Every once in a while we will get some questions about why a certain occupation or demographic group would hire a nanny.  We thought we would attempt to answer the most popular of those in one gigantic page.  So here it is:

10 Reasons Why Teachers Hire Nannies

Teachers are among our most valuable national resources; dedicated educators put in long hours, which can present a challenge for those with families and children of their own to care for. After weighing their childcare options, many opt for private, in-home care over center-based choices; here are ten of the reasons why.

1. Their Children Are Too Young For School – In some situations, teachers are able to arrange for their children to be involved in after-school activities if they attend the school in which they teach. This arrangement is ideal, as it allows the teacher and their children to arrive and leave together, largely eliminating the need for outside childcare. However, if the children are too young to attend school or are currently enrolled in a different school, it generally creates the need for before and after school care.
2. They Also Coach a Sport – Coaching a sport in addition to the standard workload of teaching an academic class can make for late evenings; as a result, kids may return home earlier than their teacher/coach parent and require supplemental care.
3. Sponsoring Clubs and Academic Groups – As with athletic coaching, teachers who sponsor a club or act as the advisor for an academic group will invariably have to stay on campus long after classes end in order to fill their roles.
4. Customizable Care Plans – Daycare centers typically charge monthly or quarterly fees without regard to the number of days that kids will be attending. During school breaks and holidays, teachers may find themselves paying for care that their children don’t require; however, working with a private provider offers the opportunity to fully customize their payment plan and scheduling.
5. In-Service Days – Though students don’t attend school on in-service days, teachers are still required to come in. This is one of the many situations that would require outside care for school-aged children, and can often cause teachers to seek a nanny to fill those needs.
6. Helping to Prevent Sick Days – Daycare centers are hotbeds of infectious illness, which can be quite problematic for teachers. Instead of sending their children to a daycare center and running the risk of contracting a cold or flu that they then pass on to their own students, some teachers opt to hire a nanny to look after their kids.
7. Understanding of Kids’ Needs – Because teachers work with children in a professional capacity, they have an innate understanding of the individual needs and demands of their own children. Some may not be well-suited to the environment of a large daycare center, spurring teachers to engage a private nanny instead.
8. Firsthand Experience With the Importance of Tutoring and Homework Help – Just as the proverbial cobbler’s children went without shoes, the children of teachers can find themselves in need of homework help and tutoring that their parent cannot provide due to the long hours of doing so for their students at work. By hiring a private nanny with the proper qualifications, teachers can ensure that their kids have access to the homework help they need.
9. Mentoring a Future Educator – College students with aspirations of becoming teachers themselves often seek a nanny position to provide them with relevant work experience and the chance to become acclimated to working with children. When teachers act as mentors for these students and have children of their own, they may offer such a position in order to help their student teachers progress.
10. Early Mornings and Late Nights – Daycare centers generally have very specific hours, which may start too late and end too early to meet the needs of teachers. Often, educators must report to school long before classes begin and are required to stay far later; as a result, obtaining private childcare may be their only option.

Each family is different, and their childcare needs reflect their uniqueness. There are an almost endless number of reasons why some teachers opt for nanny care while some make other arrangements; still, finding the solution that best fits their family is the goal of any parent.

10 Reasons Why Construction Workers Hire Nannies

Working in the construction or contracting field can be very demanding; when the need to secure reliable and high-quality childcare is added to a construction worker’s already-heavy load, the stress can be overwhelming. When faced with the need for childcare, here are ten of the reasons why many contractors and construction professionals choose nannies.

