The Indy Homes Real Estate BlogRecently posted or modified blog posts in the category - Kidshttps://www.indyhomes.com/blog/Copyright IndyHomes.com2023-06-09T11:56:02-07:00tag:indyhomes.com,2012-09-20:13699Unplug and Unleash Fun: Unique and Educational Summer Activities for KidsIn a world dominated by screens, it's more important than ever to find engaging and educational activities that can get kids off the couch and away from their phone screens. This summer, let's embark on a journey filled with unique experiences that will spark their curiosity, ignite their creativity, and create lasting memories. Here are some incredible ideas to help your family make the most of the summer while unplugging from technology.
Nature Explorer Expeditions:
Take your kids on captivating nature explorations in your local area or nearby parks. Hike through scenic trails, identify different plants and wildlife species, and learn about the wonders of nature firsthand. Encourage them to bring a notebook to document their findings, sketch what they see, or create a nature journal. You might want to explore Carmel Parks <a href="https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/carmelclayparks/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=nature%20keepers&viewMode=list">Nature Keepers</a> program this summer!
Artistic Adventures:
Unleash your children's inner artists by organizing art-focused outings. Visit local museums or art galleries, participate in pottery or painting classes, or set up an outdoor art station where they can create their masterpieces inspired by the beauty of nature. Let their imagination soar as they express themselves through colors, shapes, and textures.
Science and Tech Exploration:<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/685/image/blog_images/Kids_doing_science_experiment.jpg" width="272" height="181" alt="kids_science" style="float: right;" />
Fuel their passion for discovery with interactive science a technology activies. Visit science centers or planetariums that offer hands-on exhibits, or organize simple science experiments at home. Engage them in coding workshops, robotics projects, or astronomy nights to nurture their interest in STEM subjects.
Farm-to-Table Adventures:
Teach your children about the importance of sustainable living and healthy eating by exploring local farms or farmers' markets. Let them discover where their food comes from, engage in farm chores, and learn about organic farming practices. Encourage them to participate in cooking activities using farm-fresh ingredients and educate them about the benefits of nutritious meals.
Outdoor Sports and Adventure:
Encourage an active lifestyle by introducing your kids to various outdoor sports and adventure activities. Plan family bike rides, go hiking, try rock climbing, or explore kayaking and paddleboarding. These activities not only promote physical fitness but also teach teamwork, perseverance, and resilience.
Cultural Excursions:
Broaden their horizons by immersing them in cultural experiences. Visit local historical sites, attend cultural festivals or exhibitions, or try different cuisines at ethnic restaurants. Encourage them to learn about different traditions, languages, and customs, fostering their appreciation for diversity and global understanding.
Volunteer Opportunities:
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/685/image/blog_images/Planting_trees.jpg" width="261" height="172" alt="Kids_planting_trees" style="float: right;" />
Instill a sense of empathy and compassion in your children by involving them in volunteer work. Research local charities or community organizations where they can contribute their time and skills. Whether it's organizing a neighborhood cleanup, assisting at an animal shelter, or participating in a charity event, these experiences teach valuable life lessons and promote social responsibility.
Conclusion:
This summer, make it a priority to disconnect from technology and engage your children in unique and educational activities that promote exploration, creativity, and personal growth. By venturing into nature, embracing the arts, delving into science, discovering local culture, and giving back to the community, you're fostering their holistic development while creating cherished memories. Let this summer be a time of adventure, learning, and quality time spent together, away from screens and immersed in the wonders of the world around us.
So, get ready to unplug and unleash the fun! It's time to create a summer filled with extraordinary experiences that will leave a lasting impact on your children's lives.
Remember, the world is their playground, and the possibilities are endless!
Unplug. Explore. Inspire.<br /><br />Please let us know how your summer goes & please send us some pics or leave a comment below!2023-06-09T08:55:10-07:002023-06-09T11:56:02-07:00Kristie Smithtag:indyhomes.com,2012-09-20:11674Just for Kids: Indy Homes Creative Writing Contest
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/685/image/blog_images/writer_boy.png" width="715" height="476" alt="boy writing in a notebook" />
Hey, moms and dads!
