Nanny / Housekeeper
What to expect as a nanny/housekeeper…
What to Expect in a Nanny-Housekeeper Role
A nanny-housekeeper role combines childcare responsibilities with household duties. While the balance between these tasks varies depending on the family’s needs, understanding the key expectations will help you prepare for the role.
1. Childcare Responsibilities
As a nanny-housekeeper, your primary responsibility may still be childcare, including:
- Supervising and engaging with children in age-appropriate activities.
- Preparing meals and snacks for the children.
- Assisting with morning and bedtime routines.
- Helping with school drop-offs and pick-ups if required.
- Assisting with homework or educational activities.
- Bathing, dressing, and maintaining children’s hygiene.
- Organizing playdates and social activities.
- Providing a safe and nurturing environment.
2. Housekeeping Duties
In addition to childcare, you will also be responsible for general housekeeping tasks, such as:
- Cleaning and tidying children’s rooms and play areas.
- Washing, folding, and ironing children’s laundry (and possibly family laundry).
- Vacuuming, dusting, and mopping common areas.
- Cleaning kitchens, including washing dishes and wiping surfaces.
- Managing household organization, such as sorting clothes and toys.
- Grocery shopping and restocking household essentials.
- Preparing family meals (if included in your responsibilities).
- Light deep-cleaning tasks (depending on family expectations).
3. Time Management & Task Prioritization
Balancing childcare with housekeeping requires strong time management skills. Families may expect different levels of cleaning depending on how much childcare is involved:
- More Childcare-Focused Role: Light housekeeping while children nap or attend school.
- Balanced Role: Sharing time between childcare and housekeeping throughout the day.
- More Housekeeping-Focused Role: Deep cleaning while children are in school or under parental care.
Communicating with the family about priorities is essential to ensure a manageable workload.
4. Communication & Family Expectations
Since every family has unique needs, clear communication is crucial. Expect to:
- Discuss daily and weekly expectations upfront.
- Clarify any additional responsibilities, such as pet care or meal planning.
- Set boundaries to ensure a fair balance between childcare and housekeeping.
- Update parents on the children’s activities and any concerns.
- Keep a flexible but structured approach to managing tasks.
5. Required Skills & Qualities
To succeed as a nanny-housekeeper, you should have:
- Organizational Skills: Managing household tasks efficiently.
- Multi-tasking Ability: Handling childcare and housekeeping simultaneously.
- Attention to Detail: Maintaining cleanliness and order in the home.
- Patience & Adaptability: Adjusting to family routines and children’s needs.
- Cooking Skills: If meal preparation is required.
- Discretion & Professionalism: Respecting family privacy and personal preferences.
6. Who is Best Suited for This Role?
A nanny-housekeeper role is ideal for individuals who:
- Enjoy working with children and maintaining a tidy, organized home.
- Have strong stamina and the ability to balance multiple tasks efficiently.
- Are adaptable and comfortable with changing daily routines.
- Take pride in creating a clean, welcoming, and structured environment.
- Are self-motivated and able to work independently without constant supervision.
- Have a positive, patient attitude when managing both childcare and housekeeping duties.
7. Work Schedule & Compensation
- Hours vary depending on whether it’s a live-in or live-out role.
- Compensation depends on experience, responsibilities, and location.
- Some families provide additional benefits, such as paid time off or accommodations (for live-in roles).
Final Thoughts
A nanny-housekeeper role can be rewarding for those who enjoy both childcare and maintaining a well-run home. Understanding family expectations, staying organized, and communicating effectively will help ensure success in the role. Always discuss specific responsibilities with the family before starting to avoid misunderstandings and ensure a positive working relationship.
