Parents Worst Nanny Nightmares

Published On February 22, 2015   By Yetty Williams » 

One of a parents worst nanny nightmares is probably finding out that your nanny is abusing your baby or child. It is a universal problem as discussed on a recent ABCs 20/20 when a mother, Whitney Matney from Springdale, Arkansas discovered just this. Read on for some of the ways a parent can protect themselves and their children from this danger.

• Do an in-home trial. In addition to screening through interviews as well as employee references and background checks (these are necessary), it is essential to spend time observing her in the home prior to hiring. Remember, anyone can be great in an interview. During the trial, ask the nanny to do everything that will be required of her while you are out of the home. Observe her, leave, and pop back in unannounced. Have others drop by unannounced as well. If you have a video camera, monitor how the candidate is doing.
• State the obvious. Early on openly lay down the laws at the outset for what you expect and what you will not tolerate. For example, you might say, “We do not want you to ever raise your voice or hit our child”.
• Monitor. During the first few weeks, monitor your nanny.  If you do not have a camera, ask friends, family members or other babysitters to drop by unannounced often and regularly to see what is happening in the home.
• Look for a child’s change in behaviour. if your child displays a radical shift in behaviour, immediately investigate. There will be some natural time to get used to a new caregiver but you do not want to overlook any changes in behaviour which can affect your child negatively down the line.
• Create a work agreement up front. Your nanny’s main job is to care for your child. It is best to outline that cleaning or other household tasks should only be done when the child is sleeping. By creating a work agreement, you can talk through what is expected. 

There are many wonderful nannies out there and it is important to remember this, time to screen, monitor and communicate with a nanny can usually reduce the incidences of bad stories that one hears.
Read more from Yahoo Parenting
 

source- Lagosmums

Getting rid of Bed bugs

Getting rid of bed bugs is a difficult fight. More so, if the infestation spreads across all the rooms in the house. Bed bugs not only travel easily via luggage, clothing, bedding and furniture but also multiply in a matter of days.

However, no treatment is required for bedbug bites. If itching is severe, topical steroid creams may be used for symptom relief. Secondary bacterial infections that develop over heavily scratched areas may require antibiotics.

 Unhygienic conditions boost the growth and spread of bed bugs in the house.
Go for regular pest control. It should be done preferably twice a month depending upon the infestation. Bedding and garments which are prone to infestation need to be bagged and laundered at 120 F minimum, because these items cannot be treated with insecticides.

Freezing may also work, but may take several days. It may be an option during winter months when finding hot and sunny locations may not be possible.
Although thorough vacuuming may not catch every single bug and egg, it will help get rid of some of the infestation before treatment with insecticides. While vacuuming, make sure you cover cracks and crevices.

Dislodging eggs is extremely difficult. So, scraping as you vacuum along infested areas, such as fabric folds of beds and sofas and the perimeter edge of wall-to-wall carpets, is more effective. When you have finished make sure you place the vacuum cleaner contents in a sealed bag. Maintain a hygienic environment to avoid further infestation.

Source: timesofindia.com

LEAVING AN INHERITANCE

THE MATTER OF LEAVING AN INHERITANCE

Published » By Yetty Williams » Featured, Spiritual Growth

The matter of leaving an inheritance is something many parents will desire to do for their children. Inheritance is commonly thought of as assets including money, property, jewelry and perhaps companies. The most recommended way to leave an inheritance is by leaving a will that clearly states what is being shared and how it should be shared. The executor of the will is responsible for making sure all assets in the will are accounted for and transferred to the correct person.

There are many stories in this part of the world, full of drama and strife, more dramatic than your Nollywood movie. This ranges from family members contesting the will to disagreement of how the inheritance is shared. The size of the family does not seem to matter as we hear of nuclear families who tear themselves apart, while some polygamous homes are able to execute the will with no issues. The disagreements some families face after the passing of a parent is many times shocking and leaves people in disbelief over the embarrassing state of affairs – all over material possessions.

When it comes to the matter of leaving an inheritance it might be worth asking the question “what really is an inheritance”? Is an inheritance only assets and material goods? What about the part of the inheritance that is not quantifiable by the number of zeros or the number of plots.

True inheritance should include a family’s values, the life lessons parents have shared, adult children who are able to stand on their own two feet, a family who is truly god-fearing and love each other. If there is money and assets but strife and discord threatens the very fibre of the family, that is not a successful inheritance. A measure of success should be one where there is harmony, good reputation, godly character, peace and love among the children and family after a parent dies. As the yorubas would say “Let the end of the person who died be good”

Some parents who fear strife after they go are inclined to share their assets before they pass on. If this decision is born out of fear of discord, then the seeds of values and character were not sown during the life of the parent.

The bible does say it is good for a parent to leave an inheritance for their children, but it does not say it is only an inheritance of property and cash. Abraham left an inheritance for Issac, which included having a relationship with God as well as advise on where to get a wife from. Issac himself went on to have an intimate relationship with God, married a good wife and led a successful life.

On the other hand we know that Eli knew God intimately and served the Lord, however all his sons were found wanting in the eyes of God. God judged Eli for the bad behaviour of his sons. Likewise when there is strife and discord in the family after the parents have passed on usually people will ask what happened? Where did the parents go wrong? How did the parents raise the children?

Parents must remember that the matter of leaving an inheritance is not only of wealth, more importantly is an inheritance that includes a legacy of family values, godly character, good deeds, spirit of hard work, love and morals. The family and generations to come is more blessed with an inheritance of wealth and values than merely material goods.

Inheritance can be defined as something from the past that is still important or valuable.  So let us think about inheritance as being about all things of value and not just limited to the assets that one leaves behind.


Source: Lagosmums