Nanny Diaries

  • THROUGH INSTILLING KINDNESS

    Through instilling kindness, we create change.

    Everyday that I walk through the door of my nanny families home, I ask myself how I can be of most service to them that day and how to help foster the values that will allow them to lead the best lives possible. Over the years as showing up for families and children as a nanny, or as I view it, an extension of their parents, I’ve found that those values can shift given what it is that each family needs the most at the time. Although there are many values that I foster and that are organically integrated into the work that I do, one that has been woven through every relationship that I have built is my deep desire to show up in this world with kindness and to help others foster the same.

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  • 10 Ways That Nannies Are Basically Unicorns

    I believe that all mothers have magical powers. It seems like when that kid comes out that are endowed will all sorts of crazy abilities. I am not a mother yet… but I will say, being a nanny has certainly upped my magic factor and I feel like I have acquired some honorary magic.  I am not gonna lie, it’s nice feeling like I have some sort of magic. Living with my pet unicorn Sprinkles is super fun… but obviously she is always in the spot light. My nanny powers may not be exactly what she can do… but they make me feel magical too!

    So here’s a toast to all my nannies (and mannies) out there. You are magic.

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  • HOW TO BE A “NANNYOGRAPHER”

    (A note from Nickey: I “met” Brooke on Instagram and I am so glad I did! Her heart for the nanny industry is infectious and her blog posts are always super on point. I am so honored that she took the time to write a guest post for Colors Are Magic and that she is able to let her creative side shine! Enjoy.)

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    **Make sure to read through until the end. There is a special photo challenge I have created to go along with this article!**

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  • Essential Oils with Kids

    I love anytime I can incorporate essential oils into my nanny day. My mama always went the more natural route in raising us and I find that now more than ever I am very grateful for it. If you are looking for a few fun ways to incorporate essential oils into your little one’s playtime, bath time, or day in general, I have complied a little post for you explore some fun options.

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  • Green

    Just a little glimpse into some of my summer vacation! Missing you all… but loving the rest. I hope you are all having fun and colorful summers! (Or winters… whichever hemisphere you may live in. 😉 )

    Green

    We went on a hike into the color green, as the clock struck 4:15.

    Our backpacks filled with water and treats. And hiking shoes on most of our feets.

    Waterfalls here and there…. lush green forest everywhere.

    Ferns that carpet the forest floor and mossy logs to go explore.

    Green above, green below, green reflects on water that flows.

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  • The Summer Savvy Nanny

    Oh, summer vacation how I love/loath thee. On one hand you are full of fun summer excursions– the zoo… the beach… Disneyland. On the other hand there are often a lot of “I’m boooooored” (s) that seem to transpire into the atomsphere. Regardless… I do love summer. Over the years I found that summers as a nanny require a little bit of savviness. So here are some things that I love to do when the kiddos are home for the summer (and a few things I discovered while writing this post that I most definitely will be implementing in the future)!

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  • The Nanny Interview Chronicles

    Interviews. They are never really a fun process. I am sure that most of you been to some sort of interview at one time or another in your life. Usually you will “dress up” and leave the yoga pants at home, write a resume, and make a list of excellent references. Nannies do that too. However, if you are not a nanny, I am willing to wager that these have most likely never been an issue at your interviews. ** Now would be a great time for you to go and pop some popcorn or our a glass of wine. I’ll wait. Take your time. ** Ok here we go. I was infuriated in the moment that these events took place… but now let’s all have a good laugh at the absurdity of what has taken place at some of my nanny interviews. Brace yourself.

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  • 10 Things to Never Say to A Nanny

    Oh, the nanny world. It can be such a weird place. But, when it is done right- with lots of communication, trust and respect- it can be beautiful.  I have been a professional career nanny for 12+ years now and in those years I feel like I’ve heard it all. I have sat with other nannies on play grounds, beaches, children’s museums and baby classes around the world… and these are definitely the top 10 things I hear of making nannies feel disrespected and annoyed. The last thing we need are burnt out nannies! We need passionate and thriving caregivers…. because our kiddos deserve the best! So let us begin…

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  • Vivian

    I have been a full time career nanny for the past 12 years. Geez, that makes me feel old. There have been many children that have come into my life, and all of them have taught me something and touched my heart in a unique way. But there is one little girl who left a very big impression on my heart. Her name is Vivian; a little girl with a big personality who changed my life. And while it should be said that Vivian’s whole family became a second family to me, this is her story.

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  • The Only Thing I Trust, is Change

    (A note from Nickey: Hi! I have started featuring guest bloggers once a month on, Colors Are Magic. I love to listen to stories from other nannies, parents and creatives. Life is so much better when we all do it together. I “met” Chelsea on Instagram. She has her own YouTube Channel called Practical Poppins. It’s a great place to learn more about nanny life and for nannies to connect with each other (you should totally check it out). I hope you enjoy this adorable and creative post as much as I did! 

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    by Chelsea Dawn

    When our children are little
    it’s all peek-a-boo and Playdoh.
    Dandelions and toothaches.
    Deciding one minute that they cannot survive without the red sippy cup, only to see that same sticky cup wave sadly to you from a forgotten corner two hours later;
    filled with Cheerios that will go stale before they’re remembered.

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