punch a clock every day, It’s not the same thing over and over everyday. Something new or different happens everyday with the kids that make me smile. It’s a very rewarding career that I feel very blessed to have. Becky W.
I love being a nanny because it’s so personal. I love getting to know the kids and family so well that I become a part of their family. The family I am with right now I adore and couldn't be more thankful for everything they've done with and for me. I love picking up the kids from school and having them run up to me smiling and yelling Jessica! To give me a big hug! It is such a rewarding experience to be able to help raise children and encourage them to be wonderful little people! Jess F.
I recently had a NannyMall Nanny email to say she was giving gifts to the children of the family in which she was placed and she asked a really great question: Is it appropriate to gift the parents and if so, what do you give them? Etiquette dictates you don't truly need to gift the parents because after all, it's the children you are there for.....however.....if you'd like to give to the parents, here are a few easy, inexpensive ideas.
For the Permanent Nanny:
Make a coupon either on your computer or by hand for a "free of charge evening." Then give the dates on the back of when you are available to watch the children.
A small gift basket packed with popcorn and/or sweets and a child's movie; it encourages "family time."
A board game that has at least as many players as there are in the family.
A tin of cookies that were prepared by you and your charges.
A simple thank you note expressing how thankful you are for your position.
A framed finger-paint picture (done by the children of course!) :-)
A holiday themed "Welcome" mat.
A couple of holiday kitchen towels.
Gift card to their favorite restaurant.
For the Temp/On-call Nanny: (who probably has many Families)
Again, a coupon would suffice, however you probably want to limit it: i.e. "1 hour free" or "free trip to the zoo" for the children, etc...
Thank you cards with a nice written sentiment about the Family.
Small boxes of their favorite candy.
A gift card to their favorite coffeehouse.
Art projects completed by the children.
A small house plant, i.e. poinsettia. (animals should be kept away as they are poisonous)
A simple phone call to share holiday well-wishes.
There are many, many other ideas that won't set you back too much....just remember to have fun with the ideas and don't let it turn into a stressor! Holidays are meant to be joyful!
Please post your ideas in the comment section....after all, sharing is within the season!
This past weekend Historic St. Charles, specifically Main Street, began the annual tradition of their Santa Parade. Though the parade is truly quite short, it brings families and friends together in an atmosphere of celebration and festivities. The Santas are all in period dress and "come from" all over the world. My personal favorite is the Civil War Santa. When you arrive, look for the parade characters, they all have collector cards to give to the children, something they can collect from year to year! It's a parade that shouldn't be missed! More information about Main Street's Santa Parade: Create Holiday Memories in Saint Charles, Missouri ~ Holiday festivities including carolers & authentically costumed Santas from around the world. Santa Parade every Saturday & Sunday at 1:30pm. The shops & restaurants on South Main Street stay open 'til 9:00pm on Wednesday, Friday & Saturday evenings with activities from 6:30-9pm. Weekend Presentations: Saturdays 11am-9pm & Sundays 12-5pm. Christmas Eve 11-2pm. Check the website for further information & more events. To add to the festivities they've added an ice rink! For the first time ever, and to honor the City's Bicentennial, St. Charles will erect an outdoor ice rink along the Missouri River in Frontier Park. The rink will operate from November 27, 2009, to January 4, 2010. Other great things to see and visit are: Christmas window dressings, the real trolley you can ride for FREE, two horse drawn carriages, the Lewis & Clark huge bronze statue, the Lewis & Clark Museum, a true replica log house, and so much more! Historic Main Street.....the place that allows you to step back in time.
NannyMall, LLC....what a great place to find great Nannies!
I'm thankful our Nannies are:
Humble (they take a compliment very well and their heads don't swell!) yes, it rhymed.
Sweet (they offer to help in any way that the agency may need it)
Nice (these Nannies have never had a negative thing to say!) really!
Thoughtful ( I get an email or two every week with encouraging words)
Generous (they give of their time for different projects/meetings even when not getting paid)
Giving (they give out information about the agency to anyone who will listen) yay!
