If you travel regularly on business, you’re probably aware that many companies are becoming more flexible with bringing the kids along. As long as you attend the trade show, meetings and other work obligations, the time spent outside of these responsibilities is your own. That is why so many travelers, moms especially, are taking their children with them on business trips. You won’t have to find a sitter or miss out on time spent with your child, and your teen can take advantage of a few small travels of her own!

If you have a teen, traveling with one is easier than a child. However, entertaining one isn’t. Just like at home, you’ll need to arrange a few structured activities that will keep your teen busy, apart from cell phones, laptops and handheld games. Most importantly, you want to make sure that your child is safe so that you can focus on your work during the day.

One of the most effective ways to keep your child busy and safe is to choose onsite child care that is often arranged by the employer. These on demand facilities such as New Orleans based Accent OCA provide convention, conference, meeting and babysitting services that are offered to working parents on business. Your teen will be kept busy and can interact with other kids his own age, plus lend a helping hand with the younger children if he chooses.

If your teen thinks she’s too old for a traditional sitter, then try a different approach. With online babysitter databases, you can find a candidate that can take your teen around the town while you work. Some cities are more family-friendly than others, with New Orleans being one of the best for kids and teens. The Audubon Zoo is 340-acres and home to swamp creatures, Bengal tigers and alligators. Or visit the Audubon Aquarium that will let your teen get up close to some the most interesting swamp critters around.

Maybe your child would rather walk around the city of New Orleans and engage in less structured activities. Once your meetings are through, take a stroll through the French Quarter, check out the head-turning Monteleone Hotel and visit the historic homes in the Garden District. If your teen is up for some spooky fun, a haunted tour may fit the bill and lead you to the above-ground tombstones and New Orleans voodoo shops.

Also remember to pack along all the things your teen loves and can do in the hotel such as an e-Reader, laptop and game console. Buy her an inexpensive digital camera as a treat and let her take pictures of the new city. Take advantage of the ethnic foods in the area by trying out a family-friendly buffet. Also look for places that offer free, live entertainment that will provide culture-oriented music to give your teen the perfect balance of learning, fun and quality time spent with the family.

Image: news.discovery.com

If you have to travel to New Orleans on business, consider bringing the kids along for the ride. While the idea may sound a bit foreign, more companies are allowing their employees to bring their children on business trips – and providing the resources to make it happen. There are many rewards to bringing the kids along on business, as parents don’t have to arrange for child care or miss out on valuable family time. And when having their children in tow, employees are better able to focus on their work, knowing that their family is right around the corner.

Not all business trips will be kid friendly, so it’s important to choose cities that are conducive to young children. New Orleans is a family-friendly city, so if you have a business trip coming up soon, start planning for the family.  Talk to your employer about arranging for family-friendly hotels and onsite child care such as Accent OCA for when you’re in meetings.

What else can you do when you bring your children to New Orleans on a business trip?

The Audubon Zoo has more than 1,300 creatures, including the Komodo dragon, Bengal tigers and rare white alligators.

The Monteleone is a stunning hotel that turns the heads of passerbys. Although a prestigious hotel, rates for kids are affordable, and little ones will love the heated rooftop pool and revolving piano bar.

Kids will take an active interest in the “cities of the dead” or above-ground tombstones; something only seen in New Orleans.

Little hands will love exploring the 30,000 square foot Louisiana Children’s Museum with a mini supermarket and rock climbing wall.

Children love riding around in the wooden electric cars through the streets of New Orleans. Rides are only $1.25, making this an affordable activity.

Other fun activities for kids include airboat tours, fishing expeditions, aquariums, swamp tours and museums. Not only can you enjoy many fun, budget-friendly activities in between meetings, but also New Orleans caters to visitors and their families, which means easier access to child care. With onsite children’s arrangements like Accent OCA, you won’t have to worry about leaving your children with a stranger. All activities provided are safe, secure and fun for kids of all ages.

With this unique approach toward out-of-town business meetings, you don’t have to sacrifice valuable time with the kids at the expense of your work. To learn more about these wonderful opportunities, work with a DMC that can help you find age-appropriate activities, restaurants and hotels that cater to children.

Image: freewebs.com

Selecting a child care provider need not be confusing. Consider these 15 criteria, adapted from a list provided by ACCENT on Arrangements, Inc., a New Orleans-based company specializing in child care programs:

Recommendations: Ask the convention bureau at your meeting site to recommend local and national child care providers. Also, check your PCMA directory.

Insurance: A minimum of $1 million general liability is needed. Read your association’s policy to be sure the proposed program is not among the exclusions.

