In “The Tree That’s Meant to Be” by Yuval Zommer, a small, crooked fir tree is left all alone after the others near it in the forest are chosen by families as Christmas to bring home. But when the forest animals gather around the lonely little tree to cheer it up and celebrate the season, […]
Make Bread with Children While Reading, “Sharing the Bread: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Story” by Pat Zietlow Miller
November 8, 2025 Leave a Comment
To help prepare for Thanksgiving read, “Sharing the Bread: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Story” by Pat Zietlow Miller and then extend the story’s themes of teamwork and gratitude through a fun, sensory activity of baking bread that encourages cooperation, fine motor skills, and patience with the children in your care. “Sharing the Bread: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving […]
Why All Nannies Should Use “Let’s Have a Tea Party!” by Emilie Barnes
September 24, 2025 Leave a Comment
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 […]
Using “Goodbye, Paci!” By Lovevery to Wean Child Off Pacifier
September 20, 2025 Leave a Comment
Weaning a toddler off their pacifier can feel like a difficult milestone! The “Goodbye, Paci!” book by Lovevery which comes with a special pacifier bag helps make the process easier. Here’s how l have used “Goodbye, Paci!” (with Pacifier Bag) to Wean a Child Off the Pacifier: 1. Read the Story Together Start reading “Goodbye, […]
Review of “State of the Nanny” by Louise Dunham
September 13, 2025 Leave a Comment
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 […]
Kids Love Playing Feelings Charades
September 10, 2025 Leave a Comment
Inspired by “Emotional Intelligence Program for Children,” written by Kinderwise emotional intelligence curriculum, play a fun game of Feelings Charades. The kiddos get to act out emotions while the others guess. Not only does it help build the children’s emotional vocabulary, but it also encouraged empathy, observation skills, and lots of laughs. Playing Feelings Charades […]
Why “Emotional Intelligence Program for Children” Belongs on Every Nanny’s Bookshelf
September 6, 2025 Leave a Comment
In a world where we teach ABCs, 123s, and how to tie shoes — let’s not forget to teach how to be kind, how to properly express big feelings, and how to be a good friend. As a nanny, I’ve read more picture books than I can count — from mischievous monkeys to magical trains. […]
“A Gate at the Stairs” by Lorrie Moore – From A Nanny’s Perspective
August 30, 2025 Leave a Comment
“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, […]
Traveling with Toddlers Without Screens: Sanity-Saving Toys and Tips from a Nanny
August 24, 2025 Leave a Comment
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 […]
bethebestnanny.com 