I have always loved traveling, so when my kids came along, that didn’t stop me. I just had to be a bit more prepared. Traveling with young children, especially if you’re a new parent, can seem daunting, but also can be rewarding to share travel and adventure with the munchkins. You don’t need to delay anymore. Our first big trip was to Puerto Vallarta when my first son was 18 months old.

Where to go?

Anywhere! You can stay local and explore your home state, you can travel across the country, take a cruise and fly to exotic destinations. If you are prepared you can go anywhere. We did!

We traveled up the California coast with a pop up camper, took longer trips to Arizona, Utah and New Mexico and then longer trips across the country to New York, Maine and back in an RV. We also took various trips to Hawaii and Mexico and as the boys got older we took trips to Spain, France, Copenhagen, UK, and Iceland.

Road Trip Essentials

Some of my best memories were traveling with my dad and sister in his van across from San Diego to New York and back.

You can travel in anything …a van, bus, car or RV

We have done it all. We had a pop up camper, a car and tent and later we invested in an RV. It depends on you. If you love it, chances are your kids will too.  Tent camping allows you to be closer to nature, campers give you the ease and comfort of sleeping in a bed. I love it all.  My boys loved the RV the best, because they could get out of the elements when they wanted too. I loved the RV because everything had its place and we could pick up and go at any time without too much prep.

Make a go-bag

Wherever you go make a go-bag! Those essentials depend on your kids’ ages and where your trip takes you. Are you potty training? Maybe your go-bag is a mini diaper bag with a spare diaper, wipes, hand sanitizer, and various related accessories, and a change of big-boy/girl underwear and clean pants. In other words, everything you need to get out of the car and get everyone cleaned up in a hurry. You don’t want to be digging around the trunk looking for this and that when there’s a puddle in the parking lot.

If your kids are older, maybe your go-bag looks more like an entertainment kit with spare chargers for electronics, a book, or their favorite travel-sized games to easily transition from car to hotel. Someone is always hungry! Pack some snacks.

Pack everyone’s favorite snacks

My boys were always hungry, so I never liked to be out and about without food. I am a health nerd, so I would try to fit that in. I love nuts, dried fruit, meat sticks, popcorn, and seaweed snacks.  I also love to bake, so I would make muffins or banana bread sometimes too. Fun food is important too, so I would include some sweet treats and crunchy snacks as well.  Make it tasty and fun!

Remember that your nutrition is important too. Parenting on the best of days is hard enough. Parenting when you’re hangry is even tougher, so be sure to throw in some easy, healthy snacks for yourself.

Prepare bottles

How do you travel with little kids who are still taking a bottle? In a sentence, have your bottles prepared and in the diaper bag. That’s something else you probably won’t regret.

Grab a blanket

You never know when the plane or car is going to get too hot or too cold.  The people sitting up front always think the A/C is too high, and the backseat never gets enough air. You probably know the struggle from even short trips around town. A snuggly travel blanket is great for individualized climate control, but it makes for an excellent pillow, so their head isn’t knocking against the window during car naps.

Prepare for kids to get bored

I bring lots of games, books and toys. Sometimes the radio can be fun, but also unpredictable, especially if your road trip takes you to some remote areas, and kids hate commercials, so it’s a good idea to bring a device to download shows, music, movies and books in advance.

Most cars are enabled with Bluetooth technology and you haven’t already done so, connect your phone to the car to have on-demand music/entertainment for your kids. Make sure everyone has headphones or earbuds in case they want to listen on their own devices.

Kids get bored very easily, so a phone or tablet to be able to flip on their favorite song or show or whatever music they love can make a long car or plane trip fly by and help a sad or bored kid find their happy place.

You might be taking a vacation with your family to disconnect from technology and reconnect with each other. If that’s you, these tips might not be a good fit. But if you’re OK with everyone still having a bit of screen time, these tips can help.

Take Your Time. Relax. And Be Positive.

