What’s a frazzled parent to do? Here is solution. How about a small Jamaican all-inclusive family resort where the parent can enjoy the sun while their children draw, make tie-die shirts or pursue a host of other activities - at all times supervised by a full-time nanny.

Parents dine and enjoy dancing and a show at the resort’s adults only restaurant while the kids sleep (with nanny in charge) and teens dance at the Kiddie Disco or play computer games, send e-mails or surf the Net at the resort’s newest edition, the Cyber Café. Too good to be true?

Jamaican owned-and-run Franklyn D. Resort has run this unique program since February 1990. It’s the only resort in Jamaica "or anywhere else as far as I know" - said general manager Freddie DePass that has dedicated Vacation Nannies assigned to each family for the duration of their stay. The atmosphere here is friendly and informal. FDR is the first all-suite, all-inclusive family resort of Jamaica, located 45 miles from Montego Bay airport (a ride for a little over an hour) and a short ride (about 20 min) from Ocho Rios.

It includes a small, white-sand beach in the form of two shallow-water coves children can swim and boat in, a swimming pool, two restaurants, a poolside bar, water sports, tennis, a Kiddie’s Club for children aged 2-11 (open 7am-10pm) and a supervised teens program.

The programs were designed by career educator Hilmalee Miller, who emphasizes education. In addition to arts and crafts, storytelling and water sports, kids learn about Jamaican culture. Vacation nannies are trained by Jamaica’s Public Health Department. FDR’s resident nurse reinforces CPR and baby care skills, said Evaline Edwards, program coordinator.

They care for the kids when parents go shopping to Ocho Rios, scuba diving or simply soak up the Jamaican sun. Teens can take part in supervised daily activities, including aerobics, bike tours, beach volley ball and treasure hunts.

FDR has 76 air-conditioned one- and two- bedroom suites with large, cheery, comfortable rooms, as well as full kitchen, balcony or terrace and satellite television. Although the decor is colorful and the rooms are airy and clean, the furnishings do show the signs or rough-and-tumble childplay.

Buildings are in the style of elegant Jamaican plantation homes, pink and white, with arched walkways and balconies. And nannies are part of the package 9am-4:40pm. "What we have here is not a glorified daycare center with drop-off and pick-up," said DePass, who explains that nannies are with their charges at all times. Parents can hire them for $3 per hour to babysit in the evening.

One drawback could be that resort’s small size (only three acres) making it hard for parents who want long walks along the beach or private time on the grounds. But that does not present a problem for most parents, who reported that they like small property, everything is close by and you have sun and the pool. And kids are never far away. Also, many parents take trips on their own.

The nearby all-inclusive, Boscobel Beach has a much more polished, manicure look, but it has many stairs, is very spread out, making it harder to keep track of smaller children

Rates at FDR for 1998 through December 17 are $1,785 - $1,855 per adult, per week. Children under 16 stay free. A third adult sharing a one-bedroom suite gets a 30% discount. Shorter packages are available, and there are discounts depending on time of year.

The resort’s "Single Parent special" waives the customary $60 single supplement making it very single-parent friendly unlike in other resorts being penalized for being a single parent. Divorced parents come with their kids, have quality time with them and have nanny help, too..

June 20 - December 20, clients can take advantage of "I can fly" promotion. With a minimum of four nights, FDR gives air credit of up to $300 for each child staying with a full-paying adult.

Christmas and Spring Break garner 100 percent occupancy. In high season (February-April) resort has 80-90 percent occupancy. In slow season, mostly parents with infants show up, and in May, mothers pay only for their first and last night. Then, June and August it gets high occupancy levels again. September and October are slowest.

FDR received the 1996 National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval and the Family Channel’s Seal of Quality.