What is a nanny?
A nanny is a trained and experienced professional who provides personalized care for children in a family’s home. They create a safe environment that nurtures the child's growth and development and may assist with light child-related household duties.
1) What is a nanny?
A nanny is a professional caregiver who provides consistent childcare within the family home. They become an integral part of the household and often form long-term relationships with the children they care for. A nanny's schedule is tailored to the family's requirements and their primary focus is meeting the child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs.
The image of a nanny has changed considerably over the decades. When you hear the word 'nanny', do you picture a strict Victorian-style disciplinarian or a zany Mary Poppins figure who fills life with fun and wonder? In reality, the role of a modern nanny is that of a highly skilled professional who takes pride in the development of children under their care.
The modern nanny collaborates closely with families to ensure a holistic approach to the child’s upbringing that is tailored to their personality and growth stage. This role can extend to teaching life skills, assisting with homework, and facilitating creative experiences and social interactions.
2) What do nannies do?
During their working hours, a nanny is responsible for supervising, nurturing, and engaging children in activities that support their growth and development. This primarily takes place in the family home, but can also include trips to educational and social engagements. With prior agreement, some nannies assist with light household duties related to the children.
The key to a successful working relationship with a nanny is to set clear expectations about their role in your family's daily life. A nanny may complete some or all of the following tasks during their working day, depending on their job description:
Manage and supervise the child's daily routine, including meals, playtime, and naps.
Prepare healthy meals and snacks.
Plan and organize activities that support the child's development.
Assist with homework and other educational tasks.
Perform light housekeeping duties, such as tidying play areas.
Drive children to extracurricular activities, school, or appointments.
3) What is the difference between a nanny and a babysitter?
Both nannies and babysitters provide childcare, but babysitters are typically hired to supervise children for short periods while their parents are absent. Nannies, on the other hand, are employed on a long-term basis and are tasked with overseeing and engaging children in activities that promote their health and well-being.
Interestingly, an ad hoc babysitter will often charge a higher hourly rate than a nanny in regular employment. Nannies provided through a high-caliber agency such as Sommet Nannies are also highly experienced and supported by specialized training or certifications, making them a cost-effective, safe, and reliable solution to your childcare needs.
Welcome to Sommet Nannies, a nanny agency with presence in Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, New York, and nationwide. We help busy families find dedicated and caring college-educated nannies.
● If you enjoyed this article, you might also like ‘How to find a nanny’.
● If you’re a family interested in learning more about our nanny services, head over here.
● If you’re a nanny looking for a new family to work with, you can apply to become a Sommet Nanny.