Traveling with kids, as it is with life in general, is sometimes more about the journey than the destination. Take your time. If your kids get unruly while you’re driving, simply pull off at an exit or rest area and let them burn off some energy. If they see something that interests them, bend the itinerary and let them explore this new discovery.

Lastly, try to relax and stay positive. Getting frustrated and having a negative attitude will only make things worse for everyone. You want your children to love to travel as much as you do, and staying positive is the best way to do that.

Should you bring your pet?

We loved bringing our pup, Teddy on road trips. If you don’t have a tent or camper, there are a lot of hotels that take pets now. Pack your pups favorits bed, food, treats meds and toys. We also brought a small collapsible crate in case we had to leave him behind in the hotel or camper. Make sure their environment is temperature controlled too!  Oh and be prepared to stop for lots of walks too.

Try not to be too rigid with your itinerary

I remember a time we were exploring Iceland and my oldest son kept asking us to pull over so he could climb a hill. So we finally pulled over. He and his dad climbed the hill and they discovered a huge cinder cone from an old volcano at the top! Me and my youngest hung back to explore the lower areas and we found hundreds of blueberries growing all along on the hillside. That is one of my most favorite memories.

Whatever you decide to go, if you enjoy it, good chance your little ones will too!

As our boys got older we had them join in on the planning process. They helped us in finding interesting and unique destinations to visit. They also helped with navigating, booking hotels and various tours and activities. Now, at 19 and 21 years old, they have the travel bug and are avid travelers themselves. They are confident in exploring new destinations and finding their way around.

I loved reading to my boys when they were younger. Curling up on the couch or snuggling in bed and reading stories are some of my warmest and fondest memories. There are so many benefits to reading for you and your babies. I also encourage our Munchkin Minders sitters and nannies to do the same. The munchkins seem to love the sweet connective one on one time they get when reading with their parents and care providers.

Benefits of reading to babies
• Great opportunity for extra cuddles, strengthening the growing bond with your baby
• Introduces language and communication skills
• Reading to babies helps exercise their brain
• Supports the development of children’s vocabulary
• Is a great wind down inclusion for some quiet time before bed

Benefits of reading with young children
• Reading supports the development of early literacy skills
• Reading stories has shown to support children’s brain development particularly cognitive and communication skills
• Including specific reading time daily encourages children to focus and concentrate
• Encouraging children to read aloud can support speech and language skills
• Reading together supports children’s social skills
• Reading together supports the bond between adult and child

Benefits of encouraging independent reading in children
• Children learn to value books
• Children learn about culture, history and the world through reading stories
• Reading sparks children’s imagination, creativity and curiosity
• Reading provides an outlet for children, whether they need some quiet time or a positive distraction from any stress they may be experiencing
• Children learn the difference between “real” and “fantasy” by exposing them to both non-fiction and fiction books
• Providing children with their own reading area or bookshelf with books just for them also encourages caring for the books

Top tips for reading with children
• Let your child choose which book to read
• Engage in the story, by altering your tone of voice and giving life to the words on the page
• Connect with your child, if they want to turn the pages or tell part of the story, let them! Even if it’s not the same as what’s written in front of them, supporting their independence and creativity
• Repetition is your friend, even if you’ve read the same story over and over again there’s actually proven benefits to this.
• Enjoy it! Enjoy the story, enjoy the moment of peace, enjoy the bonding time with your child, enjoy the extra cuddles, simply enjoy the experience.

With love,

Danielle

~Munchkin Minders

Many of today’s stay at home moms are finding that they can use a helping hand around the house and a nanny might be the way to fill that need. Hiring a nanny is a wonderful way to get some much needed time to yourself.

Here are 11 reasons why some stay-at-home moms might need a nanny.

You Can Focus on Your Children

It may sound strange that having someone help care for your children can actually help you focus more on them, but it’s true. Burnout is a problem many stay-at-home moms face when they’re taking care of kids 24/7. You can’t even go to the bathroom without someone banging on the door or put the dishes away without little ones needing more mommy time.

