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 Holiday Edition, 2009 |
A Message From Kathy
Happy Fall!
As we get farther into the season, we are anticipating cooler days and all of the fun festivities that come with the onset of the holidays! At Mom's Best Friend, we want to support you with all your holiday needs! We offer a wide range of support services outside of the scope of our standard sitting services.
As you begin to assemble that long list of to-do's, we can help knock it out with a temporary personal assistant for the day! When planning your holiday parties or special events, personal or work related, don't forget to book your caregiver(s) to help entertain kids while the adults enjoy socializing. You may want to book a Holiday Elf to help assist with shopping and wrapping presents, addressing holiday cards, delivering gifts, and setting up decorations. As life gets busy and calendars get denser, don't forget to block out that occasional date night to reconnect with your spouse, especially on special occasions like New Year's Eve!
Whatever the need, we would love to be part of the solution! We also really appreciate referrals and would like to reward you with a night out free of agency fees when you refer a new client family, so please make us aware of anyone you send our way, so we can arrange a special night out for you on us!
Best to you and your family,
Kathy Dupuy, Owner |
| Announcements & Special Events |
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Nannies of the Year Announcement
MBF,in conjunction with the Association of Professional Nannies, celebrated National Nanny Recognition Week during the week of September 20-26, 2009. During the event which featured food, music,  festivities, and fun, MBF got to announce their exceptional caregivers who were nominated by their families. Two caregivers were announced nannies' of the year: full-time nanny Patricia Kinnie and part-time nanny Mandie Hull received these honors. MBF is extremely proud of all of our caregivers and appreciate all they do to dedicate themselves to nurturing the lives of the children they work with.
 Child Nutrition Class
It's not easy to stay healthy in the world today, and this is particularly evident in our children. What we blame on genetics has a lot more to do with nutrition than we think. This seminar will bring clarity to a confusing topic - what do I feed my family? There are few things in life as important as what we put into our mouths. Come learn a new way of thinking about food - you and your family are worth it! The Austin Centre is holding a public seminar for parents on November 19th on Children's Diet and Nutrition. Speaking at the event will be Charlotte Skiles MS, A.C.N, who is a clinical herbalist and nutrition consultant. This event will begin at 7 p.m. and tickets can be purchased through The Austin Centre for $20. The first 5 people to call and identify MBF as the referral source get free admission!
New Seatbelt Laws in Effect
The new Texas Booster Seat Law recently went into effect on September 1st. This law requires that all children younger than 8 years old, UNLESS taller than 4'9" to be in child passenger safety seat system, which includes traditional car seats with harnesses AND booster seats. Fines range from $25-$250.
Please Read if Your Nanny Drives on the Job
Another tidbit of information that is not widely known is that personal car insurance does NOT cover transporting children in the caregiver's car for WORK. They need to have a "professional policy" if they are using their own vehicle to transport children for work purposes. IF they are in a car accident that is their fault, without a professional policy, their insurance company will deny liability for the children's injuries and possibly the entire accident without the correct coverage. This would leave the caregiver personally responsible for all costs. Please discuss any necessary adjustments with your caregiver. |
| Client Corner |
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Happy Plop is unlike anything else available with thousands of cotton balls to snuggle each child and adjust to their sitting or  sleeping positions from newborn through toddler years. It never goes flat because it can simply be fluffed and adjusted for its next occupant.
... "I was introduced to Happy Plop helping with our church's children programs... I looked into the nursery to discover a precious infant snuggled up and sound asleep on the Happy Plop. It was one of those moments that made me an immediate supporter." Wendy Petersen, co-founder of Mom's Best Friend.
*Happy Plop would also like to give back to the MBF community by donating $25 to The Settlement Home for Children when coupon code MBF09 is used. |
| Tax Tips from Breedlove and Associates |
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 Q: Is it true that Congress is considering increasing the tax breaks for dependent care?
