Trusting Connections Nanny Agency

From the Blog

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10 Last-Minute Gifts For Dad

Father’s Day is this Sunday, and if you are having some difficulties finding a good gift for dad, look no further! Take the kids to the mall this weekend and snatch a last-minute gifts dad would love!

We gathered ten neat gift ideas you can grab during your shopping trips. But let’s be totally honest here, you can purchase most of these on Amazon.com and select prime delivery to ensure you get it by Father’s Day!

Dad Snack Kit – Beef Jerky Gift Basket

Surprise dad with a basket of jerky assortment. There are several options you can pick from – from sugar-free to organic beef to basket arrangements.

Click here to see all the Jerky Gift Baskets For Dad

Home Improvement – Toolkit

Hardware tools are basically toys for dads. Visit your local home improvement stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot and purchase the latest drill or a whole tool kit. He’ll be enjoying his new toys while munching on some good beef jerky!

Tool Kit Gifts from Home Depot
Tool Kit Gifts for Dad on Amazon

Dad’s Favorite Sport

Even though football season is over, there’s still baseball, basketball, golf, soccer and so many more. Surprise dad this Father’s Day with game tickets to watch his favorite sport’s team. It doesn’t need to be something that’s happening this weekend or next month. If dad’s favorite sport is football, go ahead and snag some pre-season tickets. Dad will be over the moon!

Check out tickets on Ticketmaster

Ties + Cufflinks

Ties can both be a great gift and a gag gift. Why not purchase both? Get dad some fashionable ties and maybe a few holiday-themed ones too. You know, the ones with all the pictures and lights that blink. Yep, dad will surely make an impression at work!

Explore all Ties for Dads here
Shop for cufflinks here
Funny-themed ties for Dad

Shaving Kit

Help dad trim his beard by purchasing a shaving kit. There’s a lot on the market from simple 3-step bundles to a full month kit. You can even purchase monthly subscriptions, so dad’s beard, mustache, and any other facial hair be well groomed.

Check out The Art of Shaving

Footwear For Dad – At Work + At Home

Nothing beats a comfortable pair of shoes for dad, whether it’s worn while working or hiking with the family on Saturday mornings. Visit your local mall and grab dad’s favorite brand of footwear this weekend.

Got a budget? Check out Nordstrom Rack, DSW, and Zappos to snag a good deal!

Take Dad Out To Eat

What’s dad all-time favorite restaurant? Call and make a reservation today and treat dad out to a delicious dinner. Most restaurants anticipate a high spike of guests this weekend, so plan accordingly to ensure you get a table! Dad will be so excited to eat his favorite dish he’s been thinking about for weeks!

Cook For Dad

Too late for reservations? No worries, bring his favorite restaurant home by cooking him his favorite dish! Have the kids help out in the kitchen. It’ll be even more special dinner for dad knowing that’s the food he’s eating was made from the hands of the people he loves and adores the most!

Explore thousands of recipes on allrecipes.com

Tech Gadgets For Your Hero

If hardware tools are dad’s favorite toy, electronics is dad’s second favorite. There’s always new versions and models coming out every month when it comes to technology. Bigger TV screens, slimmer laptops, innovative tech watches and smartphones, and the list goes on. Drive to your local tech store and grab dad a new laptop to do his work on or the latest DSLR if dad’s into taking pictures.

Check out the latest deals on Best Buy

Clothing

Let’s not forget one of the most bought gifts on Father’s Day – clothes! Whether it’s a new striped t-shirt or another cargo pant to add to his collection, clothing is one of the safest bet with it comes to Father’s Day gifts!

Visit Academy’s for a variety of Athleticwear
Explore Dad’s favorite clothing brand on Amazon

Trusting Connections hope these last-minute gifts for dad was helpful. Get the kids involved too by making hand-made cards at home with simple tools like markers, paint, and construction paper. It’ll be the perfect addition to dad’s gift!

Here are some easy DIY cards we found on Pinterest!

Looking for more gift ideas, DIY crafts, and parenting tips? Follow our blog!

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TC Job Fair – Looking for Nannies and Babysitters

Are you looking for a meaningful, fun, and flexible job that works around YOUR schedule? Do you love working with kids? Do you have a passion to make a difference? This job fair may help you reach those goals.

Why Us?

As a premier nanny agency, our mission is to connect families with exceptional nannies, sitters, and other family care professionals. As former nannies, we are committed to improving the nanny agency experience. We are industry leaders, always paving the way for innovation and excellence. And we know we are nothing without our nannies, and we treat them accordingly. TC is committed to educating, supporting, and advocating for our nannies while offering a safe, fun, and professional work environment. We are looking to expand our team with people who are flexible, fun-loving, and enthusiastic who can walk into a client’s home and wow our customers with a genuine passion and knowledge of childcare.

