How Does a Nanny Spend a Workday?

A nanny̵7;s most important duties involve caring for your children, and her day revolves around their schedule of needs, just as yours does when you are home. Providing supervision, keeping your children busy, and creating a nurturing environment to grow in makes for a busy work day. Some nannies do more than just provide childcare. They clean up after your children and, depending on your particular arrangement and the ages of your children, may clean the house or cook while your children nap. The nanny job description that you have for your family may look very different from that of your friends or neighbors, and the structure of their days will vary accordingly.

  1. Physical

    • Nannies prepare and clean up meals for your children during the day. If you have a full-time nanny, this may include three meals and a couple of snacks. They ensure that children̵7;s play equipment and areas are safe, and they provide supervision to ensure that children do not get hurt. They change diapers, administer medicine, put children to bed or down for naps, and may give them a bath. They may also do your children̵7;s laundry. The age of your children will play an important role in determining the types of physical care a nanny provides for them.

    Social and Emotional

    • Nannies also arrange play dates, play with children, drive them to and from social activities and appointments, and model good manners and respect. They create an atmosphere at home that encourages openness and communication. Nannies demonstrate kindness, and they help children to become adept at interacting well with others. They also provide encouragement and support to children to help them mature. Nannies also discipline children when it is necessary.

    Educational

    • Nannies to younger children provide educational activities for the children in their care as well. The language they model, and the ABCs and 123s are just a few of the many areas nannies can help children prepare for school. The individual attention a nanny can provide can give preschool children a boost for Kindergarten, and they can often provide homework help and tutoring to school-age kids to give them the academic support they need. Some well-educated nannies serve more as governesses, or private tutors or teachers, and they usually do not provide physical care for children.

    Extras

    • Some families want to hire someone who can care for their children, but who can also perform household chores. Some nannies are willing to do this, but you should compensate your nanny for any housecleaning that goes beyond light duties related to the children. When you hire a nanny, be clear about exactly the type of help you want at home. This prevents a nanny -- or you -- from being disillusioned about the scope and details of the job for which you hired her. You might consider hiring a specialty nanny if you do only want care for your children but you need help with a newborn or multiples.

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