Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Falling into the Holidays - Post Irma

















HERE SHE COMES
“One Human Family” is not just a slogan, it is a lifestyle.  In the Florida Keys, the yoga instructor, the barista, the plumber, the bartender and the restaurant owner all become family.   When I was
advised to “pack my valuables and evacuate” I looked around my apartment and really had no idea what to pack.  What I wanted most was to come back to my island, the love, the ocean, the smiles, and the business. In a moment that I can only describe as numb, I packed the items from my office, a photo album that my Mom made for me of baby photos, and my college degrees.  The final item was Minnie ears, mostly because they make me happy and I knew uncertainly lay ahead.  In the days that followed, I heard from so many families that I was beyond touched.  My feelings were fear, sadness, rage, and anxiety.  In many cases I couldn’t even respond, but to know and feel the love was comforting beyond any words on a page.





 AFTER IRMA 
Some lives were lost, some people no longer have homes, and some were blessed with minimal destruction.    Whatever each individual situation is, we are in this together and we will rise.  While Key West has made a miraculous come back, our neighbors just to the north have a long road ahead. The humanitarian efforts have been extraordinary. I’m a proud member of this “One Human Family” and am looking forward to the 2018 season.  I have an unexplainable renewed gratitude for life and love.



Note from Erin’s Desk….
It’s best to use the online form 4-6 weeks prior to your arrival. http:// www.keywestchildcare.net 
If you are unsure of the time or exact date of your request please fill out the form and at least let me know when you are going to be here.The base rate for 1 child in 2018 is $35/HR. More than 1 child and/or family rates may increase. Special events such as weddings, and holiday weekends are in high demand; rates will be estimated based on the details involved.*  

A personal message from Erin... 
I returned from evacuation October 1st. The damage to my own personal property was minimal and I have been able to get back to work and help others in the community.  I have had both returning families and new families contact me and come here because they want to support us! The love coming from near and far is just another confirmation that I have some of the best families and children in my life from all over the world.   Have a wonderful holiday season!  





NOT A DAYCARE
and SO MUCH MORE than Babysitting! 


* Rates will be discussed at time of reservation 











Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Consider a Babysitter in Key West: Quiet Afternoon? Date Night?

If you are like most families, you think, Key West! Family Vacation! FUN! SUN! BEACH! SWIM!

You might be thinking, its an entire week of not rushing to soccer practice, dance lessons, or trying to get the kids out of bed to get to school on time.

Perhaps you are considering not cooking as often, allowing yourself some wiggle room with that health food kick you have been on;  maybe you are looking forward to letting your hair down; relaxing, chilling, visiting the spa, reading, and leaving it all behind for a week,  You are even a little excited that housekeeping will be coming to your room daily to change the sheets and clean the bathroom.. you are really thinking, I am OFF DUTY!

But, then, the reality sets in.  You have free time for that yoga class you love while the kids are at soccer, and although driving the kids around to activities isn't ideal; at least they HAVE activities. Suddenly you are wondering..when do they go back to school?  Almost immediately, you are the activity director, and mediator.  You are trying to find things that will be exciting and fun for the kids, and meanwhile, you are trying to watch everything from sugar intake, time on electronics, and, the kids are NOT getting along. (...wasn't I going to let my hair down? I thought family vacation was supposed to be fun?)
Suddenly, the kids don't have the structure they are used to; you are almost certain your kid(s) are the loudest at the hotel pool. Plus, you think, they are good swimmers, right? (....can I go to the restroom? Or should I take them out?...)  You brought along your book, but so far the only action it has seen is the back pocket of the plane and a few splashes from the pool.

This is why planning a date night and perhaps an afternoon for yourself is an essential part of family vacation.  Personally, I haven't been to a hotel yet, that is not filled with kids; I jump in and play along with them; one of my favorite family friendly hotels is Casa Marina this hotel doesn't just have a separate pool for the adults; but it also has Higgs Beach Park that is just a 5-minute walk away that is a great place for children of all ages.  Salute on the Beach  is also right in that area, and a family friendly restaurant.

Key West Childcare will babysit and take your children swimming and to the park; but we are also happy to take your children on a excursion such as a visit to the Butterfly Museum, Bayview Movie Series, a Trolley Ride, or a variety of other activities.  Our goal is for you to get some time to read that book your brought, perhaps attend Yoga on the Beach and enjoy a restaurant without a kids menu; such as Hot Tin Roof, Louies Backyard and/or some fabulous dessert at Better Than Sex.

You may have concerns; the kids are not getting along, perhaps you have an infant? You are traveling for a destination wedding and just don't see how this is going to work out.  Read the reviews, feel free to call me; I look forward to meeting your family.

Advance booking before you get to the island is encouraged.  Go to http://www.keywestchildcare.net/book-services/ to reserve your time! Make it a great vacation for the entire family!

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Destination Weddings - Key West

January was full of weddings for Key West Childcare.  I know you might be thinking that kids and weddings don't always go together; but that's exactly where my services come in.

Kids at weddings; and in wedding photos are amazing! They are so adorable, right?  But, what about after the ceremony when all the adults want to relax, and its much past the kiddos bedtime?   You might think that "Uncle John" or "Granny Mae" would be happy to take care of the kids after dark -- but, the reality is, this is Key West, its a wedding -- they both could be busy having fun!

Many times, the kids end up somewhere the night of the wedding; and it's often not with the same people they were with during the day.   Was the bag packed? Do they have food? What about pajamas? What house/hotel room is the pack and play? This gets even more confusing when more than one child  is involved.  Which one needs to be held all the time? Which one needs to eat every few hours? Who's going to change them.. after all, you would probably prefer to keep that dress clean.

Likely, things like "who has the rings" "where is Mom" and "don't forget the comfy shoes" are on your mind.. so, it's a little difficult to remember who you assigned to "pack the babies stuff" Then you think, wait, was that job assigned?

Most things are within walking/biking/strolling distance in Key West; but if you have a baby, are wearing a dress and heals.. oh, and lets not forget the jewelry; jewelry and children; two items you can't live without but when together you think -- what was I thinking?!

All of these situations, and many more are possible during a wedding.  Why be worried about these small things; when you could rely on Key West Childcare for a smooth evening; a flawless transition between the reception and the party; and the peace of mind that your kiddos are in excellent hands, allowing you the comfort to enjoy a day you planned perhaps for a year. or maybe even have been dreaming about for a lifetime.