Come to TC job fair and learn about what we do and how we can help find your dream job! Check out our job board to see all the positions we currently have available.

TC Job Fair Details

WHEN: Tuesday, June 18, 2019, from 5-7 PM

WHERE: Any of our three office locations!

Tucson Office
3390 N Campbell Ave #100, Tucson, AZ 85719

Phoenix Office
1490 S Price Road Suite 210D Phoenix, Chandler, AZ 85286

DFW Office
751 E Southlake Blvd #122, Southlake, TX 76092

Guaranteed interviews for those who meet the minimum requirements. Refreshments and light snack will be available.

Job Fair Facebook Event Page

Here are what some of the nannies are saying about working with us.

  • TC Job Fair - Nanny Testimonial
  • TC Job Fair - Nanny Testimonial
  • TC Job Fair - Nanny Testimonial
  • TC Job Fair - Nanny Testimonial

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Nannies + Babysitters – Are you being paid fairly and legally?

Here at Trusting Connections Nanny Agency, we strive to be nanny advocators and industry educators. If you are a nanny, babysitter, maid, house manager, or a family assistant, you are entitled to all the basic benefits an employee should get. Learn what you should be receiving with this informative video below from Trusting Connections’ Co-Founder and Co-Owner, Rosalind Prather.


Nanny Tax + Misclassification

Did you know the IRS always considers nannies and babysitters as employees, not independent contractors?

Whether you are working for an agency or privately with a family, you should be given a W-2 at the end of the year if your salary or pay reaches $2,100 or more. A common misclassification most nannies and babysitters experienced is being considered as Independent Contractors. An indicator that you have been improperly classified is when the agency or family gives you a Form 1099. As an employee, you should be getting a pay stub that articulate the numbers of hours you’ve worked and the taxes that your employers have paid on your behalf. You should also be entitled to other benefits like minimum wage, overtime pay, and required in some states, paid sick leave.

Why Does This Matter?

So what’s the difference between a W-2 and a 1099? What’s the harm in receiving the wrong form before filing your taxes? It hurts you more in the long run than you think

1) You are being double taxed
Normally, a portion of your taxes should be covered by your employers such as social security and Medicare. With a 1099, you are paying both the income tax you are responsible for paying and the employer’s share as well. So even though a $50,000 job may sound like a sweet deal, you’re looking at a huge cut after you calculate all the taxes you’ll be paying.

2) Employment Verification Issues
If you are paid cash under the table or improperly classified, it can be disadvantageous when you need to verify employment. Income verification is required when you buy a car, rent an apartment, or request for unemployment benefits. It may not be an issue now but can become a huge dilemma in your future.

How To Protect Yourself

1) Do Your Research + Ask Questions
 So how do you prep and protect yourself from these legal issues and nuisances? Before getting hired, we encourage you to sit down with the agency or family and review your rights as a legal household employee. If you are currently being paid cash or getting a 1099 at the end of the year, inform and educate them. Give them the benefit of the doubt as some may not be aware of the legalities for household workers.

If the agency or family is not willing to give you proper tax documents, there are ways and actions you can do to better protect yourself. There are two IRS forms you can fill out – Form 4852 and Form 8919, depending on the situation and circumstances.

Click here for From 4852
Click here for Form 8919

2) Join An Agency
To prevent and avoid the stress and legal matters, join an agency like Trusting Connections. We employ all of our nannies and babysitters. We follow legal guidelines to ensure our employees are well taken care of. This includes paying the portion of your taxes, getting a consistent bi-weekly paycheck, receiving a W-2 at the end of the year, earning overtime pay, and accruing sick leave (for those working in the state of Arizona).

We Truly Care

As former nannies, we are passionate about supporting and advocating for nannies and babysitters all over the nation. We believe the work you do is so important. Your impact in the lives of families is significant and you deserve to be treated fairly.

We are happy to be a reliable resource for you, whether you are a TC nanny or not. Give us a call or email us for any questions. You can also swing by to any of our three office locations to meet and talk.

Tucson Office: 3390 N. Campbell Avenue #100 Tucson, Arizona 85719
Phoenix Office: 1490 S Price Rd, Suite 210D Chandler, AZ 85286
Dallas-Fort Worth Office: 751 E Southlake Blvd. #122 Southlake, TX 76092

Here are other resources and articles you should read regarding nanny taxes:

Nanny Tax: Pitfalls and Need-to-Knows for Your Taxes
Why Professional Nannies Want to be Paid Legally

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TC’s Summer Challenge – Random Acts of Kindness

This summer, Trusting Connections wants to challenge our nannies, families, and everyone in our community to participate in our challenge – Random Acts of Kindness. It’s a great way to give back to your community and presents a teachable opportunity for parents to show their kids that a small act of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.