Looking for fun ways to keep your kids occupied during these gray days of winter? Let them unleash their creativity by encouraging them to submit a story for Indy Homes’ first-ever creative writing contest! We’re looking for stories that answer the question, “What happens in your home after dark?”
Maybe your pets have the most epic slumber party!
Or members of your family transform into super heroes to fight for justice!
Or a trip to the refrigerator for a late-night snack turns into a crazy adventure!
Or perhaps you all love spending time together in the evening, and your kid wants to share what that experience feels like, especially during this time when we’re home a lot more.
Whether from the wells of the imagination or their own personal experience, we can’t wait to read how your kiddos answer the question, “What happens in your home after dark?”
Submission Guidelines and Rules
Kindergartners through eighth graders are eligible to participate. Submissions will be divided into three categories for judging: 1) Kindergarten through 3rd grade, 2) 4th grade through 6th grade, 3) 7th grade through 8th grade
Sibling writing teams are allowed, but stories must be entered into the age bracket of the oldest participating sibling.
Submissions should be no longer than 1,000 words and must be original works created by the writer.
Writers who can’t or don’t know how to type can ask a parent to help type their story. (Hand-written submissions are perfectly fine, too!)
Accompanying illustrations are welcome!
Entries will be judged on story-telling skill, originality, and creativity.
Prizes
A winner in each of the three age categories will be selected. Each winner will have their story published on IndyHomes.com and promoted on Indy Homes’ social media channels.
Winners will also receive a $25 gift card to locally owned <a href="https://www.4kidsbooks.net/" target="_blank">4 Kids Books and Toys</a> in Zionsville!
Deadline and Submission
The deadline for all submissions is end of day, Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021.
Please submit stories to kriemenih at gmail.com. Include the author's name and grade level.
If you prefer, hard copies can be snail-mailed to Indy Homes, 8555 N. River Rd., Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46240.
Winners will be announced Saturday, Mar. 6, 2021! We can't wait to read your kids' entries!2021-01-10T15:34:00-07:002021-02-23T19:56:31-07:00Kristie Smithtag:indyhomes.com,2012-09-20:10342Find an Indianapolis gymnastics program for your childOne of the best-loved Olympic sports, gymnastics offers kids tremendous benefits—including physical fitness, confidence, time management skills and self-discipline—as well as a progression that can keep them motivated and fulfilled as they work toward and master new skills.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/685/image/blog_images/gymnastfloorexercise.jpg" width="698" height="357" alt="Female gymnast performing floor exercise" />
How can I get my child involved in gymnastics?
Children can begin participating in gymnastics classes at an early age, generally at 18 months to 3 years. A parent/toddler class is a great place to start. Children at this age work on basic skills, like somersaults, balance and two-footed jumps and have the security (and fun!) of having a parent participating.
From there, athletes work on tumbling skills and learn to perform on apparatus, in anticipation of participating in gymnastics’ events. Girls’ gymnastics encompasses four events—vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise, while boys participate in six events—floor exercise, pommel horse, still rings, vault, parallel bars and horizontal bar. Athletes are expected to learn all events (all events are covered in a class) and if competing, will compete in all events until they reach a certain skill level.
What are competition and noncompetition options?
As in <a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/blog/competitive-exhibition-cheerleading-programs-indianapolis-north-suburbs/">cheerleading</a> and <a href="https://www.indyhomes.com/blog/indianapolis-dance-programs-for-kids-north-suburbs/">dance</a>, gymnasts have the option of competing or not. Many gyms offer recreational classes for children who want to learn gymnastics skills without the stress and time commitment that competition brings.
For those who want to compete, two competition tracks are available. The Junior Olympic program is the traditional competitive track under USA Gymnastics (USAG), the national governing body for the sport. Junior Olympic athletes progress from level 1 to as high as level 10, with level 10 demanding mastery of the most advanced skills. Gymnasts at levels 1-3 are preparing for competition, while athletes at levels 4-6 compete in compulsories, meaning all participants perform all the same routines and compete in all events. Levels 6-10 are considered “optional” levels, meaning that each gymnast can perform her own routine as long as it includes required elements. In general, Junior Olympic athletes must train a specified number of hours per week (as dictated by their gym/program) and compete in 6-8 competitions per year.