Waiver or Release: Ask your provider for a waiver or release and have your legal staff review it.

Standards: Make sure the provider in your destination state meets all day care standards, from staffing to physical requirements.

Staff-Child Ratio: Look for a favorable child:adult ratio. The National Association for the Education of Young Children proposes a child-to-staff ratio of 3:1 for infants, 4:1 for toddlers and 6:1 for children up to eight years old.

Security: Check-in and check-out procedures are very important and should be strictly enforced using signatures, proper identification, etc. A security guard is recommended.

Emergencies: Ask your provider how emergencies are handled. Use a medical authorization form for emergencies. An on-site nurse is recommended for large programs.

Staff: Ask about the provider’s requirements. Are they CPR-certified? Do they have education degrees or experience in child care centers? Do they understand children’s needs? Find out who your staff contact will be on site and how you can reach your contact during the day and after hours.

Location: The child care center should be located near emergency exits but not close to heavy traffic areas. A minimum of 35 square feet per child is recommended. Bathroom accessibility is very important. The building must have water sprinklers and an evacuation plan should be posted.

Communication: The provider should be able to reach meetings staff and/or convention services at all times. Some groups provide beepers or cellular phones to be rented by nursing moms or anxious parents.

Staff Orientation: A minimum two-hour orientation is recommended for all child care staff to outline check-in/check-out procedures, child care procedures, and familiarization with the location. The bigger the program, the more detailed the orientation.

Logistics: Think about who will handle crib rental costs, audiovisual equipment, moving of children’s supplies, meals and snacks, registration badges, etc.

Parent Orientation: Provide as much information as possible to the parents. Designate staff to answer questions or refer to child care provider with calls.

Cost: Remember that child care and children’s tours are more expensive than spouse tours. Think about how cost will be met – individual members, sponsorships, subsidies or grants.

Evaluation: Provider should help planner to establish a method of evaluation.

Consistency of service is extremely important in child care. Parents like and expect to receive the same type of service year after year.

Diane E. Lyons is president and founder of New Orleans-based ACCENT on Arrangements.

Photo c/o Santa Ana College

Business travelers who bring their kids out of town with them enjoy some unique benefits. While these parents have their own struggles on work trips, they get to appreciate memorable experience and quality time with their children.

1. Work flexibility – A key benefit of traveling on business with kids is the career flexibility it offers. Parents can arrange special programs for the kids that keep them entertained and happy, especially during long business meetings. These adjustments make it easy for parents to balance their work and family responsibilities, which helps to reduce parental anxiety.
2. Quality time with the kids – One of the biggest perks of business travel with kids is the ability to enjoy quality time as a family. Corporate workers who spend long hours at the office may have to be away from their children regularly. Getting to spend evenings and weekends with them out of town can ease the long hours apart.
3. Memorable family vacations – Business travelers who take trips to different locales and bring their kids along can make their time into miniature family vacations with a little planning. A weekend trip to a corporate conference can be fun for the kids with an afternoon tour of a local zoo or a swim in the hotel pool.
4. Helps kids learn about other places and people – Often, children spend their days with the same types of people, going to the same places, and doing the same things. This routine, while normal, can breed boredom and, possibly, a narrow view of the world. When children get a chance to accompany their parents on business trips, they learn new ways of doing things, meet new people, and begin to understand a vital quality: flexibility.
5. Kids get to see more of their parents’ responsibilities – Bringing kids along for work functions helps them see the value of the work their parents do. Seeing these experiences for themselves can help kids develop appreciation for the multiple roles their parents fill, including worker, parent, and caregiver. This may also encourage them to become more responsible, since they’ll understand how they can help their parents in their everyday duties.

Image c/o: Mollenborg

Going out of town with kids is a challenge of itself – taking them on a business trip is a whole different ball game. Parents often spend a lot of their time attending business meetings or conferences, while kids might be bored or, even worse, unattended. Taking the time to pre-arrange some activities for the little ones ahead of time can make traveling with kids much easier for business travelers.

