Nanny not only sounds like granny but performs all the functions that granny used to do in the good old days. Essentially, a nanny is responsible for taking care of the children and their needs, generally in the absence of the parents. A nanny can be employed full time as live-in member of the family or on live-out basis, which means that she comes and goes at fixed times. Women make very good nannies because they have the inherent qualities of a mother.

The duties of a nanny typically focus on childcare and household chores or tasks related to the children. A nanny may have had formal training to execute these tasks efficiently. It can be a lucrative career option as there is a great demand for nannies, child care professionals and housekeepers as there are a large number of families where both partners have busy careers and could do with some much-needed help with their children.

Characteristics of a Good Nanny

Nanny’s job is a well-paid job, which implies that your employers expect a lot from you. After all, they leave their most precious children in your hands. You need to be focused and committed to your job to become a good nanny. A nanny plays an important role in the psychological development of a child. In short, a nanny is almost like a surrogate mother for the time she is with the children and is responsible for their all-round development so that they grow up to be individuals with a sense of well-being, security and family bonding.

Parents ideally look for various traits in a good nanny that can be summarized as follows:

1. Lively interaction with the kids: Apart from your regular duties as a nanny, try to interact with the kids with genuine warmth, care and patience. You will start enjoying the company of children and look forward to “work”, in your job, you go to another home.

2. It is important to inform and educate the parents about the development in their child. This way you can remain connected with them and give them the satisfaction of knowing their child’s progress.

3. A good nanny should not compromise on cleanliness at any cost. She must ensure that the home, especially the kid’s rooms are always neat and tidy. This will not only please the parents but the children will learn good habits too.

4. Attention-to-detail: Ensure that you work in an organized manner. Make sure that you keep a close eye on the kids especially when you are outdoors. For example, hold the child’s hand while crossing the road and keep a check on the child’s security

What the Job Entails

Good nannies are hard to find and has become extremely beneficial monetarily. In recent times, nannies charge about $12-$15 per hour. Some households find it easier to pay nannies on a monthly basis rather than hourly rates.

Typically, all households bear the expenses of travel, short vacations and major holidays. Nannies are also eligible for a raise as time passes by and based on how well she fits into the family needs and the children’s needs.

Women find the job of a nanny very satisfying not only because they make good money but also because it satisfies their inherent maternal instinct. There is no doubt that they make good nannies because they are naturally good with children and enjoy the company of kids. In addition, you get the warmth, care and security of a home even at your place of work. It is a win-win situation as you get the best of both the worlds.