A few years ago, USAG introduced a second competitive program for girls, Xcel. According to USAG, the Xcel program is for gymnasts at “a variety of levels, abilities, ages and commitment levels who want to enjoy all the benefits that gymnastics has to offer while having more flexibility than the Junior Olympic program.” Competition is more relaxed within Xcel, and athletes are grouped into divisions based on age and skill level.
What should I look for in a gymnastics program for my child?
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/685/image/blog_images/boy-gymnast-1.jpg" width="300" height="425" alt="Boy gymnast performing on the pommel horse." style="float: right; margin: 10px;" />Given the recent sexual abuse revelations within USA Gymnastics, it’s more than understandable that parents would be concerned about the safety of their children, said Debbie Hamby, the owner of <a href="http://www.indystars.net" target="_blank">Indy Stars</a> in Indianapolis. She advises parents to ask about <a href="https://usagym.org/PDFs/About%20USA%20Gymnastics/safesportpolicy_062617.pdf">safety policies</a> and ensure that they’re being adhered to. Background checks on coaches, staff and volunteers are a basic requirement, and Hamby has gone as far as installing video cameras throughout her gym. “Safety should be built into the culture of the gym,” she said.
Hamby’s advice also includes:
Ask about the staff-to-child ratio. A reasonable ratio will ensure kids get individual attention and aren’t always standing around waiting for their turn.
Find out how feedback is given. If a child knows that she can mess up and get up and try again, she’ll more likely build confidence in her abilities.
Find out if observation of classes/practices is allowed. This policy encourages openness and transparency.
Ask how kids progress. Will they be stuck at a particular level for the entirety of a class, or can they move up once they demonstrate mastery of a skill?
Beth Michalak, the preschool gymnastics director at <a href="http://www.interactiveacademy.com" target="_blank">Interactive Academy</a> in Zionsville, also advises to ask about the number of classes offered, the age limits for classes and the teachers’/coaches’ backgrounds. Observing a class (Is the staff professional? Is feedback constructive? Is the class structured? Are the kids having fun?) will tell a parent a lot. Talk to other parents too to find out what their children like about their program. The time commitment and costs (gym tuition, uniforms and travel all add up) are concerns that parents need to seriously consider as well, Michalak said.
Find a gymnastics club
Indianapolis is home to a variety of gyms and gymnastics clubs. We provide a sample of gyms on the northside and northern suburbs here. You can also find a USA Gymnastics member club near you on the <a href="https://www.usagym.org/pages/find/gym.html" target="_blank">USA Gymnastics website</a>.
A-Plus Gymnastics
9625 E. 150th St., Noblesville | (317) 773-7266
Gymnastics classes offered: Tot classes, girls recreational classes (ages 5 and up), boys recreational classes (ages 5 and up), adults (ages 13 and up). Recreational classes build skills in all Olympic events plus trampoline.
Competition:
Girls’ team gymnastics for USAG levels 1-10 (Junior Olympics).
Girls Xcel team.
Boys’ team gymnastics for levels 4 and up.
Non-sanctioned recreational team program for boys.
Pre-team developmental program for boys looking to compete in the future.
Also offered: Cheer, tumbling, dance, basketball, special needs classes. Child care and camps.
For more information: Go to <a href="http://www.aplusgymnastics.com" target="_blank">www.aplusgymnastics.com</a> or call (317) 773-7266.
Dana Mannix Gymnastics
9325 Uptown Dr. Ste. 1000, Indianapolis | (317) 863-0491
Gymnastics classes offered: Preschool and kindergarten (18 months to6 years), school age—varying levels for boys and girls based on skill (6-17 years).
Competition: Pre-team, level 2.
Recreational team: The rec team practices once a week for two hours. Competitions are held three times a year at Dana Mannix Center, and athletes compete against other Dana Mannix Rec Team gymnasts only.
Also offered: Trampoline and tumbling recreational team, ninja, dance, cheer, tumbling. Camps and clinics.
