Twinkle Thoughts

Plan Ahead

December can get packed full of events and activities seemingly before you have time to blink. With things like shopping for gifts on your to-do list, you may be calling on nanny services more than you used to. This is fine, but make sure to have a schedule and stick to it as much as possible. Having your nanny come over to watch the kids more often during the holidays is one thing. Springing last-minute requests on them all the time is quite another. You can hardly expect your regular nanny to be available every second you need them during December. Sit down with your nanny before the craziness of the holidays takes over too much and make a plan for what the next month will look like. You'll both be grateful later.

Don't Expect Free Overtime

The holidays will probably have your nanny working overtime. Again, this is okay, but make sure their new hours are reflected in their pay. This is especially important to pay attention to with live-in nannies. It can be easy to add in a few extra hours here and there and not realize how quickly they are adding up. Nanny services should not be provided for free. Every nanny should receive their regular hourly wage, whether they are full or part-time. It can be nice around the holidays to give your nanny a little extra money as a gift and as a way to say thanks for all the help they’ve provided to your family.

Realize Your Nanny Needs a Holiday, Too

Some nannies may be available to work on holidays, and some won't.  Don’t assume your nanny will be free.  Ask ahead of time.  Live-in nannies may want to go home for the holidays.  Expect requests for time off around this time of year.  Hopefully, you have discussed the protocol for this beforehand.  If your regular nanny is not around during December, Twinkle Toes can help you find a nanny for backup care.  You get the final say on whether or not you want a different person watching your children, but we strive to always have nanny services available for our families.

Find a Nanny During the Holidays

Trying to find a nanny with all the other things on your holiday to-do list?  Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency is here to help.  We make getting nanny services fast, easy, and convenient.  All of our nannies undergo extensive background checks and interviews, so by the time you talk to them, you know that nanny is someone you can trust.  Twinkle Toes offers full-time and part-time nanny services.

We also have babysitting services provided by our same qualified childcare workers.  Whether you have an office holiday party or a family event, Twinkle Toes can help find a nanny for babysitting for a few hours or all day.  Don’t wait until the stress of the holidays has overrun the joy of the season.  Visit Twinkle Toes online to find a nanny or babysitter that will fit your needs and your schedule.

1. Establish Guidelines From the Start With Your Nanny

One of the best ways to start a parent nanny relationship is with a clear contract that both parties agree to. Before they ever start providing childcare services, sit down with your nanny to discuss everything from pay to house rules to your kids’ likes and dislikes. If both sides get the opportunity to make their expectations clear from the start, it is more likely that you will have a good experience moving forward.

2. Communicate With Your Nanny

Keep your nanny in the loop as much as possible. It is better to over-communicate than under-communicate. Nannies should know when they should call you and how to reach you. They should also be informed about anything pertaining to the ins and outs of their day with the kids, from schedule changes to children’s moods. You want your nanny to feel comfortable asking you any questions they might have, and you should not feel awkward talking to them either. Frequent two-way communication is key to a successful relationship.

3. Don't Hover

Staying in touch with your nanny is one thing. Constantly micromanaging them is quite another. Once you have shown the nanny what to do and where to go, step back and let them be in charge. Since you hired childcare services, you know that the person you chose has experience working with children. Trust their judgment. Nannies should be more than willing to take advice from parents, but you should respect their knowledge and experience as well.

4. Resolve Issues Quickly

If there is ever any kind of issue or conflict with your nanny, get it out in the open as soon as possible. It is not good to let things fester and grow into a bigger problem than needed. Be respectful but honest about what you are seeing and feeling. At the same time, don’t be too quick to jump on your nanny for having an off day. We all get tired sometimes, so if the energy is lower than usual one day, it is probably best to give your nanny the benefit of the doubt.

5. Say Thank You

A little thanks goes a long way. Nannies do essential work for families. It would be hard to do your job if they didn’t do their job. Take the time to say thank you. Your nanny will appreciate it. Small gifts or bonuses around the holidays can help show how grateful you are for the help they provide. Never underestimate the power of a little encouragement.

Looking for Nanny Services?

