There’s something magical about watching a child’s eyes light up over a simple moment of joy, whether it’s a silly song at cleanup time, an impromptu dance party, or a pretend tea party served on the kitchen floor. Whimsy isn’t just about fun (though there’s plenty of that)—it’s a powerful way to build connection, encourage cooperation, and turn everyday moments into lasting memories. And in the world of whimsy, a little goes a long way.

1) Why whimsy works: The benefits of playful caregiving

Whimsical parenting—and nannying—isn’t about being silly for the sake of silliness (although there’s nothing wrong with that!). It’s about seeing the world through a child’s eyes and meeting them where they are. When caregivers add a sense of wonder and fun to everyday routines, they’re not only making life more enjoyable, but they’re also supporting important developmental and emotional growth.

And science agrees! When you embrace playful parenting, you’re helping the kids in your care develop skills such as problem-solving, self-regulation, and their ability to connect with others and themselves, to name a few.

Here’s what happens when whimsy is part of the day:

• Stronger connection: Shared laughter and playful moments build trust and closeness.
• Emotional resilience: Play helps kids process big feelings, manage stress, and bounce back from challenges.
• Creativity and imagination: Whimsical caregivers model curiosity and out-of-the-box thinking, which sparks children’s creativity.
• Motivation and cooperation: Fun makes even boring tasks feel like part of a game, reducing resistance and power struggles.

And let’s be honest: a little whimsy makes the day brighter for kids and adults of all ages, too!

2) Simple ways caregivers can incorporate whimsy into daily life

Adding whimsy doesn’t require elaborate crafts or Pinterest-worthy plans. Often, the simplest ideas are the most magical.

a) Turn routines into games

• Race to see who can put on their shoes first.
• Pretend the toothbrush is a superhero defending the “cavity city.”
• Make cleaning up a treasure hunt or a dance party.

b) Embrace silly voices and songs

• Narrate the morning as a pirate, princess, or favorite animal.
• Sing instructions to familiar tunes (“This is the way we pack our lunch…” to “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”, etc.).
• Create personalized jingles for daily tasks.

c) Spark imagination outdoors

• Turn a walk into a safari, space mission, or fairy adventure.
• Collect “magic” leaves, rocks, or sticks to inspire storytelling or to make pies, potions, etc.
• Play “I Spy” while running errands or when out on a walk.
• Alternate sentences (child creates a sentence, you create a sentence, and so on) to write an impromptu story about the nature you see as you pass, like the big tree down the block.

d) Celebrate the ordinary

• Make a big deal out of small milestones (“Hooray! You zipped your jacket like a pro!”).
• Invent fun rituals, like a secret handshake before school or a silly face contest before bed.

The key is to follow the child’s lead, build on their interests, and be willing to look a little goofy along the way!

3) How fun fosters cooperation (and reduces power struggles)

One of the most practical reasons to incorporate whimsy? It makes daily transitions and tasks go so much smoother.

Children—especially toddlers and preschoolers—often resist tasks that feel boring or imposed on them. When a nanny transforms these moments into playful invitations, kids are much more likely to buy in.

For example:

• Instead of “Time to put your shoes on,” try:
  “Let’s see if your shoes can jump onto your feet before I count to five!”
• Instead of “Please clean up these blocks,” try:
  “Can you help me find all the blue blocks before the cleanup monster gets them?”
• Instead of “We have to leave the park,” try:
  “Let’s fly like superheroes all the way to the car!”

Whimsy shifts the energy from power struggle to collaboration, and everyone feels better as a result.

4) Tips for balancing fun with structure

It’s important to remember: whimsy and structure can go hand-in-hand. In fact, when playful moments are anchored by clear expectations and boundaries, they’re even more effective.

Here’s how to strike that balance:

• Set clear limits first: Let kids know what needs to happen (“We’re leaving in five minutes”), then introduce the playful element.
• Be consistent with routines: Use whimsy to make transitions easier, but stick to the plan to ensure the sense of security and reliability remain.
• Know when to shift gears: Sometimes, a firm, calm direction is needed. If playfulness isn’t working, it’s okay to switch to a more direct approach.

And remember, you don’t have to be whimsical all the time. Sprinkling in these moments throughout the day creates a sense of joy without feeling exhausting or forced.

Whimsy is a powerful tool in a nanny’s caregiving toolkit. By weaving imagination, fun, and play into everyday moments, nannies can nurture stronger bonds, encourage cooperation, and help children see the joy in life’s little routines. And let’s face it—who couldn’t use a little more magic in their day?