Professional (these Nannies take their positions seriously and strive to be the best they can be!)
Creative (just ask them, they have a craft for every occasion and then some!)
Grounded (there's no funny business going on in their heads)
Smart (I've yet to come across one that I can't have a great "daily life" conversation with!)
Goal oriented ( School? Professional Nanny? You betcha!)
Funny (these girls always make me laugh! they have awesome stories and funny ways of explaining things!)
Appreciated (I really, really appreciate them, they'll never know how much!)
are THE BEST NANNIES EVER!
Nannies, Families, Visitors, have a wonderful Thanksgiving and make sure you tell someone how thankful you are for them! If you'd like to find out more about our awesome Nannies please give us a call 314.769.MALL or email: Info@nannymall.com
If you are a professional Nanny or just breaking into the profession, waiting to get placed with a family can be extremely difficult! It's not an question of your experience, your talents, your availability, your age, your anything, it can be simply explained like this: Families are extremely particular when it comes to choosing a Nanny for their family. (as they should be) After all they want someone "just like them."
If you polled families the general consensus would probably look a little like this: Nanny must be fun, energetic, playful, loving, gentle, kind, and above all, must love our children. You see, it's everything they offer their children so they expect to bring in someone with the same actions and feelings they have towards their children. And true, they might even hold a brighter candle to you to make sure you pass the grade due to "you being the professional."
It's not always an easy choice. There are times when a family meets with just one applicant and "tag you're it!" happens. There are families that had a clear idea on what type of Nanny they would like for their home only to interview many and decide they need to change their criteria and start all over. Then there are families that interview 15-20 applicants and decide not to hire at all.
It's constant wait and see but understandably a Nanny can become discouraged and feel she doesn't have what it takes should she be passed by time after time. (side note: a good support group or agency can help in that area)
Here are some suggestions that may help keep your mind strong and your days busy during your waiting period. #1 Post its ---write out a post it stating, "today is the day I get placed!" or "My perfect family is going to find me today!!" Place your post its on your mirror, in your car, on your computer, on the fridge, ON YOUR TV! Keep reading your notes, you will get placed! #2 Call another Nanny or two, perhaps they know of some on-call work you can pick up. #3 Post a simple flier around town informing the public what an awesome Nanny you are! #4 Find your local support group and go to the meetings, there may be some Nannies in the same boat that could use an encouraging word from you! #5 Use the time to update your resume and references. Touch base with your references and make sure they are still accessible for a phone call or email. #6 Pick up a Part Time job at a mall, especially right now, there are many seasonal jobs to be had! (think of the connections you could make there!!) #7 Take an 8 week class online or at your local community college, you'd be surprised how much that keeps your brain moving forward. #8 Start a blog. Write about the ins and outs of being a professional Nanny. Someone may need to hear your words of wisdom and your words of caution. Try not to be too opinionated, that makes that writer sound negative and that's the last thing you want! :-) #9 Create a Facebook page and invite your past families and Nanny friends to join. Make it a fun place where they can find links to local happenings, local restaurant coupons, local parks, etc....you'll find that they keep coming back to your page for good information, their friends will begin to ask, "where did you hear about that great deal?" and before too long you'll have new requests from people you don't know BUT THAT MAY NEED A NANNY, especially a wise Nanny that keep her page updated with fun stuff!! #10 Perhaps choose a room in your house to paint, switch the furniture around in your apartment or even get a new haircut. It's amazing what a little change does for a person. #11 Take a weekend road trip with friends or family. Check with Hotels.com, they probably have some great deals! Maybe you can't be hours away from your home, but you can certainly spend the night at a hotel and take advantage of their indoor pool and treat yourself to their hospitality! (and free breakfast!) #12 Lastly, keep a positive attitude at all times. If you go in for an interview expecting they won't offer you the position, they will pick up 0n that and you probably won't get the position. So chin up, smile in place, shoulders squared, laughter ready, wisdom in check, answers firmly planted, ready-set-go!
