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 […]
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
June 28, 2025 Leave a Comment
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 […]
“Scribble Stones Art Guide” and Painting Stones
April 30, 2025 Leave a Comment
“Scribble Stones Art Guide” by Diane Alber is a fun 75-page craft book that gives step-by-step illustrated directions for decorating Scribble Stones. The guide is intended to teach fun techniques and tips to help spark creativity in children. The “Scribble Stones Art Guide” includes beginner to more advanced techniques to decorate stones. It teaches how […]
“Owl Babies” by Martin Waddell and Owl Craft
April 23, 2025 Leave a Comment
“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
April 19, 2025 Leave a Comment
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
April 16, 2025 Leave a Comment
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 […]
“Spring is Here” by Heidi Pross Gray and Spring Blossom Crafts
March 19, 2025 Leave a Comment
It’s finally spring this week in my neck of the woods and the children I care for have enjoyed finding the new blossoms of yellow forsythia, pink cherry trees, and white apricot trees in the neighborhood. After reading, “Spring is Here” by Heidi Pross Gray help the children in your care make their own spring […]
Make a Leprechaun Trap and Read “How to Catch a Leprechaun” by Adam Wallace
March 12, 2025 Leave a Comment
Read “How to Catch a Leprechaun” by Adam Wallace and make a leprechaun trap with the children in your care. Irish folklore describes leprechaun as little fairies. Legend says they keep pots of gold at the ends of rainbows. Every Saint Patrick’s Day my Nanny Kids and I make leprechaun traps along with thousands of […]
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