The Fourth Trimester: Navigating the First Three Months After Giving Birth

The first three months after giving birth can be a challenging time for new mothers. This period, known as the fourth trimester, is often overlooked and under-discussed. In this article offered by mini connections, we will explore the different challenges new mothers face during this time and how to navigate them.

Managing Excess Weight

During pregnancy, your body gains weight to support your baby's growth and development. After giving birth, you may find that you have excess weight that you no longer need. It's important to manage your weight for your health and well-being. However, it's also important to give yourself time to recover from childbirth before embarking on any drastic weight loss programs. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine a healthy weight management plan that works for you.

Dealing with Larger Breast Size

Breast size often increases during pregnancy and may continue to do so during the fourth trimester due to breastfeeding. It's common for new mothers to experience discomfort and soreness due to engorgement or cracked nipples. Investing in comfortable, supportive bras and using nipple creams can help alleviate these symptoms.

Handling Problems with Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial way to feed your child, but it can also be challenging. Some mothers may experience difficulty with latching, low milk supply, or painful nursing sessions. Seeking support from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support group can make all the difference in successfully breastfeeding your child.

Healing and Resting After a C-section

A cesarean delivery, or C-section, requires a longer recovery time than vaginal delivery. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions for post-operative care, including resting and avoiding heavy lifting. Engaging in light exercise and taking proper pain medication can also aid in healing.

Enduring Exhaustion

New mothers are often sleep-deprived due to round-the-clock care for their newborns. It's important to prioritise rest and self-care during the fourth trimester. Asking for help from friends and family, taking naps when possible, and engaging in relaxing activities can all help combat exhaustion.

Watching for Changes in Relationship Dynamics

Having a baby can bring significant changes to your relationships with your partner, friends, and family. Some people will invite themselves over, others may steer clear, and others may act on false assumptions. It's important to communicate openly and honestly with your loved ones about your needs and expectations during this time. Remember that adjusting to these changes takes time and patience, and you and your little one come first.

Taking Steps to Reduce Your Workload

It's important to make preparations to reduce your workload so you can focus on caring for and bonding with your child. This may include arranging for childcare, meal prepping, and delegating household chores to friends and family. Also consider hiring professionals to carry a bit of your burden. A pet sitter or someone to help with the housekeeping could be just the ticket, especially while you’re bonding with your newborn.

Simplifying your schedule and setting realistic expectations can help alleviate stress. Look for practical hacks that you can apply to your household and lifestyle. Sometimes the simplest actions, like dusting before vacuuming, can make things easier in the long run. 

Keeping a Peaceful and Relaxing Home Environment

A cluttered and chaotic home environment can contribute to feelings of stress and overwhelm. Organising your home and creating designated spaces for baby items can help maintain a peaceful and calming atmosphere. Enlisting the help of a professional organiser or decluttering expert can also be beneficial.

Navigating the fourth trimester can be challenging but with proper preparation and support, new mothers can overcome these challenges. By prioritising self-care, seeking out supportive resources, and making necessary preparations, you can successfully navigate this important period of adjustment and bonding with your newborn.

A nanny can be the perfect solution to support you as a new mum. For a highly qualified, trustworthy professional, reach out to mini connections.

Staying Organised on a Budget: Tips for Busy Parents

As a parent, it can seem like there’s never enough time to get everything done. You want to make sure your family is taken care of, but you also don’t want to break the bank in the process. Here are some tips for busy parents looking for cost-efficient ways to stay organised.

Develop Time-Management Strategies

Staying organised and on a budget can be difficult for busy parents. But, by embracing time-management strategies, they can save more time while ensuring that their finances are in order. Simple steps such as creating a checklist, using reminders, and setting up recurring reminders can help you stay on top of your daily tasks without feeling overwhelmed.

Find ways for your kids to help you with everyday tasks, like unloading the dishwasher, cleaning up the yard, or folding clothes. These tasks may take a little longer with kids involved, but the time you spend together is worth more than the few minutes lost. Plus, you are teaching your children valuable life skills while spending quality time together.

Plan Your Errands

Planning your errands is key to helping you save time and money. Start by making a list of necessary errands that need to be completed. Prioritise your errands by deciding which ones are the most important, such as paying bills or picking up groceries, so those can be done first. Finally, try to combine multiple errands into one day or trip, this will help you save time and gas money.

Make Cleaning a Routine

Creating a cleaning routine is important when trying to stay organised on a budget. Set aside specific days or times each week when you dedicate yourself to cleaning certain areas in your home such as bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchen, etc. Doing this will help keep your home clean without having to hire a professional cleaner or spend too much money on cleaning supplies.

Cleaning is another way you can get your kids involved. Help them learn how to organise their room quickly and easily using coloured bins and shelving. Make picking up a routine and help them to notice how they feel when their room is messy versus clean. They’ll likely notice that they are happier and less anxious when things are picked up.

Add Cabinets to Stay Organised

Decluttering is an important part of staying organised, but it doesn’t end there. Once you have decluttered your home, take steps to stay organised by creating designated storage areas for items that need to be put away. By adding cabinets, you can optimise storage space and keep your belongings in order. By working with a professional, you can maximise the use of your available space and create a layout that suits your specific needs and preferences. Consider reaching out to a contractor who offers a free cabinet design consultation.

Digitise Medical and School Documents

Organising your medical and school documents is important for staying up-to-date with your child's needs and ensuring their safety. By digitising these documents, you'll save time when looking through paperwork and be able to quickly access the information you need.

Prepare a Meal Plan

Meal planning is an effective way of saving both time and money when trying to stay organised on a budget as it helps eliminate impulse buying which often leads to unnecessary spending over time due to a lack of planning. Meal planning also reduces food waste which further helps cut down costs associated with grocery shopping each month.

Save Money by Working From Home

Working from home can be a great way to save money and stay organised on a budget as a busy parent. You can save by not having to commute to work each day. You can also save on childcare costs as well by spending more time with your children at home. Additionally, working from home eliminates the need for pricey office supplies or outfitting an office space.

Create Easy Ways to Organise

Staying organised isn't always easy, especially if you're balancing work and family life, but it's possible. With some careful planning and organisation strategies like digitising documents and meal planning, busy parents should be able to find cost-efficient ways that fit into their lifestyle while still ensuring their family's needs are met.

For trusted and reliable nanny services, look no further than Mini Connections. Whether you're in need of a permanent or contract placement, Mini Connections offers professional nannies who provide one-to-one attention and care.

4 reasons for outsourcing your nanny or domestic payroll

We understand how overwhelming it may be when it comes to organising your nanny’s payroll, and so we’ve teamed up with the best in business - CarePayCo. Not only are they wizards in their field, but they are also some of the friendliest people to deal with, and you will always be greeted with a smile!

As a domestic employer, there are many responsibilities that come with hiring a household employee, including keeping track of their payroll. While it may seem like a small task, payroll can quickly become overwhelming and time-consuming, especially for those with limited knowledge in accounting and tax laws. This is where outsourcing domestic payroll comes in.

Outsourcing payroll refers to hiring an external payroll service provider to handle all aspects of payroll processing for your household employees. Some may view this as an unnecessary expense, but there are numerous benefits to be gained from outsourcing payroll for your domestic employee using a service like Carepayco. Plus, it’s not very expensive anyway. Here are just a few reasons why outsourcing payroll may be the right choice for you:

1. Timesaving

Managing payroll can be a tedious and time-consuming task. By outsourcing payroll, you can free up valuable time and focus on other important things, such as spending time with your family or running your business. Professional payroll services are equipped with the latest technology and software to streamline the payroll process, making it a faster and more efficient process.