1. Very Early Reporting Times – Quite often, construction workers and contractors have to report to a job site well before their children are even awake. In such cases, waking them up to take them to a daycare center may be less than ideal, causing them to choose a private nanny who can come in early or live in the home to be there when the children wake up.
2. Scheduling Flexibility – When deadlines loom and bad weather descends, construction workers may be required to shuffle their schedules around to meet demands. Traditional daycare centers generally charge a flat fee each week or month, regardless of how often a child comes in and may not be open on weekends, making them an inflexible choice for those who work a schedule that could change with the weather forecast.
3. Seasonal Care Plans – During colder months, construction jobs may be fewer and farther between, reducing the need for childcare dramatically. During warmer times, work is likely to be booming and construction workers may be away from home for the bulk of their day. Because hiring a nanny allows for a much more flexible, customizable plan, some construction workers and contractors may choose this route.
4. Making a Traveling Position Possible – Traveling construction jobs can be very lucrative, but may also be out of reach for workers that rely upon center-based childcare. By hiring a nanny and planning accordingly, these higher-paying positions may be more accessible.
5. Opening Availability to Bid on New Projects – For contractors that are responsible for acquiring new jobs and overseeing their completion, being able to leave at a moment’s notice to bid on a project can make all the difference. By hiring a nanny, contractors aren’t beholden to a daycare center’s schedule, and are free to seek out new projects.
6. Accommodating a Promotion – With a higher pay grade comes more responsibility; this is true in any career field. In the construction filed, however, receiving a promotion can mean much longer hours and create a need for private, in-home childcare to meet their needs.
7. For Extended Household Help – Nannies are traditionally only responsible for chores and household tasks directly related to the care of her charges. Some, however, may be willing to provide extended household services, provided that the arrangement is discussed in advance and they’re being appropriately compensated.
8. Can Be More Financially Sound – As previously mentioned, daycare centers tend to charge their standard fee whether a child is present one day out of the week or five. When bad weather and other factors can influence scheduling, hiring a nanny may make more financial sense than paying daycare fees.
9. Their Children Are Too Young For School – Older children can attend after-school programs that are specially designed to keep them from being at home alone after school, which can eliminate much of a contractor’s need for childcare. When kids are too young for school and thus ineligible for these programs, however, a nanny might be the most logical choice.
10. Meeting Kids’ Emotional Needs – Every child is different; some may need plenty of individual attention from a trusted adult, while others are little social butterflies that thrive in a crowded daycare environment. For construction workers with children of the former variety, a nanny is the best choice for meeting their emotional needs.

The flexibility and customizable scheduling of a private nanny is one of the biggest attractors for construction workers that are also parents. Depending on the hours that they work and the types of childcare available on the local level, nannies may be the only reasonable choice to accommodate the needs of their busy family.

10 Reasons Why Nurses Hire Nannies

Though it can be one of the most rewarding careers out there, nursing can also be one of the most physically and emotionally draining. When nurses are also parents, they’re faced with the need to secure childcare that meets their sometimes-complicated needs; here are ten of the reasons why some may choose to hire a nanny rather than the alternatives.

1. Demanding Occupation – Even the most seasoned veterans return from a nursing shift physically and mentally exhausted from the demands of the ill and injured. Many nurses opt to hire in-home care for their children in order to ensure that as many of the childcare-related household tasks are done as possible, so that time spent as a family is of good quality rather than energy expended on chores.
2. Unforgiving Schedules – While the typical daycare center operates during traditional business hours, many nurses work schedules that begin very early in the morning, very late at night or anywhere in between. Traditional center-based care may simply be unavailable during the times that nurses are working, forcing them to engage a nanny.
3. Keeping Kids Healthy – Nurses don’t take sick days, but also can’t come to work with a communicable illness. Daycare centers are notorious for the spread of minor childhood diseases, colds and bacterial infections. In order to keep kids healthy, and themselves by extension, many nurses may choose a private nanny for their childcare needs.
4. Holiday and School Break Care – Though schools and daycare centers are closed on major holidays, hospitals are not. Nurses that work during these periods will still need reliable childcare, which may only be available to them through a nanny.
5. Can Be a More Affordable Option – On the rare occasion that an around-the-clock daycare center can be found, it’s can be prohibitively expensive. For nurses that work irregular hours, hiring a full-time nanny can be a much more financially sound choice.
6. For Additional Household Help – While most nannies balk at the idea of providing services that aren’t directly related to childcare, with proper arrangements and compensation, some may be willing to perform light household chores. This can be invaluable to overworked nurses that simply do not have time to handle everything and still spend quality time with their families.
7. To Accommodate On-Call Shifts – Most nurses will, at some point or another, be forced to work on-call shifts. When they may have to rush out at a moment’s notice, having a live-in nanny to step into their role as care provider can make all the difference.
8. Scheduling Flexibility – Daycare centers not only have rigid hours of operation; they also tend to charge a flat fee regardless of how often children are under their care. This inflexibility can make center-based care a less than adequate choice for working nurses, who may instead opt to engage a nanny.
9. Customizing Their Childcare Plan – Hiring a nanny makes it easy for busy nurses to completely customize their children’s childcare experience. When time is at a premium, the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your nanny is flexible and willing to accommodate you can be priceless.
10. To Continue Their Education – Many nurses would choose to continue their education in order to receive promotions or a higher pay rate, but cite childcare concerns among their main reasons for not doing so. By hiring a full-time, live-in nanny, nurses can free up enough time to pursue their dreams.