If you need a nanny, Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency can help. We provide professional, convenient childcare full and part-time. All of our nannies go through a criminal background check, a civil background check, social security number verification, a driving record check, and are CPR certified. They have at least three years of experience working with children and pass our extensive interview process. When you hire childcare services from Twinkle Toes, you know you are getting childcare you can trust and depend on. Visit Twinkle Toes online to learn more about our services. We are here to help.

Establish Clear Expectations

With any nanny tasks and duties, you want to explain as much as you can upfront.  The more you talk to your nanny about what they will be doing on a daily basis and what you expect from them, the less confusion there is later.  This is especially important in new situations. For example, if you just got a new nanny or recently transitioned to working from home.  If there is a part of your house that is now off-limits for the kids during work hours, inform them about it.  If you don’t have a home office to work from, discuss how you will keep your job and yourself separate from what the kids and nanny are doing.  Talk about everything from what falls under tasks and duties. To how loud the children can be inside during the day.  Give your nanny time to ask questions when you aren’t busy. This way they won’t have to bother you later when you are.

Keep Communication Open, But Not Too Much

Even if you established good and clear expectations from the beginning, it is important to stay in communication with your nanny and keep them in the loop.  They should be able to approach you with questions or concerns.  At the same time, they do not need to be involved in every part of your life.  For example, just because they are in your home while you are doing work doesn’t mean they have to know about the specifics of your job.  They are there to provide nanny services.  Keep two-way communication open about childcare, but don’t feel the need to inform them about everything in your life just because they are around.  You get to decide what to keep private and what to share.

Have a Schedule

Working from home makes it harder to have set work hours.  Since there isn’t a set time you leave your office, when are you actually done working?  It is easy to fall into the habit of answering work emails and phone calls well into the evening hours.  Creating a schedule, even one that is self-enforced, is beneficial for you, your family, and your nanny.  Consistency is good for your kids, especially in a year that has been less than consistent.  Ending your workday at a specific time means your nanny has a scheduled end time as well.  It also helps your own well-being to have a schedule and take time away from work to relax.

In Need of Nanny Services?

Looking for nanny services in Florida, Georgia, or Tennessee?  Whether you are working from home or recently went back to the office, Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency can help you find the perfect fit for your family.  All of our nannies are well-qualified and go through multiple background checks and interviews.  We make hiring a nanny easy, as you get to pick from a few of the best rather than looking through applications yourself.  To learn more about Twinkle Toes or hire a nanny, visit our website today.

1. Professional Screening and Background Checks

We know that when it comes to your children, safety is your number one priority.  That’s why Twinkle Toes goes the extra mile when it comes to background checks.  All nannies undergo a criminal background check, civil background check, and driving record check before being accepted into the nanny agency.  If you were to hire a nanny on your own, you could always run your own background checks.  However, these can be expensive and time-consuming.  Using a nanny agency like Twinkle Toes guarantees that you will hire someone who has passed many screenings without your having to pay for them.

2. Save Time

Finding a nanny can be a lot of work.  You have to post the job listing somewhere and then go through the applications you receive.  It takes time to find someone you want to hire, and then you still need to interview them and run background checks.  Using a nanny agency saves you time by doing most of these steps for you.  Twinkle Toes matches you with an experienced, pre-screened nanny you will love.  You still get to interview the person, but a few meetings are nothing compared to the entire hiring process.  Most families who use Twinkle Toes end up hiring the first nanny the agency sends them to interview.

3. Find Experienced Nannies

Since you have children, you are probably connected to the parent network that has a seemingly infinite number of relatives looking for babysitting jobs.  While hiring your friend’s niece might work out for one date night, you are looking for someone a bit more qualified when it comes time to hire a nanny.  Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency only hires experienced nannies.  We require CPR certification and have a thorough interview process so you only get the best of the best for your family.

4. Backup Support

Everyone has emergencies and has to call off work sometimes, nannies included.  If you hire a nanny on your own and they call out sick at the last minute, you will be stuck trying to find someone to watch your children or calling out of work yourself.  When you use Twinkle Toes, backup is available to you.  Twinkle Toes always has a nanny on call ready to help if your regular nanny is unavailable.  All of our sub nannies are regular Twinkle Toes nannies who have gone through the same hiring process and screenings, so you’re not getting the B Team!