2. Compliance with laws and regulations

As an employer, it is important to stay compliant with labor laws and tax regulations. This can be especially daunting when it comes to domestic payroll. Outsourcing payroll to a professional service provider ensures that all aspects of your domestic employee's payroll are legally compliant, saving you the time and stress of keeping up with constantly changing laws.

3. Accuracy

Payroll mistakes can be costly and frustrating for both you and your domestic employee. By outsourcing payroll to a professional service provider like CarePayCo, you can minimize the risk of errors and ensure that your employee is paid accurately and on time. Professional payroll services have systems in place to catch any discrepancies and can quickly resolve issues if they arise.

4. Record-keeping

Proper record-keeping is crucial when it comes to domestic payroll. Outsourcing payroll to a professional service provider ensures that all records are accurate and up-to-date. This can come in particularly useful during tax time, when you need to provide documentation to the ATO.

By outsourcing your domestic payroll using a professional nanny and domestic payroll service provider you can save time, ensure legal compliance, maintain accuracy, and keep detailed records. As an employer, you are responsible for taking care of your employee, and outsourcing payroll helps you do just that.

What are you waiting for? Contact Caprepayco today and let them know Mini Connections referred you!

Meet Emi, Superstar Pet Minder!

Since the rebirth of Mini Connections, we have had the pleasure of connecting with some incredible pet minders across South East Queensland! 

Emi is one of those wonderful pet minders – a kind, caring soul who is looking forward to taking care of your fur babies while you’re away from home. And this is why she’s the perfect match for you…

Tell us about your pet minding experience.

I had pet/house sat a few times for different families. I am a trustworthy, easy going, and responsible individual who loves animals, especially dogs!

Duties usually include feeding, bathing, walking and playing with animals, and of course giving them lots of love and attention!

Why do you love caring for pets?

Pets are so easy going, and I love caring for them as it is a great way to relax and relieve stress! 

Being able to interact with pets will never make my social battery run out either which is always a bonus! Pets definitely are a great source of companionship, and truly bring so much happiness!

I always love meeting new animals and getting to know them.

Why have you chosen to work with us?

I love the environment because it is so warm and welcoming! I also love the flexibility as well!

Isn’t she wonderful?!

You’ll be happy to know that Emi is available over the Christmas and New Year period (2022), so if you would like her to take care of your pets while you’re away, get in touch with us today! 

Interview with Super Dad, Russel Miller!

In the spirit of Father’s Day, we’d like to start by saying thank you to all the incredible, loving fathers out there!

You really don’t get enough recognition for what you do. And it was this very thought that led us to having an honest and open conversation with Russel Miller, who is truly such a wonderful father to his beautiful little son. 

We’re here to share his story with you today, and it’s one that many of you will surely be able to relate with! Read on as Russ talks us through his joys, the reality of trying to navigate fatherhood and everything in between. 

How would you describe fatherhood? 

The word that comes to mind immediately is “blur”. If I think about it a bit more, other words form in my mind like “Poonami”, “Cute” and “Rewarding”. I might need to switch the order of those!

Do you think today’s fathers have it harder, easier or just different?

My particular experience was hard. There is no way around that. It was just hard from the very first moment trying to work out how to put baby Felix in the car seat to being utterly confused as to how to swaddle him and then work out how to deal with reflux issues, dietary requirements, Covid, introduction of solids and all the while working in my own business and trying to stay sane. I certainly didn’t do all of this alone. My wife is the Primary Carer. Even so, it was hard!

Like many people in Australia, we don’t have a lot of family support here as our families live overseas. We also received so much contradicting information in relation to medical treatments, sleep issues and diet that it was hard to know who or what to believe. You quickly learn not to instantly believe everything you are told.

What's your favourite thing about fatherhood?

My baby is my favourite thing for sure. He is so cute and when I look at him I see a mini version of myself. I can’t wait for him to learn some more words so that we can have a proper chat. 

Do you have any fears that arose since you became a dad? 

I haven’t really allowed myself to become too stressed or fearful. My wife is a very dedicated and determined mother and I have tried to inject as much fun as I can. 

What advice do you have for new dads?

This is a situation you cannot control! There is absolutely nothing wrong with putting the baby down for 5 minutes crying while you take a breather. I should have gotten involved earlier with the sleep training. It turns out that dads can be much better than mums at this. Baby doesn’t look at us and need to comfort feed. Also the controlled crying method was the only thing that worked, we should have got to this a lot earlier. Also, Day Care Centre’s are petri dishes of disease. If you can afford a nanny, get one!

Tell us your best dad joke!

What's the difference between a man's wallet before and after kids? 

There are pictures where the money used to be.

We hope you got what you needed from Russel’s wonderful words! 

If that includes the realisation that welcoming a nanny into your home will be a huge help, we’d love to have a chat. Simply click here to get in touch and let’s get you matched with the perfect nanny! 

Meet Nanny Cristy

One of our newest Mini Nannies is Cristy, and we’d love to introduce you to her! 

Cristy is such a kind and nurturing soul and recently felt the call to become a nanny. There’s no doubt in any of our minds that this was the right move, and she’s ready to encourage you to follow your dreams as well! 

How did you get into nannying?

I enjoy working with children and was looking for a change in career — that’s when I came across Mini Nanny Agency! 

How did you connect with Mini Nanny Agency and how has your experience been with us?

I applied for a nanny position I saw advertised online. I have loved my experience with Mini Nanny Agency, the high level of professionalism, the beautiful staff, the positivity and prompt communication is excellent.

What does a day in the nanny life look like for you? 

My day is split into two shifts, before school and school drop off, and school pick up and after school until 6pm.

What are some of your favourite parts of being a nanny? 

The little lives I get the privilege of being a part of, hearing about the children’s day and doing activities and games with the children.

Do you have any nanny hacks that make the day run more smoothly?

Be organised, and show a calm, happy energy towards what the day brings. 

What’s something a parent has done to make you feel really appreciated? 

Communicated clearly and openly with me.

What’s your favourite activity to do with kids?

Playing games; seeing them having fun is the best! 

What advice would you give someone who is looking to become a nanny?

Do it! Give it a try and you will enjoy it.

What do you love doing in your spare time? 

Catching up with family and friends and making candles! 

Do you have a life motto or mantra that you live by? 

Rain before rainbows.

Be kind, treat people how you want to be treated.

If you’re ready to become a Mini Nanny or perhaps you’re a parent who needs help, reach out to us today! We are very much looking forward to helping you.

Meet Nanny Indie

Today we’re very excited to introduce you to Indie, one of Mini’s superstar nannies! 

It was wonderful to catch up with Indie about her nannying journey so far. There’s so much fun and love that fills her days as she gives her all to help a very deserving family. 

Let’s take a little look into her magical life…

How did you get into nannying?

I decided I wanted a career change whilst completing my masters degree, and wanted to do something that makes me feel appreciated and good everyday! 

How did you connect with Mini Nanny Agency and how has your experience been with us?

