Did You Know?

In 2000, the U.S. department of Labor reported that 3 million mothers leave their children in the care of a nanny or individual while they work outside the home

Good News Congress has enacted tax benefits for families who pay taxes for childcare known as the childcare tax credit. Learn more about it in our taxes page.

Sibling Bonds

Next to the relationship with the parent the most important and closest is the bond between siblings. Encourage your children from a young age to interact and find common interests regardless of the age gap.

What is a Nanny?

The nanny forum defines a Nanny (a woman otherwise referred to as a "Manny") as a professional hired by a family to provide childcare in addition to other responsibilities related to the household.  A Nanny is a "household employee" and the parent(s) are the "household employer".  A Nanny participates in the social, emotional and intellectual development of the child(ren) and will work with the parents to provide a safe and nurturing environment.  A Nanny will love your child and should become an integral part of the family.

The International Nanny Association (I.N.A.)defines a nanny as one "employed by the family on either a live-in or live-out basis to undertake all tasks related to the care of children. Duties are generally restricted to childcare and the domestic tasks related to childcare. May or may not have had any formal training, though often has a good deal of actual experience. Nanny's work week ranges from 40 to 60 hours per week. Usually works unsupervised."

How does a Nanny differ from a babysitter? 
A Nanny and a Babysitter differ in two areas: time commitment and responsibilities. 

Time Commitment: A Babysitter is generally someone a parent will hire (long or short term basis) for a few hours in an evening or on a weekend.  A Babysitter is often used on an "on call" basis or for a small set amount of hours per week.  A Babysitter may or may not also be qualified to work as a Nanny. (For more information on Nanny qualifications please read "Guidelines for hiring a Nanny"). 

Responsibilities: A Nanny does more than watch your child(ren), which is essentially the only task of a Babysitter; A Nanny enriches your child's life and becomes a role model in addition to the parent(s).  A Nanny is someone your child spends a great deal of time with that teaches, involves and helps your child(ren) grow.  In addition to the role they play in the child(ren)'s life they also take on a variety of household chores and tasks that may include grocery shopping, cleaning, preparing meals, laundry, transportation to and from child activities and errands.  Specific responsibilities are determined by the family and should be made clear before the Nanny's first date of hire.