A common question I get asked in my consultations is what exactly a nanny’s job can include. Does it have to be limited to childcare or can they help with meals or housework? The short answer is that every family’s arrangement will look a little different, but there are clear industry guidelines that I often find myself explaining. The guidelines below will help set your expectations early and avoid misunderstandings later.
What a Nanny Can Do
At its core, a nanny’s role is centered on the children. Their number one responsibility is to provide attentive, nurturing care that keeps children safe, happy, and engaged. That includes:
- Preparing healthy meals and snacks for children
- Managing daily routines like naps, school schedules, and playtime
- Homework support
- Driving children to/from school, activities, or appointments
- Keeping children’s bedrooms, play areas, and belongings tidy
- MBF nannies go above and beyond by introducing creative activities and supporting developmental milestones
Household Tasks Connected to the Children
While childcare is always the priority, most nannies take on certain household tasks that directly support the children, but do not overshadow their main role as a caregiver. These may include:
- Doing children’s laundry
- Washing bottles, dishes, or meal prep items used by the children
- Cleaning up any areas used by the children (wiping down high chair, sweeping up/ vacuuming messes from meals or crafts, wiping down counters, picking up toys, etc.)
- Organizing toys, books, and school supplies
What a Nanny Typically Does Not Do
Sometimes families try to make nannies a hybrid of childcare, housekeepers, and cooks, which can lead to frustration on both sides. Tasks that are usually outside of a nanny’s role include:
- Housekeeper duties such as household dishes, family laundry, sweeping/vacuuming, and of course any deep cleaning (scrubbing bathrooms, mopping, etc.).
- Planning and cooking meals for parents
Nanny Manager/Family Assistant
In a Nanny Manager or Family Assistant (children in school) role, some personal assistant-type duties and light housekeeping can be incorporated:
- Errands such as grocery shopping, errands, returns
- Meal prep for parents to cook a meal such as washing, chopping, thawing, preheating, measuring, etc.
- Managing the family’s calendar and/or booking appointments
- Organizational projects
- Liaising with vendors and contractors
Note: Occasionally a family will require the nanny to prepare (and sometimes even plan) family meals, but often we see this limits the interested candidates significantly.
How to Set Expectations
The best way to ensure a smooth working relationship is to clarify expectations from the beginning. Here are a few simple steps to ensure that both the nanny and parents feel respected and supported:
- Ensure that the job description outlines all duties and responsibilities
- Discuss responsibilities during the interview
- Confirm the duties in the Employment Agreement (we will draft for you)
- Schedule regular check-ins to talk about how things are going and adjust the Employment Agreement if your needs evolve and your nanny agrees to the new duties
If you are starting to think through what kind of support your family needs, we can help. Whether you want to begin a search for the right nanny or just ask questions about what makes sense for your household, our team is here as a resource. Reach out today to start the conversation.