A Little About Us

Harmony at Home are a specialist nanny and childcare agency with many years of experience providing professional nannies for families. The Harmony at Home blog features a variety of articles on a great range of childcare related topics, including guides and tips for nannies and maternity nurses, as well as childcare news. The blog is an excellent resource for keeping up with the latest news, events and guidelines on childcare.

Listing Details

• Listing ID:
• 29806 Get VIP Status?

• Website URL:
• http://www.harmonyathome.co.uk/blog/
• Google Pagerank:
• 1

• Website Tags:
• nanny
• household
• agency
• creche
• childcare
• maternity
• children
• nursery

• Categories:
• Parenting Advice Tips

• Audience Rating:
• General Audience

• Platform:
• WordPress

Listing Statistics

• Total Visits: 1,061
• Rate Blog
• Review Blog (0)

Add ReviewMe Button

Add SEO Score Button

Google Adsense™ Share Program

Alexa Web Ranking: N/A

Example Ad for Harmony at Home - Nanny Agency Blog

This what your Harmony at Home - Nanny Agency Blog Blog Ad will look like to visitors! Of course you will want to use keywords and ad targeting to get the most out of your ad campaign! So purchase an ad space today before there all gone!

https://www.bloggingfusion.com

.

notice: Total Ad Spaces Available: (2) ad spaces remaining of (2)

Subscribe to Harmony at Home - Nanny Agency Blog

Looking for top wooden toy gifts for Christmas? We have cherry picked the best eco friendly wooden toys for children, from our in house boutique. Christmas is a few weeks away and gifts are flying off the shelves. Time to do some online shopping. Struggling to find the perfect gift? Harmony at Home Children’s Eco The post Our top wooden toy gifts for Christmas 2018 appeared first on Harmony at...

Looking for top wooden toy gifts for Christmas? We have cherry picked the best eco friendly wooden toys for children, from our in house boutique.

Christmas is a few weeks away and gifts are flying off the shelves. Time to do some online shopping. Struggling to find the perfect gift? Harmony at Home Children’s Eco Boutique has fantastic gifts for children of all ages. We specialise in personalised wooden toys. Making every toy special, unique and long-lasting.

We have provided you with a list of our bestsellers, perfect for Christmas 2018.

Gifts for animal lovers!

Wooden rabbit hutch: suitable for ages 3+ years. A gorgeous wooden hutch, which comes with a fluffy bunny, a carrot, cabbage, water bottle, brush and removable ramp.  This hutch can also be made extra special with personalisation. https://shop.harmonyathome.co.uk/product/wooden-rabbit-hutch/

Animal Stacking Game: perfect for little ones. A fun game, which enhances hand to eye co-ordination. It is made with beautiful bright coloured woodland creatures. The aim of the game is to stack the woodland creatures on the 3 wooden pegs. This present can be personalised. Suitable for either genders and suitable for 12 months+. https://shop.harmonyathome.co.uk/product/personalised-animal-stacking-game/

Wooden vet kit: suitable for 3years+. This wooden Vet Kit includes 7 different items to help get the bunny back on its paws. There are tweezers, a syringe, thermometer, 2 x bottles of medicine, a tube of ointment and a stethoscope. All of the pieces, including the bunny, fit inside the case- making this a great toy to take when traveling. Can be personalised. https://shop.harmonyathome.co.uk/product/personalised-wooden-vet-kit/

Wooden farm set: suitable for 3years+. This farm set has all your expected animals you see on a farm- horse, sheep, cow, pig, duck and chicken along with a farmer and his wife. It also includes a wooden fence and two trees to complete the farm scene. The farm house doors open to add extra fun when playing and all items can be stored safely inside once finished playing. Can be personalised when requested. https://shop.harmonyathome.co.uk/product/personalised-wooden-farm-set/

Wooden pull along tractor: suitable for 12months+. Comes complete with a detachable trailer and farm animals.  A Pig, Horse, Cow, hay bale and milk churn are all included and fit onto the back of the trailer. The wooden tractor has rubber wheel coverings making it slide easily and smoothly across the floor. Pull it along the floor with the red string attached to the front of the tractor, or little ones can just push it along instead. Plenty of hours of fun will be had with this toy. Can also be personalised. https://shop.harmonyathome.co.uk/product/wooden-pull-along-tractor/

