Looking for a simple, engaging game that sparks curiosity and giggles? Try this Sink or Float Game. Why do kids love it? Because it’s science disguised as play. They get to gather random household items, make predictions (“Will this spoon sink?” “What about this crayon?”), and then test their hypotheses in water. It’s hands-on, a […]
Selling Slime with My L’ll Startup Is the New Kid Hustle
As nannies, we’ve all helped set up lemonade stands on hot summer days. They are adorable, but last about 30 minutes and live and die by the thermometer. Slime is a year-round revenue. Kids can sell slime on their front yard, at parks, parties, school fairs, and holiday craft markets. Slime doesn’t care what season […]
“The Little Princesses” by Marion Crawford – From a Nanny’s Perspective
Working a nanny myself, I felt professional resonance reading, “The Little Princesses” by Marion Crawford. Reviewing “The Little Princesses” as a nanny is more than a dip into royal life — it’s an affirmation of the invisible, steady influence caregivers have on the next generation. Crawford’s role as a governess mirrors the emotional and practical […]
Southern Peach Cobbler
One of my favorite things about summer is eating sweet, juicy peaches. This peach cobbler from theslowroasteditalian.com is easily made using simple ingredients that you can get easily from the farmer’s market or grocery store. Kids love to bake, so let them help make this yummy treat. You Will Need: 8 fresh peaches, peeled1/4 cup […]
Squirt Gun Super Soaker Painting
As a professional snack distributor, argument negotiator, and CEO of Mess Containment (aka, nanny), I’ve seen my fair share of creative chaos. But nothing — nothing — prepared me for Squirt Gun Super Soaker Painting! From the brilliant brain of Louise McMullen in “Fun Painting Projects for Kids,” this fun activity is part Jackson Pollock […]
“Mothercoin: The Stories of Immigrant Nannies” by Elizabeth Cummins — From A Nanny’s Perspective
“Mothercoin: The Stories of Immigrant Nannies” is not a comforting read — but if you’re an immigrant in America it will be a validating one. Elizabeth Cummins Muñoz has written the book I didn’t know I was waiting for: a rich, unflinching exploration of the women behind America’s well-raised children, cleaned homes, and free time […]
Stars, Stripes, and Cheese Platter
As a nanny, I’ve dodged LEGO landmines, negotiated snack treaties, and performed bedtime song encores like I’m on a never-ending toddler tour. But every 4th of July, I trade the chaos for an easy charcuterie board — and this year, I went full founding foodie with red and blue berries and white cheese and crackers […]
Patriotic Sensory Tray
Children love sensory trays because they provide a fun and engaging way to explore different textures and sights through hands-on play, stimulating multiple senses at once. I loved creating this 4th of July sensory tray theme for a toddler in my care. Although I could have easily purchased red, white, and blue colored sensory rice, […]
Review of “Wanted: Toddler’s Personal Assistant: How Nannying For the 1% Taught Me About the Myths of Equality, Motherhood, and Upward Mobility in America” by Stephanie Kiser
I am reading as many books written by nannies or about nannies as I can this summer. Stephanie Kiser is a former nanny who worked for affluent families on Manhattan’s Upper East Side who wrote the memoir, “Wanted: Toddler’s Personal Assistant. How Nannying For the 1% Taught Me About the Myths of Equality, Motherhood, and […]
Build-Your-Own Grilled Chicken Shish Kabobs
Letting kids help make meals gives them a sense of pride and they are less likely to be finicky if they help prepare and choose the foods they eat. Provide them with healthy protein and vegetables choices and let them build their own shish kabobs for dinner. You Will Need: 6 Chicken Breasts, chopped into […]