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

A good nanny knows that she has to invest a great deal of time to her job. She has to be committed to her work because she plays an important role in the psychological development of the child she is taking care of. A good nanny plays a significant role in the all-round development of the children and helps them grow into well-rounded individuals with a sense of well-being, security and family bonding.

In short, a good nanny should possess the following qualities that would make parents and children feel comfortable:

1. A good nanny does not take her job as a burdensome chore, but gets fully involved in it. She enjoys interacting with the kids with genuine warmth, care and patience. An experienced nanny knows that children respond to love and affection rather than reprimand and punishment. So, she loves them like a mother.

2. Stays connected: Take an effort to inform and educate the parents about the development in their child. You could prepare notes or daily reports on the activities of the child. Parents are understandably delighted to know about the progress in their kids.

3. Needless to say, be very particular about cleanliness. Make sure that the home, especially the kid's rooms are always neat and tidy. A clean house will not only keep the disease away but will help children to inculcate habits of keeping their environment clean and tidy.

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.

Usually, your travel, short vacations and major holidays are paid for by your employers. As a nanny you too are entitled to get a raise in the salary provided you have proved your worth.

It goes without saying that women make excellent nannies because they are natural mothers. They love kids and have infinite patience with kids. Now, they find the career of being a nanny highly remunerative and also extremely enjoyable. Moreover, working in a home satisfies you at an emotional level too. After all, how many people get a chance to work in the secure, warm and cozy environment of a home with a loving family!