“Nanny Basics and Beyond: What I Wish I Had Known All Along” by Marcia Hall

As a nanny and family assistant with over three decades of experience, I’m always on the lookout for resources that both affirm the value of what I do and help me grow in my roles. “Nanny Basics and Beyond: What I Wish I Had Known All Along” by Marcia Hall does exactly that — and more. […]

“Adventure Nannies: Tales of Wonder, Wildness, and Wisdom” Compiled by Shenandoah Davis 

“Adventure Nannies: Tales of Wonder, Wildness, and Wisdom” is the quickest read I have had this summer with just 116-pages featuring first-person accounts from 10 nannies, compiled by the CEO of the nanny placement agency Adventure Nannies.  The background stories of the 10 nannies show that people of varying cultures, educational backgrounds, and previous careers […]

Outdoor Nature Sorting

Summer learning has never been so fun! Read “Hello Hello: Opposites” by Brendan Wenzel with the children In your care then sort items you find in nature into opposites outside.  “Hello Hello: Opposites” by Brendan Wenzel is a vibrant and engaging picture book that explores the concept of opposites through a wide array of animals. […]

“Women’s Work” by Megan K. Stack — From A Nanny’s Perspective

As a nanny who has already spent three decades helping raise other people’s children, “Women’s Work” by Megan K. Stack hit me in a deeply personal place. This book is not a comforting celebration of modern motherhood; it’s a raw, honest look at the hidden cost of women’s professional ambition.  The author is a former […]

“Such a Fun Age” by Kiley Reid – From A Nanny’s Perspective 

Unlike the other books written by nannies, or about nannies, I’ve been reading this summer, “Such a Fun Age” by Kiley Reid is a fiction novel and New York Times best seller. “Such a Fun Age” follows Emira Tucker, a 25-year-old Black woman who babysits for Alix Chamberlain, a wealthy white influencer-mom who is progressive […]

“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 […]

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 […]

“Owl Babies” by Martin Waddell and Owl Craft 

“Owl Babies” by Martin Waddell is a reassuring and stunningly illustrated book that tackles the subject of separation anxiety that all children experience. For example, parents will go to work while their nanny cares for them.  When three baby owls awake one night to find their mother is gone, they can’t help but wonder where […]

8 Children’s Books for Earth Day

Earth Day is an opportunity to promote a connection with nature and a sense of responsibility for the planet with children. Here’s a list of 8 great children’s books to share with kids for Earth Day.  1. “The Earth Book” by Todd Parr Ages: 2-7 This bright, colorful, and simple, board book is perfect for […]

“The Little Lamb’s Easter Miracle” and Lamb Craft

To prepare for Easter, read “The Little Lamb’s Easter Miracle” by Kellie Hurley with the children in your care and make a doily lamb craft.  “The Little Lamb’s Easter Miracle” is a children’s picture book by Kellie Hurley, aimed at children aged 2 to 6. Through the perspective of a curious lamb, the story introduces […]