While the majority of nurses may work unpredictable and lengthy schedules, there are plenty of private-practice and clinic nurses that do not. For some, daycare may be both a feasible and desirable option. For others, however, hiring a nanny might be the only way to ensure that their children receive quality care regardless of the hour.

10 Reasons Why Parents Who Are Business Owners Hire Nannies

The decision to open and operate your own business can be a dream come true for many; however, when those dreams coincide with parenthood, an entirely new set of complications are introduced. When small business owners have children, here are ten of the reasons they may choose a nanny for their childcare needs.

1. Demanding Schedules – Any small business owner knows that turning off the “Open” sign is no indicator that the work day is finished. Handling the administrative and management duties of a business can extend well into the evening hours, long after daycare centers have closed their doors for the night. As a result, many business owners choose to engage a full-time nanny.
2. Their Business is Brand New – Well-established businesses can be easier for owners to juggle with the demands of parenthood, but brand new ventures require the bulk of an owner’s time and energy. During the essential first year, hiring a nanny could be the best way to ensure that kids get the individual attention they need while the business is being nurtured as well.
3. Children Aren’t Yet School Age – Depending on the type of business they run and the hours of operation, some owner-operator parents can forgo childcare altogether as they work within the frame of the school day. When kids are too young for school, however, hiring outside care might be the only option.
4. The Environment Isn’t Suitable For Small Children – While some businesses are perfectly safe and reasonable for small children to explore, others may not be. Parents that own garages, body shops or other businesses with heavy and potentially dangerous machinery might not feel safe letting their kids spend the day on site, and may hire a nanny instead.
5. Creating a Customizable Care Plan – Being able to tailor the type of care their children receive to the individual needs of their own family and business demands is one of the biggest reasons why parents that own a small business choose to engage a nanny.
6. Both Parents Are Involved in the Running of the Business – Children of two-parent households in which both parents are actively involved in the operation and management of a small business are likely to need care during hours that daycare centers aren’t in operation. In such cases, a nanny may be not only the best choice for kids’ emotional wellbeing, but also the only available choice.
7. Financial Benefits – Savvy entrepreneurs know how to assess the financial benefits of any investment they make. Many business owners see hiring a live-in nanny as the wise financial option, when they calculate in the tax write-offs and other savings.
8. Covering Holidays and School Breaks – Businesses that are open on holidays and other times when schools and daycare centers are traditionally closed may force their owners to seek alternate childcare; often, their first choice is to engage a nanny.
9. Helping Kids Transition to a Two-Working-Parent Household – Children that are accustomed to having one parent in the home might have a difficult time adjusting to a household in which both parents are involved with the running of a new business. By hiring a nanny to care for their children in the familiar environment of their own home and to interact with kids on an individual level, parents can help their youngsters adjust to these changes.
10. Keeping Kids Healthy – When children bring home viral and bacterial illnesses that they’ve picked up in daycare, they often pass them along to their parents. Taking sick days can have an adverse affect on a new business, so parents may opt to hire a private nanny in an attempt to keep their children and themselves healthy.

Many business owners that also employ nannies make the mistake of declaring their nanny’s salary and benefits as a business expense. Almost invariably, the IRS considers nannies domestic workers and, as such, a personal expense. New business owners should be careful to keep their nanny’s salary separate from their business expenses, in order to protect themselves and their investment.

10 Reasons Why Single Dads Hire Nannies

Becoming a single dad can be one of the most challenging and daunting tasks a man ever faces, especially if he’ll be assuming sole or primary custody of his young children. There are a seemingly endless number of decisions that must be made when a two-parent household becomes one of the single-parent variety, not the least of which is securing childcare. Here are ten of the reasons why some single dads may opt for private nanny care, rather than center-based daycare.