A: Yes, the tax breaks for working families with child and elder care expenses have not been updated in years. Meanwhile, the cost of quality child care and elder care has risen steadily, squeezing the budgets of working families across the country. Help may be on the way.
Through the International Nanny Association (INA), MBF Agency and Breedlove & Associates have supported a lobbying effort to increase the tax breaks. Currently, the Child or Dependent Care Tax Credit provides a credit of 20% on up to $3,000 of expenses per dependent per year (maximum of $6,000 per year per family). This yields tax savings of $600 per year for families with one dependent; $1,200 per year for families with two or more dependents.
Due to these lobbying efforts, there are now three bills in front of Congress that would raise the expense limit to $6,000 per dependent per year ($12,000 maximum per family). In addition, the bills would increase the credit percentage from 20% to 35-50%. These new bills - if passed - would yield tax savings of $2,100 - $3,000 per year for families with one dependent; $4,200 - $6,000 per year for families with 2 or more dependents. Obviously, that would be welcome relief for hard-working families.  In order to improve the odds of these bills becoming law, we encourage everyone to take a moment to send a note to your Senators and your Representative in the House. Most congressional leaders have an email contact form on their website, which can be found with a quick search online.
Make your voice heard for dependent care tax relief! Five minutes could save you thousands of dollars each year.
For more information or a free phone consultation compliments of MBF, call 1-888-273-3356 or visit www.breedlove-online.com. |
| Holiday Bonus:
Save $100
on your Placement! |
We want to give you a bonus as we approach the holiday season! If you pay your placement fee for a long-term nanny in the month of November or December, we will take $100 off as our gift to you!We appreciate your business and wish you and your family well as we enter this holiday season!
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| Offer good for long-term placement fees paid in November and December 2009. Mention coupon code HOHO19. |
| MBF in the News |
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Parents Get Help Finding Safe Sitters
KXAN Austin (NBC), September 25, 2009
The concept of screening sitters is not new to Austin. Kathy Dupuy, a mother of four, started Moms Best Friend 15 years ago. The business has only grown more popular, and helped Austin parents like Juliet Tapia who does not have to think twice when she leaves home.
"I kiss them goodbye, shut the door and don't worry about it," said Tapia.
She has used the service in Austin for nine years. Moms Best Friend refers about 125 local sitters a week who are re-screened each month.
"Not only was it clear the first time, but it's clear on an on-going basis and that's super important," said Moms Best Friend Owner Kathy Dupuy.
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| Ask the Expert |
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How can Mom's Best Friend help me as I balance caring for my children, with caring for an aging parent?
Mom's Best Friend has provided quality childcare for the last 15 years, and is excited to announce the upcoming offering of our premium senior care services. Our Dallas office was the first to launch this new division this summer, and the Austin office will soon follow suit in 2010. We have so many client families who are in the sandwich generation and are the ultimate caregiver for both children and parents. In an effort to better support these loyal client families, we will not be a one stop solution for both needs. We will bring the same thorough screening, quality caregivers, and consistency of care to the senior population. In addition, MBF owners and founders, Kathy and Stuart Dupuy, are simultaneously opening 2 assisted living residential care homes in North Austin which will house 13 seniors and provide round the clock caregivers, meals, entertainment, and unparalleled personal service. Current baby boomers are not content to transition into traditional nursing homes, thus the emergence of this new trend that incorporates the benefits of a large facility but the feeling of an intimate home setting. To learn more, visit www.assistedlivinginaustin.com or inquire about openings to kathy@assistedlivinginaustin.com .
Kathy Dupuy, Owner |
| Organizing Tips From the Clutter Diet |
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Stop! 3 Ways to Prevent Clutter While You Still Can!
 Let's STOP and think this year before creating more clutter, both for ourselves and for people we care about. Here are 3 ways you can prevent clutter this holiday season.
1. Plan ahead. Think through what you are going to buy for other people and consider truthfully whether this is something they really need and will actually use. Don't just get them "something" for the sake of buying it.