I saw an ad online and applied for a nanny position. The lovely Michelle and Haylee quickly contacted me and made the effort and time to find an opportunity to speak. After initially meeting Michelle I felt so welcomed and couldn’t wait to find a family through them. They connected me with the family I currently work with and celebrated when I got the position! Couldn’t be happier with the agency and lovely ladies who helped me.

What does a day in the nanny life look like for you? 

I arrive in the morning and get the day started with preparing breakfast and school drop off. Next I prepare for the fun activities I have planned with the younger children I’m with all day and always find ways to create a fun atmosphere. I finish the day with either a park visit, outdoor games, or board games on rainy days. Then I prepare dinner and have the children all ready for bed when the parents get home.

What are some of your favourite parts of being a nanny? 

I absolutely love bringing new activities to work to try with the kids! We have done clay modelling, fresh pasta making, and other activities which are fun filled! Being able to connect with the kids through different activities helps find what they love doing and gives me more ideas for what to do next!

Do you have any nanny hacks that make the day run more smoothly?

My biggest tip that I’ve learnt from nannying and previously as a behaviour therapist is always communicating with the kids! Before leaving the park I’ll give them a 5 minute warning and then a prompt to go on their favourite thing before leaving! I find they always love choosing their favourite and leave happy! I also let them know what I want them to do, not what I don’t want them to do! (Eg. “Hands down please”, not “don’t touch that”). I think the kids appreciate when you take the time to communicate everything and always make time to explain things. 

What’s something a parent has done to make you feel really appreciated? 

I have worked with some lovely families who always make me feel appreciated. With my current family I feel like a member and feel so loved by both the kids and parents. They will ask for my opinion as a mental health professional and work with me to help make the children successful! 

What’s your favourite activity to do with kids?

I absolutely love going to the park and engaging with the kids whilst they play. I’ll roar like a dinosaur and race around the park! I love seeing how much fun the kids have and think it’s a great bonding experience for everyone! 

What advice would you give someone who is looking to become a nanny?

Don’t be afraid to tap into your inner child, you’ll find that the kids love how silly you can be and will always think you’re fun! This makes it so much easier when you have to ask them to clean their room or pack away an activity, because you’ve built so much ‘credit’ that they will forgive you for making them clean up. 

What do you love doing in your spare time? 

I love just about everything! I love being outdoors and hiking, love working on cars, and love being creative! I find I can bring these passions to work and help the kids learn new things! 

Do you have a life motto or mantra that you live by? 

Life’s too short to be unhappy! 

We hope you enjoyed this chat with Indie!

If you’re starting to think that you’re ready for a new nanny role, reach out to us today! We’ll help match you with your perfect family, just as we did for Indie.

How to become a nanny in Australia

Thinking of becoming a nanny? Well you’ve come to the right place for advice! 

If you’re new here, A) welcome! and B) we have been matching nannies with loving families since 2016, so let’s fill you in on what we need from our applicants:

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Valid WWCC (Blue Card)

• Valid First Aid and CPR Certificate

CHECKS

• Police Check (12 months validity)

• Traffic History Report (Driving History)

• Current Driver's License

• References from two recent families that you have provided care to

NICE TO HAVE

• Proven Child Care Experience 

• Qualification in Children Services OR Currently Studying for a Qualification in Early Childhood 

Just like anything in life, good things come to those who work! 

But it isn’t just about having the right papers and qualifications. Another incredibly important thing to have is a love of helping people and taking care of children. The most important trait with us at Mini is to have a motivated attitude and a kind heart!

When you become a nanny, you are there to bring fun and peace of mind to a very deserving family… and in little to no time at all, you even feel like you ARE a part of the family. 

It really is a remarkably special role to take on and one that is worth the journey to get there! 

So when you do have all the qualifications you need (or if you already do!), let’s have a chat. We’ll match you with your perfect family across Brisbane, The Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast. 

We hope this is the start of a new beautiful chapter in your life! 

Meet Nanny Niamh

We recently had a chance to catch up with Niamh! She is one of our wonderful Mini nannies and we cannot wait to share her journey with you.

Since being paired up with her perfect family, it’s been smiles all around. Niamh has such a good relationship with her minis and their parents and it’s such a joy to see! We love her nurturing, musical nature, and know that you will too.

So sit back, relax, and let’s enjoy her story…

How did you start your nannying career?

I have been involved in childcare for years and have always enjoyed being a part of child development. They have such a beautiful view on life and I believe we can all learn a lot from them. Then I reached out to Mini Nanny Agency and they were lovely!

How did you connect with the crew at Mini Nanny Agency and how has your experience been with us?

I was looking for an agency that would be welcoming of me and help me find the perfect family, and that’s exactly what happened thanks to Mini.

What does a day in the life look like for you?

I arrive at my nanny home at 2pm and tidy the house, wash the clothes, do the dishes etc. I then prepare to pick up the kids at 3pm. Our days vary depending on their extracurricular activities as I have two busybodies, but usually we do our extracurriculars then come home to make dinner together. We play a game after dinner then settle in on the sofa before getting ready for bed at about 7:30pm!

What is your favourite part of being a nanny?

Spending time with the kids—they’re so incredibly kind and their family is lovely. I just love being just a little impact in their life and being able to help Alex. 

Do you have any nanny hacks that makes the day run more smoothly?

Not really. I’d say try and remove a lot of pressure from yourself, if you’re tense the kids will also feel that way. Trust the process!!

What’s something a parent has done to make you feel really appreciated? 

Alex and Warren have practically completely accepted me into their family. They tell me how much they appreciate the help I have provided for them and even let me go to their beach house with them.

What’s your favourite activity to do with kids?

WATCH MUSICALS!! 

What advice would you give someone who is looking to become a nanny?

Take your shot and do it, it’s an incredible experience with lovely families to provide help and assistance to people who need it. 

What do you love doing in your spare time? 

I am a musician and study music!

And that’s a wrap!

We hope you loved getting to know Niamh, and if her nanny experience has made you want to go after your own, reach out to us today!

5 Healthy Xmas Snacks for your Minis

Do you love making holiday treats but hate the focus on candy and sugar-filled snacks? Well, these 5 healthy Christmas treats are kid pleasers that are yummy & guilt-free during the holiday season!

1. Holly Jolly Santa Waffles

This Santa waffle is a great way to get some extra fruit on the kiddos' plates at breakfast! And it doesn't take a lot of skill to throw this together...win-win!

Click here to read the full recipe on Van’s Foods

Ingredients

• Gluten-Free Waffles (store-bought from your local grocery store)

• Apple

• Cinnamon

• Strawberries

• Bananas

• Blueberries

• Raspberries

Instructions

• Toast the waffles per packaging instructions.

• Slice strawberry halves and place them around the top of your waffle to create Santa's hat.

• Next, cut the banana into thin slices. Place a row of slices along the bottom of the strawberry hat to create the fur lining. Place a single banana slice at the tip of Santa's hat. Place remaining slices around the sides of the waffle and at the bottom to create Santa's beard.

• Place two blueberries on the waffle for Santa's eyes.

• Finish things off with a rosy red raspberry nose.

2) Healthy Pita Christmas Trees

Plant a forest of pita bread trees on your table in less than 30 minutes by topping wedges with store-bought guacamole.