1. Helping Kids to Transition – Dealing with separation and divorce is hard for an entire family unit, but can be especially difficult for young children. During the transition, kids can act out and exhibit problematic behavior in crowded daycare centers, but may be more calm under the care of a trusted nanny in a familiar environment.
2. Providing a Female Role Model – If Mom is removed from the picture altogether, kids will need a strong female figure in their lives. Engaging a private, long-term nanny can be one of the best ways to ensure that kids get to interact with a female role model on a daily basis.
3. Meeting Kids’ Emotional Needs – Kids that are in the process of dealing with the loss of a parent, a separation or a divorce may need more individual attention and one-on-one time than their peers. An in-home childcare provider can ensure that her charges’ emotional needs are met, usually far better than an overworked daycare employee with several children under their care.
4. Extended or Non-Traditional Work Hours – When single dads work overtime or the late shift, daycare centers may not be able to provide the extended-hours care that his children need. Often, single dads in this position hire a nanny to ensure that kids are well cared for, even late in the evening or very early in the morning.
5. For Household Assistance – Though nannies are typically only responsible for chores directly related to childcare, some will perform other household tasks as outlined in a nanny agreement for fair compensation. For busy, overworked dads, this help can be a blessing.
6. Potentially More Affordable – In many cases, hiring a private nanny can be less expensive that paying monthly daycare fees. Late pick-ups penalties alone can be exorbitant, especially if they’re a common occurrence. When crunching numbers reveals that an experienced nanny’s salary is equal to or less than daycare fees, many single dads choose the personalized care of a nanny.
7. Creating the Possibility of Personal Time – Single parents work hard, but they also need a chance to get away from time to time. Whether they’re enjoying a solitary cup of coffee or having dinner in a restaurant without arcade games, dads that employ a nanny can slip away for a bit of much needed “me time” on occasion.
8. They Have Sole Custody – When circumstances are such that single dads have sole custody of their children, hiring a nanny for in-home childcare services is almost a necessity. Working long hours and running a household alone can be more than one man can do; a nanny can be just the thing to help ends meet.
9. Unaccustomed to Acting as Kids’ Primary Caregiver – Dads that aren’t used to assuming the role of primary caregiver can be overwhelmed by the demands of the job if they’re thrust into it unexpectedly. Hiring an experienced nanny can be one of the best ways for a formerly hands-off dad to learn the ropes and juggle the many tasks that come with single parenting.
10. Nanny-Sharing With Former Partner – Dads who share joint custody with their former spouse might find that kids react better to being shuffled between households when their childcare provider is a constant fixture in both homes. Setting up a nanny-share might be the best way to meet both childcare and kids’ emotional needs in one fell swoop.

Losing a parent, whether through divorce or something even more difficult, is always a terrible thing for a child; recovering from the blow of this loss can be a long journey. With the help of a dedicated father and an experienced, gentle childcare provider, kids can learn to deal with the dissolution of their household and separation of their parents.

10 Reasons Why Single Moms Hire Nannies

It’s no secret that life as a single mom comes with its share of challenges. When a household is reduced to one working adult at the helm, there are an endless array of decisions and arrangements that must be made simply to keep everything running as smoothly as possible. Making the right childcare choice for a single-parent family can be tough; here are ten reasons why some single moms choose nannies over center-based daycare.

1. May Be More Cost Effective – Depending on the number of children you have and the typical length of your work week, engaging a private nanny may be less expensive than daycare center fees and also provides more one-on-one interaction.
2. Working More Than One Job – Single moms that find themselves faced with the necessity of working two or even three jobs to make ends meet aren’t likely to be a good fit for traditional daycare, as their limited hours of operation may not cover evening and late-night shifts.
3. “Mannies” For Male Role Models – When a father is suddenly removed from the family unit or hasn’t been reliably present through a child’s life, the need for a positive male role model is very real. Both boys and girls need the influence of a strong male figure, which can be provided by a qualified “manny,” or male nanny.
4. Creating a Support System – Often, nannies become a valued part of the family unit over time. When a nanny is also a trusted friend, it can help single moms to build a much-needed support system during a difficult time and also ensures that kids receive the best possible care.
5. Providing Stability and Routine – When parents separate, it throws a child’s entire life into upheaval. Engaging one nanny to care for your children in your home can help them to feel more secure and begin rebuilding a routine, which is one of the best ways to help them transition through a trying time.
6. Keeping Kids On Top of Schoolwork – Working long hours can keep mom out of the house during that crucial after-school period when homework is typically done. Being bussed into daycare can put kids in an environment that’s too stimulating and distracting to be conducive to homework, which could fall to the wayside and affect school performance. Coming home to a nanny that can help them when it’s needed and coach them through assignments is one of the best solutions to keep the grades of kids in single-parent households up.
7. Because Even the Strongest Moms Need Help Sometimes – Single mothers have more stamina than a superhero, but even the toughest have limits to what they can reasonably accomplish. An in-home childcare provider can be invaluable when it comes to helping single moms fill the gaps and manage a hectic household.
8. There’s No Extended Family Nearby – Solo moms often rely on their extended family for help. However, when family is far away or non-existent, that support and assistance is missing. Hiring a nanny to care for the kids and handle childcare-related chores can provide some much-needed help to overworked single mommies.
9. Meeting Kids’ Need For Individual Attention – Some kids need one-on-one attention more than others, but those that are still trying to process a divorce are sure to need some extra TLC. Instead of sending bewildered kids to a daycare center, hiring a private nanny can help meet that need.
10. Staying Informed About Kids’ Lives – By necessity, workers in a large daycare center are typically only aware of the big events in their charges lives, which can make it difficult for single moms to get an accurate run-down each day. Part of staying involved in your children’s lives when you have to spend the bulk of your time away from them is to stay informed; in this capacity, a private nanny can be a priceless asset. By giving you a quick update at the end of every shift on both large and small events during the day, she’ll be helping you to stay informed and your kids to feel that their lives are important to you.