* Did you know that "Black Friday" is NOT the biggest shopping day of the year in terms of sales revenues? That honor is usually given to the last Saturday before Christmas. Think about it-- last minute shoppers by the hordes are all going out compelled to buy something to put under the tree-- because they didn't plan ahead!
2. Ask for what you want. When people ask what you want for a present, be prepared! Tell them something practical that you really do want to have, so they will get you something you like and will use. Take 10 minutes to stop and think and write up a wish list for yourself. You might also want to ask for donations to a favorite charity.
3. Consider intangible gifts. If you can't think of some kind of thing to wrap up and give, think of something you can do for that person as a service. You can also give something to their favorite cause. You can buy a gift animal that will help end world hunger at http://www.heifer.org/, for example!
Whatever you do, GIVE MINDFULLY this season!
Lorie Marrero, owner and founder of clutterdiet.com and author of her new book The Clutter Diet, shares more holiday tips on her blog. |
| MBF Superstars |
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Featured Austin Long-term Nanny: Audrey S.
READY TO HIRE NOW! Contact a Placement Manager if you would like to know more about Audrey.
 Audrey is one of our favorite nannies here at MBF agency. Audrey loves doing interactive activities with children such as riding bikes, swimming, crafts, and games. Audrey worked in our Austin office for quite awhile before deciding to move to the Dallas area to pursue a teaching career. She has since decided that she loves being a nanny and is wanting to pursue her nanny career. She has experience with all ages and goes above and beyond in everything that she does. Austin Temporary Nanny: Rebecca T.
 Becca has years of experience working with children and also being a personal care attendant. She has been a live in nanny for a family, taking care of their children 1 and 2 years old. Becca enjoys doing activities with kids such as coloring and painting, puzzles and games, and families have called her "engaging, loving, and a hard worker." We feel very confident in recommending Becca as a nanny to any family and feel she would over exceed any family's expectations! |
| What Clients are Saying |
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"Mom's Best Friend is an incredible resource. They've always been able to satisfy our babysitting needs, even at the last minute! We have a special needs child, and the sitters have been wonderful with him and his sister. I highly recommend Mom's Best Friend!" -Dawn Neufeld, Sitter Client
"I would like to refer anyone with children to Mom's Best Friend for any sitter or nanny needs they may have. Many of the nannies who work for Mom's Best Friend are students either at the University of Texas or Texas State who are in, or have graduated from the Education program, and love to take care of children. Many nannies I have encountered have also been with the company for years, and never cease to amaze my family. In regards to the background checks, I encourage any clients to visit their website to view the News clip (see Press Room-In the News), where Mom's Best Friend was interviewed by FOX & KVUE, and includes information on the very extensive and accurate background check company they use. I STRONGLY recommend this agency for the trusted care of your children!" -Rebekah Maddux El-Hakam, Sitter Client
"The girls that you sent to us to work at the church yesterday were absolutely OUTSTANDING! I really appreciated all the hard work that they put into it and I thank you for continually having wonderful nannies at your agency. Thank you for your "lifesaving" agency..I know I always can depend on you! -Kim Levell, Church Sitter Client |
| Serving the Community |
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Over the years, The Settlement Home, a therapeutic home for abused and neglected girls, has found a special place in the hearts of the Mom's Best Friend Staff. In keeping with our annual tradition, we will be adopting a cottage of girls to buy gifts that Santa will be bringing to them! If anyone would like to join in our efforts, we would be happy to accept any items and add them to our collection to be sent.
If you would like to get involved with The Settlement Home in other ways, they are always looking for clothing donations (for girls age 7 to 17) or any donations for their garage sale- the largest fundraiser of the year! In addition, they are always looking for people who would like to contribute their time and care. From anything to a monetary donation or simply spending a  couple of hours helping out, they appreciate any assistance during the holidays and beyond. If interested, please visit their website at www.settlementhome.org to see what opportunities there are for you. | |
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