5. Better retention

When someone attaches themselves to a nanny agency, they are clearly serious about the job.  If they just wanted the occasional babysitting gig, they wouldn’t go through the thorough hiring process Twinkle Toes requires.  Hiring a nanny through an agency guarantees that you are getting someone who is serious about being a nanny.  This means better retention than if you hire a nanny yourself.  Consistency is great for kids and for your own schedule, so use a nanny agency to find a nanny you will have for a good long while.

Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency helps families connect with high-quality nannies in the following areas:

• Gainesville
• Jacksonville
• Tampa
• Pinellas County
• Orlando
• West Cobb
• Tallahassee
• Nashville
• Memphis

Contact Twinkle Toes online or by phone today to find your perfect nanny.

Personality

It takes a certain kind of person to run their own company.  Being self-motivated and hardworking is the key to owning a franchise. You don’t need prior experience to own a franchise. However, you do need to be a quick learner who is able to follow instructions well and pick up managerial skills with ease.  You don’t need prior experience to own a franchise. Being self-motivated and hardworking is the key to owning a franchise.

Time and money

Two important things that every franchise owner must have are the time and money to invest in their franchise business.  Owning a franchise is a lot of work.  However, while some companies can lead to passive income,  a lot of work is required on the front-end to make this a reality. In fact, many of them require you to spend your workweek keeping the business running smoothly.  If you are not prepared to make the franchise your full-time job, look elsewhere for a side gig.

You also need money to invest in your franchise business.  The first lump sum required is the initial franchise fee.  This money gives you access to the franchise brand: their training, marketing, and business model.  However, you will then have to pay royalty fees.  This is a percentage of your profits that is usually paid monthly.  Look into the investment required before committing to a franchise.

Room to fail is also something to consider.  A franchise business is much more stable than starting your own company.  The company has an established business model and marketing plan to get you started.  However, any company can face hardship.  Consider how you will overcome challenges and if you have the financial means to do so as you think about owning a franchise.

Looking For a Franchise? Try Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency

If you have the personality, time, and money to invest in a franchise business, consider Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency.  Twinkle Toes is a rewarding franchise opportunity that allows you to connect qualified nannies to families who need them.  Help your community while also making a living for yourself with Twinkle Toes.

The initial franchise fee for the company is $25,000.  Although, another requirement is that your branch of the nannying agency is in an area with at least 250,000 people.  With the franchise fee money, you get access to:

• Ongoing support from corporate
• An email address and website for your franchise business
• Marketing starter pack
• A marketing plan made specifically for your location
• Use of trademarked name and logos
• In-person training by a corporate trainer
• Standard operating procedures manual
• A proven business model

Twinkle Toes doesn’t charge any royalty fees for the first three months. Once the fees start, they are three percent of the gross monthly revenue.  Most Twinkle Toes franchise owners get their money back and start to profit within a year.  A typical workday will include you doing tasks like

• answering phone calls and emails from new families
• sending invoices
• Processing payroll
• running background checks
• in-home family meetings
• conducting nanny interviews

If you are interested in owning a franchise with Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency, head to their website to fill out an application.

Schedule

One of the number one reasons that parents hire a live-in nanny is that they work a very busy or unpredictable schedule.  If you have a job with day shifts one week and night shifts the next, it may be difficult to schedule childcare with a nanny or daycare.  Consistency is needed for those types of support, while a live-in nanny can deal with a more flexible schedule.  If you work long hours that would not allow you to do things like drive your children to school, pick them up or put them to bed, you may consider hiring a live-in nanny.  In general, someone who lives at your home is more likely to be available at times like early mornings, overnight, and weekends than someone who does not.

Cost

How much does a live-in nanny cost?  This is one of the number one questions from families considering hiring a full-time caregiver for their children.  Live-in nannies should be paid hourly just like a typical babysitter would be.  You should not deduct rent, food, or other bills from your nanny’s pay.  This is illegal in some states.  This means that a live-in nanny may cost you more than a regular nanny depending on what services you provide for your nanny and how they affect bills like groceries, electricity, and water.  However, a live-in nanny can also help with household chores like laundry and dishes.  One person also does not make that big of an impact on your bills.  All of these things need to be considered in the live-in nanny cost.

