Actress and writer Mindy Kaling, 40 has announced that her former co-star and real-life friend B.J. Novak often helps baby-sit her 2-year-old daughter, Katherine.

As the old African proverb goes, it takes a village to raise a child and it would seem that no two friends understand this better than "The Office" alum and her good friend, Novak, who has turned into a stellar and somewhat regular babysitter. According to Us Weekly, Novak has bonded with the 23-month-old girl who we have to assume is adorable because Kaling does a wonderful job of protecting her daughter's privacy. The only photos she shares of Katherine are when her daughter's back is turned.

RELATED: 20 THINGS WE FINALLY KNOW ABOUT MINDY KALING AS A MOM Even so, it's very clear that Kaling and Katherine are quite a pair. The mom and daughter are usually seen on social media wearing matching pyjamas or matching jeans and sneakers, all without showing the tot's face. Another item that Kaling has been quite keen on keeping private is the matter of Katherine's father, giving fans much to speculate on. In June, Kaling said that she was not going to say anything about the paternity of Katherine's father until she had a chance to talk to her daughter about the matter first and that was her reasoning on keeping the topic closed for now. But one man's name that she is all too happy to shout from the rooftops is her longtime friend, Novak. On Dec. 12, Kaling told Us Weekly that Novak visits her house once or twice a week just to hang out with Katherine. Kaling says that this works out great because she can use the opportunity to shower or grab a quick a work out.
NEXT: 20 WAYS MINDY KALING'S LIFE HAS CHANGED SINCE SHE BECAME A MOM For his part, Novak told Us Weekly that it is "a joy" to be able to watch Kaling raise her daughter. He said that she's always been able to handle a lot. "I remember when we'd be in the writers' room, she'd be like, 'I have to go to a wardrobe fitting,' and then she'd call and be like, 'Hey, one thing about that joke.' … She’s like a polymath," Novak told Us Weekly. "It's amazing." We are really glad to hear that Kaling has so much support from one of her best friends while raising her daughter. It's wonderful for Katherine to have a positive male role model in her life - who wouldn't like to have B.J. Novak fill those shoes? For the time being, it's all about Katherine and all about fun. Kaling said that she is always looking for "family-friendly" places to take Katherine to. Even if we can't see her face, we can't wait to see some cute Christmas photos! Merry Christmas, Katherine!