February 2026 Newsletter
Happy Black History Month and National Caregivers Day! Reflecting on this month as an agency owner always reinforces the history of the nanny industry in America. The origins of domestic work are deeply connected to the history of slavery in the U.S with a vast majority of domestic workers like nannies being African American women, and increasingly now, immigrant women of color.
During slavery, Black women were forced to provide care work for the white families that enslaved them. Many enslaved women that worked in their owner's home were assigned to care for children and sick or disabled family members in addition to cleaning, cooking and doing laundry.
After Emancipation, Southern lawmakers found new ways to disenfranchise Black people, which restricted their employment options to farming or domestic work often with little to no pay and benefits.
Given the history, domestic care work has a longstanding association with women’s unpaid household labor and this has diminished its perceived value to society. Domestic workers make up approximately 2.3 million workers nationwide who provide vital support to children, our elders and neurodivergent family members.
Despite their vital role in supporting families and the economy, domestic workers are underpaid and unprotected. I'm proud to lead Peace of Mind Nannies in way that values, advocates and celebrates caregivers to families in need of high quality and reliable care for their family.
Agency Update: The Default Parent's Survival Guide
In partnership with Kim Paull Coaching, Peace of Mind Nannies is offering a workshop for the parent that's holding everything for everyone! Sound familiar?
If you're a working, stay-at-home, single, or default parent carrying more than you realize, feeling "fine" but running on fumes, anyone who suspects they're managing everyone else's life alongside their own, join us at Artisan Bites in Cranston on Tuesday, 2/24 12pm-1:30. Register for the workshop!
Move from "I have to manage everything" to "I get to choose how I want my life to work."
Curious to learn more about default parenting? Learn more from my recent blog post.
Knowledge Corner: Ways Parents and Nannies Can Comfort and Support Children During Heavy Times
When the world feels uncertain, children often look to the adults in their lives for cues about safety and stability. While you can’t shield them from every difficult reality, you can help them feel grounded and supported.
1. Maintain routines whenever possible
Familiar rhythms—meals, bedtime rituals, school drop-offs—help children feel secure when external events feel unpredictable. Even small routines, like reading before bed or walking the dog together, can be deeply comforting.
2. Limit exposure to news and adult conversations
Children don’t need constant updates or graphic details. Be mindful of news playing in the background and conversations happening within earshot. If older children are accessing news or social media, check in and help contextualize what they’re seeing.
3. Use play, art, and movement as outlets
Children often process big emotions through their bodies and creativity rather than words. Drawing, building, pretend play, music, or physical movement can help release stress and express feelings that are hard to name.
4. Name emotions - and normalize them
Let children know it’s okay to feel scared, sad, confused, or angry. Phrases like “A lot of kids are feeling this way right now” or “It makes sense to feel upset when you hear things like this” help reduce shame and isolation.
5. Offer choices to restore a sense of control
When the world feels out of their control, small choices matter. Let kids choose their snack, pajamas, bedtime story, or activity. These moments of autonomy can be grounding.
6. Model calm and regulation
Children take emotional cues from adults. You don’t have to hide your feelings, but showing how you cope—deep breaths, stepping away, talking it through—teaches them healthy emotional regulation.
7. Keep the door open for ongoing conversations
Kids may revisit the same topic days or weeks later. Let them know they can always come back with questions or feelings—and that you’re there to listen, again and again.
Remember, supporting children during difficult times isn’t about having perfect answers. It’s about connection, consistency, and compassion - showing up in ways that help them feel seen, safe, and supported!
Family Fun: Black History Month Activities
Parents play a vital role in shaping how children understand history, identity, and diversity - especially in the early years, when curiosity and values are just beginning to take root. Black History Month offers a meaningful opportunity to introduce these conversations in ways that feel intentional, age-appropriate, and joyful rather than overwhelming.
One powerful way to begin is by using trusted, thoughtfully designed resources created specifically for young learners. The National Museum of African American History and Culture offers free guides and printable activity sheets that help families explore Black history chronologically or developmentally for children up to age 8. These materials are designed to meet children where they are using storytelling, visuals, and hands-on activities to make history engaging and accessible.
For families with infants and toddlers, the museum’s Joyful ABC Booklet is a wonderful entry point. The booklet introduces early learners to Black culture, language, and joy through letters, imagery, and simple concepts that support early literacy and connection. Parents can use it during story time, playtime, or even daily routines, turning small moments into meaningful learning experiences.
The museum’s resources also highlight African American poetry, available in both English and Spanish, allowing families to explore rhythm, language, and storytelling across cultures. Reading poetry together - out loud, slowly, and with curiosity - can spark conversations, build vocabulary, and nurture empathy, even with very young children.
By incorporating these tools into everyday life, parents can foster inclusivity not just during Black History Month, but all year long. Whether it’s printing out an activity sheet, reading a poem together, or talking about the people behind the stories, these small, intentional practices help children grow up with a deeper appreciation for history, diversity, and shared humanity.
Families are encouraged to review and print activities directly from the museum’s website using the link - and to move at their own pace.
Community Spotlight: Celebrating Black Artists for Black History Month
This February, KidZone invites families to celebrate Black History Month through creativity, storytelling, and hands-on art at the New Bedford Art Museum.
Each Saturday afternoon, children are introduced to an influential Black artist through a short, age-appropriate story that highlights their life, artistic style, and creative impact. After the discussion, kids dive into a guided art project inspired by that artist’s techniques, materials, or themes - turning learning into something tactile, joyful, and memorable.
Designed with chronologically or developmentally elementary-aged children in mind, KidZone projects encourage curiosity, imagination, and confidence. As kids experiment with different materials each week, they also build fine motor skills, visual thinking, and a deeper appreciation for diverse artistic voices. Best of all, all materials are provided for just $5 per family. Families are welcome to drop in anytime during KidZone hours!
On Saturday, February 22, the spotlight turns to Faith Ringgold, a celebrated artist known for her bold colors, patterns, and storytelling through art. Children will create vibrant floral artworks on black paper using bright pastels, inspired by Ringgold’s iconic sunflower imagery and expressive style. The result is a meaningful, creative experience that connects art, history, and self-expression - perfect for young artists and curious minds alike. Learn more at the link above!