Closeness to children

A live-in nanny typically forms a very close relationship with the children they take care of because of the amount of time they spend with them.  This can be beneficial to both the nanny and the children.  This does not mean a live-out nanny cannot form close bonds with your kids.  Anyone who spends regular time with your children is likely to form an attachment.  This is a good thing, of course, but with a live in nanny, there is a probability you will have less alone time with your child.  Since the caregiver lives in your home, they will be around more often than not.  Your child will also likely want to hang out with the live-in nanny often.

Privacy

Privacy is one of the biggest concerns for many families thinking about hiring a nanny.  It can be worrying about inviting a stranger to stay in your home.  This is why background checks and interviews are so vital to the hiring process.  It is also important to establish boundaries with the nanny from the start.  Make it clear when they need to take care of the children and when they do not.  Have a set way to communicate changes to the schedule.  Decide on things like the use of common areas and meal sharing at the beginning to avoid awkward conversations later.

Looking For Live-in Nannies For Hire?

Whether your family wants a live-in nanny or someone who comes over part-time, Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency can help. We staff only the best and most qualified nannies.  To learn more, visit us online.

1. Random Location Date

If you are up for a little adventure, try heading to a random place for your date night.  There are a few different ways you can do this.  You could click on something within a certain distance from your house in the maps app on your phone without looking at it.  There are apps that give you random locations to visit.  You could also just head out in your car or on foot, depending on if you live in the city or not, and see where the road takes you.  One fun idea is to flip a coin every time you come to an intersection to decide which way to go.  Once you are at your destination, find the closest thing to do and do it.  This could be a restaurant you have never tried or a store you’ve never been to, but it doesn’t have to be.  Be creative with whatever place you find.

2. “Act Like a Kid” Date

Just because you have kids doesn’t mean you don’t have the right to still act like one sometimes.  On your next date night, plan to do something usually reserved for people younger than yourselves.  This could be as simple as playing in the snow in the winter or jumping in a pile of leaves in the fall.  You could go to an amusement park, trampoline park, arcade, or try paintball or laser tag.  Think of something you loved to do as a kid, and then do it together.

Another version of this date: do something you were never allowed to do as a kid.  Did you go to the museum a lot but never get to see the interactive exhibits that cost a few extra dollars?  Was the county fair a summer staple, but you only got to walk around and not play games or ride rides?  You’re an adult now.  You can do whatever fun thing you want.  Satisfy younger you by doing something you missed out on.

3. Mall Date

Going to the mall or a store can already be a date for some people, but here are some ways to make it extra fun.  Go to a dollar store, set the timers on your phones, and split up to see who can find the better present for the other person for only a buck.  You could go to a bookstore or library with a package of sticky notes and a pen and leave notes to future readers in your favorite books.  Reading the funniest or most cringey lines you can find in books can also be fun.

Find a Babysitter Near Me

If you want to try one of these fun date ideas, you need to find a babysitter.  Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency has you covered.  They provide babysitting and nannying services for any length of time you need.  All of their nannies have at least three years of experience and have also been background checked.  Twinkle Toes was started by parents, so they know the importance of leaving your children with someone you can trust.  To learn more about Twinkle Toes or to find a babysitter, visit them online.

1. Relax With a Proven Plan

By choosing a franchise over starting a company from scratch, you get a proven business model that has already demonstrated success. This takes a lot of stress off your shoulders, especially if you have never run a company before.  Franchises make it easier for people to step into the role of owner without taking on the risk of an entirely new business. For example, Twinkle Toes already has ten successful locations and the potential to open a lot more.  When you invest with them, they give you everything you need to be successful. You will receive their proven business model, operating procedures, a 3 day training course, Twinkle Toes trademarks and a marketing starter pack that will include everything you need to start your business and become successful.

2. Full-time Job

At a time when a lot of Americans are facing job insecurity, owning a franchise guarantees that you will have a full-time job.  If you choose to invest with Twinkle Toes, you will spend your days doing everything from marketing and networking to nanny interviews, in-home family meetings, running background checks, processing payroll, sending invoices, and answering phone calls and emails.  There is always something to do when you are running your own business.

