“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 […]

Outdoor Nature Sorting

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. […]

“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 […]

“Women’s Work” by Megan K. Stack — From A Nanny’s Perspective

As a nanny who has already spent three decades helping raise other people’s children, “Women’s Work” by Megan K. Stack hit me in a deeply personal place. This book is not a comforting celebration of modern motherhood; it’s a raw, honest look at the hidden cost of women’s professional ambition.  The author is a former […]

“Such a Fun Age” by Kiley Reid – From A Nanny’s Perspective 

Unlike the other books written by nannies, or about nannies, I’ve been reading this summer, “Such a Fun Age” by Kiley Reid is a fiction novel and New York Times best seller. “Such a Fun Age” follows Emira Tucker, a 25-year-old Black woman who babysits for Alix Chamberlain, a wealthy white influencer-mom who is progressive […]

“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 […]

Squirt Gun Super Soaker Painting

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 

“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 […]