Let me start with a simple question: Would you expect your house cleaner to handle childcare duties like changing diapers, taking your child to activities, preparing meals, or helping with homework? Chances are, your answer is a firm "No." So why then, do some parents assume it's acceptable to burden nannies with house cleaning tasks?
Let's clarify: being a nanny and being a house cleaner are distinct roles. Most nannies are drawn to the profession because of their love for children, not because they aspire to scrub floors. While it's reasonable to expect nannies to handle light housekeeping related to childcare, such as tidying up after meals, organizing play areas, or doing children's laundry, it's unfair to expect them to take on full-blown cleaning duties unrelated to childcare.
To illustrate this point further, let's break down the responsibilities:
Nanny's Child-Related Duties:
Changing diapers
Supervising and engaging children
Preparing and serving meals
Transporting children to and from school, extracurricular activities, and appointments
Assisting with homework
Reading to children and encouraging literacy development
Organizing and supervising playdates with other children
Sleep training infants
Supervising children during indoor and outdoor activities
Engaging children in educational and recreational activities to promote their development
Implementing age-appropriate learning activities and games
Providing emotional support and encouragement to children
Monitoring children's behavior and addressing any disciplinary issues appropriately
Communicating regularly with parents about children's progress, behaviors, and any concerns
Administering basic first aid and medication as needed
Encouraging healthy habits such as proper hygiene, nutrition, and physical activity
Building strong and trusting relationships with children to foster a positive and nurturing environment.
Planning and coordinating educational outings such as museum visits or nature walks
Assisting with potty training and toileting needs
Monitoring and limiting screen time according to family guidelines
Providing support and guidance during transitions such as starting school or welcoming a new sibling
Collaborating with parents to establish and maintain consistent routines for children
Nanny's Light Housekeeping Duties (Related to Childcare):
Sweeping up crumbs and tidying after meals, ensuring kitchen cleanliness
Organizing and maintaining play areas, including toy storage and rotation
Laundering children's clothes, linens, and towels, ensuring they are clean and organized (maybe they can include parent laundry)
Assisting with light cleaning in children's bedrooms and bathrooms
Keeping diaper changing stations stocked and orderly
Assisting with meal prep and cleaning up afterward
Encouraging children to participate in household chores and teaching them responsibility
Communicating with parents regarding any household supplies that need replenishing
Keeping entryways and hallways clear of clutter and debris
Wiping down and organizing kitchen cabinets and pantry shelves
Assisting with light dusting of furniture and decorative items
Managing recycling and trash disposal according to local regulations
Spot-cleaning spills and messes on carpets or upholstery
Wiping down windowsills and glass surfaces for cleanliness
Assisting with pet care tasks such as feeding, walking, or basic grooming if applicable
Ensuring that household cleaning supplies are stocked and readily available
Housekeeper's Duties (Not Nanny's Responsibility):
Making beds
Cleaning bathrooms
Vacuuming & mopping floors
Change linens
Cooking family meals
Table setting
Washing dishes
Occasional running errands and grocery shopping
Inventory, ordering, and organizing pantry and cleaning supplies
assisting guests and visitors
Watering and wiping house plants
Emptying trash bins and throwing out the trash
Petcare
Laundering adult clothes and linens
Tidying non-child-related areas
Deep cleaning tasks like fridge cleaning or window washing
While it's understandable that some parents may seek a nanny/housekeeper combination due to budget constraints, it's crucial to compensate fairly for the additional workload. Many nannies would consider taking on cleaning duties if compensated appropriately, typically around $35-$55 per hour.
Alternatively, if parents only require house cleaning services occasionally, they can negotiate a higher rate for those specific days, similar to hiring a separate cleaning service.
If neither of these options is feasible, it's essential to prioritize whether childcare or housekeeping is more critical for your family's needs.
Furthermore, it's important to note that expecting nannies to clean common areas simply because children utilize them is unreasonable. Nannies should only be responsible for cleaning up messes directly related to childcare activities that occur during their working hours.
Lastly, it's a shared responsibility to maintain household cleanliness. Parents should not leave all household chores for the nanny to handle. Collaboration and mutual respect ensure a harmonious working relationship.
In conclusion, while nannies are often willing to go above and beyond their duties, it's crucial to recognize and respect their primary role as childcare providers. Fair compensation and clear boundaries contribute to a positive working environment for both parents and nannies.
Let's work together to uphold professionalism and appreciation within the nanny-parent dynamic.