October 2025 Parent 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 agency colleagues who understand both 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. 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.

Here are a few 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!

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 parents and caregivers, this can sometimes look like meltdowns, mood swings, or withdrawal.

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 family 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.

Family Fun Corner: After School/Fall Bonding

Fall and after school routines are the perfect time to create fun, low-stress family rituals that bring everyone together. Here are a few simple ideas, along with ways our nannies can help make them 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. Parents/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 as a family in the evenings. Parents can kick off this routine by reading with children after school, helping them choose books, or creating cozy reading spaces. When parents 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. Families 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.Families 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 caregivers, 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 8pm-9 and 12/6 12pm-2 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: Oria Counseling

If you are a parent of a child with disabilities and are feeling overwhelmed and in need of support, please consider making Stella Stenz a part of your team! Parents of children with disabilities walk a path that can often be isolating and stressful, particularly when it feels like so few other parents understand what our life feels like. As a mother to a child with disabilities, Stella can provide compassionate and understanding support because she is navigating herself through these same challenges. Stella offers peer to peer counseling, as well as specialized resource direction for families of children with disabilities. She is also able to schedule appointments, make insurance calls, or advocate on your child's behalf with doctor's offices. For more information, please visit https://www.oriacounseling.com/coaching