One of our core values is being community servers. “We feel blessed and believe in giving whenever we can. We are especially passionate about contributing to causes that strengthen families and offer support to parents and children.”

Here’s How It Works

DOWNLOAD THE BINGO CARD HERE.

It’s a fun bingo game you can do on your own or with your kids, friends, families, or colleagues!

The bingo card contains simple, daily tasks you can do as a family for a neighbor or stranger such as donating toys or clothes to a local shelter or buying a meal for someone in need. Once you complete your kind act, date the box or put a sticker on it.

The goal is straightforward – complete the entire bingo card by July 31st.

Kindness is Contagious

Include us on your journey by sharing your pictures. Tag a few friends to encourage them to take on the challenge and ask them to tag a few more of their friends. Use the hashtag #TCKindnessChallenge and let the goodwill grow and spread.

We hope this summer challenge teaches children that a random act of kindness like a simple hand-written thank you note can truly turn a person’s day around. And who knows, this challenge could spark a habit of generosity that may continue beyond the summertime!

So let’s help make this summer a memorable one, one small kind act at a time.

Visit our blog for fun DIY projects, family-friendly activities, local events, parenting tips, childcare news, and more.

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8 DIY Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Mother’s day is here and with that comes hallmark cards, bouquets of roses, and breakfast in bed. But finding a last-minute gift for mom this weekend might be a challenge, so opt out on going to your local department store and create a hand-made gift. Make it more special and personal by having the kids help out. We did some digging on Pinterest and found eight easy, cute, memorable and creative DIY project the kids can do or help create with dad or childcare provider. Most of these DIY Mother’s Day Gifts are easy to make and affordable!

Picture Collage

Suprise mom with a collage of pictures collected throughout the years. Nothing beats reminiscing all the memories from the time mom was pregnant to celebrating the children’s first, second, or third birthday party.

Click here to see all the different ways to create a picture collage!

Customized Flower Pots

Bouquet of roses are beautiful but personalizing a flower pot for mom will make it more special. Go to your local nursery or garden market to purchase mom’s favorite flower. Have the kids paint or write loving messages for mom.

Click here to see 40+ unique ways to make your flower pots stand out!

Mom Snack Kit (also known as Mom’s Emergency Stash)

Moms are always busy driving the kids to places which means a lot of meal prepping. Why not switch it around and make a snack kit for mom. Include a healthy go-to snack bar but also add some of mom’s favorite chocolates in there too!

Click here for neat ways to assemble the snack kits.

MOM String Art

Gather some wood, yarn, and nails dad and let the kids go crazy with string art! There’s so many different designs and layouts that can be done. It’s tediously creative and will be a great home decor piece!

Here are some great designs to use or get inspired by!

Pebble Art

Who knew rocks and pebbles could become a sentimental picture?! And you can get them from your backyard. Gather some pebbles and a small picture frame to create a picture. Complete it with a short poem for mom and have the kids sign it at the end!

Click here to get some pebble art ideas!

DIY Soap and Body Scrub

Let’s all be honest and say that moms are superheroes, but superheroes should take a day off…or two. Moms spend so much time taking care of the family; she forgets to take care of herself sometimes. Give mom the gift of relaxation this year with customized soaps, body scrubs, and bath bombs!

Explore easy DIY body scrubs and soaps here.

Floral Monogram Door Hanger

We found this cute Monogram door hanger project the kids can help make! It’s simple, creative, beautiful, and super affordable. All you need is a monogram (like ‘M’ for mom or the first letter of mom’s name), fake flower, X-Acto knife, and a glue gun. All materials can be found at your local craft store or online retailers like Amazon.

Click for steps to make Floral Monogram Door Hanger here.

Mother’s Day Lunch/Dinner

You hear Mother’s day breakfast in bed, but how about Mother’s day lunch or dinner? Switch things around this year and have the kids help make mom a delicious meal for lunch. If dad’s up for the challenge, try dinner!

Click here for recipe ideas!

Running to the store to purchase a gift is quicker and more convenient. However, taking the time and putting thought and work into a home-made and hand-made gift for mom, especially with the kids, will sure make a day for mom to remember. We hope the kids enjoyed these DIY Mother’s day gifts as much as we did blogging about them!

To see other DIY crafts and recipes, visit our blog.

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Local Family Events For Cinco de Mayo

While Cinco de Mayo means lots of fun for the younger crowds, parents may be stuck trying to find fun local activities and events that are family-friendly and kid-safe.