Click here to read the full recipe from Betty Crocker

Ingredients

• 4 flavored or plain pita folds or pita (pocket) breads (about 6 inches in diameter)

• 16 thin pretzel sticks, halved

• 1/2 cup fat-free sour cream

• 1/2 cup guacamole

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic-pepper blend

• 1/4 cup very finely chopped red capsicum

Instructions

• Cut each pita fold into 8 wedges. Insert pretzel stick half into center of bottom of each wedge to form "tree trunk."

• In small bowl, mix sour cream, guacamole, parsley and garlic-pepper blend. Spread about 1 teaspoon sour cream mixture on each pita wedge.

• Blot capsicum with paper towel to remove excess moisture. Sprinkle about 1/4 teaspoon capsicum on each wedge or arrange to form a garland. If desired, cover and refrigerate up to 8 hours before serving.

3. Banana Snowman

With all the delicious sweet delights doing the rounds there’s definitely room for something a littler healthier. These little banana snowmen are a healthy snack that are still festive and fun for the kids.

Nutrition note: A fun and nutritious Christmas treat providing a natural energy boost for the kids with essential B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, fibre and antioxidants.

Click here to read full recipe from One Handed Cooks

Ingredients

• 2 bananas

• 1/4 of a carrot

• Handful of currents or sultanas chopped

• 3 strawberries

• 6 grapes

• 6 skewers

Instructions

• Cut the bananas into thick slices (approx. 9 rounds per banana) -

• Peel the carrot and cut into small triangular slivers for a pointy nose -

• Trim the stem from the strawberries and then cut in half. You should get two hats out of each strawberry -

• Cut the grapes in half. (We only used the smooth half and ate the stem end) -

• To assemble, thread three slices of banana on to each skewer followed by a strawberry hat and grape half. Gently press the currents into the banana slices to create eyes and the buttons on the body then add the carrot nose -

• Serve immediately

• Tip: Chop everything up, place all the bits in separate bowls and then have the kids assemble the snowmen. -

• Safety note: Please be careful with using sharp skewers when cooking with children. If necessary cut or break off the pointy end to avoid injury.

4. Watermelon Christmas Trees

These watermelon trees don’t only look fabulous on the plate, they are also healthy and guilt-free for the festive season!

Read the full recipe from One Handed Cooks here

Ingredients

• ¼ of whole seedless watermelon

• 1/3 cup favourite yoghurt

Instructions

• Cut the watermelon into slices, and then cut each slice in half

• To make the base of the Christmas tree, slice the watermelon rind into thirds and then trim off the pieces from either side so you are left with one “tree trunk” in the middle

• Place your Christmas trees on a lined tray that will fit in the freezer

• Add yoghurt to a piping bag and decorate your trees. If you don't have a piping bag, simply fill a snap lock plastic bag with yoghurt and cut a very small piece from the corner

• Place tray in the freezer and allow the yoghurt to freeze for 1-2 hours

5. Snowman Popcorn

Popcorn is not terribly nutritious, yet neither is it terrible for you. The more oil, salt, and butter it is made with, the worse it is for you. Below mentions the best way of preparing popcorn being to air pop it and then add some extra virgin olive oil and sea salt for taste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup popcorn, unpopped kernels

Instructions

• Pop popcorn as directed on package.

• Using a black marker, draw the snowman face and buttons; using an orange marker, make his nose. Tie a ribbon around the cup for his scarf.

• Scoop in the popcorn and enjoy your snowman in a cup!

5 Ways to teach kids how to be kind

13 November is World Kindness Day and is a designated day to pause and consciously reflect on times when we have been shown kindness, and think about ways in which we can treat others kindly.

Kindness is defined as, ‘The quality of being gentle, caring and helpful’, and there are several other traits associated with kindness, including friendliness, generosity, courtesy and good listening skills. Kindness is also an important part of empathy, which is the ability to understand and share someone else’s feelings.

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5 ways to teach your minis how to be kind

1. Kindness in Chalk

Take your minis outside with some sidewalk chalk and let them share the love with everyone who passes by! This is such a simple gesture but such an effective one too – you may never realize how much it lifts someone’s spirits.

2. Kindness Rocks

Kindness rocks have one simple goal, to promote random acts of kindness in the shape of painted rocks with inspirational words! Not only is it fun to design and create these gorgeous rocks, students also learn the powerful skill of using words to inspire and motivate both themselves and others around them!

3. Save for a Special Cause

Collect spare change and donate it to an organisation that your mini wants to support. You can even help your child set up a lemonade stand or neighbourhood bake sale or garage sale. Explain that all the proceeds from sales will go towards a charity or NGO of their choice.

4. Kindness Chatterboxes

Kids love making chatterboxes! This activity lets your minis write kind acts they wish to complete on the inside of their chatterbox.

Click here for instructions

5. Kindness Elves

The Elf on the Shelf is a pretty popular phenomenon around this time of the year, but the Kindness Elves are different! They don’t focus on bad behavior or reporting back to Santa. Instead, they emphasize kindness and love, in an attempt to help kids develop thoughtfulness and compassion for the world around them in a playful and fun way!

Click here for instructions

Top 5 Rainforest Adventures with your Minis

In Brisbane, we are lucky to have countless rainforests to explore, with many being within a 1-2 hours drive, making them the perfect destination for a day trip. Many have flat tracks, and some even offer paved pathways to make pushing the pram just that little bit easier. 

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Benefits for your Minis

There are a wide range of benefits of bringing your Minis on outdoor adventures!

Being outdoors promotes creativity and imagination for children. They are able to think freely in an open and beautiful environment while using all their senses. Your minis will be able to hear, smell, and touch the nature around them.

Getting outside is not only beneficial for their mental stimulation, but it also a great physical exercise. Going on rainforest walks is good for their bodies and can also make them more focused, which is also a major benefit for kids with ADHD. 

Going to an unfamiliar outdoor area will also get minis to think and ask questions! Nature creates a unique sense of wonder for minis that most environments cannot provide.

If you are looking for fun and stimulating activities in nature for your minis, see Ideas for Getting Your Kids into Nature.

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Rainforest Exploring Tips:

• Wear plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent

• Pack the binoculars and camera

• Wear suitable clothing (long pants, socks and shoes)

• Pack plenty of food and water

• Take a plastic bag and some toilet paper with you (you never know when nature calls)

• Have a basic first aid kit handy

• Keep a change of clothes and shoes in the car (just in case)

• Check closely for leeches

• Keep our rainforests clean and free from litter by taking your rubbish home with you.

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Top 5 Rainforest to take your Minis to:

1.     Springbrook National Park - Natural Bridge Circuit

The Natural Bridge trail is one of the most popular in the area and perhaps one of the most spectacular as well. The trail is easily accessible with sealed and graded tracks, which makes it perfect for young families. There is however a large section of stairs, making it unsuitable for prams and wheelchairs. If possible, make the trek late in the afternoon/early evening so you can witness the natural wonder of the glow worms. The children will be amazed when the cave lights up with these tiny creatures. 

Distance: 1km – approximately 1hr

2.     Springbrook National Park - Twin Falls Circuit

This circuit is definitely doable for families, though there are segments of the track where you will need to show some extra care with little ones. The reward at the end of this trail, which you will really look forward to in Summer, is the stunning rock pools at the base of the falls. These pools are suitable for swimming and are a great way to cool down. 

