MaryPat doesn’t fly around with a black umbrella, but she does have over 20 years of experience as a Child Development Expert and over 10 years experience as a Placement Counselor in our Palo Alto office. She’s has a wealth of knowledge and we’re confident you will find her advice spot-on! Dear MaryPat, The children I care for love doing arts and crafts projects and really…

The beginning of the new school year gives parents and children both the opportunity to get a start fresh and a clean slate! Parents and Nannies can help their kids start the school year off right with these helpful reminders. These strategies start at home and carry into the classroom. Relieve back to school anxiety Back to school creates anxiety for every parent, child and…

School is back in session … so no doubt parents all across the Bay Area are breathing a sigh of relief. Thankfully, the warm summer weather isn’t quite over yet here in the San Francisco Bay Area, and with Labor Day right around the corner, that means it’s still “swimming season” and kids of all ages will still be in and around pools. A recent…

It is that time of year again. The kids are out of school and you’ll all be headed out on vacation soon. Maybe you’ll also have your Nanny or Family Assistant for help along they way. If so, remember that this trip will be work for her; it will be part of her job, and you should plan accordingly. While she will of course have…

Ask MaryPat Mary Pat doesn’t fly around with a black umbrella, but she does have over 20 years of experience as a Child Development Expert. These post will answer questions about child development concerns & managing your employer/employee relationship. Q. As my Nanny’s anniversary date nears, I want to give her an evaluation. How do I give her appropriate feedback and a fair compensation adjustment?…

HomePay: Fast Facts About Legal Pay by Tom Breedlove Many families hiring help in the home are hiring for the first time and, as such, may be unsure if they have legal requirements surrounding taxes and payroll. Here are a few “fast facts” to help keep families on the up-and-up: 1. The Social Security and Medicare (FICA) Threshold in 2022 is $2,400. If you pay…

Spring and summer breaks are quickly approaching and this means a lot of families are planning vacations near and far. If your employer has asked you to travel with their family we encourage you to do so. Traveling with your employer can allow you to grow closer with your charges and also give you the opportunity to travel to areas you’ve never been. But before…