Gifts for 1year+

Wooden bear walker: perfect for children that are learning to walk and wanting to play and develop at the same time. It helps enhance all stages of development. As well as doubling up into a toy box. This walker can be made extra special with personalisation. https://shop.harmonyathome.co.uk/product/wooden-bear-walker/

Cascading wooden cars: Suitable for 2years+. Cascading Wooden Cars is a fun game, Watch the four coloured cars zoom down the track. Tiny hands can put the cars back to the top to see another exciting race! This game can also be personalised, to make car lovers dreams come true. https://shop.harmonyathome.co.uk/product/cascading-wooden-cars/

Gifts for age 3years+

Wooden popcorn machine: suitable for children age 3+ years. Great for children’s imaginations. Pull the side handle down to make the popcorn pop and bounce around. Then open the front and pour the popcorn into a classic wooden striped popcorn basket. With cut out tickets, people can come and purchase your special popcorn when playing. https://shop.harmonyathome.co.uk/product/wooden-popcorn-machine/

Wooden chess and checkers: suitable for 6years+. A perfect travel game. This game turns form a case to a chess and checkers board game. This game can also be personalised if you wish. https://shop.harmonyathome.co.uk/product/wooden-chess-checkers/

DIY wooden Christmas tree: suitable for 4+ years. Get festive this Christmas with this DIY tree. Colour or paint the wooden Christmas tree sections to make your 3D tree. Then thread the coloured beads and the extra wooden items such as the stocking and candy canes to decorate and complete the tree. Made from wood, with wooden beads and nylon string. https://shop.harmonyathome.co.uk/product/diy-wooden-christmas-tree-kit/

Wild animal bookends: This lovely set of Wild Animal Bookends will be a bright and colourful addition to any child’s bedroom or playroom. They feature friendly looking animals, with butterflies mounted on springs for extra fun. They have non-scratch bottoms, and personalisation is available. Great for any book lover. https://shop.harmonyathome.co.uk/product/wild-animal-bookends/

Song bird musical box: suitable for 3years+. This musical box is decorated with a bird theme. Open up the lid to find a bird dancing to Le temps des cerises by Antoine Renard. Inside there’s plenty of room for necklaces, bracelets and much more! Can also be personalised. https://shop.harmonyathome.co.uk/product/song-bird-musical-box/

The post Our top wooden toy gifts for Christmas 2018 appeared first on Harmony at Home.

With the online world becoming a prominent part of children’s lives today and the age of children using the internet is getting younger. Popular games on the internet are resulting in children becoming vulnerable when at home. Because of this, Harmony at Home have created this quick guide to keeping children safe online, as it The post Nannies & Parents keep your children safe on the Internet! appeared first on Harmony at...

With the online world becoming a prominent part of children’s lives today and the age of children using the internet is getting younger. Popular games on the internet are resulting in children becoming vulnerable when at home. Because of this, Harmony at Home have created this quick guide to keeping children safe online, as it is very important that both parents and nannies are aware of the possible internet misuse.

Varying concerns of child safety:

Communication between players when gaming: players can chat to each other via microphones, headsets and messaging. Children can talk to peers from school but can also talk to strangers. Although speaking over the internet can be innocent, it can lead to cyberbullying or sexual misuse by strangers.

In-app purchasing: children can easily purchase different products and game upgrades, such as ‘skins’, without realising they are spending money. Leading to large bills on parents’ accounts. Parents are no longer in control of their finances as innocent gaming can lead to large payments.

Addictive nature of the game: arguably children are staying up all night to play their game and falling asleep in lessons. It has been argued that long sessions of game play is due to games evolving and being able to play with friends. Resulting in children becoming addicted to the continually new elements of their favourite games.

When should you report internet misuse?

If you’re worried that your child is being groomed online or sexually exploited, you should report your concerns to CEOP.

It is not necessarily easy to spot the signs of your child being groomed/sexually exploited. Therefore if you have any concerns you should call 999 or contact CEOP as soon as possible.