For more information: Go to <a href="http://www.danamannixgymnastics.com" target="_blank">www.danamannixgymnastics.com</a> or call (317) 863-0491.
Deveau’s School of Gymnastics
9032 Technology Drive, Fishers | (317) 849-7744
Gymnastics classes offered: Preschool (crawling to age 5); girls, levels 2-5 (ages 6 and up); boys, levels 2-3 (ages 6 and up)
Competitive:
Girls' teams, levels 2-10.
Xcel team.
Boys' teams, levels 4-10.
Also offered: Competitive trampoline team, SHOW Team (a unified group of athletes with special needs and typical partners), ninja classes, cheerleading.
For more information: Go to <a href="http://deveaus.com" target="_blank">deveaus.com </a>or call (317) 849-7744.
Fusion Gym
582 Pitt Road, Brownsburg | (317) 858-5805
Gymnastics classes offered: Preschool (walking to age 6); school-age (7 and older)
Competitive:
Training Team: For girls interested in becoming competitive gymnasts.
Level 1 – 10 (Junior Olympic) Team
Also offered: Tumbling, ninja, karate.
For more information: Go to <a href="http://www.fusiongym.com" target="_blank">www.fusiongym.com</a> or call (317) 858-5805.
Geist Sports Academy
10640 Deme Drive, Indianapolis | (317) 823-7734
Gymnastics classes offered: Preschool (ages 18 months to 4 years); girls school-age gymnastics (ages 5 and up); boys school-age gymnastics (ages 5 and up).
Competitive:
Girls’ teams: Pre-team; compulsory team (levels 2-6) and optional team (levels 7-10). Teams compete in 8-9 meets per year.
Boys teams: Compulsory team (levels 4 - 7) and optional team (levels 8 - 10). Teams compete in 8-9 meets per year.
Also offered: Powerfit Warriors, tumbling, homeschool classes.
For more information: Go to <a href="http://www.geistsportsacademy.com" target="_blank">www.geistsportsacademy.com</a> or call (317) 823-7734.
Gymnaworld
1716 Pleasant Street, Noblesville | (317) 776-0866
Gymnastics classes offered: Preschool gymnastics (ages 2.5-5), recreational gymnastics classes (ages 5 years and up), precompetitive program (ages 5 years and up).
Competition: 5.5 years and up.
Also offered: Camps, Ninja Zone, private lessons.
For more information: Go to <a href="http://www.gymnaworld.com" target="_blank">www.gymnaworld.com</a> or call (317) 776-0866.
Indy Stars
8070 Georgetown Road, Indianapolis | (317) 986-5707
Gymnastics classes offered: Preschool (ages 2-5 years); school age (ages 6-18).
Competition:
Xcel team.
Junior Olympic team consists of Little Giants (pre-team), compulsory (levels 2-5) and optional (levels 6-10) gymnasts.
Also offered: Dance, cheer, adaptive gymnastics (including a Special Olympics team). Camps.
For more information: Go to <a href="http://www.indystars.net" target="_blank">www.indystars.net</a> or call (317) 986-5707.
Interactive Academy
3795 South U.S. 421, Zionsville | (317) 733-3000
Gymnastics classes offered: Preschool (20 months-5 years); school age (ages 6-16).
Competitive:
Girls’ Junior Olympic Program (Levels 1-10)
Girls’ Xcel Team
Boys’ Team USA Gymnastics (Levels 4-10)
Also offered: Cheer, dance, tumbling, warrior class, swim, camps.
For more information: Go to <a href="http://www.interactiveacademy.com" target="_blank">www.interactiveacademy.com</a> or call (317) 733-3000.
Spectrum Sports
138 West Carmel Drive, Carmel | (317) 587-1503
Gymnastics classes offered: Preschool (18 months to 6 years), school age—varying levels for boys and girls (6 years and up), tumbling (8 years and up).
Competition: Call for information.
Also offered: Cheerleading, camps and clinics.
For more information: Go to <a href="http://www.spectrumgym.com" target="_blank">www.spectrumgym.com</a> or call (317) 587-1503.
