The Help Company Blog

Does the below scenario sound all too familiar?

“…Children’s laundry is a typical part of a nanny’s job. The mother reported that she told the nanny, ‘If you have time, would you mind doing the children’s laundry?’ The nanny apparently had not had time. The laundry remained undone.

The agent said that she explained to the mother that she had to be more direct and tell the nanny that doing the laundry was part of her job. This was a brilliant woman, an attorney. But the mother’s response was a timid and uncertain: ‘Oh. All right, I guess.’ ” 

One of our lovely clients brought a NY Times article to our attention, which discusses the difficulties of employer, employee communication in the home. Many of our clients battle with what their needs and wants are, while trying not to hurt their employee’s feelings. Why is it so hard to ask your housekeeper or nanny to throw away the spoiled milk? Or to put a new paper towel roll on when the other runs out?

We think it is vital that whomever you employ in your home- whether it is a housekeeper, nanny, even a part time employee, that you have open and clear lines of communication. It is the responsibility of both the nanny and the parents to speak up when something is bothering them- otherwise it will only turn into a bigger issue in the future.

On Superbowl Sunday (2/7/10) , mention the New Orleans Saints “who dat” catch phrase and save 10% on any cheese purchase. The owner happens to be from New Orleans- no word on what happens if you wear an Indianapolis Colts t shirt into the store on that day. 

The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills
419 N Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, CA
310-278-2855

In these economic times, making your own Valentine’s Day gifts not only saves money, but is also a fun afternoon art project. Here are a few that we think are creative and cute. All projects take approximately an hour.

Clap Happy

Materials Needed:

• Card stock
• Marker
• Tube of lotion or your choice of gift (perfume, candy, book, etc.)
• Double-sided tape

Instructions:

• Trace your child’s hand on card stock.
• Cut out the traced hand and use it as a template to make a second hand.
• Write a message with marker. 
• Affix the hands to a tube of lotion and add card stock hearts with double-sided tape.

Suggested Messages:
“You deserve a hand!” “Hands down, you’re the best.” “I’ve got to hand it to you!”

Valentine’s Butterflies

Materials Needed:

• Sticks of gum
• Licorice strings
• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Heart stickers
• Tape

Instructions:

• Place two pieces of string licorice between two sticks of gum, taping the top and bottom closed to secure the antennae in place.
• Next, cut two heart-shaped wings from construction paper, write your valentine message on them, and secure them to the top stick of gum with a heart sticker.
• Add other stickers to give personality to your butterfly.

The Write Card

Materials Needed:

• Cardboard Pencil (to use)
• Colored card stock
• Scissors
• Markers or metallic pens
• Stickers
• Hole punch

Instructions:

• Make a template for your kids to trace around:
• Cut out a cardboard heart.
• Have your child trace the heart onto card stock and cut it out.
• Decorate with pens and stickers.
• Use the hole punch to make holes on each side of the heart and slide the cool pencil through.

Are you an Amateur Chef who has a Signature Dish?

Yet another foodie show soon to hit the wire. A producer from RelativityREAL writes, “If you make at least one signature dish that your family and friends go crazy for, then we are searching for someone EXACTLY LIKE YOU. No professional chefs or fussy, fancy dishes. We’re looking for family favorites and comfort foods…So pick the dish you’re most proud of and put it to the test in a cooking competition that gives amateur chefs the chance to win a BIG CASH PRIZE.” Interested parties should email cookingshow@rrstaff.com before February 8.

When you think of Mary Poppins, you probably do not picture a man. In a female driven industry, manny’s have become a trendy alternative to female caregivers in today’s society. The term “manny” was coined in a Friends episode when Jennifer Aniston’s character hired a manny to take care of her infant daughter. High Profile families have hired mannies to also serve as bodyguards. When clients call The Help Company requesting a manny, it is usually because they have a family full of energetic and active kids and want someone who can kick the soccer ball and who doesn’t mind to get dirty.

ABC must be up to speed on this new type of caretaker, and have a new sitcom titled “Melissa & Joey” starring Melissa Joan Hart as an aunt who gains custody of her niece and nephew and hires a manny, played by Joey Lawrence, for her sister’s kids.

Freddie Prinze JR played a Manny on Friends, which made the term for a male nanny part of pop culture. Click on the photo to read more information on the show "Melissa & Joey".

Are you settling for a job you never imagined you’d accept before the Recession? Or did you have to start your own business just to make a living? Share your experience in confidence for a PBS story about the professional dilemmas facing the underemployed.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS ONLY.

Please email

claudia@thehelpcompany.com