Chocolate Dipped Clementines

Sometimes desserts are not bad for you. Clementine slices covered in dark chocolate and just a bit of sea salt satisfy any sweet and salty craving you or the children in your care may have. You Will Need: 7-8 Clementines4-Ounce Dark Chocolate Bar (60-70% cocoa), finely choppedSea Salt What to Do: 1. Line a baking […]

Otto’s Tales Today is Veterans Day!

In Otto’s Tales: Today is Veterans Day! Otto and his best friend Dennis go on an adventure with Uncle Sam to learn about the different branches of the U.S. military. Otto and Dennis discover the meaningful sacrifices made by our military veterans and why they deserve respect, gratitude, and remembrance. Click the title Otto’s Tales: […]

Losing a Job During the Pandemic

In the sumner of 2020 I got sick from Covid and unexpectedly lost my long-term, full-time nanny job. I struggled with being alone in a small apartment during quarantine, I lost my financial security, and I questioned my self image as a career nanny during a difficult job search, (remember parents didn’t want new caregivers […]

“A Book About Empathy” by Manuela Ocampo Mejia

It’s hard for some children to consider how their actions affect other people. That’s why I read “A Book About Empathy” with one of my Nanny Kids this week. The child was struggling saying ‘thank you’ and seeing things from her friends’ perspective during a change of plans. When the child was happy and calm […]

Cavatelli, Broccoli Rabe and Sweet Sausage

You can never go wrong making pasta for dinner for your Nanny Family. This is a quick and easy recipe with the pasta, veggie, and protein all in one dish. You Will Need: 1 lb sweet Italian sausage1 lb broccoli rabe, trimmed, stems removed 1 lb frozen cavatelli3 to 4 garlic cloves,2 tablespoons extra virgin […]

Read “How Chipmunk Got His Stripes” and Chipmunk Puppet and Craft

Creative Wednesdays “How Chipmunk Got His Stripes” by Joseph Bruchac is based on a Native American folktale. In this story, Bear brags that he can do anything — even stop the sun from rising. Brown Squirrel doesn’t believe him, so the two wait all night to see if the sun will rise. Sure enough, the […]

Binny’s Diwali by Thrity Umrigar

Even if your Nanny Family doesn’t celebrate Diwali it’s important to teach children about other cultures whenever given the opportunity. Diwali starts this week so I picked up Binny’s Diwali at the library. Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. The festival […]