Distance: 4km – approximately 2hrs 

3.     Maiala Mount Glorious - Rainforest Circuit 

In 1965, the Rainforest Circuit at Maiala was one of Queensland’s first self-guided walks and continues to be a firm family favourite many years later. If you wish to extend your walk, this circuit connects with the Greenes Falls track. 

Distance: 2km – approximately 1hr

4.     Tamborine National Park- Cedar Creek Section

Cedar Creek Falls track (to lookout): This track is suitable for prams and wheelchairs (with assistance) and rewards visitors with views of the gorge and waterfalls. 

Distance: 500m – approximately 15min

Cedar Creek Falls track (to rockpools): Continue on from the Cedar Creek Falls lookout, through the rainforest, to the rockpools waiting below. There are many steps on this walk, so be prepared. 

Distance: 1.1km – approximately 30min

5.     Tamborine National Park – Rainforest Skywalk

Visiting the 30 acres of the privately-owned section of rainforest at the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk will impress all family members. Nestled beside Cedar Creek in the Gold Coast Hinterland, you will walk amongst the rainforest canopy and can get down to ground level to explore waterfalls and rockpools. This eco-adventure comprises of a 1.5km walk utilising the forest floor, 300m of steel bridges and a 40m cantilever bridge soaring 30m above the rainforest below.

7 Reasons to Bring your Minis to Farmers Markets!

There are SO many wonderful farmers markets in QLD and taking your minis to your local ones can also be a fun outing and a fantastic learning experience! A visit to the local farmer’s market is not just an opportunity to support local growers or to buy fresh fruits & vegetables, but also much more!

7 Reasons to Bring your Minis to Farmers Markets

1. Children get to learn about the seasons of produce.

   • Some children may still be too young to know the different seasons of fruits & vegetables but going to the markets will help them become aware of what is in and out of season. If multiple stalls are filled with mangoes, kids will start to become aware that it is mango season! If there are not many strawberries, then they will realise that it is not the right season for them yet.

2. Farmers Markets are a great place for family bonding

   • With technology being so prevalent with children, it is important to take a timeout for outdoor family bonding. Farmers markets allow families to come together for a few hours and create great memories & experiences that children will remember. There is enough room for them to be silly, goof around and to exert some energy outdoors in the fresh air.

3. Great place for their senses

   • Farmer’s Markets are a great place for your child to experience all their senses! They can see bright orange mangoes, yellow lemons, green capsicum, while they smell freshly baked bread, fresh mint, and bouquets of flowers. They can taste juicy oranges while listening to farmers talk about planting and picking the fruit they are enjoying. They can touch different varieties of kale while they cool off freshly squeezed juice. Their senses can come alive as they take it all in.

4. Meet the Farmers behind the Produce

   • Farmers are very proud of their products so it is a great way for kids to meet the people behind the produce and ask them questions ( because we all know how much kids love asking questions!) You can help your kids thinks of some questions for the farmers like'- What made you want to become a farmer? What’s the hardest thing to grow? What’s the easiest thing to grow? What is your favourite fruit/vegetable. Doing this will allow the kids to form a connection to the farmers and next time you visit the market you can say hi to ‘Tony’ from the Strawberry stand or ‘Philip’ at the bananas stand.

5. Farmers Markets teach children proper nutrition

   • Not only are farmers markets fun to walk around and see all the different beautiful colours of the produce, but children will also learn about each type of produce! It’s not just fun for the kids…it’s fun for the adults at the vendors who like to teach the children what kind of produce they have and why it’s good for you. Children will learn that they need these foods.

6. Farmers Markets introduce your children to “imperfect” produce

   • Children become accustomed to perfectly shaped fruits and vegetables at the supermarkets. but it is important to show them that just because a farmers market banana may look different from a supermarket banana that they still taste the same on the inside. Farmers still sell their “imperfect” looking produce as that is what their crop produced & it is still tasty and edible! Showing your children this change the way they think about “weird” looking produce at the Farmers Markets.

7. Farmers Markets show children that shopping can be fun

   • Lots of children usually dreed going shopping, but farmers markets allow children to be more involved because everything they can pick out is fresh and healthy! Seeing that they can pick out what they want and parents can be stress-free because they trust all the fresh produce!

Brisbane Markets

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Gold Coast Markets

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Top tips for a healthy pre and post pregnancy: Interview with Sarah from Mama Know How

Mums have many concerns when it comes to pregnancy, especially new mums – I mean, it is a lot to take in! But we all want a smooth and healthy pregnancy to avoid any unnecessary issues. After all, we are growing a tiny precious human in our bellies who deserve the healthiest environment to grow in! In this interview, we chat with Sarah from Mama Know How to get a low down of some of the most frequently asked questions from pre to post pregnancy! She has years of knowledge and shares some very insightful tips and tricks for a smooth pregnancy. Don’t worry mum, we got your back!

What made you want to start Mama Know How?

We believe women should feel empowered and educated throughout their pregnancy and beyond. We have both had experiences with women who simply have not received the right care and education throughout their pregnancy journey which has left them feeling lost and scared. We wanted to create a forum for women to access information around prenatal, antenatal and postnatal health, exercise, nutrition and supplementation.

What is the most frequently asked question you receive from women about pregnancy?

“What exercise can I do while pregnant?” or “will pregnancy stop me from exercising the way I am used to?”

What are your top tips for a new mum to recover from giving birth?

1. Listen to your body – birthing a baby is an amazing feat and your body needs time to recover!

2. Ignore the “Instamums” – social media tends to portray a very unrealistic expectation for women postnatally. No two births are exactly the same so try to avoid comparing yourself to others. Everyone’s journey is different and it’s important to remember that!

3. Take your time – visit a women’s health physio around 6 weeks post birth and get an assessment. It’s important to know what’s going on inside your body!

 What is your top recommended best food for pre and post pregnancy?

We live by the principle, J.E.R.F. Just Eat Real Food. Whether you’re pregnant or not we always encourage eating an array of fruits, vegetables and proteins. When shopping at the supermarket stay around the edges (fruit/veg/deli) – this is predominately where the “REAL” food is!   

What are some of your best exercise tips to have a healthy pregnancy? 

1. If possible, keep active! We’re not saying to go and run a marathon, but keep your body moving. Studies show women who exercise during pregnancy are more likely to have a better birth and recover faster post birth.

2. Stay hydrated – water is vital is creating blood, carrying nutrients and forming amniotic fluid for your baby.

3. Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t get a workout in. Have a stretch or do some exercise at home. Something small is better than sitting on the couch!

What are some of the best exercises to get that yummy mummy body how can we maintain it?

Everyone is different so we don’t believe in the ‘best’ exercise to achieve results. What we do believe in is consistency – whether its yoga, pilates, swimming, running, gym classes or personal training sessions, you can get the results you want if you stick to it! Find a friend or group to train with – you can keep each other accountable and reach your goals faster.

Why is staying hydrated so important during pregnancy?

Staying hydrated is CRUCIAL during pregnancy. Most of our body’s processes rely on water to function – especially creating those little bundles of joy! Dehydration can impact nutrients getting to your baby, breast milk production and labour – the marathon your body endures when birthing.

What advice do you have for expectant mums as they start to consider their birth plan?

When preparing for a birth plan it’s always important to remember circumstances can change in an instant. When considering a birth plan you CAN have an option 1, 2 and 3. You can always focus on your preferred option and set goals towards that preference but sometimes things don’t go to plan. Let your partner/midwife know how you feel about certain issues prior to birth so if need be, they can make the best decision for you.

