Caring for children is a full-time job and, indeed, no easy task. Busy families that put in long hours at work and have other outside responsibilities can significantly benefit from the assistance of a private childcare provider. The type of support that would work best for your family relies heavily on many different things, including what level of care your children and household need and the formalities of your home. Childcare can range from babysitters and au pairs to the more steady and professional career roles of nannies and governesses. This blog aims to discuss the major differences between nannies and governesses and help you figure out which may be better suited for your family, depending on your specific needs.
What is a Nanny?
Nannies are experienced domestic professionals entrusted with caring for children through personalized emotional, behavioral, developmental, and educational support. They handle everything from shuttling children to school and activities, preparing children’s meals, bathing and dressing, planning activities and engaging in academic and creative play, managing children’s schedules, shopping for items related to children (i.e., toys and clothing), handling household needs pertaining to the children in their care (i.e., laundry and cleaning), tracking milestones and ensuring children achieving their developmental goals, and providing educational support, such as homework help or providing supplemental educational activities.
As with any industry, most nannies will often have different specialties (i.e., infant nannies or afterschool nannies), and possibly the highest subset of the nanny genre is the governess.
What is a Governess?
As stated above, a governess is a type of nanny whose position focuses more on a child’s educational development than their physical or emotional well-being. This is not to say governesses do not and can not ALSO manage the finer responsibilities related to childcare; it just means that, typically, the focus of their position is often on the more academic side of a child’s needs. As time has passed, the nanny industry has become a desirable career path, and its practitioners have begun to need more specialized knowledge and training. What passed for a governess two centuries ago is now what many families expect from a nanny. Today’s governesses will, more often than not, have education-related degrees, including postgraduate studies and several years of experience in education and childcare, as well as individualized special skills.
Families who choose a governess’s services do so for various reasons. They may need the flexibility to travel without affecting the quality of their child’s education, or they might live in a remote area. Some families hire governesses in addition to regular schooling; these candidates are often seen as specialized tutors who provide extra instruction in a child’s regular academic subjects and extracurricular learning, such as French or piano. Some families who enlist the help of governesses often require a tailored curriculum for their children and/or a level of personal security that outside schooling cannot provide.
What is the Difference in Cost?
The cost of a nanny can vary greatly depending on your location and the requirements of your role. In high-cost-of-living areas such as New York City or the Bay Area, the hourly rate for a full-time nanny caring for a baby starts at about $30/hr gross. On the other hand, a governess usually starts closer to $50/hr, but some exceptional leaders in this field can easily make upwards of 200K annually.
Choosing the Right Professional for Your Family
Both nannies and governesses can be integral in the growth and development of a child, so the decision of which one to hire is highly personal. Families with very young children can often benefit from the services of a nanny, especially when it comes to handling basic care needs. If you already have a good education plan for your child, nanny services may be best suited for you; however, suppose you are interested in home-schooling your child. In that case, if you desire extra educational lessons or your child has learning challenges, a governess may be the ideal option to consider. The big difference between the two jobs is educational training, so consider what you want for your child’s education plan as a starting point.
If you are still unsure which professional is right for you, please get in touch with the experienced and caring staff at the Nanny Authority at 973-466-2669 or info@nannyauthority.com. We have been connecting families with nannies and governesses for decades and are ready to listen to your needs and help you make the best choice. Our detailed screening process is second to none, encompassing an in-person interview, extensive reference checking, and thorough background checks – all while listening to your specific needs. We pride ourselves on efficiency and never wasting a moment of your time. We look forward to serving you and helping your children get the outstanding care and education they deserve.