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Writer's pictureRobert

The Nanny Code: Unveiling the Key to Long-Term Happiness in Modern Nannyhood




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.

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