Hard to believe, but it will be the Easter holidays in a matter of weeks.

My lovely nanny is now back with us, and together we have drawn up a list of (what I believe are) essential life-saving chores:  (more…)

My neighbours presented me with an interesting challenge last week. They needed a babysitter for their eight month old nephew, who was staying with them for a week and wondered if I could recommend anyone. Without hesitation, I gave them the number for Tinies Bucks and also told them to have a look at the Tinies Childcare website. (more…)

We are often asked for our expert opinion on whether a nursery or a nanny is better for a child. That is probably (one of) the 60 million dollar questions out there. Unfortunately there is no straight answer because there are too many factors to consider. (more…)

I was reading an article in the FT a few weekends ago about Match.com, the dating site. You may wonder where this is going to, given we are a childcare site and not a dating site! But it was very interesting to read about how people’s minds work when setting criteria of who they would like to meet for a date. (more…)

A true test of a good nanny is how they react when you call them to say you can’t make it home!

Yesterday a burst water main created a mud slide across railway lines down to the South of England. I was coming back from visiting our wonderful Tinies Norfolk branch, only to be confronted by chaos at Victoria Station. All trains to the South Coast (where I live) had been cancelled. My husband was also stranded in London, and we were due to be home to take over from our nanny at 7pm. (more…)

I was interviewed recently by the Daily Mail to comment on the fact that Anna Friel was reported to have hired 2 nannies for her 1 child. I got the feeling that they were looking for a negative reaction from me to this story, but it is not unusual for parents to hire 2 nannies.  (more…)

Being a sole charge nanny is wonderful. You have freedom to plan activities with the children, and in many ways you are your own boss, as it is up to you to organise their day.  (more…)

My 2 boys have just come home with their nanny – they always have such a great time with her. No matter what the weather they are doing something out and about. Today they have been out tobogganing, and then to the library, then back home with some friends to make Xmas biscuits.  (more…)

We all know that children have tantrums. However, it’s easy for people to forget that they were once in your shoes willing their child to get up off the floor of the supermarket. The disapproving stares and the “tutting” don’t help. Children will always choose the perfect moment to do this and unfortunately as much as you try to stay calm it can be very hard.  (more…)

As a nanny, I make a point of spending time every day reading with my charges. A child is never too young to enjoy books. Reading with a child provides quality time with them, developing bonds and usually one to one quiet time where the children can be calm, relaxed and also have your full attention. (more…)