There are no universally-suitable childcare options for any parent, single or otherwise. Having a clear idea of what your needs are and how they can best be filled is the first step to making this all-important decision regarding the care of your children.

10 Reasons for Hiring a Nanny instead of a Governess

Long ago, families used to hire a governess to educate their children. The practice died out after World War II. Since that time, only the extremely wealthy and those living in very remote places have chosen to hire governesses for their children. Recently however, there has been an increase in families who hire them. There are many reasons to hire governess, but there are also reasons to hire a nanny instead and we’ve listed some of those reasons below.

1. Infant care – Some parents are confused about the difference between a governess and a nanny. A governess is hired for the education of school aged children. A nanny is hired for any age child and she attends to the child’s daily needs. In the case of infant care, there are some nannies that specialize in taking care of newborns and babies. These people know all about the milestones an infant should reach and when and what to look for in healthy babies and how to care for sick babies.
2. Basic childcare – If you need someone to watch the kids and keep them occupied and help with their daily routine, you want to hire a nanny. A nanny is trained to do all these things and more. A governess on the other hand attends to the children’s studies.
3. Transporting kids – A nanny can act as chauffeur for the kids. Children have all sorts of activities away from home that they must attend and sometimes parents just don’t have the time and sometimes two kids need to be in two different places at the same time. A nanny can help alleviate some of the stress of trying to get the kids to their different activities.
4. Cooking for the kids – A governess is not going to cook for the children. On the other hand, if it’s part of the job description, a nanny will gladly take one some of the responsibility for getting the kids fed.
5. Doing errands – Nannies will often help with other errands that need to be done, especially if they are out with the kids anyway. Some errands a nanny might do are: picking up or dropping off laundry, grocery shopping, bank runs, etc. Unless it will benefit the education of the child, a governess is not likely to run any errands for you.
6. Light housework – Many nannies include picking up after the children as part of their daily duties. They will keep the kid’s area neat and clean and perhaps sometimes even help with other household chores as long as it doesn’t interfere with their main duty of caring for the children.
7. Keeping the kids busy – Kids can get bored easily once their work is completed and if they feel they have nothing else to do. Nannies are trained to entertain kids and help them learn how to occupy themselves. As the old saying goes, “Wise is he and fortunate too, who finds something to do when there’s nothing to do.” A good nanny will help the kids develop this skill. The governess will keep the kids busy with schoolwork.
8. General help with the kids – Some people just need someone to help out with the kids. Whatever the reason, nannies can provide that support. Working in tandem with the parents, the nanny can free up time for parents to have more time for themselves or in some instances less worry about having to choose between caring for the kids and getting a job done for work.
9. The governess is an education specialist – If you are looking solely for someone to educate your children at home, then a governess is the way to go. If you are looking for someone to help with more than their education, then you want to hire a nanny.
10. Nannies can be more flexible – Because of the nature of their jobs, nannies can be more flexible in what they provide. They can be depended upon to attend to many areas of a child’s life and though they are not usually equipped to take on the entire education of a child, they often are able to help tutor children.

Knowing the difference in what a nanny does and what a governess does will help you to make the right choice for the job you need covered in your family. If your kids are school aged and you are satisfied with the school but you still need someone to help out with them, you may want to look into hiring a nanny with tutoring skills.

10 Reasons Why Pastors Hire Nannies

Clergy have huge responsibilities taking care of the people in their congregation. The nature of the position requires major sacrifices on their part and their families. While the pastor is trying to help others, one must wonder who is helping the pastor. It should come as no surprise that leaders of larger congregations must enlist the help of others in order to keep their own homes running smoothly. Part of that may mean hiring a nanny. Below are some reasons why a pastor may do so.