Do you have a favorite gym not mentioned here? Share in the comments below!
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/685/image/blog_images/ksmith-4.jpg" width="128" height="144" alt="Indianapolis Realtor Kristie Smith" style="float: left; margin: 3px 10px;" />About the Author<br />Kristie Smith<br />Kristie Smith is the founder and CEO of the Indy Homes Real Estate Team. She is a REALTOR, and is one of the most recognized and accomplished Indiana real estate agents. Ranked among Central Indiana's top 10 real estate teams, the Indy Homes Team specializes in relocating families moving to the Indy area, as well as Helping People on the Move locally in Indy.
2017-12-28T18:16:00-07:002019-05-10T12:22:17-07:00Kristie Smithtag:indyhomes.com,2012-09-20:10331Find cheerleading programs in Indy's north suburbsIf your child has energy to burn and is interested in tumbling, dance and teamwork, the sport of cheerleading could be for him or her!
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/685/image/blog_images/cheerleading_stunt.jpg" width="700" height="466" alt="cheerleaders perform stunt" />
Isn’t cheerleading a school extracurricular?
You’re no doubt familiar with cheerleaders who pump up the fans during school sporting events, but the sport of competitive cheerleading looks a bit different. You won’t find pompoms, chants and cheers. Instead, competition cheerleaders practice a 2.5-minute routine most of the year to prepare for months of competition (generally October through April). The routines are fast-paced, highly synchronized blends of choreography, tumbling, jumps and stunts.
What are competition and noncompetition options?
Most of the gyms highlighted here offer competition (“all star”) cheerleading and exhibition (noncompetition) cheerleading.
Competition travel teams travel to 7-9 regional and national competitions during competition months. The season begins in April/May with evaluations and placement. Athletes work on skills and choreography throughout the summer and competition begins in October and continues through April.
“Prep” competition teams are limited in travel (3-4 competitions closer to home), although these athletes also work year-round.
Exhibition cheerleading is the least intense of the options—in general, performances are not mandatory.
How are kids placed on teams?
Athletes are categorized by both age and skill level and are placed on the appropriate team after a tryout/evaluation. Level 1 teams are for beginners, and at the other end of the scale, level 6 teams are for the most advanced athletes. When evaluating athletes, coaches look for a variety of characteristics, including tumbling difficulty, tumbling execution, athleticism and attitude. A coach’s objective is to find the right fit for each athlete to ensure safety and balance within the team.
Although the U.S. All Star Federation, the governing body for the sport, sanctions a wide age range for each team category, it highly recommends that programs be vigilant in monitoring participants of various ages on the same team and that, whenever possible, establish teams made up of participants of similar ages.
All star team categories:
Tiny – ages 3-6
Mini – ages 5-8
Youth – ages 5-11
Junior – ages 5-14
Senior – ages 10-18
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/685/image/blog_images/cheerleaders.jpg" width="296" height="296" alt="Indianapolis cheerleaders" style="float: right;" />How do I choose the right program for my child?
There are several steps you can take to thoroughly research programs, gyms and staff to find the right fit for your child.
Review gyms’ websites. What programs are offered and what is the background of the various staff?
Visit the gym in person to get a better feel for it. How clean is it? How attentive and friendly are the staff? How are classes conducted?
Talk to other parents in your community. What do they like about their child’s gym?
Talk to the programs’ coaches to learn more about them and their coaching philosophy.
Kelli Keller, a cheerleading coach at Zionsville West Middle School and former all star cheer mom, says coaches are eager to ensure a great fit for your child. “Coaches are serious about the business of helping kids grow. Like parents, they want to help them find what works well for them.”
What else should I take into account when choosing a program?
Time commitment, travel and expenses all need to be considered seriously, says Keller.
Time commitment. In general exhibition teams practice once a week for one hour, while competition teams practice at least twice a week for two hours. Competition team practice is mandatory, while exhibition team practice is not. Competition teams also travel throughout the year to competitions. Exhibition teams perform locally, and these performances are considered optional. Prep teams also compete, but travel is limited.
Travel commitment. Competition teams travel during weekends throughout the competition season. Travel teams travel regionally and even nationally, while prep teams’ travel is more limited.