Where can our yummy mamas find your business?

Our sessions aren’t run on a regular schedule, but we always post about any upcoming sessions on our Instagram, Facebook and website – and they are free! We want mamas to be able to connect and create lasting friendships through our sessions. And of course, bubs are ALWAYS welcome!

Our Instagram - mamaknowhow

Our Facebook – Mama Know How

Our Website - www.mamaknowhow.com.au

Interview with Super Mum Rachel Thaiday!

We chat to Rachel about the benefits of hiring a nanny for her family, tips on how she gets her gorgeous minis out and active, and also some great advice for other hard-working mums!

At Mini Nanny Agency, we serve many hardworking, busy mums. One of whom is the beautiful mother of two gorgeous minis, Rachel Thaiday. In this short interview, Rachel chats with us about what it has been like to take on board a nanny in the family, tips on how she gets her minis out and active, and also some great advice for other hard-working mums. It isn’t always easy to ask for help and sometimes guilt can find its way in when we feel like we do need to ask. However, in today’s busy and fast-paced world it is totally okay to put your hand up and ask for a bit of help! You are still a super mum!

How did you find out about Mini Nanny Agency?

Brisbane is quite small when it comes to amazing recommendations, so I had been told about Mini through a few ladies and then I was lucky enough to find Mini Nanny Agency through meeting the amazing Michelle and our relationship blossomed from there.

How have things changed since hiring a nanny through the crew at Mini HQ?

Life is much more organised and efficient when coming to organising life around my mini people. Mini HQ makes it such an easy process to find the right fit for our family, and now my girls love spending as much time as they can with our Nanny.

 
What are some of your favourite activities to do with your gorgeous minis?

Our fave things to do with our girls and as a family is beach days and anything outdoors, high energy and fun really. We also are lucky enough to have plenty of space to watch the kids just play around in the backyard with our fur babies as well. We love exploring all the creeks and water holes close to the place where we live as well.

What are your best tips to get your minis out and about and to enjoy exercise?

My best tips to get your minis out and about is all about exploration around what they might like to do and creating new activities for them to try.

We also have a list of things that the girls come up with for their boredom busters when we are having a day at home (which is rare) but at least they can refer back to their own list they made when they say they are bored to get them thinking of things to do. Also, I think the best way for the minis to enjoy exercise is by seeing their own parents setting the right examples for them to learn from! Movement is super important to all aspects of our lives!

What is your favourite part about being a Super Mum?

My favourite part of being a super Mum (some days) is watching my little girls blossom into beautiful little humans that are caring and thoughtful to others and the world we live in. They are super special to me and to think that is a reflection on our parenting makes my heart super full.

Do you have any advice for our other hard-working mums out there about the benefits of having a Nanny?

My advice would be to give it a go and get some help. In this day and age as busy, successful women we feel we should not be asking for help which I can say I was the exact same.

Having someone to help you manage those times when you just can’t juggle things or need someone to help with all the small things, this is where we can allow ourselves the slack and have someone there to help us. Whether it’s a little or a lot of help, just ask and give yourself a pat on the back for accepting some help. Even super women need some help from time to time!

Interview with the wonderful nanny Holly!

We had a chance to catch up with one of our nannies Holly who talks about about everything nanny! From the beginnings of her career to the most challenging parts of being a nanny.

Meet beautiful nanny Holly who has been a lovely and invaluable addition to our Mini team. Holly has such a great love for kids of all ages and loves forming long lasting and meaningful relationships with her Mini’s.

We had a chance to catch up with nanny Holly and talked about everything nanny! From the beginnings of her career to the most challenging parts of being a nanny. Holly also shares with us an awesome video of what a day looks like for her on the job so keep scrolling to check it out!

 How did you start your nannying career?

I began my career as an educator in 2017 at a childcare centre in Brisbane and absolutely LOVED it! I’d formed such beautiful relationships with the little people in my class and loved watching them interact with each other and learn new things that I had taught them. After a year working at the centre, I decided to join a Nanny Agency and that agency was indeed, Mini Nanny Agency. I met with Michelle one afternoon and we had a casual yet professional chat about my experience, qualifications and what I was looking for in a nanny role. I was now in Mini’s Nanny database and would receive weekly emails of jobs on offer. It wasn’t until a few weeks later a perfect role came up so I called Michelle right away, after meeting the family I knew this would be the job for me and I started the following week.

How did you connect with the crew at Mini Nanny Agency and how has your experience been with us?

 I found Mini after googling nanny agencies in Brisbane. I sent through an application and Michelle got in contact with me. My experience with Mini has been nothing short of amazing. All my interactions with Michelle and the team and Mini have been so lovely. I’ve always felt extremely appreciated and looked after.

What does a day in the life look like for you?

I get to work at 7am and prepare Ethan’s (18 months) breakfast. I then tidy living area, unpack the dishwasher, put on a load of washing and plan what kind of activities we will do during the day. Typically, we like to do things such as going to the park for a play or going to the library for a sing-along session. We love going to new places and discovering fun activities in and outside of Brisbane. At the end of the day, I bathe Ethan and make sure all washing is put away and the house is looking sparkling clean for when Mum and Dad get home.

What is your favourite part of being a nanny?

I love doing things that I like to do in my spare time but with Ethan! Such as grabbing a coffee, and babycino, at Hawthorne park, driving down to Burleigh and enjoying a muffin together on the beach. I love being a nanny because my job doesn’t feel like work. I spend my days playing alongside Ethan and watching him learn and grow and It has been a privilege to watch this teeny three-month-old blossom into an energetic young two-year-old!

What is something you wish people understood more about being a nanny?

 I wish people would understand that I’m not ‘just a babysitter’. I have essentially raised Ethan alongside his parents. I have been with him for almost two years five days a week, 7-4 each day. I would like to think I have taught Ethan a lot of what he knows. Nannies do so much more than just ‘babysit’, we cook, clean, teach, play, listen, help and nurture for our little ones. When we arrive at work our number one priority becomes our mini and we do everything we can to keep them safe, happy and healthy.

Do you have any nanny hacks that makes the day run more smoothly?

I don’t have any hacks because you never know what each day is going to pan out like. I guess you just have to go with the flow and plan your day around your mini. Definitely get out of the house as much as you can and make the most of your day, they tend to go quicker too!

What has been the most challenging part of being a nanny?

 When I first became a nanny, Ethan was only three months old. Obviously, he couldn’t yet do much and generally slept all day apart from waking for a bottle, so I found the days dragged and I started to feel a little lonely and isolated. Soon enough he was able to sit and was becoming more alert, so we began to go to the library and attend play-groups etc. The older he has gotten, the easier it has become as we are hardly ever home now! Each day we go somewhere different and explore places together.

When you’re not a nanny, what makes you happy?

I love going on weekend trips to Byron or anywhere along the coast. I like going to brunch with friends, visiting my family and friends in Melbourne, singing, dancing and spending time with my partner Dylan!

3 Ways to Get Your Child Excited About Learning!

We all know how hard it can be to get our minis excited about hitting the books and studying for their tests. Sometimes, kids would much rather be playing with their toys, watching TV or playing video games. We’ve all been there. But it doesn’t have to be like that! We need to be showing our minis that learning is fun and that even adults are constantly learning every day! Here are our 3 effective ways to make learning fun and exciting!