A nanny can step in to take care of your children when you need something as simple as a bath or someone to watch the kids while you go to the grocery store without the munchkins hanging off the side of your grocery cart. Nannies can also help with those essential tasks, like laundry, dishes, and even cooking. Yes, you stay home with your family all day and could do all of those things every single day but wouldn’t you rather more quality time with your kids?

Hiring a nanny can give you more time to actually focus on your children without feeling like you’re the one and only one. The time you have with your kids is precious and being able to commit your attention to them without having a long to-do list hanging over your head lets you be mom without any distractions tearing you away.

You Can Focus on Yourself

Raising a family and managing your household doesn’t leave much time for taking care of yourself. Its so important to have time to take care of our needs too.

Take better care of yourself by hiring help if you think you need it. A nanny can take some of that pressure you’re putting out, so that you can spend that time on yourself instead. You deserve it. Recharging and taking a break from time to time will make you a mom who’s better able to handle all of those daily parenting challenges that come your way!

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

In multiple generations ago, everyone lived under one roof to help raise children. For example, parents, grandparents and siblings, would all live in the family home and everyone contributed to the care of the children and household chores.

 American households are no longer multigenerational, grandparents may not necessarily be moving in solely to help raise the children, However, their presence in the home eases the modern-day do-it-yourself attitude stay-at-home moms experience when they can use some additional hands to help out with the kids and around the house.

You Don’t Live Near Family

It can be a challenge if your don’t have family in town to help out.  You don’t have family who can just pop over several times a week to watch the kids while Mom goes to an exercise class or for a date night so Mom and Dad can enjoy a date night. Not having any family around can put a lot of strain on you to be Supermom when you don’t have to be.

You Need Stress Relief

For some, having a nanny who’s a stranger, at least at first, seems like too much stress on top of raising kids and managing every aspect of your home. For others, having a nanny can help decrease those daily stress levels.

A nanny can fill in the gaps to help your household run more smoothly. Instead of having a to-do list that includes the laundry, dishes, cooking, picking up the kids from school and running two children in opposite directions simultaneously to soccer practice and dance lessons, you have a nanny to step in and take charge of the tasks you can’t do as a human who can’t be in two places at once.

Your Nanny Provides Convenience

How often has it been time to go pick up your other children from school and your baby has just fallen asleep in her crib? Or, as much as you love them, how about those days when you’re simply too sick to care for your children?

Having a nanny is convenient. Let the baby enjoy her nap while you or the nanny pick up the kids at school. When you’re too sick to stand, you can rest assured that your nanny will take good care of the kids so you can get better. A nanny is sometimes a much-needed convenience to today’s family and the busy lifestyle they lead.

She Can Be an Extension of You

The right nanny follows your parenting directions when it comes to discipline, beliefs and even teaching methods. The key is to agree upon all of your expectations, from household tasks to child care preferences, before hiring your nanny.

An experienced nanny adapts to the rules you’ve set out and essentially becomes another you. She doesn’t contradict your parenting style and becomes your right-hand woman, so to speak, offering her help just as you would if you could clone yourself. She’s not you and she never will be, of course, but her presence makes your life easier.

A Nanny Can Be a Great Companion

Above all, a nanny is your employee. However, she can also be a great companion.

Stay-at-home moms often live in isolation. They may not have much in common with other at-home parents or they simply don’t have time to go on outings with others. A nanny can become a trusted companion. She has a vested interest in taking care of your children and knows them much like you do. You’re not trying to buy a friend here, but your nanny is in your home, caring for your children and can become a part of your household.

The right nanny can also become a companion to your kids. She’s not their mother at all. But you can leave her in charge of your household and know your kids have a companion who cares about them while caring for the

A Nanny Provides Consistency and Reliability

Hiring a nanny with a regular schedule, even on a part-time basis, can provide consistency and reliability.