Expenses. Gym tuition, uniform fees and travel all add up!
Keller advises parents to treat competition cheerleading as any other travel or team sport—that is, coaches, teammates and other parents are counting on your child to make it to practice and competitions.
“Kids really learn to be committed to their team,” she said. “It’s not like the coach has another athlete waiting on the sidelines to take her place if a kid doesn’t show up.”
What will my child gain from cheerleading?
As with other team sports, kids in cheer learn time management, respect, responsibility, teamwork and confidence.
Find a cheer program in the Indianapolis area
Indianapolis’ northside and northern suburbs offer a variety of gyms and programs for both boys and girls interested in cheerleading. These programs come highly recommended by the moms of the <a href="https://www.zvillemoms.com/" target="_blank">Z’ville Moms</a> Facebook group.
Champion Gym
513 West Main Street, Lebanon, IN 46052 | (317) 508-1336
Types of cheer teams: Competition team (no minimum age—placement is based on skill level) and performance teams (ages 4 to middle school) [note that practice and performances are mandatory for performance teams].
Other offerings: Toddler tumbling classes (ages 2-4); tumbling classes for older kids. COMING SOON: Adult tumbling classes.
For more information, visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/championgym1336/" target="_blank">Champion Gym on Facebook</a> or call (317) 508-1336.
Hollywood All Stars
12345 N. Old Meridian Suite 100, Carmel, IN 46032 | (317) 818-8480
Types of cheer teams: Full and half-season competition travel teams. Teams are open to athletes ages 6-18.
Other offerings: Tumbling classes beginning at age 4. Private lessons. Training for school squads.
For more information, visit <a href="http://hollywoodcheer.com/" target="_blank">hollywoodcheer.com</a> or call (317) 818-8480.
ICE Cheer
17435 Tiller Ct., Suite B, Westfield, IN 46074 | (317) 867-3939
Types of cheer teams: Competition travel teams (6-7 competitions/season), limited travel competition teams (4 competitions/season, close to home), quarter-season teams (2-3 competitions, February through April). Teams are open to athletes under 6 to 18. An exhibition “tiny” team is also open to ages 4-6.
Other offerings: Tumbling classes and classes for specific moves (back handspring, for example). ICE Cream Kids classes (ages 2-5) focus on coordination, confidence, flexibility and strength.
For more information, visit <a href="http://indy.icecheer.com/" target="_blank">indy.icecheer.com</a> or call (317) 867-3939.
Indiana Elite
14888 Herriman Blvd., Noblesville, IN 46060 | (317) 770-9100
Types of cheer teams:
Worlds competition team—Travels regionally in its quest to receive a Worlds bid.
National competition teams (grades 3-12)—Attends competitions throughout the Midwest as well as one national championship every other year.
Regional competition teams (grades K-9)—Most competitions attended are in Indiana.
Local competition teams (grades K-3)—All competitions are in Indiana.
Exhibition teams (preschool through K)—Optional local performances.
Half-year competition teams (grades 1-12)—Compete October through April.
Other offerings: Tumbling classes and summer camps.
For more information, visit <a href="http://Indiana-elite.com" target="_blank">indiana-elite.com</a> or call (317) 770-9100.
Indy Stars Cheer
8070 Georgetown Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46268 | (317) 986-5707
Types of cheer teams: Competition and exhibition. Competition teams are open to athletes ages 5 to 18 and exhibition teams are for athletes 5 to 11.
Other offerings: Dance, gymnastics, adaptive gymnastics (including a Special Olympics team), holiday camps.
For more information, visit <a href="https://www.indystars.net/cheer" target="_blank">indystars.net/cheer</a> or call (317) 986-5707.
Interactive Academy
3795 South U.S. 421, Zionsville, IN 46077 | (317) 733-3000
Types of cheer teams: Travel, prep, and exhibition. Competition teams are open to athletes ages 4 and up and exhibition teams are for athletes 3 to 11.
Other offerings: Gymnastics, dance, tumbling, swim, holiday and summer camps.
