Dallas

IN THIS ISSUE:
Message from the Corporate Owner | Announcements | In the News
Tax Tips From Breedlove and Associates | Ask the Expert
MBF Superstars | What Clients & Nannies are Saying | Community Service

A Message From the Corporate Owner

Summer Greetings!
Kim Winblood, your Dallas/Fort Worth Mom's Best Friend owner, asked that I write the introduction and Ask the Expert sections this month in order to pass on some valuable nanny-employer information.

As I speak to parent employers of nannies, I continue to hear themes of partnership and teamwork.  MBF families place a great amount of dependence on their nannies or nanny/household managers to help “run their lives.”  Our amazing caregivers (the title is no coincidence as they do indeed care for the whole family) are always stepping up to the plate to take on greater responsibility, ease the often heavy burden of their employers and walk alongside them to assist in whatever capacity is most needed.  In my household, that may change on a daily basis! 

My precious nanny of 2 years functions as camp director, driver, chef, trainer, personal assistant, project manager, travel companion, activities coordinator, personal shopper, and much more!  I can barely function on days that she is not a part of this parenting team, responsible for molding and shaping the character and development of four little lives!  Many hours have been spent brainstorming together on creating goals and plans for fine motor skills, large motor skills, language development, cognitive development and social/emotional development.  Together, we work toward achieving these goals and then together, we celebrate the victories! 

If you do not currently have the advantage of this type of wonderful partnership, MBF can help you find that perfect match!

Best regards,
Kathy Dupuy, Owner and Founder

Q: I have my own business.  Can I run my nanny’s payroll through the company?

A: Unfortunately, the answer is no.  The IRS considers this practice illegal.  Additionally, it exposes your business – as well as your personal finances – to unnecessary legal risk.  Here’s a brief explanation.

To encourage employment, businesses receive tax breaks on their payroll expenses.  As a result, every employee must be a “direct contributor” to the success of the business.

The IRS has ruled that a nanny is a “direct contributor” to the household – not the business.  Therefore, the nanny must be treated as a household employee and paid through the personal finances of the family.  Once the family has complied with the state and federal household employment tax process, the family is entitled to tax breaks on their personal income tax return.

If handled incorrectly, both your business and your personal tax returns will be inaccurate and require you to prepare amended returns – and pay back taxes along with penalties and interest.  Additionally, if the nanny is paid by the business, your business assets will be exposed in the event of legal action.

The bottom line: you can easily avoid all the legal and tax problems if you pay your nanny through your personal bank account and take your tax break on your personal return.

Q: I work full-time and see my nanny only briefly on her way in the door in the morning and then on my way out the door in the evening.  How can we effectively communicate and partner together when we never really have time to sit down and talk?

A: As a mother of 4 unique, challenging but precious children and a business owner having worked with hundreds of families over the last 14 years, I cannot begin to stress to importance of keeping open channels of communication and always closely working together.   Even though you work outside of the home full-time, you can still create systems which enable frequent, ongoing conversation and joint planning.  There are several tools you can use to make sure that you are consistently on the same page...  Read full response

Dallas/Ft. Worth Permanent Nanny Diane		Dallas Temporary Nanny Missy		Ft. Worth Temporary Nanny Amanda
Diane is an experienced nanny who was placed with one of our permanent families over 8 months ago.  Previous to her placement, Diane had nanny experience with all ages, as well as children with learning disabilities.  Her current employers have given her incredible evaluation marks, and they say that "Diane is always on time, very reliable and flexible--even with our crazy work schedules...we are so blessed to have found her!" Keep up the wonderful work, Diane!		Missy is from Plano.  She is always requested back by the families MBF sends her to.  Missy is very engaging with the children she nannies for.  She is always looking to go the extra mile for the families by helping with other things around the house.Missy has been a great asset to Mom's Best Friend and we are thrilled to have her for the entire summer!  Thank you Missy for the wonderful way you represent Mom's Best Friend and our core values!		Amanda has been with MBF since March and has been so great at picking up last minute jobs, hotel jobs, church jobs, and corporate jobs. Wherever MBF has needed her, she has been available!  She even pulls doubles when needed! She is also leading one of our special events, where she will be in charge of 7 other nannies and over 25 children!  Amanda is very mature, proactive, reliable, and our families love her!  Thanks Amanda for all you do, you have been a lifesaver!

The sitter was great. She really interacted well with my son. They played board games, hide and seek, and much more. I was very pleased with her service. Thanks so much! It really eased my mind knowing I could leave my child in very capable hands and feel comfortable doing so. I appreciate your time helping me in a time of need.
--Angie J, Sitter Client

You work very hard to make sure that I get all the jobs I can. You also make sure that the clients who request me, get what they ask...you are my great agent working very hard on my behalf and looking out for my best interest.
-- Temujin Scott, Sitter

Rainbow Days Back to School Celebration
Adult volunteers are needed Thursday, August 21, 2008 1:00pm – 3:00pm at The Dallas Market Center to help manage this carnival-like event. Over 300 homeless children and families will come to enjoy games, music and refreshments while receiving a brand new backpack filled with school supplies at the conclusion of the event. Backpack & back-to-school supply donors are also needed to help make this event a success. Please contact our office if you are interested in volunteering with Mom's Best Friend.

Heroes for Children Fun Run
Bring the Kids! Mom's Best Friend will sponsor a team (10 people) for the Heroes for Children 1 Mile Fun Run / 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, September 13, 2008. Send an email to kim.winblood@momsbestfriend.com and you have a spot with no cost to you! The event will be held at the Shops at Legacy in Plano. The 1 Mile Fun Run begins at 7:45 am and the 5K begins at 8:15 am. The event will also feature a live concert performance from children's singer and songwriter Eddie Coker!