1. Take it slowly. When you travel alone, you have the freedom to power walk through the airport, run down the block to catch a cab, or scarf down a business meal in a few minutes. Forget about doing that when you’re traveling with the young ones. You’ll have to slow your pace considerably to keep the kids along with you.
2. Prepare kids for the airport. A TSA pat down can be quite an experience for adults, much less kids. Explain the pat down process to the kids and let them know that they’re not in trouble but that the agents are there to help keep them safe.
3. Select a hotel with supervised kids’ activities. Several brand name hotel chains offer daily programs for young ones such as camps, field trips, and outings.
4. Consider using an outside agency for additional events. If your hotel doesn’t offer enough activities to keep your kids occupied while you’re in meetings, try an outside child care agency that offers additional programs.
5. Plan to stop for food and bathroom breaks often. Unlike most adults, kids tend to snack all day, rather than eat large meals. You may need to allow time in your daily schedule to stop frequently for snacks, or even better, pack snacks along with you to keep them full between meals. And, yes, expect to make multiple trips to the bathroom with them.
6. Be flexible. The number one key to traveling on business with kids is flexibility. Parents are generally familiar with this quality anyway, since taking care of children requires the ability to adjust quickly to changing circumstances. This is especially so on business trips. If a child suddenly becomes sick, you’ll need to adapt your circumstances accordingly. Make sure you communicate any particular needs with your employer to avoid potential conflict.

Image c/o: emmamccleary

As more and more parents engage in frequent business travel, hotels and corporate conferences are seeing a rise in small-sized guests. While parents may strike a work/life balance by having their kids accompany them on travels, they face a unique set of challenges, namely, keeping the kids entertained during lengthy conferences or meetings.

Between the years 1990 and 1994, the number of children accompanying corporate travelers rose 63 percent. This increase meant that employers and hotels needed to adjust to parents who wanted to spend time with their children while advancing their careers.

Several hotels and agencies provide activities and organized outings for little travelers. Large hotel chains such as Hyatt Hotels offer day camps for young ones for an additional fee. Guests of the hotel can pay a daily charge for the camp and have confidence that the kids will enjoy arts and crafts, field trips, and nature hikes, among other activities.

Some travel agencies have been formed specifically to cater to the young companions of business travelers. For example, the New Orleans agency Accent on Children’s Arrangements focuses on providing child care on-site at conferences and meetings so that parents can stay in close proximity to their children while attending work functions.  The company has done business with several large corporations, including Piggly-Wiggly, McDonald’s, and the American College of Surgeons.

Parents that plan on bringing kids to an out-of-town business event should clear it with their employers first. They should also take the responsibility for arranging supervision for the kids. While some companies offer this assistance, many do not and planning for child care in advance can avoid any difficulties in scheduling.

If a parent has trouble finding an organized activity for their children or locating a qualified child care provider during the trip, they may enjoy making a small family trip out of the event. Spouses can talk to one another in advance about clearing their schedules to make the trip together. This way, the parent that needs to attend the business meeting or conference can relax, knowing their children are in the best of hands. On a family business trip, parents can spend some quality time with the kids after the work conference is over for the day and children get to see more of the world around them.

Image c/o: livingonimpulse

Thanks to more moms juggling the demands of work and family, businesses are offering incentive programs for parents. Onsite child care is just one of the many incentives; now, some companies encourage their employees to take their children along on business trips. While this may not always be feasible, it may work on some endeavors and allow you to be with your child.

If you do decide to bring your children along, there are a few factors to keep in mind. You will need to upgrade your room to a suite, include a free day in your travels and discuss what you expect from your little ones. You will also need to bring along things to keep the kids busy such as movies, video games and coloring books.

But what do you do when you get to your destination? Surely, your kids can’t sit in on the business meetings or stick around all day at the product show. No, but there are other options that are enjoyable for your children, while providing the peace of mind that your children are kept safe.

First, you can hire a babysitter using a national database of reliable sitters in the area. While this may seem like you’re pulling a name from a book, these databases run background checks and give detailed information about the candidate, such as whether he or she is CPR certified, has experience working with children or other certifications you can rely on.

A second option is to go through an onsite children’s program that provides entertainment and care for kids. These facilities are specifically designed to care for children whose parents are working nearby. They understand that the children are along with their working parents and provide stimulation and fun for kids of all ages, within the boundaries of a safe and often times, accredited facility.

In many cases, your company may arrange the care prior to the travels. For example, they may partner with an onsite child care facility that will arrange activities, meals and care for the employees’ children.

If you bring your children with you regularly, you’ll find what works best for you and your family. Having a one-on-one sitter that can show your kids around the city may work best, or you may feel most comfortable leaving your children at an onsite facility that is licensed or certified.

The best part is – there’s no need to leave your kids at home if you don’t want to. With more incentive programs, companies are partnering up with other child care arrangements that allow you balance both traveling and parenting.

Image: gopackandtravel.blogspot.com

Offering child care for business employees is a wonderful opportunity to help parents balance the demands of work and family. More companies are offering child care within the business setting, and the long-term benefits are worthwhile. Not only are you creating a supportive network, but also encouraging employees to have an alternative source of affordable child care so they don’t have to compromise their workload.