For more information, visit <a href="http://www.interactiveacademy.com" target="_blank">interactiveacademy.com</a> or call Barb Weaver, (317) 733-3000 x1154.
Share your experiences as a cheer parent in the comments below!
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/685/image/blog_images/ksmith-4.jpg" width="128" height="144" alt="Indianapolis Realtor Kristie Smith" style="float: left; margin: 3px 10px;" />About the Author<br />Kristie Smith<br />Kristie Smith is the founder and CEO of the Indy Homes Real Estate Team. She is a REALTOR, and is one of the most recognized and accomplished Indiana real estate agents. Ranked among Central Indiana's top 10 real estate teams, the Indy Homes Team specializes in relocating families moving to the Indy area, as well as Helping People on the Move locally in Indy.
2017-12-14T10:25:00-07:002019-06-14T13:53:37-07:00Kristie Smithtag:indyhomes.com,2012-09-20:10077How to find a nanny in Indianapolis<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/685/image/blog_images/nanny2-235x300.jpg" width="235" height="300" alt="Nanny with baby" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" />One of the top questions our Indy Homes Team is asked by families relocating to Indianapolis is how to find quality childcare—in-home or a daycare center. Each family’s childcare needs varies greatly from another family’s. For those seeking an Indianapolis nanny, we always encourage Indianapolis relocation buyers to talk to other families that have hired a nanny.
How to start the search for a nanny in Indianapolis
Write a family resume and profile. Determine how you will describe your family to prospective nannies in Indianapolis. Craft a profile of each family member that illustrates individual personalities, favorite activities, preferences, loves, and dislikes. Write out your family’s needs and wants and describe in detail special needs such as dietary preferences and restrictions, medical needs, or learning tools. What’s an average day look like in your home? Include that in that profile. Some nannies will not work with a family where one of the family members works from home. It’s important to be truthful and realistic when describing your household. You want the nanny to be on board with your real situation.
Build a list of required criteria for a nanny. This is the “job description.” Availability, live-in, driving record, light housework, heavy cleaning, set hours, flexibility, CPR-certified, grocery shopping, cooking, experience with children, have children, don’t have children are just a few criteria one can use to draw up needs from a nanny. Pretend you have a magic wand and draw up the perfect nanny. This list will be your benchmark when comparing nanny candidates. Another important factor is your budget for a nanny.<br /><br />Determine which resources to use for locating prospective nannies. Many nanny placement services in Indianapolis can guide the process for selection. <a href="http://www.sittercity.com" target="_blank">Sittercity</a> and <a href="http://www.care.com" target="_blank">Care.com</a> are two popular online resources that allow families to post nanny positions and to review nannies that have posted their resumes and profiles and have had a background check. These sites provide online tools for interviewing, hiring, nanny taxes and more. A local Central Indiana nanny placement resource, <a href="http://www.solutionshomestaffing.com/" target="_blank">Home Staffing Solutions</a>, does all the legwork for families and facilitates the entire hiring process every step of the way.
Prepare interview questions. Using the criteria and family profile you can generate questions that will quickly eliminate candidates. Your must-haves will help narrow your options.
Introduce the entire family. With a list of top two or three nanny candidates, set up a time to introduce the entire family. Once you have used your must-have criteria, the best fit will ultimately come down to the interaction you see with the finalists. You’ll be able to evaluate your children’s reactions and the nannies' response to your children. Based on your intuition and objective criteria, you will know which nanny is best for your family.
Have you selected a nanny in Indianapolis? What tips do you have to share with other families?
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/685/image/blog_images/ksmith-4.jpg" width="128" height="144" alt="Indianapolis Realtor Kristie Smith" style="float: left; margin: 3px 10px;" />About the Author<br />Kristie Smith<br />Kristie Smith is the founder and CEO of the Indy Homes Real Estate Team. She is a REALTOR, and is one of the most recognized and accomplished Indiana real estate agents. Ranked among Central Indiana's top 10 real estate teams, the Indy Homes Team specializes in relocating families moving to the Indy area, as well as Helping People on the Move locally in Indy.
2014-04-04T13:11:00-07:002019-05-10T12:23:02-07:00Kristie Smith