You should always report to CEOP if your child is or has been in contact with someone who is:

• Chatting online to your child about sex
• Asking them to do sexual things
• Asking to meet up if they’ve only met them online
• Requesting sexual pictures
• Forcing them into sexual activity
• Making them feel unsafe

CEOP is a command of the National Crime Agency and can investigate what is happening – your children’s safety and wellbeing is paramount. You can make a report to CEOP using the CEOP Safety Centre. https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre

FORTNITE

The current popular online game is Fortnite, the game gives you the option to play singular or as a duo. The aim of the game is to be the last person (or duo) standing in a post-apocalyptic world. Fortnite: Battle Royale, sees up to 100 players pitted against each other to stay alive on an island. Players can build and demolish structures, and collect weapons, supplies and armour to help them along the way. Players shoot each other using a range of lethal weapons, but the brightly-coloured, cartoon-style graphics and lack of bloodshed mean it doesn’t feel too gory or graphic.

To play, the age recommendation is 12 and above due to ‘mild violence’, although you don’t have to provide your age when creating an account, so younger children can still log on easily.

Fortnite: Battle Royale is free to download on PC/Mac, Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo Switch and iOS devices (Apple phones and tablets). It’s coming to Android soon.

It has about 45 million monthly users worldwide including the England football team, who reportedly played it in their World Cup downtime.

ROBLOX

Roblox is a popular online game, with players as young as 5 year olds. There are over 15 million games created by users, individuals can learn and play with their friends in a family-friendly, immersive, 3D environment. Roblox can be accessed on different devices, resulting in children being able to play with anyone wherever they are. Although family-friendly, there is always a chance that strangers can connect with younger children on these different devices.

How can I keep my children safe?

Parental controls on the gaming device: most devices have options to set time limits on game play, set age limits for content and also restrict those in-app purchases.

You can visit the website ‘ask about games’ for links to detailed instructions on the device your child uses – the site covers Playstation 3, Playstation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Apple and Android phones, and Nintendo Switch. Ask About Games

www.askaboutgames.com/advice/parental-controls

The battles in Fortnite roughly late 20 minutes. Having this idea on how long a game lasts means you can set time limits for matches rather than a set number of hours. Resulting in your children not fixating on how long they can play.

Turn off the voice chat feature: Speak to your child to make sure they know this feature exists and encourage them to use the options below if they encounter someone who is offensive or inappropriate.

You can disable the voice chat function in the game if you:

• Open the settings menu (the 3 lines on the right-hand-side of the screen), then choose the ‘cog’ icon
• Select the ‘audio’ tab
• You should be able to turn off ‘voice chat’ by tapping the arrows next to it

You can also ‘mute’ individual players in the game by:

• Pausing the game
• Hovering over the player you wish to mute
• Selecting the mute button (a loudspeaker icon)

Make sure your child knows how to report inappropriate behaviour:

You or your child can report players who make them uncomfortable using the in-game feedback tool (located in the main menu).

You can also use the ‘support’ section of the Epic Games site (the makers of Fortnite). You’re asked to select the platform you play the game on, the game mode you’re playing, and then you can select ‘report player’. You can provide more detail such as the player’s name and attach a screenshot.

Support, Epic Games

https://fortnitehelp.epicgames.com/customer/portal/emails/new?b_id=9729&q=email+us

What else can I do?

• You can download and play the game to help you understand it
• Talk to your child about what they’re doing online, and make sure they know they can talk to you about anything that has upset them
• Check your bank statements and gaming system account balance regularly to look for in-app purchases you’re not happy with, and to make sure your child isn’t getting around any passwords you’ve set up

The post Nannies & Parents keep your children safe on the Internet! appeared first on Harmony at Home.

November is Safeguarding Month. Nannies must follow child safeguarding guidelines, as it is important to ensure that all children are safe and protected correctly. Safeguarding guidelines are important among organisations, such as schools. However, it is just as important for nannies to understand the importance of safeguarding. Therefore, please help spread the word throughout November, The post November is Safeguarding Month appeared first on Harmony at...

November is Safeguarding Month.

Nannies must follow child safeguarding guidelines, as it is important to ensure that all children are safe and protected correctly. Safeguarding guidelines are important among organisations, such as schools. However, it is just as important for nannies to understand the importance of safeguarding. Therefore, please help spread the word throughout November, to ensure that all children are protected and treated fairly throughout the UK.

