LIVE-IN OR LIVE-OUT INTERNATIONAL NANNY/AU PAIR: WHICH OPTION WORKS BETTER FOR YOU? – 5 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN DECIDING

INTERNATIONAL NANNY:
A nanny is a professional caregiver who looks after children within their home. Historically, nannies were servants in large households and reported directly to the lady of the house. Today, nannies may live in or out of the house, depending on their circumstances and those of their employers. Many agencies specialize in providing afterschool nannies, and many nannies become integral parts of their employing families. Modern demand has made nannies a valued addition to family life.

Nannies differ from other childcare providers. A childminder, for instance, operates a small business from their home and is often registered and qualified according to local regulations. A mother’s helper assists with general chores and childcare, either living in or out of the household. An au pair is a young person from abroad who lives with a family to learn the local culture and language while helping with childcare. A governess focuses on educating children at home, while schoolteachers perform similar roles in a school environment.

There are no legal requirements to be considered a nanny, though some families may require background checks or CPR certification. Families may also prefer nannies with specific skills, such as being bilingual or having early childhood development training. International nannies provide care abroad, staying in the client’s home. For more details, visit [Afterschool Nanny](https://afterschoolnanny.co.uk/).

 DUTIES OF A NANNY:
– Creating a safe and healthy environment for children
– Bathing and dressing children
– Changing diapers and potty-training
– Managing children’s laundry
– Planning and preparing meals
– Arranging playdates and outings
– Engaging in indoor and outdoor play
– Conducting educational activities and crafts
– Driving children to school or activities
– Reading to children
– Assisting with homework
– Organizing bedrooms and toys
– Administering medicine with parental consent
– Maintaining logs for parents
– Performing light housekeeping

 RESPONSIBILITIES OF A NANNY:
– Organizing creative and educational activities
– Preparing and feeding meals
– Changing diapers and bathing infants
– Assisting older children with personal hygiene
– Scheduling nap times
– Teaching social behaviors
– Transporting children to and from school and activities
– Cleaning play areas and children’s rooms
– Assisting with homework
– Ensuring children’s safety during activities
– Caring for children in case of injury or illness
– Performing housekeeping tasks
– Collaborating with parents on children’s growth and development

REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS:
– Previous experience as a nanny or babysitter
– Understanding of child development stages
– Creative ideas to educate and engage children
– Multitasking skills
– Pleasant and patient personality
– Availability for various shifts, including weekends and evenings
– Clean driving license
– High school diploma; training in child development is a plus
– First aid certification is a plus

TYPES OF NANNIES:

Live-in Nanny:
Ideal for those relocating interstate or abroad, a live-in nanny manages the full care of children, including laundry, room tidying, homework supervision, meal preparation, and transportation. Benefits often include a separate living space and possibly a car. Modern live-in nannies work 10-12 hours daily, often for wealthier families, as living expenses are covered by the employer. For more details, visit [Afterschool Nanny](https://afterschoolnanny.co.uk/).

Nanny Share:
A nanny share involves two or more families hiring the same nanny to care for children part-time.

Night Nanny:
Specializing in night time care, night nannies work with families to establish good sleep patterns or address sleep issues. They typically care for children from newborns to age five and are often highly paid due to their expertise.

Maternity Nurse/Newborn Care Specialists/Confinement Nanny:
These nannies support new mothers, particularly after difficult labor. Known as newborn care specialists in the US, they assist with feeding, nursery setup, and sleep training. In East Asia, confinement nannies care for both the mother and baby during the postpartum period, providing specialized knowledge and assistance.

AU PAIR:
Au pairs are young individuals from abroad who live with a host family to learn the local culture and language. They assist with childcare and light housekeeping duties, working up to 30 hours a week. Au pairs are treated as family members, receiving pocket money rather than wages. This arrangement is ideal for families seeking affordable childcare and cultural exchange. For more details, visit [Afterschool Nanny](https://afterschoolnanny.co.uk/).

5 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN HIRING:

1. Ask for Help:
Seek references from colleagues, friends, and relatives to find reputable nanny agencies or individuals. Referrals provide insights into the pros and cons of different services.

2. Cost:
Compare rates from various providers to avoid overpaying. Remember, the price does not always reflect quality. Set a budget and find a provider offering the best balance of cost and quality.

3. Experience:
Choose experienced providers, as they typically understand client needs better. While they may charge more, the convenience and reliability they offer are often worth the extra cost.

4. Check Reviews:
Ensure the nanny has a clean background by reading reviews from previous clients. Many agencies have websites with customer reviews that can help gauge reliability and safety.

5. Ask Questions:
Communicate directly with potential nannies or agencies to clarify expectations. Inquire about cleaning methods, duration of service, licensing, and other important details.

For more information, visit [Afterschool Nanny](https://afterschoolnanny.co.uk/).