“A Gate at the Stairs” by Lorrie Moore is a fiction novel. The main character is Tassie, a college student moonlighting as a nanny, that stumbles into the emotional minefield of modern parenthood, racial politics, and unspoken grief — all while trying to wrangle a toddler and find herself. At first, as a nanny myself, […]
Mango Slush
August 15, 2025 Leave a Comment
This mango slush is a simple, cool, and refreshing way to stay hydrated with children this summer. With zero added sugar, it’s a healthy drink the whole family can enjoy found on the nutrition to fit web site. You Will Need: 2 cups mango (fresh or frozen)1 cup ice1 tbsp lime juice (optional) What to Do: […]
Why Kids Should Paint with Natural Paintbrushes
August 13, 2025 Leave a Comment
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, […]
Outdoor Nature Sorting
August 6, 2025 Leave a Comment
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. […]
Clay Shell Mosaics
July 23, 2025 Leave a Comment
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 […]
Sink or Float Game
July 16, 2025 Leave a Comment
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
July 13, 2025 Leave a Comment
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 […]
Squirt Gun Super Soaker Painting
July 9, 2025 Leave a Comment
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
July 5, 2025 Leave a Comment
“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 […]
Hopscotch With a Twist
June 25, 2025 Leave a Comment
You can get the kiddos active by drawing a typical foursquare court, an obstacle course, or hop scotch with sidewalk chalk. But we love this idea from JrImagination. Instead of playing a normal hopscotch game, add different activities to boxes. Use sidewalk chalk on your Nanny Family’s driveway or sidewalk to draw boxes similar to […]
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