3. Be In Charge and Get Support

Franchises are the best of both worlds when it comes to autonomy.  On one hand, you are a business owner.  You get to be your own boss, have employees, and run a company.  On the other, you also have the support of the franchise to back you up. You get to make decisions and also receive guidance from people who are in the same position as yourself.  Twinkle Toes not only gives you corporate support but also connects you to the network of other franchise owners. It is the perfect balance of independence and support that make franchise businesses work as well as they do.

4. Run an Essential Business

A lot of companies have had to shut down this year due to the pandemic, but Twinkle Toes was not one of them. Childcare is essential, and when you own a nanny agency, you are running an essential business. This is good for you and your employees, as you will continue to make money in a time of uncertainty.  It is also great for your clients who still need support during this time. Nannying is the safest form of child care there is even during the pandemic. When hiring a nanny the parent has more control over the child’s environment making it safer compared to daycare facilities surrounded by many other kids. Twinkle Toes has also been following local guidelines concerning the pandemic.

5. Help Your Community

When you open a nanny agency, you are providing many parents with support they desperately need.  Finding reliable childcare is not easy. Twinkle Toes makes it simpler for families to find quality nannies for their children. You can provide this help to a new community by opening a location of the franchise. Not only are you making a living for yourself, but you are also providing a needed service to others.

Ready to Try Twinkle Toes?

If you are passionate about helping families and being a business owner, Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency could be just the right place for you.  You can start a new location of their franchise for an initial fee of $25,000.  You won’t even have to pay royalty fees for the first three months. To express your interest in franchise ownership, fill out the form at the bottom of this Twinkle Toes’ webpage.  We will be in touch as soon as possible to start talking about your new franchise business.

What Does a Live-In Nanny Do?

Live-in nanny jobs require that a nanny takes care of most or all duties that involve your children. This could involve bathing, dressing, and feeding them. Your nanny may also do the laundry, clean up after your child, and take your child out on playdates or outings. A live-in nanny must understand how to positively nurture your child’s development, as they will spend a lot of time with your child. This means that they will need to come up with daily activities that not only entertain your child but help them learn. These activities may include arts and crafts, reading, or playing with musical instruments and singing.

What a Live In-Nanny Doesn’t Do

You should not expect your live-in nanny to do heavy housework beyond chores pertaining to your child. This means that your nanny should not be making meals for the entire family, doing laundry for anyone besides your children, or cleaning rooms that your child does not use. If you want your nanny to do these things, you might consider hiring a live-in nanny housekeeper.

Why Choose Live-In Nanny Jobs?

If you ever need last-minute care for your child, you will not need to worry about searching for a babysitter when you have a nanny. Your live-in nanny lives with you, meaning that they will have an extremely flexible schedule for you to work with. You will no longer need to wait for a nanny or babysitter to show up before you head off to work or out, as your nanny will be right there when you need them.

While your nanny will not do major housekeeping for you, they will do minor chores that will greatly help keep your home clean. If you notice that you are not exactly pleased with something your nanny is doing, you can easily speak with them and offer feedback. Because your nanny is living with you, you will be able to easily form a relationship with them that could result in a lifelong friend to your family.

Finding a Living Space for Your Live In Nanny

When taking on live-in nanny jobs, prospective nannies require a space of their own. Your nanny will be living with you, after all! You will need to discuss and reflect upon what needs to be done in your home to accommodate your nanny’s needs. Perhaps you have a guest room with its own restroom that will work perfectly. You may need to come up with some construction plans before hiring a live-in nanny.

Hire a Nanny Near You When you hire a nanny, it is important to check their background. You may find yourself performing multiple interviews with many possible nannies. This process can be extremely tiring for any busy parent. Luckily, Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency does most of the selection work for you! We perform a criminal background check that includes a county search, civil background check, and a driving record. We work hard to choose one to three nannies for you to interview that we think will fit your family. If for any reason, your nanny is not able to show up to watch your child, we will send up a backup nanny with no extra charge.