1. Erratic schedules – Many clergy are at the beck and call of their congregants. That means they must be available whenever they are needed. Having a nanny to care for the kids allows the pastor to meet the needs of the people without disrupting the lives of the children.
2. Reliable childcare – For a pastor with a family, reliable childcare is critical. A nanny who can be depended upon to be available when needed and competently care for the children makes it easier for the pastor to attend to church business without worrying about the kids.
3. Pastoral teams – Often times the pastor’s spouse shares in the pastoral ministry; they often work together as a team and are equally involved in the ministry of the church. Many times, both parents are now ordained ministers, sometimes serving in the same congregation, sometimes in two different congregations. Having dependable childcare in the home becomes a near necessity for these parents.
4. Transportation for the kids – School aged kids are usually involved in many extra curricular activities. When included in the job description, nannies are obligated to take the kids to these events. This allows the parents freedom to do what they need to do, and in the case of pastors, it means that, should an emergency arise, there will be little or no impact on what the kids need to do.
5. Light housekeeping – Most nannies include light housekeeping where the children are concerned as part of their position. For a pastor with a busy schedule this is very helpful. It means the house will always be presentable should one of their frequent visitors arrive.
6. Cooking evening meals – Many nannies also will cook for the children as part of their duties if necessary. Evenings can be tough on clergy since many church meetings take place after regular business hours to accommodate the layperson. Knowing that the kids will be fed takes one more burden off busy pastors.
7. Infant care – Infants can take up a lot of time and active pastors may have to make a choice between taking care of the baby and taking care of the congregation. Hiring a nanny with expertise in infant care makes the choice much easier. Nannies can attend church functions with the pastor’s family or remain at home, caring for the infant, so that both parents can be available to the congregants.
8. Additional tasks – No doubt there are errands that need to be run both for the kids and for the household in general such as grocery shopping, picking up the laundry, post office runs, etc. Oftentimes a nanny is able to help with these additional tasks. This allows the pastor more time to spend with the kids or if necessary, time to attend to church responsibilities.
9. Entertaining the kids – Nannies are trained in ways to make good use of free time for kids. So often these days kids are plugged into some electronic device. The right nanny has alternative suggestions for children and can lead them in activities that can be productive and entertaining. When pastors have meetings to attend or events to officiate, the nanny can keep the kids busy.
10. Support for the kids – Being a preacher’s kid is not an easy task. However, the nanny can provide much needed support for the kids if there is good rapport between them. A well screened nanny will uphold the standards fitting the position the kids are in, and provide them the moral guidance and freedom of expression that they will need as they grow older.

Laypersons don’t often realize the sacrifice that’s made by the pastor’s family. Not only is the pastor called upon to counsel and console congregants and tend to a million other things, but the spouse is often called upon also. Kids can easily feel neglected when their parents need to give so much of themselves to those outside of the family. A dedicated nanny who works closely with the parents can help mitigate some of those feelings of neglect and be a huge asset to the family.

10 Reasons Why Military Families Hire Nannies

When the men and women who fight for our country have families to protect and provide for, the choices that they’re forced to make can be very complicated ones. In many cases, the most pressing issue is choosing the kind of childcare that works best for their very specific needs; here are ten of the reasons why military families often choose private, in-home childcare over public daycare.