Establishing safety guidelines is an important part to any child care facility. Licensed facilities must adhere to the state laws that are set in place to regulate safety, sanitation and food preparation. By following these guidelines, you can rest assured that your facility will stay licensed and continue to offer the quality child care that your employees depend on.

Your child care center will need to follow the health and safety regulations established by the government. This will ensure that the spread of disease and infection is controlled, and that safety is a prime concern. Your facility will be licensed and you’ll need to hire on the appropriate staff to care for the children. Be sure to follow suit with the teacher-to-child ratios, which are dependent on the age of the children. For example, for every 8 2-year-olds, there must be one teacher.

There will need to be protocols for cleaning and sanitizing toys and tables, preparing food, handling accidents and ensuring the safety of outdoor play equipment. A sick policy will need to be given to all parents so they understand which children are excluded. While you want to encourage your employees to come to work, there are certain conditions that make a child too sick to be at day care.

Another consideration that makes onsite child care different from others is that the parents are right around the corner. While most daycare centers allow parents to “drop in”, this will be especially feasible at the workplace. Since you don’t want children coming and going during lunch hours or having parents dropping in at all hours, there are additional guidelines to set in place.

By taking all safety considerations into play, you can create a safe, nurturing child care facility within the boundaries of the workplace.

Image: usaathleticclubandspa.com

Kid friendly meetings are more than just child’s play

School’s out for the summer! For kids, this means swimming pools and sleeping until noon.

For professional parents, it means more family time but also more juggling when it comes to daily duties and traveling for work. So when it comes to planning summertime conferences and events, why not offer your attendees the best of both worlds-professionally planned kid-friendly meetings !

Celebrating 20 years in business this summer, ACCENT on Children’s Arrangements has made it its business to create memorable meeting experiences for the whole bunch. Sure, there are additional challenges and expenses that may be incurred, but all parties – meeting planners , attendees and their families – all agree that they are well worth the investment. Read on to learn some of the many advantages of having a professionally planned kid-friendly event from three different perspectives.

Advantages for the meeting planner:

• Planners report saving time, money and energy as all the pre-planning, staffing, registration and post-program evaluations are taken care of
• Planners can have more time to focus on the many other details of the meeting
• Increased meeting attendance and retention
• Increased company loyalty due to the fact that their “company cares”
• Happy employees
• Glowing event evaluations!

Advantages for working parents:

• Parents have “peace of mind”
• Parents can feel good about including their families in their work rather than leaving them behind
• Parents can guiltlessly stay for the entire meeting, rather than breaking away early
• Parents see the economic value in turning a business trip into a family vacation since some costs will already be covered by the company

• Parents can feel comfortable with leaving their children in capable, professional hands
• Parents’ enthusiasm and loyalty is renewed when they feel that their company cares

Advantages for children:

• Children gain exposure and appreciation for their parent’s line of work
• Children have the opportunity to make lifetime friends with others from around the country and world
• Children can learn about the history, culture and geography of their host city
• Children can feel safe, secure and happy with age-appropriate programs and activities

For more reasons you should consider a kid-friendly event this summer, and to learn more about our programs available for your company, Contact ACCENT on Children’s Arrangements at (504) 524-1227 or email us at info@accentoca.com

The hottest AND coolest new spot in New Orleans

It’s the hottest –and the coolest–new spot in town. . Contact ACCENT on Children’s Arrangements, Inc. for group programs to visit the Cool Zoo, a wet and wild splash park for kids of all ages set within the lush grounds of the Audubon Zoo, part of New Orleans’ acclaimed Audubon Nature Institute.

 The splash park offers three different “splash zones” with one area specifically for toddlers and younger kids. Among the many highlights are jumping water spouts, an alligator water slide, a spider monkey soaker, and water-spitting snakes. There is also shaded seating, restrooms, and lockers available within the park to conveniently accommodate families. Forget your sunscreen or beach towel? No problem.

The on-site Cool Shop carries a variety of summertime necessities. After some fun in the sun, cool down with ice cream, lemonade or other chillin’ treats at the Snack N’ Splash concession stand.

Want the inside scoop on other new hot spots that you and your family can enjoy at your next meeting in New Orleans. ACCENT provides children’s programs at meetings, conventions and trade shows worldwide. Their professional staff will help you plan your next children’s event or meeting. Contact ACCENT on Arrangements - DMC at (504) 524-1227 or email us at jadams@accentoca.com.

Photos from http://www.auduboninstitute.org/cool-zoo