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 […]

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. […]

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. […]

Butterflies Made of Cardboard Rolls 

Children are dazzled with butterflies and  their vibrant beauty. After reading children’s books about butterflies, (see below), I used cardboard rolls, punched out cardstock paper, and craft supplies to make butterflies with the children in my care.  Also check out how to make origami butterflies, handheld butterfly sun catchers, butterflies out of coffee filters, cardboard […]

Patriotic Star Sun Catcher

The little ones on your care will love making and displaying these patriotic sun catchers for Memorial Day and summer holidays. Be sure to share children’s books about the holiday with the little ones too: “Memorial Day” by Emma Carlson Berne, “Why do We Celebrate Memorial Day” by Kirsten Lake, and “A Day for Rememberin’” […]

“Scribble Stones Art Guide” and Painting Stones 

“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 

“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

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

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 […]

Easter Window Sun Catchers

This is an easy, fun, and colorful Easter project to make with children as young as toddlers. Using high quality self-adhesive laminating sheets is easier than using contact paper so I recommend purchasing some by tapping the link in the supplies list. I also like using pre-cut paper otissue squares but colored cellophane sheets look […]