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NPN's Member Networking is your monthly opportunity to meet and network with other parents in Chicago. Grab a cup of coffee and chat with NPN's business members and parent members. Meet parents who work in your industry and learn about other industries. Not currently working, but still want to make connections, learn about local businesses, and meet other parents? Please come! If you've been looking to build your professional and social network, we hope you'll join us. RSVP today! You will receive an email confirmation immediately upon registration. Member Networking Floriole Cafe & Bakery, 1220 W. Webster Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60614 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM Contact: amy@npnparents.org These chats are for NPN members only. Not a member? For a limited time, you can join NPN using promo code Mingle20 and save $20 on your membership.

NPN's Member Networking is your monthly opportunity to meet and network with other parents in Chicago. Grab a cup of coffee and chat with NPN's business members and parent members. Meet parents who work in your industry and learn about other industries. Not currently working, but still want to make connections, learn about local businesses, and meet other parents? Please come! If you've been looking to build your professional and social network, we hope you'll join us. RSVP today! You will receive an email confirmation immediately upon registration. Member Networking Floriole Cafe & Bakery, 1220 W. Webster Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60614 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM Contact: amy@npnparents.org These chats are for NPN members only. Not a member? For a limited time, you can join NPN using promo code Mingle20 and save $20 on your membership.

As a Placement Provider for Olive.You.Nanny, I am constantly puzzle piecing to find compatible matches for families and nannies. I have found there to be some key questions that need to be asked during the interview process to ensure a happy and compatible match is made for both the nanny and family involved. If you can find someone who naturally aligns with your parenting style, family values, and worldview while clicking personality wise, then you are on a good path to nanny-family partnership bliss! If you are a hiring family you want to first and foremost get a sense for what is most important to your family. In a few words, what is your family focus/motto or what is most important to you as a family unit? Some parents mention education, kindness, openness to new experiences/diversity, or family time as their main focus. Whatever the case may be, it is first important to acknowledge what is most important to you and what you want your children to learn about the world as they are growing up. By asking yourself these questions, you will be able to better clarify what is most important to your family, which will be essential in finding a nanny who naturally aligns with you! Nannies come with their own unique personalities, nanny-style, experiences, and values and it is important to better understand their world-view. You don’t want them to mold themselves to you when their ideals and nanny-style could be in contrast. You, the nanny, and your kids will be happier when you are on the same page. Your nanny will act as a role model and teacher when she is with your kids and you will want to make sure what they are learning is something you also desire! I always ask nannies several key questions: 1. What are some values that are most important to you in your life? 2. What do you think is most important for children to learn as they are growing up? 3. How would you best describe your nanny-style? 4. What do you envision when you think of your ideal position? 5. What makes you feel most appreciated and happiest on the job? 6. What is one of your favorite memories as a nanny and why? After interviewing a series of nannies, I have discovered a few commonalities that seem to make Rock Star nannies happy! Most are in search of a family that is open to outings and activities and exploration in the city so they can incorporate play-based learning and get some fresh air with the kiddos. They also want to have open communication and consistency when it comes to nap times, discipline, and boundaries. There are simple ways to make a nanny feel appreciated and chances are you will keep your nanny longer and he or she will go above and beyond in the role if they feel valued. Nannies want to feel like a valued extension of your family opposed to a “worker.” Employers who show their nannies trust by not micro-managing are better able to establish rapport. Thoughtful gestures go a long way in job satisfaction! Letting your nanny off a bit earlier (while being paid) on an occasional afternoon is very much appreciated as nannies tend to work long hours. Remembering industry standards like vacation and sick time and maintaining the nanny’s wage if you do not need him or her the days you choose to be away (same applies to letting him or her go home early if they aren’t needed) are key ways to express respect to your nanny’s profession. Cards of appreciation, small thoughtful gifts, remembering their birthday, having an annual review, and taking time to get to know them, are all ways to show your nanny that you care about them as an individual and value them as an employee. And you are off to a successful relationship!

NPN Parent Chats are your monthly virtual opportunity to join in on a casual conversation centered around topics that matter to you. Unlike our monthly webinars that are more structured and have a presenter and topic - you get to lead the discussion, vent about current happenings, or just observe and chime in as you see fit; think of it as our forum in video format! Sitaara and Amy from the NPN staff team will join you. If you've been craving connection, we hope you join us. RSVP today! You will receive an email confirmation, including the Zoom link, immediately upon registration. We will also send you the Zoom link the morning of the event. These chats are for NPN members only. Not a member? For a limited time, join NPN for $20 using promo code school23. This also gets you into the school fair for free!