When we think of a nanny, the primary image that comes to mind is of a caregiver—someone who offers a nurturing environment, ensures safety, and tends to the basic needs of the children they’re entrusted with. However, in an age where every edge in education is highly valued, some families also expect their nannies to act as tutors.
Is this fair, and what are the consequences?
Understanding The Primary Role of a Nanny
First, it’s essential to define the primary role of a nanny. Nannies are primarily responsible for children’s well-being. This includes feeding, changing diapers, ensuring they’re safe, and providing emotional support. As the kids grow older, the responsibilities may extend to driving them to activities, helping with homework, and teaching them essential life skills.
The Dilemma: Nanny or Tutor?
However, there’s a thin line between helping with homework and actual tutoring.
Tutoring requires specific skills, training, and sometimes certification.
It’s a focused task that requires one-on-one attention, and if a nanny is expected to provide in-depth academic support while also taking care of other children and household duties, it can quickly become overwhelming. This expectation can lead to what’s known as “job creep,” where tasks slowly expand without an increase in pay or a clear discussion of the changed responsibilities.
Think about it…
You wouldn’t ask your child’s teacher to instruct while also cooking dinner, juggling activities, and finishing up a load of laundry.
The Financial Discrepancy
Additionally, let’s address the elephant in the room: tutors often earn significantly more per hour than nannies. There’s a good reason for this. Tutors are specialists. They often have training or qualifications in a particular subject, use specialized materials, and their primary goal is to advance a student’s understanding in specific areas.
Nannies, while experts in child care, don’t typically have formalized training in specific academic subjects. Therefore, expecting a nanny to perform the role of a tutor without compensating them at a tutor’s rate is both unrealistic and unfair.
Solutions to the Challenge
- Open Communication: If you expect your nanny to also take on tutoring duties, this needs to be communicated clearly from the outset and agreed upon in the Nanny Working Agreement. The roles and responsibilities should be defined, and expectations should be set. Inquire with the nanny about which subjects they feel confident in handling and for which ones they might need external assistance.
- Fair Compensation: Recognize the added value a nanny brings when they also tutor. Consider offering pay that is reflective of both roles or hiring a separate tutor for focused academic support. This conversation should be on-going as the children grow older and their need for support evolves.
- Training and Support: If your nanny is willing to tutor but lacks specific skills, consider investing in training courses or materials to aid them.
- Listen and Adjust: If the nanny conveys that the children’s educational requirements exceed her expertise, kindly acknowledge her perspective and think about bringing in a specialized tutor. It’s essential to remember that a nanny’s primary role isn’t academic tutoring, so it’s unjust to blame or reprimand her for not possessing this particular skillset.
While the blend of a nanny and tutor might seem like a cost-effective solution for the parents, it’s essential to understand the demands of each role. Respect, clarity, and fair compensation will ensure that your child receives the best of both worlds without overburdening or undervaluing your nanny.