Safeguarding means:

• protecting children from abuse and maltreatment
• preventing harm to children’s health or development
• ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care
• taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcomes

As well as this, nannies that are aware of the safeguarding guidelines can enhance child protection among individuals that have been identified as suffering from harm or preventing individuals suffering from harm.

We want to ensure that all nannies are aware of the importance of safeguarding and follow the guidelines set. There are many sites and resources to keep you in the loop about the proper procedure, one being the NSPCC website

Further your knowledge

Become Level 2 qualified and Harmony at Home accredited by completing our Child Protection training.

Support and promote Safeguarding throughout November

Furthermore, the West Sussex Safeguarding Children Board have created “What Safeguarding Children Means to me” speech bubbles. Print out the speech bubbles, take a picture of you and your speech bubble, send to the West Sussex board and these will be displayed throughout November to raise awareness. For more information, please follow the link >> http://www.westsussexscb.org.uk/2018/09/november-will-be-safeguarding-month/

The post November is Safeguarding Month appeared first on Harmony at Home.

Halloween is only two weeks away!!  The leaves are changing and falling off trees. Pumpkins are out in full force and shops are filled with tasty treats. This Halloween, Harmony at Home Children’s Eco Boutique (in Worthing and online on Notonthehighstreet) have some great Halloween accessories and costumes to make children look extra special. Whether The post Halloween must haves! appeared first on Harmony at...

Halloween is only two weeks away!! 

The leaves are changing and falling off trees. Pumpkins are out in full force and shops are filled with tasty treats.

This Halloween, Harmony at Home Children’s Eco Boutique (in Worthing and online on Notonthehighstreet) have some great Halloween accessories and costumes to make children look extra special. Whether they want to dress scary, pretty or funky, we have some great ideas for you.

Looking to make your children’s outfits extra special?

We have the best ‘trick or treat’ bags to fill with sweets. These bags come in either orange or black, with a spiderweb decoration and the option of being personalised. Plus, they are reusable and easy to store away till next year. A great addition to any Halloween outfit. https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/harmonyathomechildrensboutique/product/happy-halloween-trick-or-treat-bags

Searching for the perfect Halloween Tutu?

This orange and black beautiful tutu is great for parties and Halloween night. With super soft satin topper and a matching bow, this multi-layered skirt is super bouncy and fun. Available in medium (age 2-4) or large (age 4-8). It can be used repeatedly, for many parties and Halloween nights to follow. https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/harmonyathomechildrensboutique/product/halloween-animal-costumes-for-children

Go in store or order online as soon as possible, Halloween is only two weeks away!

The post Halloween must haves! appeared first on Harmony at Home.

Today it is officially AUTUMN! Autumn is the season for knitted sweaters, scarves, and thick socks in boots. And of course, a knitted bobble hat. But not only is Autumn great for fashion, it is also a time of year full of great facts and fun for children. 8 Facts about Autumn: In North America, The post The 1st official day of AUTUMN! appeared first on Harmony at...

Today it is officially AUTUMN!

Autumn is the season for knitted sweaters, scarves, and thick socks in boots. And of course, a knitted bobble hat. But not only is Autumn great for fashion, it is also a time of year full of great facts and fun for children.

8 Facts about Autumn:

1. In North America, Autumn is known as the fall and many Americans celebrate Thanksgiving and Halloween during the Autumn season.
2. Autumn is mostly known for the change in leaves and the shedding of these leaves from trees.
3. In ancient times, autumn was one of the most important periods of the year as many cultures/individuals practiced rituals and offerings to their gods and goddesses so that they would have a successful harvest to feed them through winter.
4. There is less sunlight in Autumn because the days are shorter.
5. The Autumn season starts on the 23^rd September and ends on the 21^st December!! Only 4 days before Christmas!!
6. Autumn nights are great for stargazing as the skies are much clearer.
7. In the U.S. Monarch butterflies are the only insect to migrate to a warmer country during the colder season.
8. Common Autumn harvests are pumpkins, corn and apples.

REMEMBER in October there is a half term,which means a week of entertaining the children.