1.      Know your mini’s learning style

 There are seven main learning styles: Visual, Aural, Verbal, Physical, Logical, Social, Solitary. Every child has a different learning style that is best suited to the way that they learn things. Finding the relevant learning style and then creating activities in correspondence with what they react to the best, will ensure that they have an effective and fun study session. It is also beneficial to combine several of these learning styles together to allow your child to develop in all of these areas. Below are the descriptions of each of these learning styles with tips on how to manage these, so that you can get the most out of your study session!

Photo created by freepik

Visual

Visual learners learn best with images, videos or other cues to help them process information.

o   Tip: Get them to write out their thoughts or draw a brainstorm map for them to process what they are thinking.

Aural

o   Aural learners learn best with sounds and music to process information.

o   Tip: Make up songs and rhymes that will help your mini remember all of the information – make sure to include them in the writing process and have some fun with it!

Verbal

o   Verbal learners learn best under verbal instruction and writing.

o   Tip: Get your mini to write out their thoughts and focus on learning a new word every day to increase their vocabulary.

Physical

o   Physical learners learn best by doing hands on activities and keeping active.

o   Tip: Create fun activities that are relevant to the topic that your mini is learning. These can be puzzles, maths games, activity booklets etc.

Logical

o   Logical learners learn best when they understand the reason behind the content they are learning.

o   Tip: Try to explain the reasons behind everything they are doing and give real world examples.

Social

o   Social learners learn best when talking with others about what they are learning.

o   Tip: Talk to your mini about their favourite subjects to help them remember the information and to create a positive attitude about learning.

Solitary

o   Solitary learners learn best when they are by themselves in a quiet space.

o   Tip: Make sure your mini has a clean and quiet space to study in and try to keep anything that might cause a distraction out of the study space.

 2.      Set goals and make a weekly diary

It’s so important to set goals for your mini - these can be daily goals, weekly goals or monthly goals. When goals are clearly written out, it is a big encouragement to your mini when they complete something on the list. It also gives them something to work towards and they won’t be feeling like the work they are doing is irrelevant or unimportant. Make sure to celebrate every time your mini completes a goal, it will give them the motivation to do even more work! Also try to keep a weekly diary that sets out all of the tasks for the entire week broken down day by day. This will turn a big mountain of work into manageable piles and will take the dread out of study and homework sessions when there is only a little work to focus on at a time.

3.      Give constant encouragement

It has been proven by many different studies that when a behaviour is reinforced it strengthens and occurs more often and when it’s not reinforced it weakens and the behaviour fades out eventually. Thus, positive reinforcement is crucial in the children’s learning process as it makes them want to engage more so that they can get even more positive reinforcement. So, how do you use positive reinforcement to motivate your mini to learn? It’s easy! Tell them that you are proud of all the hard work that they have put in so far and that they are doing a great job so far. This will uplift their spirit and will encourage them to keep going. 

And remember, if it just isn’t working and your mini is not responding well to the learning process – take a breath and break to reset! Sometimes children are so overloaded by all of the information they are presented with every day and just need bit of fresh air to settle their thoughts before they tackle more learning!

With a Mini nanny, your fur baby can enjoy your holiday, too!

Meet Katie Delimon, an inspiring Yogi and wellness expert that trust Mini Nanny Agency every time to care for her fur baby! Find out how she felt about our services (spoiler: it’s love!).

- The Calile Hotel

With a Mini nanny, your pet can enjoy your holiday, too!

If you’ve been keeping up with our blog posts, or following mini’s Insta page, you already know that it’s a ‘must love dogs’ kind of situation down at Mini HQ. We adore our all the fur babies!

We also know (from personal experience!) how our fur babies become more than pets – they’re really a part of the family. That’s why it was a really easy decision to offer pet nannying as part of our services.

At mini we treat our pet families just as well as we do our human ones. From finding the perfect nanny, to creating a super easy process, to ensuring reliable and loving care, we’re here to make your life easier, and your pet’s life more comfortable.

Katie Delimon is an inspiring yoga teacher and wellness expert, who has recently used Mini’s services to care for her excitable Miniature Bull Terrier, Shark. We sat down with her to find out how she felt about mini and our services (spoiler: it’s love!).

Katie, can you tell us a bit about your background, and how you first discovered Mini Nanny Agency?

My name is Katie Delimon and I have my own health and wellness business, Unify with Bliss. At Unify we mainly focus on yoga and meditation, but also offer Reiki, mindfulness courses and retreats.

I have lived all over the globe, in places such as Sydney, LA and New York City, but I am now based in New Farm and absolutely love Brisbane! Because I often need to travel for work, I was on the lookout for a trustworthy dog sitter, but being new to the city I wasn’t exactly sure where to go.

I was so glad I met Michelle, the owner of mini Nanny Agency at a yoga class I was teaching in New Farm. I immediately had a great feeling and knew I was in amazing hands!

Can you introduce us to your puppy?

My puppy’s name is Shark. She is a 16-month-old, red Miniature Bull Terrier. The best way to describe her is either very lazy or very crazy. She’s not to be trusted, but too lovable not to cuddle!

What do Mini’s nannies do for you?

Mini found me a sitter for Shark. I was away for 10 days researching places to hold my next retreat (exciting stuff coming soon). A wonderful sitter named Belinda stayed in our home and took extra special care of our four-legged fur baby.

How has Mini made your life and career easier?

The agency made my time away much more carefree. I could concentrate on my work without the guilt of my dog being locked in a cage all day at a kennel. It was wonderful knowing she had the comfort of staying in her own home. The sitter sent us daily photos and kept us up-to-date. It felt like she grew a special bond with Shark, and treated her as if she were her own.

We were very well looked after by Mini Nanny Agency. We had great communication and they put in lots of effort to ensure we got the right fit. We felt very comfortable with their placement, and were thrilled to have such a smooth process. Also, we didn’t have to break the bank to get such a great service! It was the same price, if not less expensive than a kennel and WAY better SERVICE!

I’m sure all dog owners will agree that our fur babies are just like our children, so we worry about them and miss them dearly when we are away. I highly recommend mini to anybody going away, especially those who don’t want to put their pets in a kennel.

Are the nannies really as good with dogs as with kids?

We don’t have any kids so I can only speak to the dogs, but Belinda was wonderful with our baby girl! She even bought her treats and took her to the dog park quite often. It was a fantastic experience and we wouldn’t hesitate to book a mini nanny again!

Thank you Katie! Katie is more than just a dog lover, she’s also an incredible yogi. Her yoga classes are amazing (just ask Michelle)! Definitely check out Unify with Bliss for yoga, meditation, mindfulness training, retreats or even incredible lavender scented eye pillows.

We love our fur babies at mini! Reach out here or contact our Mini team here. We’d love to love your fur baby too.

Nicola Bone brings the art of mindfulness to our local Brisbane schools!

We are on a mission to deliver one million mindful minutes by the end of 2020 - Nicole Bone, Sound Off For Schools.

Meet Nicola the inspiring Founder of Sound Off For Schools! A passionate teacher making waves in our Australian educational system!

At Mini HQ we are passionate advocates of mental health and wellness. Our personal self-care practices include yoga, meditation and mindfulness exercises, and we have seen firsthand the benefits these can bring to daily life.