There are plenty of options to choose from, but Trusting Connections has gathered some fun and popular local family events that will have both the parents and kids laughing and having fun.

Parents can take this time to not only have family fun, but to also educate the kids on Mexican history, traditions, and culture.

A Holiday of History + Culture

Did you know Cinco de Mayo isn’t Mexico’s Independence Day? Mexico’s Independence Day is actuallly on September 16th. Cinco de Mayo was a day of commemoration for Mexico’s victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. This once minor holiday has become a much more popular fiesta.

According to Herald and News, “similar to St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo in the United States has grown over time from its roots to encompass a welcoming grand celebration of Latino heritage and Mexican-American pride, regardless of whether people are of Hispanic descent or not.”

Here are some local family events that are happening around Tucson, Phoenix, and Dallas-Fort Worth areas. We hope this list will help our TC families and others plan out a fun Cinco de Mayo weekend for the entire family!

Local Family Events – Tucson, Arizona

Family Friendly Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Hosted by Tohono Chul and Agave Heritage Festival, this annual event celebrates the traditions and heritage of the Southwest. Take the family out to enjoy traditional Mexican music from a live mariachi band, explore hundreds of art displays from local artist, taste some delicious agave samples. Along with entertainment, there will be food vendors and fun activities for the kids. Admission is free for everyone.

When: Sunday, May 5, 2019 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM MST
Where: Tohono Chul
7366 N Paseo Del Norte, Tucson, Arizona 85704
Price: $0

Event Page
Facebook Event Page

Dr. Gann’s Diet of Hope Cinco de Mayo 10K, 5K & FitKidz Mile

Get the family active this Cinco de Mayo by participating in a 10K, 5K or Mile Run. Hosted by the Sothern Arizona Roadrunners, “the 39th annual edition of Tucson’s most festive and scenic 10K which winds its way through Starr Pass in the foothills of the Tucson Mountains.” The runs are fitting for adults and kids of all ages. There will be a Cinco de Mayo Celebration following the runs, including a jumping castle and games like water balloon toss.

When: Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 6:30 AM MST
Where: Cholla High Magnet School
2001 W Starr Pass Blvd, Tucson, Arizona 85713
Price: $0-40

Event Page
Facebook Event Page
Sign Up For Race Here

Local Family Events – Phoenix, Arizona

26th Annual Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival

This popular annual festival, hosted by Cinco Phoenix Festival, garners thousands of attendees in the past and is expected to bring even more this year. Located between the skyscrapers in downtown Phoenix, it’s one of the largest multicultural street festivals in Arizona. There will be live entertainment, games, giveaways, prizes, food and drinks, and an interactive Kid Zone.

When: Sunday, May 5, 2019 from 12 PM – 10 PM MST
Where: Downtown Phoenix
200 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85003
Price: $10-75

Event Page
Facebook Event Page

Free Cinco de Mayo Event

Bring the kids out to Enchanted Island Amusement Park
for a day filled with fun rides, music, games, prizes, and delicious food. Park admission is free. The family will enjoy traditional and authentic Mexican music, costume, and food.

When: Sunday, May 5, 2019 from 12 PM – 8 PM MST
Where: Enchanted Island Amusement Park
1202 W Encanto Blvd, Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Price: $0 (not including rides)

Event Page
Facebook Event Page

Local Family Events – Dallas-Forth Worth, Texas

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Traders Village will be hosting and celebrating Cinco de Mayo all Saturday and Sunday. Thousands of people have attended this festive event each year. There will be special performances from 16 bands on four stages, including famous YouTuber, Tio Choko. There will be fun rides and delicious food for the kids, and hundreds of local vendors for parents to shop. Free admission to Traders Village; families will only need to pay for parking.

When: May 4-5, 2019 from 11 AM- 6 PM
Where: Traders Village
2602 Mayfield Rd, Grand Prairie, Texas
Price: $4 for parking

Event Page
Facebook Event Page

Cinco De Mayo Festival at Pike Park

Drive the family over to Pike Park in Dallas for a day filled with games, raffles, prizes, car shows, food trucks, live music, and more! Hosted by the Dallas Park and Recreation Department, this fun-filled day will sure have the parents and kids smiling from ear to ear. The festivities will kick off at noon. Admission and parking are free.

When: Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 12 PM – 4 PM
Where: Pike Park
2851 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75201
Price: $0

Facebook Even Page

We listed the most popular events, but there are so much more local family events that will be happening around town. If you do attend, please share your pictures on Trusting Connections’ Facebook or Instagram page. Let’s dance into May with a memorable fiesta!

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