There are numerous ways to provide care for children. If you’re new to the sector or want to change up the services you already provide, you may be unsure of your options. Nannies and mother’s helpers are two of the most common options for parents looking for care beyond babysitters. However, many people mix up these two titles. Here’s a review of the distinctions between a full-charge nanny and a mother’s helper, as well as the perks of each, to help you decide which option best matches your work aspirations.
A mother’s helper does precisely what their title suggests: they assist parents. The most significant distinction between a nanny and a mother’s helper is that a mother’s helper does not have sole custody of the children for long periods of time. The majority of their working hours are spent while one of their parents is at home.
Mother’s helpers work with a wide range of families, but they are particularly in demand by families with numerous children, parents who work from home or stay at home, and families with babies and small children. They help with a variety of childcare tasks, as well as light housekeeping, shopping, running errands, food preparation, and cooking. A mother’s helper may babysit the kids alone for brief periods of time, such as while a parent runs errands or goes to an appointment, but their day-to-day responsibilities don’t normally include long lengths of time as the sole caretaker. Part-time or flexible hours are the most frequent schedules for this position. Mother’s helpers may also have less experience than a professional caregiver.
Being a full-charge nanny, on the other hand, entails having complete responsibility for the children when their parents are away for long periods of time. Nannies are usually full-time or part-time personnel with a lot of expertise. It is customary for them to have substantial training and education as well as obtain work perks. They may accompany families on vacations or be in charge of children’s activities. While a nanny may be assigned extra duties such as cooking, shopping, or light housekeeping, their primary role is to look after the children.
So, how can you know which option is the best fit for you? They both provide opportunities to get significant caring experience. Finally, think about what you value in your workplace and how you want your day-to-day job to look.
If you want to obtain more experience in the childcare business but don’t necessarily want a career that allows you full control, you can consider becoming a mother’s helper. If you enjoy working in groups, being a mother’s assistant can help you learn vital skills as a caretaker while also allowing you to work as part of a team. If you want part-time hours or a more flexible schedule, a mother’s helper role can be a good option. And because the skills you develop as a mother’s assistant can be used to a variety of caregiver tasks, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to advance into other childcare careers.
Those who want more autonomy in their work, have more experience, or want something that more closely approaches formal employment may be better suited for a full-charge nanny position. Nannying is a career that generally requires more commitment, competence, and the ability to work well on your own. While there is still flexibility and room for all levels of experience, it is a vocation that generally demands more commitment, expertise, and the ability to work well on your own. If you have extensive expertise and education, working as a full-time nanny allows you to put those abilities to use and grow on them.
In the end, both mother’s helpers and full-time nannies are well regarded by the families for whom they serve. While the specifics of their work may differ, they all have the same purpose in mind: to provide passionate care and contribute value to the lives of the families they serve.