That’s why we knew that high school English teacher Nicola Bone, and her passion project, Sound Off for Kids, would be the perfect partner for Mini and our families. Nicola is changing the face of education by bringing mindfulness, contemplation and calm into the school environment.

Mini caught up with Nicola covering topics about mental health, mindfulness, education and how to implement mindfulness practices in our own homes.

Nicola, tell us… what is Sound Off for Schools?

Sound Off for Schools is a mindfulness education program for students and teachers. It delivers practical and engaging strategies and practices through wireless headphone technology to help young people and educators carve out deliberate time and space to be calm, to contemplate and to learn the skill of being present.

What prompted you to start working with mindfulness?

The program started in my own classroom where I witnessed so many of my students struggling with the crippling effects of mental illness and, therefore, unable to learn, grow or thrive in a classroom environment.

I started with students in my high school English classes by beginning each lesson with six minutes of mindful meditation and breathing. Over time this allowed students to settle, clear their minds of worry or stress and gain clarity for learning.

How can mindfulness help kids?

In Australia currently one in seven young people aged 4-17 suffers from mental illness. This can cause hyper stimulation of the brain’s limbic system leading to the ‘fight, flight or freeze’ reaction. When this part of the brain is stimulated, the frontal lobe, which controls executive function (essential for focus, attention and learning) is offline.

The Sound Off for Schools program combines scientifically proven practices in cognitive neuroscience, educational psychology and pedagogical teaching to teach young people strategies to become more aware of their cognitive habits. They are empowered by knowing that their thoughts, at any given time, are a choice, and they can begin to navigate their way through the complex world they are growing up in.

What is your mission at Sound Off for Schools?

Over the past 18 months, we have reached over 6,015 young people and teachers to cultivate over 342,760 mindful minutes in 51 schools. We are on a mission to deliver one million mindful minutes by the end of 2020.

Where can Mini families find your program?

Families can request an information pack via our website or bring the program to their P&F group meetings and suggest that their school implement it. Parents can also arrange a fundraiser event for their school that includes a Sound Off for Schools experience.

What are some ways our families can implement mindfulness practices in their homes?

Mindfulness practices can be implemented in the home as a daily ritual and time for reflection and calm. I would suggest starting out with a simple breathing time upon waking or before story time at night. Have your child place their right hand gently on the base of the belly, with the left hand resting on the heart and with their eyes closed, take three to 10 deep belly breaths (long and steady).

For older or more experienced children, a meditation ritual can be created using a candle, essential oils, poems or a family gratitude jar. The challenge is to make it a daily routine so that the practice becomes part of the family schedule.

What goals do you have for Sound Off for Schools in the future?

Phase 1: One million mindful minutes by the end of 2020.

Phase 2: Digitised content of the program for rural and remote schools to access all content by 2021.

Phase 3: By 2025, every student in every classroom in Australia picks up their own set of wireless headphones at the start of the school year, much like a textbook, to begin each school day with mindful moments to prepare the brain for learning.

Join Nicola by enlisting a school and becoming part of one million mindful minutes by the end of 2020. Reach out here or contact our team at mini Nanny Agency here, and we can hook you up!

Interview with Michelle Moloney

Infusing vibrant energy into the nanny industry

‘The perfect fit for you.’ – Michelle Moloney, Director of mini Nanny Agency

When Michelle Moloney, Director of mini Nanny Agency, stands up to greet you, it takes only a moment to see why she is breathing fresh life into the nanny industry. Her smile is warm and genuine and she is quick to greet you with a hug, and break out in laughter. She is vibrant and charming, with an effusive energy that is contagious – and when she sits down to chat, you know she is ready to put that energy into getting to know you.

These traits are perfectly aligned with mini where they adore kids, and pride themselves on making the journey of finding a nanny (both for the families and the nannies!) easy, personal and, above all, fun. Michelle, who has been at the helm of mini for the past four years, knows the value of personalised service and the team at mini will always take the time to get to know every family and nanny that they work with to ensure the best possible match.

It’s about time that we took that same approach, and got to know Michelle as well!

Michelle, tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.

Well, I’m a yogi at heart, and obsessed with Dr Pepper (not the drink, my dog!). I love nature, which probably originated from my early childhood growing up in the villages of the Philippines. But really, I’m just a girl that has always had a burning desire to do something meaningful by building genuine relationships. That explains my career perhaps!

What brought you to mini?

It was an introduction that was truly one of the best things that ever happened to me. I had just finished a recruitment contract and started a new job working with a small boutique recruitment agency. During that time, I also began managing mini. Soon I realised where my real love was, and one year later, boom, mini became my baby!

What makes mini unique as a nanny agency?

mini is not for the ordinary! We live for fun, and aspire to have fun every single day. Our mini team is incredibly personable – an important trait as that’s what our business foundation was built upon. And we are responsive. There’s no waiting game here at mini, and our clients can vouch for that. But our most unique characteristic is that here at mini we genuinely want to build sincere, authentic relationships – these relationships are what enable us to find the perfect fit.

What value does mini bring to their clients?

The mini team is here to solve Australia’s number one problem – childcare – while at the same time helping lovely, qualified and trustworthy individuals find meaningful forever jobs with a genuine purpose.

How do you find such incredible, trustworthy nannies?

Well, I can’t tell you all of our secrets otherwise we’ll be out of business! But I can tell you that at mini our expertise lies in our talent sourcing innovation. Our clients often say, ‘If anyone can find a nanny, it’s Michelle!’ We have an extensive in-house database with over 800 registered nannies, and also utilise some of Australia’s top job portals (and no, we aren’t talking about findababysitter.com!). Nanny referrals also go a long way and we take our families’ opinions very seriously.

We  ensure that each of our nannies is recruited using a rigorous onboarding process. It starts with the family registration, which each family completes and which we use to start their personalised nanny search. Then we begin advertising, including contacting suitable nannies from our database. This leads to a shortlist of qualified potential candidates.

From here the real hard work begins because at mini we are meticulous in our nanny screening. First we have a phone call with the potential nanny. If this goes well, we meet them for a face-to-face interview to really get to know their personality. We run validation checks, including police checks, blue cards, first aid qualifications, social media checks and, of course, references. It is only after all this background screening that we begin coordinating family and nanny interviews.

Of course our job isn’t done at mini. We’re there to relay feedback, participate in negotiation (always the fun part!) and supply all the onboarding paperwork once the perfect fit is found. This ensures that our clients are set up for a successful nanny relationship.

Recruitment is an emotional experience for our clients and ensuring there is clear communication throughout the whole cycle is key. You never know who or how your candidates will meet you on your path again!

How does mini help manage and meet the expectations of families and nannies?

That easy – educate and share knowledge!

Personally, what has been your biggest success as an entrepreneur? Biggest failure?

I don’t refer to myself as an entrepreneur – I prefer the term business owner or director! I feel that after four years in business, it is wonderful that we’re still here and that that’s an achievement every day. I really am grateful. Sure I make mistakes (little ones!) all the time, but I’m an improvement seeker and always want to grow and learn from them.

Where do you see mini going in the future?

I appreciate the hustle and bustle of small business, so for now I think we’ll remain a small business!

If you’d love to know more about mini Nanny Agency or Michelle, reach out here. Michelle is always keen for a chat or a coffee or, even better, both!