October 2025 Nanny Newsletter

Agency Update

There are moments in business when the right message arrives at the perfect time. Attending this year’s Association of Premier Nanny Agencies conference in Scottsdale, AZ felt like one of those moments. The theme, “Sustainable Growth: Thriving in Every Climate,” resonated deeply, not only with the state of the childcare industry but with my journey as a founder, too.

Honestly, I wasn’t entirely sure I’d make it this year. But standing among my agency colleagues who understand the joy, responsibility and challenges of supporting families, I couldn’t have been more grateful to be there! This community is just what I needed. We learned from one another. We cheer for one another and face challenges together and keep evolving to meet the needs of the families we serve.

Like many industries, childcare has experienced significant shifts recently. Families are expecting more flexibility, more expertise, and more personalization oftentimes at a lower price. Nannies expect, and certainly most often, deserve higher pay. Agencies nationwide have felt the growing pains, navigating decreasing sales in some markets and new demands in others. Yet this year’s conference was a reminder that we still have the power to adapt and innovate. That’s definitely how Peace of Mind Nannies are born!

Here are a few other takeaways from this year’s conference:

• Thoughtfully integrating AI in ways that elevate efficiency while safeguarding the boutique, human-centered experience families love (thank you Jam Anderson of Jam Ai).
• Sharpening digital marketing strategies to better reach and serve our ideal clients (Ashley Richards, E-Squared Marketing). I love a session that gives you homework!
• Leading through change with boldness, relevance, and a focus on long-term impact (Lauren Crider of Renaissance Personnel Group).
• Taking care of yourself as an entrepreneur is even more important to leading a successful business (Christa D. Nader, GTM Payroll + HR).

Between the learning sessions were the connections: new friendships (Ginny of the Formator Institute), warm reunions (an LA agency owner that lives in RI!), hallway conversations that sparked big ideas (thanks Carson of Lifetime of Love Nannies), and plenty of Arizona sunshine (and too much heat!) to soak up. I highly recommend staying at the The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess if you’re looking for a West coast getaway! The many pool options and misting systems (thankfully!) really helped.

I’m excited to bring everything I learned back to Peace of Mind Nannies as we continue expanding our services and deepening the impact for families and businesses throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

Cheers to another year of learning, leading, and building a childcare industry that adapts, supports, and shines in every season.

Knowledge Corner: The Science of After-School “Decompression”

Every school day, children navigate a world full of rules, expectations, transitions, and noise. From sitting still in classrooms to managing new routines, they’re constantly holding themselves together. By the time 3 PM rolls around, their “emotional backpack” can feel just as heavy as the one stuffed with homework and supplies.

Researchers call this the after-school restraint collapse. It’s the moment kids finally feel safe enough to let down their guard and release the emotions they’ve been carrying all day, frustration, fatigue, excitement, or even worry. For nannies, this can sometimes look like meltdowns, mood swings, or withdrawal. I know you can relate!

The good news? With a thoughtful routine, you can help children transition from school mode to home life more smoothly. A simple decompression ritual can make all the difference:

• A snack that fuels the brain (protein + fruit)

• 10-15 minutes of quiet or play before tackling homework

• A consistent caregiver who knows the routine and can read a child’s cues

This small window of recovery isn’t wasted time. It’s an investment in calmer evenings, smoother homework sessions, and stronger connections. By honoring a child’s need to decompress, we teach them healthy coping strategies and create homes where they feel safe, understood, and ready to re-engage.

Fun Corner: After School/Fall Bonding

Fall and after school routines are the perfect time to create fun, low-stress rituals that bring everyone together. Here are a few ways nannies can help make a seamless after-school routine happen:

After-School Treat Night
Pick one afternoon each week to bake or make a simple snack together, apple nachos (apple slices topped with nut butter, granola, and chocolate chips) or homemade trail mix are great options. Nannies can lead the prep with kids, turning snack time into a fun, hands-on activity that also teaches independence and healthy eating.

Family Book Club
Choose a short chapter book or picture book series and read it together in the evenings. Nannies can kick off this routine by reading with children after school, helping them choose books, or creating cozy reading spaces. When nannies join in at night, the ritual continues seamlessly.

Fall Adventure Walks
Take a family walk after dinner once or twice a week to revel in the changing leaves. Nannies can set the tone by introducing scavenger hunts during the day or helping kids collect leaves, acorns, or pinecones to save for weekend crafts with the whole family.

Game Night Reset
Choose one night a week (maybe Friday) for board games or puzzles. Nannies can practice games with children earlier in the week, teach rules, or introduce age-appropriate puzzles so kids are excited and ready when it’s time for family play.

These small rituals don’t just create happy memories, they also provide continuity between nanny care and family time. With the support of dedicated nannies like yourself, routines like these anchor children during busy transitions, reminding them that while schedules may shift, connection stays the same!

Community Spotlight: Elder Companion Care

I’ve often reflected upon what it would mean to provide an elder companion care service via Peace of Mind Nannies for my clients, and many others in need of high quality care, on the other spectrum of life. I’m so excited to embark on this research to design a service that truly meets your needs! 

Have you heard the term “sandwich generation?” It refers to parents, like you, that are stuck between caring for their younger children and their aging parents. Is this you? If so, we’d love to have you join a Book Lilli focus group session starting next month on 11/13 7pm-8 and 12/6 10am-12pm to share your experiences taking care of your parent(s) and what support looks like for your family! Book Lilli is a booking platform that aids parents with finding agency-vetted caregivers (ie. babysitters, family assistants and elder companions). Your feedback will help ensure that we design a service that’s beneficial for you and your parents. RSVP to join virtually or in-person by emailing Sarah Nadimpalli at Sarah@BookLilli.com. 

Community Spotlight: INA Service Award Pin

If you're an INA member and have at least 5 years of professional experience as a nanny, newborn care specialist, or educator, you may qualify for the INA Service Award Pin, a recognition of your dedication and professionalism in the in-home childcare industry.

If you attend next year's INA conference in Denver, you'll receive your Service Award Pin in person and celebrate with your peers! Learn more and apply via their website/.