Live-In Nanny Jobs

What is a Live-In Nanny?

There are many different types of nannies, including a live-in nanny. A live-in nanny position is one in which the nanny actually resides within the home of the family he or she is hired to work for. Typically, a live-in nanny is hired to care for a child or children on a full-time basis and is paid for full-time work. In many instances, you will also be asked to accompany the family on vacations and other trips when necessary. Because you are living in close proximity to the entire family, there is the added bonus of having almost continuous bonding time with the children. Another plus is forming a strong relationship with the parents, which could last a lifetime.

Why Would a Family Need a Live-In Nanny?

There are a variety of reasons why families choose to hire a live-in nanny and you could come across some of these instances during your time in childcare.

Many families have two working parents, forcing them to place their child in daycare. However, some parents are hesitant about daycare and determine that hiring a live-in nanny is the best choice. If parents travel on a regular basis, either overnight or for several days at a time, having a live-in nanny makes sense. This saves the parents from scrambling to find childcare while they're away since a live-in nanny is there 24 hours a day.

Parents also hire live-in nannies to help when they bring a newborn baby home. Live-in nannies are often responsible for getting up in the middle of the night to bottle feed an infant so that Mom and Dad can get some much-needed rest. A live-in nanny can do night feedings, settle a newborn that is awake all night, and anything else that comes with bringing that new baby home from the hospital.

If you are interested in a live-in nanny position, you should know the reasons why many parents choose to hire one. You should also be aware of the type of live-in nanny position you are hired for. If getting up with a newborn is not something you want in your job description, you should continue to look for another live-in nanny job until the right one comes along.

How Many Days Does a Live-In Nanny Work?

Before you accept a live-in nanny position, you should make sure you know how many days per week you are expected to work. Typically, a live-in nanny will work five days and receive two days off per week. However, you should be aware that you may not have two days off in a row and you may have to work weekends. For instance, you may be asked to work Monday through Thursday and again on Saturday.

Before you begin any type of live-in nanny position, you should discuss what your typical schedule will be with the family. If a family is asking you to work more than 40 hours a day, you should inform them that you consider this overtime and expect to be paid as such. Be sure to have this written into your live-in nanny contract.

Live-In Nanny Living Quarters

When becoming a live-in nanny, you should consider your living quarters. Generally, a live-in nanny is given a private bedroom and bathroom in the home where he or she nannies. Space should be separate from the rest of the family and your doors should have locks on them.

If this isn't enough privacy for you, it might be best to search for live-in nanny positions that offer a nanny suite. These usually include a bedroom, bathroom, living area, and kitchen. With this setup, you don't have to share the common areas with the family on your days off.

Live-In Nanny Responsibilities

When searching for a live-in nanny job, you will find that each position varies in live-in nanny responsibilities, but here are general guidelines of what to expect:

• Live-in nannies are generally required to prepare the children for school and take them to either the bus stop or the school. You are usually responsible for taking them to and from extracurricular activities, as well.
• A live-in nanny is usually responsible for feeding the children all meals.
• You will be responsible for disciplining the children. Any rules and discipline should coincide with the parents' methods. You should discuss this with the parents when you are hired.
• You will arrange to play dates for the children, host play dates (if OKed by the parent) and help the children with schoolwork.

These are basic guidelines of what your responsibilities will be and you should ask the parents what else might be expected of you.

Live-In Nanny: Maid or Childcare?

As a live-in nanny, your main job is to care for the children. If the family is expecting you to clean their home or clean up after their pets, you should question whether they are looking for a nanny or a housekeeper. Generally, a live-in nanny will do some light housekeeping, such as picking up after the children in her care. You should not be expected to clean up the family's dishes after dinner or make the parents' bed. If this is part of the job description, you should request extra pay or look for another nanny position.

Perks for Live-In Nannies

When searching for a live-in nanny job, you might notice that the pay is less than that of a live-out nanny. The reason for this is that room and board is usually deducted from the pay, but employers will sometimes offer perks to make the job more appealing.

Many live-in nanny jobs include the use of a car, even on your days off. While it's not required, reconsider a job that doesn't allow the use of a car at some point during the week.

Other perks that may come with a live-in nanny job is a membership to a health club and weekend trips for free (and without kids) for extra work done throughout the year. Other times, a live-in nanny may be given plane tickets for a visit home.

There can be many perks with a live-in nanny job, but it's important to have them clearly outlined in your contract before taking the position.