When you sign up with Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency, you can expect that this business will last you many years. In fact, 92% of franchise businesses are still operating after five years. This is an amazing statistic, especially seeing that the national small business failure rate is at 80%!

Not only is opening a franchise with Twinkle Toes cost-effective, but it is extremely easy.

Why Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency?

One of the first steps that you will want to take when you decide to open a franchise will be to research. Is owning a nanny franchise where you work with families and nannies interesting to you? Like owning any other business, you will have to put a lot of time and work into a franchise. The more interested you are in the franchise you choose, the easier it will be to work with. The popularity of certain franchises have greatly changed due to COVID-19. Currently, child care franchises like Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency are wildly popular.

For parents working remotely and non-remotely, Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency offers services that will always be essential. Worried about working in-person during COVID-19? Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency requires no office space and allows you to work safely from home.

Investing in Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency

Childcare-related franchises are booming. Parents everywhere are always looking for nannying services that they can trust. Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency does not only offer the chance to follow their proven business model, but they have a highly-esteemed reputation in childcare.

With an inexpensive initial investment of $25,000 and low overhead, you will receive three-day, in-person training by a corporate trainer, the use of Twinkle Toes trademarked name and logos, a marketing starter pack full of the startup materials you will need, and constant support from the Twinkle Toes network.

At the beginning of your time with us, you can expect to be marketing and networking to gain popularity. Afterward, you can expect to spend time with nanny interviews, family meetings, nanny background checks, payroll processing, sending invoices, and answering phone calls and emails from interested families. Your training will cover all of these aspects of working with Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency.

How To Open a Franchise With Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency

We understand that it might seem overwhelming to open a franchise, but the Twinkle Toes network is here to offer support and success. Signing up to work with us is as simple as filling out some information on our website. After you submit your form, we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss the next step. Read more about our franchise opportunities here.

What Is a Nanny?

The definition of a nanny is, “a person who is employed to care for children.” A nanny will work longer hours on a consistent schedule. A nanny will provide total childcare with a focus on the well-being and development of your child. Your nanny will help you run the house by cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, and other chores.

Oftentimes, a nanny becomes a part of the family they work for. The connection they have with your child might influence you into inviting them to birthday parties or even holiday celebrations. Your nanny will have education, training, and years of experience in childcare. They may have worked in a childcare center as a camp counselor, teacher, or were initially a babysitter themselves. While nannies are more expensive, they offer more services and expertise. You can expect your nanny to be with you for a long time, whereas a babysitter is usually short-term.

What Is a Babysitter?

A babysitter, considered to be more of a casual contractor, works on an as-needed basis in a position that is usually temporary. Your babysitter will mind your child and entertain them for the few hours that they are babysitting. A babysitter will perform minimal household duties and will be less expensive than a nanny. With a babysitter, you will find less experience than a nanny, as well as less involvement with your family.

Babysitters vs Nannies

Essentially, a babysitter is a person who will provide short-term care to your child. Your babysitter will have far less experience than a nanny and will do fewer tasks around the house. If you go out once a month for a date with your significant other, you might consider hiring a babysitter. The babysitter will be a cheaper option to a nanny and will be able to entertain your child for the few hours you are gone.

If you are expecting to be gone from home throughout the day due to work for the entire year, you would look into hiring a nanny. A nanny can be full-time or part-time and will often remain a permanent fixture in your household. Whereas a babysitter is only expected to watch your child for a few hours, your nanny can stay for the entire day while you are working.

Are you asking yourself “do I look for babysitting near me or nanny services?” It really all depends on your situation. If you need short-term care while you have an appointment or another short engagement, you would want to hire a babysitter. If you have a set time that you will be gone for the entire year, you would consider hiring a nanny. Luckily, Twinkle Toes provides both!

Find a Babysitter Near Me

While Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency has a focus on providing families with nannies, we also provide babysitting services. Our babysitting services are provided by our skilled, qualified nannies. We vet all of our nannies for you by performing various background checks. If you are looking for a permanent nanny, we can help you find the perfect match for your child. In the case of your nanny or babysitter calling off, Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency will even provide a backup nanny or babysitter. To find out more visit our website.