Review of “State of the Nanny” by Louise Dunham

As an American nanny, I found “State of the Nanny” by Australian Louise Dunham to be a refreshing and unvarnished look at our field — from someone who truly understands it. With decades of experience  in the industry, Louise Dunham lays out both the triumphs and struggles of modern nannying with clarity and conviction. As […]

Traveling with Toddlers Without Screens: Sanity-Saving Toys and Tips from a Nanny

Let’s be honest traveling with toddlers can feel like a cross between a military operation and a reality show challenge — especially if you’re going screen-free. But as a longtime nanny who’s logged many miles by car, train, and plane with tiny travelers, I can assure you it can be done and it can even […]

“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. […]

“Nanny Knows Best: The History of the British Nanny” by Katherine Holden 

“Nanny Knows Best” by Katherine Holden is not a how-to manual for nannies. This book is about British history. Katherine Holden’s book is an exploration of the British nanny as a cultural institution — equal parts moral compass, parental substitute, and Victorian child-wrangler extraordinaire. “Nanny Knows Best” charts the evolution of the British nanny from the […]

“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 […]

Nannies’ Favorite Apps

The US Nanny Association (USNA) asked 195 nannies what apps they use to make their jobs more efficient. The results were posted in the January 2024 US Nanny Association newsletter. The nannies that took the USNA poll answered they use apps for the grocery stores they frequent, the children’s schools, sports, and kid’s activities to […]

10 Things to Do When You Lose Your Nanny Job

Getting laid off from a nanny job is always stressful. Losing income is scary when you have bills to pay. Missing the children can be devastating. The best way to pay bills until you find a new job is to apply for any state benefits you are entitled to. The best medicine for missing a […]

Keeping Kids in a Safe Nanny Bubble

Nanny Confessions: Don’t Talk to Kids About School Shootings Unless They Ask I am so thankful when parents don’t allow their kids to watch television while I am working. Yesterday, I had a great day with the kids. We went on playdates, to classes, and to sports practice in the fresh Spring air. I got […]

How Nannies Can Use the 80/20 Principle to Achieve More Doing Less

The 80/20 Principle suggests that 80 percent of our results come from 20 percent of our efforts. The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Achieving More with Less by Richard Koch shows how we can achieve much more with much less effort, time, and resources, simply by identifying and focusing our efforts on the 20 percent […]

Many Nannies Show Up for Work, Even When Scared of Being Infected During the Coronavirus Pandemic

I need an income. What are people not understanding about that? In late March into early April, 2020, How to Be the Best Nanny Blog asked 256 nannies about their jobs during the coronavirus pandemic. We learned there is a lot of fear and confusion for many nannies experiencing shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders during the […]