Family days out, arts and crafts and activities to celebrate Autumn and keep the children entertained:

1. Pumpkin Picking and Carving: whether its finding your pumpkin in your local supermarket or taking a day out to go to your local farm, finding the perfect pumpkin and spending time decorating and carving it is a great way to pass the time. A great activity to do as a family! You can even make a pumpkin family 😉
2. At the Science Museum in London, 7-11 year old’s can experience a sleepover of a life time. With hands-on experiments, watching different shows and sleeping among the exhibits. As well as breakfast and a movie in their iMAX theatre the next morning to finish the experience. Running on October 7^th and November 11^th– get booking!
3. In Kent, at Leeds Castle, spend the day watching different birds of prey soaring through the air. Great day enjoying the crisp air and watching some of the most incredible birds take to the sky.
4. Lewes Bonfire night on November 4^th. A procession through Town, lighting of 6 or more bonfires all over the town, as well as a firework extravaganza!
5. Days out in a maze, no better way to enjoy the changing season and the growth in crops that adventuring round (and getting lost) in cornfields.
6. When staying at home, use fallen leaves to create fantastic images and paintings. Whether its painting leaves and creating prints or making leaves look even more beautiful by adding glitter and using them as decorations.
7. Re-create a childhood favourite using chestnuts to play conkers. Hours of entertainment and you can re-live your childhood. As well as this, you can decorate them to again make decorations.
8. Finally, trick or treating! This tradition is big in America, but it is great to do in the UK too. Dress up and enjoy the American tradition. Fun to do with a group of friends or as a family 😊

The post The 1st official day of AUTUMN! appeared first on Harmony at Home.

Celebrate National Nanny Recognition Week 2018! Are you aware that the fourth week in September (23rd – 29th) 2018 is National Nanny Recognition Week? This special week created in 1998 recognises the work that Nannies do for families. National Nanny Recognition Week gives families the opportunity to celebrate the work that their Nanny does for The post Get set for National Nanny Recognition Week 2018 appeared first on Harmony at...

Celebrate National Nanny Recognition Week 2018!

Are you aware that the fourth week in September (23rd – 29th) 2018 is National Nanny Recognition Week?

This special week created in 1998 recognises the work that Nannies do for families.

National Nanny Recognition Week gives families the opportunity to celebrate the work that their Nanny does for them.

National Nanny Recognition week is not necessarily a time to give your Nanny a gift, it is however, a time to reflect on the amazing work that Nannies do, and a time to say ‘thank you’.

How to celebrate National Nanny Recognition Week

Tell your Nanny how much they mean to you.

Make an effort to tell your Nanny how much they mean to you. There are many ways in which you can do this:

Give them words of encouragement – throughout National Nanny Recognition Week, give your nanny a few extra words of encouragement

Be positive – When your Nanny helps you out, praise them for the job they have done.

Personalise a special gift for your Nanny

Put your creative minds to the test and see what gifts you can make with your children. Creating a personal gift is an ideal activity to do with children to show how much their Nanny means to them personally. It gives them the opportunity to get involved and make something special that their Nanny can treasure.

Give your Nanny a bunch of flowers

A bunch of flowers is a simple gift to give your nanny to show your appreciation. Choose a bouquet you think they would love and give it to your Nanny some point during National Nanny Recognition Week.

Let your Nanny have a surprise half or day off

In celebration of National Nanny Recognition Week and to show how much they mean to you, why not see if you are able to let your nanny have some time off. Any time off you can offer would be appreciated.

Invite your Nanny to have a meal with you and your family

The perfect idea for a ‘live in Nanny’ to show your appreciation. Invite them to join you for a meal at breakfast or dinner, don’t forget to prepare their preferred meal.

The Simplest Gift of All…

Having a great Nanny employed to work with your family is a something that cannot be taken for granted. Over National Nanny Recognition Week, make sure you make the effort to tell your Nanny how special they are to you and how they are a valued member of your family. A little bit of praise and appreciation, really can go a long way. Offering praise can help them to feel appreciated and know that they work they are doing is not going un-noticed.

Written by Emily Martin for Harmony at Home Limited. All Rights Reserved, 2018

The post Get set for National Nanny Recognition Week 2018 appeared first on Harmony at Home.

Link to Category: Parenting Advice Tips

Or if you prefer use one of our linkware images? Click here