A nanny is a professional and a constant in your home once hired. She can be there on a set schedule during the hours you agree upon in the hiring process. Her presence gives your family someone who’s reliable and who you can count on without having to rely on someone else’s fluctuating schedule or a day care’s strict hours.

She Helps You Be More Efficient

You take care of everyone and that can often mean you’re pulled in many directions at the same time. You can’t seem to get one thing accomplished because you’re trying to get 100 things accomplished all at once.

With a nanny, you can establish a list of priorities she must follow so you can also set up your own list of priorities. You’ll become more efficient in everything you do and get more of your goals accomplished, too.

A Nanny Doesn’t Have to Be Full-Time or Permanent

Having a nanny doesn’t mean you’re rich. Many household budgets can’t afford the luxury of a full-time nanny. While nannies are typically a premium childcare option, many part-time nannies have rates that can fit into your family’s budget and schedule nicely.

Another option is to hire a nanny on a trial basis. You may only need a nanny temporarily, such as after you have a baby or if your family is facing a situation that would alter your usual schedule. Having a nanny doesn’t have to be a long-term commitment.

Your Family’s Needs Matter the Most. Do you need a nanny? Bottom line, it’s your decision. If having a part- or full-time nanny makes your life easier, then it is worth it. If mommy is happy then so are the munchkins!

Please reach out to learn more abour Munchkin Minders nanny placements.

Finding a great nanny takes time and patience… 

The process can take anywhere between a few weeks to a few months, and you want to ensure your Nanny is the perfect fit for you and your family. Most important, you want whoever you hire to fully understand your child’s and family’s needs and to have the experience needed to best care for your family.

This is why it is important to hire a company who cares about kids and families. We at Munchkin Minders take our job seriously and are thorough in our vetting process.

The Interview is the first step

Munchkin Minders sets up in person or virtual interviews with each of our candidates. We like to spend at least a 1/2 hour for the first interview. We really want to get to know our candidates and learn about who they are and what they are looking for in a nanny position. We want to know their loves, there likes and their challenges. We ask about their future plans and goals. We want to know where they live, who they live with, what they do in their spare time and most importantly, why do they want to work with kids! We really want to hear that they have a passion for working with children. We want candidates who LOVE kids and have a passion for working with them. We want to know they have children’s best interests at heart.

We always check references!

Checking previous employment references confirm Nanny’s background and gives us confidence in their experience and knowledge. If you choose to use a childcare agency like us, we will have already checked their references. You are encouraged to read through our notes and/or contact previous employers for yourself. This can be a great way for you to speak with the parents and ask any additional questions you may have which will assist you in deciding if you have found a suitable candidate.

CPR and First Aid Knowledge

Regardless of a child’s needs, Nannies should always have up to date pediatric First Aid certifications, this will give you some peace of mind that your nanny will know how to react quickly, efficiently, and calmly in case of emergency.

We conduct Background screenings

Munchkin Minders runs all of our candidates through a reputable background screening company. We check the candidates Social Security status, national criminal background records, DMV records and Sex offender reports. We can also run the Nanny through Trustline Registry that includes fingerprints through Live Scan.

Munchkin Minders number one priority is finding you a Nanny that works best for your individual family. Every family has different wants and needs and it is important for us to learn what those are from you. We love what we do here at Munchkin Minders and look forward to working with you in finding the best match for your munchkins!

This is interesting motivator! What do you all think of this?

Vax for the Win

California’s vaccine incentive program

Get vaccinated, get rewarded

Are you already vaccinated or about to be? Great! You’ll have a chance at winning $50,000 or a grand prize of $1.5 million!

Not yet vaccinated against COVID-19? Get vaccinated as soon as possible to be eligible for these cash prizes! You’ll also get a $50 incentive card.

Everyone who’s vaccinated can get a free taco at Taco Bell, Chipotle queso blanco, and special deals on merchandise from the LA Clippers, Golden State Warriors, and the Team LA Store at STAPLES Center. It’s California’s way of saying thank you for helping us beat the pandemic!

https://covid19.ca.gov/vax-for-the-win/

https://www.munchkinminders.com/1029-2/

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/phs/community_epidemiology/dc/2019-nCoV/vaccines/phases.html

Hi Munchkin Minders families!

