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
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
“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
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. […]
Yarn and Pom Pom Spaghetti and Meatballs Sensory Bin
Looking for a fun, mess-free way to spark the children’s imagination? Kids will love diving into this spaghetti and meatball sensory bin made with soft white yarn for pasta and squishy red pom poms as meatballs! It’s a playful twist on a classic comfort food that encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and hours of giggles. […]
“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 […]
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, […]
Why Every Nanny Should Read, “The Case for Cuddles” by Kirsty Bennett
“The Case for Cuddles,” written by a British Maternity Nurse, is a book title that makes you want to put the kettle on and wrap yourself in a fleecy throw before you’ve even opened the cover. Kirsty Bennett has gifted nannies and parents with a book that argues what we’ve known since the days of […]