1. Unpredictable Schedules – Even in times of peace and limited deployment, the schedule of an active-duty soldier is unpredictable. There are dozens of training exercises and other requirements that keep military personnel coming and going at erratic intervals, making it difficult to plan for center-based daycare in advance. When a non-military spouse works a non-traditional schedule, daycare centers may not even be an option as very few are available for late-night hours.
2. Stationing in a Foreign Country – When soldiers are stationed to foreign posts, such as those in Korea or Germany, they have the option of taking their families along. In these cases, hiring either an American nanny that lives on post with her family can provide a sense of community as well as assistance with childcare. Alternately, hiring a local nanny gives children access to supplemental language instruction from a native speaker.
3. Deployment – All too often, deployments can last for a year or even longer, leaving families suddenly reduced to what is effectively a single-parent household. Engaging a nanny can help the non-military parent to preserve the established family routine as much as possible, rather than sending them into the new environment of a crowded daycare center.
4. Mommy Moral Support – For the wives of servicemen (and the husbands of servicewomen), hiring a nanny provides much more than a childcare option. It can also help them to feel that they have a support system in place, something that’s essential for preserving sanity during a long deployment.
5. Specialized Programs – Many nanny agencies discount their fees and have incentives in place especially designed to cater to military families. When these are taken into account, hiring a full-time nanny can be less expensive and more enriching than sending kids to a daycare center.
6. Manny/Nanny Gender Role Models – In recent years, there’s been a huge spike in the popularity of male nannies, also known as “mannies.” When fathers are deployed, a manny can provide the male role model and companionship that young children need; on the same token, a traditional female nanny can fill a similar role for the female children of deployed servicewomen.
7. One-On-One Care – When a parent is suddenly removed from the household for an extended period of time, kids can suffer from separation anxiety and other emotional problems that may not make them the best candidates for group daycare. Many military families opt instead to hire a nanny, who can fill their child’s need for one-on-one attention and personal care.
8. Creating a Sense of Stability – Deployments, sudden assignments and other unpredictable aspects of life in a military family can make it difficult to foster a sense of stability in young children. By hiring an in-home private childcare provider, kids are greeted by the same face and cared for in the familiar environment of their own home, which can help them to feel more secure than they would otherwise.
9. Tutoring and Homework Help – One of the things that can fall to the wayside when one parent is deployed and the other is forced to work outside of the home is homework help and tutoring. As a result, kids can fall behind in their classes and suffer from feelings of inadequacy, and kids who spend their afternoon in a center may not have access to the homework help that they need. With a dedicated nanny, kids have the benefit of a much smaller environment, with far fewer distractions and an adult that can offer assistance and coaching while parents are outside of the home.
10. Extending the Family Unit – Most military families are stationed far from their own hometowns and extended families, significantly reducing the built-in support system that comes from being part of such a family unit. Even in civilian families, nannies often become a valued part of the family; in the case of military families, this can be one of the most attractive aspects of hiring a private childcare provider.

Working as a nanny for a military family is sure to come with its own set of complications and challenges. At the same time, providing a much-needed service for the men and women who protect our freedoms every day is also guaranteed to be one of the most fulfilling, satisfying experiences that any nanny could have.

10 Reasons Why Physicians Hire Nannies

For households with two working physicians, single-parent households headed by a physician or a family in which one parent is a physician and the other has an equally challenging and unpredictable occupation, center-based public daycare may not be the best option for their family. Here are ten of the reasons why doctors are likely to choose private, in-home care for their children over that provided by a daycare center.

1. Understanding of Communicable Illnesses – It’s no secret that public daycare centers are a hotbed of childhood illnesses; however, doctors have an even more thorough understanding of communicable disease. Often, a reluctance to expose children to the incessant runny noses and sore throats of daycare moves physicians to choose private nanny care for their families.
2. Erratic Schedules – With few exceptions, doctors tend to have wildly unpredictable schedules. Emergency physicians, trauma doctors and other medical professionals with specializations in areas that can’t always be predicted tend to be unsure from one moment to the next when they’ll need childcare. By hiring a live-in nanny and drafting a nanny contract that clearly covers the inevitability of these last-minute emergencies, doctors don’t have to worry about scrambling for childcare when a patient goes into labor or needs emergency surgery.
3. Long Hours – Even private-practice physicians work very long hours, meaning that they’re typically away from home more often than they can be there. Daycare centers are often not available for night-time care, and charge exorbitant fees for late pickups. In many cases, private nanny care is the only thing that makes sense for a doctor’s family.
4. Financial Feasibility – Doctors tend to be financially stable enough to afford things like private childcare; most parents, if presented with the means to do so, would choose a nanny over center-based daycare without hesitation. Because physicians do usually have room in the budget for such things, hiring a nanny is a common choice.
5. Residency Demands – When pregnancies happen unexpectedly, the demands of medical school, internship and residency on top of the strenuous demands of parenthood are quite a lot for young doctors to bear. This scenario almost always requires the availability of a live-in nanny with a specialized contract, as residents may be required to stay in the hospital for well over twenty-four hours at a time.
6. Doctors Can’t Call Out – Daycare centers and schools will send a sick, feverish child home to prevent the spread of communicable illness as much as possible. When this happens, doctors don’t have the ability to call out of work in order to care for them; the best option in this situation is a private childcare provider.
7. Single Parent Physician – Being a single parent is one of the toughest jobs in the world. Pairing it with a career as a physician practically demands the hiring of private, live-in help to balance the requirements of career and home.
8. No Hospital-Based Childcare Options – While some hospitals offer on-site childcare for employees, the majority do not. The very late nights, extremely early mornings and other scheduling idiosyncrasies inherent to a career as a physician in hospitals without such facilities almost always require some form of private childcare, with nannies being the most popular choice.
9. On-Call Shifts – Most doctors are subject to short notice call-ins, and many have scheduled “on-call” shifts in which they can be summoned at a moment’s notice. When every minute counts, being able to leave kids in the care of their live-in nanny rather than interrupt their daily schedule or sleep to drop them off elsewhere is invaluable.
10. Knowledge of Childhood Developmental Needs – All physicians, but especially those with pediatric specialties, understand that every child has their own set of emotional and physical needs. For some children, those needs may not be met in a daycare center, leading their physician parents to choose private nanny care as an alternative.

