If you’re looking to add a touch of whimsy and etiquette to your nanny toolkit, “Let’s Have a Tea Party!” by Emilie Barnes is your new secret weapon. This beautifully illustrated, nostalgia-infused guide offers more than just pretty cups and finger sandwiches — it’s a charming blueprint for turning ordinary afternoons into magical memories. “Let’s […]
Why All Nannies Should Use “Let’s Have a Tea Party!” by Emilie Barnes
Why Nannies Should Whip Up Homemade Red, White & Blue Play Dough This Labor Day
Making red, white, and blue play dough at home is a quick, budget-friendly activity that sparks sensory play and a chance to chat about the meaning behind the Labor Day holiday. It’s hands-on fun at any age that teaches kids about colors, textures, and even teamwork. Plus, homemade dough is safer and softer than store-bought […]
Why Kids Should Paint with Natural Paintbrushes
Who needs synthetic paint bristles when the forest is full of flair? Inspired by “Wonder Art Workshop” by Sally Haughey — a magical mashup of art and nature — we’re making Nature Paintbrushes. So go on and gather eco-friendly, natural bristles, bind them to twigs, paint, and repeat. You Will Need: Sticks (aka nature’s handle)Leaves, […]
Clay Shell Mosaics
Kids love collecting shells at the beach. There’s something magical about turning a handful of seashells into a little keepsake masterpiece. For children, making shell mosaics on air-dry clay isn’t just an art project, each shell is a tiny treasure, and pressing it into soft clay feels like discovering buried gold. I found this great shell […]
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 […]
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, […]
Rainbow Slime
Kids love rainbows and slime. So I combined the love of both and the children in my care and I made 4 colors of slime. To make rainbows you will need to make 6 colors of slime from the recipe I found at thebestideasforkids.com. See how to make slime with laundry detergent by tapping here, […]
Decorating Golf Balls for Father’s Day
If you have a Dad Boss that loves golf as much as mine does he’ll appreciate a gift he can actually use. Even if he doesn’t play often, the golf balls can be kept as keepsakes or desk decorations. Whether they’re toddlers scribbling with markers or older kids making detailed designs, years later, those little doodles […]
“Our Dad (Grandpa) is Out of This World” Chalk Portrait
Making a sidewalk chalk portrait with the kids for Father’s Day is a fun, interactive, meaningful, and low-cost way for you to help the children in your care celebrate the occasion. I recommend using a bowl of water to wet the chalk to make it easier to draw more vibrant letters, lines, and shapes. I […]