Do you love your job and the fun that goes with it? Do you enjoy playing with the children, and seeing them develop and grow? Are there times that the kids you care for say they are bored even though they seem to have a million things to do in their home? This is why a “Nanny Box” can be so great.
It is great to utilize the toys the children in your care have and material provided by the parents. However, bringing your own toys and materials is a great opportunity to introduce the children to something new. You should always discuss with the parents in advance whether or not they are OK with you bringing own materials such as books and games or collected materials for arts and crafts. Items can be as simple as empty toilet paper rolls, old newspapers, magazines, postcards, gift wrap or a collection from your last visit to the beach including shells and stones.
A Nanny Box box can be combined with great stories about treasure hunts and magical adventures. Items which can be changed into castles, costumes, and cars. This special box can be particularly helpful when starting with a new family because it brings excitement and it has a way of instantly connecting you with the new kids you are caring for. If you bring out only one new item a day it keeps the excitement going longer.
Whenever you create such a box, keep the age of the children in mind and remember to only provide age appropriate items.
Below is a list that gives you an idea of our favorite items for kids 3 years and older:
- Book – a favorite of mine is “There’s a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake” by Hazel Edwards
- Old newspaper to build hats, ships, and easy origami figures or play “adult reading a newspaper”
- Natural materials such as stone, bark, wood (ensure that children can’t put the items in their mouth or choke on them)
- Clean egg cartons to build cars and castles
- Bubbles (for easy distraction and endless chasing games)
- Used clean clothes to use as costumes
What do you always have with you to fascinate the little ones?
Sonja Winkelmann is part of the Recruitment team of Placement Solutions, a Nanny Agency based in Melbourne, Australia