The Australian Consortium Of Nannies - TACON

Secrets of Sydney

I Love the City. Whenever we return to the big smoke,
I think I get more excited than my kids when I think
about all the terrific experiences I have shared with
nanny families over the years.

So I've listed a few of them here. If there is anything
new I have missed, share your secrets with a
comment at the end of the article.

The Australian Museum
Not only are the bones, bird calls and Mummies
fascinating, do not miss out on Kids Island. It has
been there for years now and is always a favourite.
They have done an amazing job of combining
museum artifacts with fun.
I especially love the dress ups and the boat, Sarah
and her team have done a terrific job of creating a
kids oasis in the middle of the city.
Keep an eye out for the school holiday programs,
you could become archaeologists and hunt out
mummies, dinosaurs or discover more about our
indigenous culture.

Sydney Aquarium
A wonderland as soon as you enter.
Say hello to the big fish, crocodiles and spot a
seahorse. Then run down the ramp (watch out for
granny) and enter the world of sharks and deep ocean.
The new Barrier Reef exhibit is nothing short of
sensational.
We have our snacks with the sharks,
and lunch with the lobsters.
The big viewing window at the end is wonderful -
a great place to stop to recharge before taking
on the next adventure.

Darling Harbour Playground
This extensive playground is aging, but is still one
of the best oasis's in the city for kids to be kids.

Powerhouse Museum
There is a members area with a children's play area
and kitchen available. If this is a regular destination,
it's worth joining up for the perks and discounts.
The last time I went they had the 'Lord of the Rings'
Exhibition, I can't believe how many times the kids
wanted to go back. The museum always has a
wonderful array of activities for kids, so ask at the
front desk what is on for your age group and make
sure you don't miss it. The outside eating area is the
perfect place to run off a bit of steam before heading
back inside to find more treasures.

The Maritime Museum
I always seem to miss this one. The special programs
in the holidays look fantastic and the chance to
seek out the nooks and crannies in maritime history
is one experience not to be missed.

Around the corner is the Rocks.
The rocks is a fun place for children.
The Candle Factory, Bead Shop, the cobble stones,
sculptures and watching the ferries go by.
If you have a weekend duty, head down for the markets,
visit the Puppet Cottage, Toy Museum and
keep an eye out for the school holiday programs.
We went to a Bob the Builder workshop where
the kids built a house!
Stay in contact with the information centre for details
- book early so you don't miss out.

Botanical Gardens
A magical place to picnic in the middle of the city.
Wander through the gardens and discover some amazing
plants and visit with the bats.
School holidays have lots of treats in store.

Governor Phillip and Captain Cook Aquatic Centre
You will find a hidden treasure waiting under
Macquarie Street. In the shadow of St Mary's
Cathedral is the entrance to the swimming pool.
They have a terrific pool for kids and it's a great place
to wait for parents who want a lift home!

Hyde Park Barracks
If you are working your way up from the gardens,
don't forget to stop and make a wish rubbing the
boars nose at the eye hospital.
Take a step back in history and enter the Hyde Park
Barracks. There are things for littlies here to.
Puppet shows and workshops in the holidays will
fascinate everyone. The staff here are very child friendly.

Sydney Harbour National Park
If you have three year olds and up - this place is a treat,
though there are some safety factors that need to
be considered.
TAKE A TORCH and some plastic bags!
The entrance is just passed the zoo on the left at
Bradley's Head. Drive through the park until you see
the cannons on the left. Take a picnic and use this
as your base for an afternoon.
Around the cannons are trench's, which once checked
for dangers (as you should in all public areas) is a
great source of fun for the kids.
There is one section that is dark and enclosed -
you need to check this thoroughly for old bottles
and syringes. I visited this park for over a year on a
weekly basis and never found anything,
but you must be vigilant.
There is a track which leads down to the harbour
and rock pools, be aware of tidal times and which way
the water is going, keep the kids close at hand and
bring a change of clothes in case anyone gets wet.
WEAR SHOES ON THE ROCK POOLS TO PREVENT INJURY.

Taronga Zoo
Enough said - it's the zoo.
The zoo has become extremely child friendly and
interactive. Bring the camera and take some shots
for pressies. Let the older children lead the way and
follow their itinerary. You could even make an event
out of it and let them plan early where they want to
go and what they'll see.
If you work close by, it's worth getting a zoo pass
for shorter regular visits.

Balmoral Beach.
The beach is a little out of the way, but you'll love
it when you arrive. Even in peak season it doesn't
get too crowded, but pack a lunch as the queues
can be notorious.
The island is a wonderful place for imaginary play,
rock pools and the enclosed beach area with showers
is a place you'll return to many times.
You'll discover why it has become a nanny haven.

Fort Denison
Fort Denison is a great attraction for the kids,
especially the children's programs in the holiday
(please book early). Go back in time and be given
sentences - twenty years for vagrancy, ten for stealing
bread and twenty five for being cheeky!
Dress up as convicts and guards and run the labyrinth
of the fort and generally have a wonderful time.

The list goes on -
what's your favourite place in Sydney or
the city where you work? Share YOUR secret spot
and you may see us there too!

The Importance of Having a Nanny

The dream choice for parents when it comes to
childcare, is childcare in their home.

Imagine, you are running late in an important
meeting at the end of a tiring day.
Which option would you prefer - to sit
back and continue with the meeting, or have
to leave the meeting to pick up your children
from a centre or someone else's home.

Nannies allow for the flexiblity modern life demands -
without you or your children having to make drastic
changes to your routines.

Children cared for at home often have more
consistent care, not only due to the surroundings,
but also nannies tend to stay longer with a family,
than centre based carers do.

Nannies can offer individual care, ensuring
the majority of your children's needs and interests
are met. Many great centres can offer these services
too, but their child / carer ratios are lower than
the average centre and therefore the
cost is much higher.

Currently, there is a push from many Federal MP's and
professional consultants who believe all nannies should
have as a minimum training - a Certificate II and also a
First Aid course. Most nannies meet this criteria now,
as informed employers have demanded these standards
for some time, along with police record screening
(which is law in most states) and drivers history reports.

When you employ a nanny to care for your children you are choosing ~

Flexibility in Care.

An assurance that you have selected a right carer
for your individual family.

Support in managing a busy household.

The cost effective care for two or more children,
taking into account transport and extra costs involved
with high quality centre care and family day care.

Your children to be cared for in their own home.

Your children to have the same carer when they become ill.

A professional nanny who will provide activities based
upon your children's interests, providing personal care.

A professional nanny who will ensure detailed information
is provided to you about your children's progress and needs.

A professional nanny who will provide consistent care,
committing to twelve months or more.

Your children to be involved in the wider community -
going out into the world - rather than it coming to them.
It's so important that children learn how to behave in
public and also access the many wonderous places
waiting for them.

Quality time for your family. For those long work days
that can't be avoided - your children can share lunch
or a visit during the day. You can enjoy more relaxed evenings,
with children who have had their needs met before you walk
through the door, enabling you to create a special bonding
time before bed, reading and sharing stories from the day.

Your children to have the opportunity to build relationships
with their siblings and other children of their own and
different ages.

Most importantly - individualised care. Your children can
enjoy a 'chill out day' after a busy weekend. If they feel
creative at 3pm in the afternoon, they can pull the paints out.
Routines are based around the needs of your family -
not someone elses.

The main point is Nanny Child Care is care for your whole family.
A nanny is the oil in the family's engine which keeps things moving.
The pressure is shared, making life easier for busy parents. 

Just remember -
'Not all oils are the same, you have to find the
right oil for your family's engine!'