We are giving our loyal, wonderful, loving and experienced sitters some extra love in 2021! …Starting March 10, 2021 Munchkin Minders is raising the hourly rates for our on-call sitters by $1. So now the hourly rate for one child will start at $15 per hour , add $1 per hour per child. See our rates pages for more details.

Our booking fees remain the same. $20 per booking, $25 for bookings with 12 hours or less notice..

With all the changes and new normal with kids and families being home more, we are offering a variety of nanny placements for our local families.  Please contact us for more details.

Love,

Danielle Podlesny

Owner/Creator

Munchkin Minders fun & creative sitters & nannies!

 

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Full time 25 hours per week
Where: La Jolla
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7am-5pm, Wednesdays 1130am-530pm and 2 date nights per week. This is a long term min 1 year commitment.
Who: Primary care is for 6 month old girl and 3yr girl when she comes home from school.
Pets: Friendly Lab
Pay: $18-20hr depending on level of experience.
Job description: Busy family looking for childcare help to be a partner in helping care for our girls. Dad works long hours and mom works two days per week out of the home. We are looking for an amazing and kind nanny who loves playing with kids and has experience with infants and toddlers. Knowledge of child development or child development classes taken a plus but not required. Light child related housekeeping, light meal prep, etc.
Spanish speaking a plus but not required.

Must have clean background, clean drivers record. Non smoker, drug and alcohol free. Must have reliable car with insurance, Minimum of 2 years professional infant experience. Looking for a long term, one year minimum commitment

Are you an experienced infant nanny looking for a full time position? We have the job for you!

Where: Carmel valley near HWY 56

When: Starts second week of June.
Monday and Wednesday, 7/730am-6pm
Thursday and Fridays 8am-3pm.
Firm on the days and hours for Monday and Wednesday, but for the other two days she’s a little bit more flexible, like if you want to swap at Thursday for a Tuesday. These days are for her to get errands done. She will pay for a minimum of 30 hours a week, but probably will need more liken 35.

Who: 8 month old baby boy and occasionally her four-year-old, but mostly she’s in school.
They also have two small French bulldogs, so someone OK with letting them in and out to walk.

Pay: Offering 18 an hour for a highly qualified experienced nanny. She’s open to paying through payroll or through direct cash or check.

Qualifications: Candidates must have professional INFANT nanny experience. Must have worked as a nanny for an infant for a min of 1 year. Looking for a younger Nanny between 25-38 years. Looking for someone interactive, active, healthy. Nanny needs to have CPR, flu shot and up to date on all vaccines. Must have a clean driving record, clean background check. Non-smoker. Able to commit one year minimum.

Expectations: Mainly care for her eight month old baby boy including cleaning up and tidying after him. Including dishes, kids laundry, empty dishwasher, letting dogs in and out of house, etc. She is looking for a nanny who is OK with staying at home and walking in the neighborhood with stroller, etc. She does not want a nanny who wants to take her son driving all over San Diego County on activities until he’s older.

If you are interested and qualified for this position, please EMAIL me your childcare RESUME with all your infant nanny and babysitting experience listed.

Thank you! 🤗

Temporary nanny position in Lemon Grove

Who: 4yr boy and 18 month girl and 3 cats (no care for the cats)

Where: Lemon Grove – 91945 area

When: Starts March 20 – June 20. 3 month commitment. Their nanny will be on maternity leave.

Hours/Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. 830am-530pm
4yr boy will be at school on Tues/Thurs until 230pm.

Pay: $17 per hour check bi weekly

Duties: Care for kids at home. Entertain, play, read, etc. Child related housekeeping…. tidy toys, dirty dishes, etc. Kids both nap from 1pm-3pm each day.
No driving involved.

If you are interested, email me your resumes

Thanks:)
Danielle
Munchkin Minders