There are dozens of reasons why many physicians choose to engage a full-time nanny rather than sending their children to center-based daycare, and they’re as varied as the families themselves. While working as a nanny for a busy doctor can be very demanding, it can also be very rewarding and satisfying.

10 Reasons Why Police Officers Hire Nannies

When those who serve and protect are also parents, finding the best possible solution to meet their childcare needs can be a challenge. Sometimes, traditional center-based daycare simply can’t accommodate a police officers children; here are ten of the reasons why some choose to hire a nanny instead.

1. Erratic Hours – Depending on their rank and the size of the force that they serve on, police officers aren’t likely to have the luxury of a set schedule. As a result, building a childcare plan can be a bit of a challenge; the best choice may be to engage private, in-home care that can be customized thoroughly.
2. Non-Traditional Shift Schedules – The police officer who is fortunate enough to have a set schedule still isn’t likely to have one that adheres to the traditional workday model, which may leave them scrambling for late-night and very early morning care that can’t be found in a local daycare center.
3. On-Call Positions – When police officers ascend the ranks, they may find themselves in the position to be frequently on call, which can make finding reliable childcare a nightmare if those calls come in during the small hours. Engaging a live-in nanny is almost invariably the best possible choice for officers in this situation.
4. Safety Concerns – Police officers are, by necessity, exposed to a criminal element that may attempt to retaliate for arrests or convictions by targeting their children. As a result, some do not feel safe sending their children to daycare and prefer the care of a trusted nanny.
5. Distrust of Daycare Screening Processes – In the course of their jobs, police officers encounter the worst of human nature. Knowing the importance of a thorough background screening and that some daycare centers don’t bother may lead them to choose a nanny that they can investigate themselves prior to hiring and thus have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that they’ve covered all of their bases.
6. Sheer Unpredictability of the Profession – By nature, a police officer’s job is unpredictable. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to make concrete plans without factoring in the possibility of sudden schedule changes and unforeseen professional developments. Because childcare needs can change with a moment’s notice, a live-in nanny is often the best choice for law enforcement professionals.
7. Dealing With Fear and Separation Anxiety – As children get older, they start to realize that there’s a higher potential for danger in their police officer parent’s line of work than that of the dentist down the street. The result of this epiphany may be separation anxiety and fear for their parent’s safety that makes them less than well-suited for care in a large daycare center.
8. Keeping Kids at Home – Should a law enforcement officer be so lucky as to find an around-the-clock daycare center, rousing a sleeping child to take them to a care center in the middle of the night because of a work-related emergency is far from ideal. Instead, engaging a nanny allows a police parent to slip out without disturbing their child’s rest.
9. One-On-One Care – Some children need one-on-one attention more than others, which can especially be true for the children of police officers that spend a significant amount of time away from a parent that works extremely long hours. Going to a large daycare center can make it difficult for kids to get that attention when there are so many other children clamoring for the same thing; opting for a private nanny can help to fill this need.
10. Providing a Sense of Stability – Kids crave routine, which can be difficult to come by when a law enforcement professional’s schedule is so erratic. By engaging a nanny, parents can ensure that their children can feel secure in the knowledge that they will be greeted by and cared for the same person each time, someone that they trust and feel affection for.

The stress of a career in law enforcement can be enormous, but most police officers would never trade places with someone in a lower-pressure line of work. Part of building a support system that allows them to feel secure in their career choices is to include a strong childcare plan so that they’re not worried about the level of attentiveness and care their kids receive while they’re fighting crime.

10 Reasons Why Waitresses Hire Nannies

Generally speaking, it seems as though when people think of those who hire nannies, they think mainly of the wealthy and well to do. It may be hard to believe that waitresses would hire nannies to take care of their kids, but they do. In fact, there are more and more people of modest means who hire nannies to care for their children. Here are a few reasons why a waitress may hire a nanny.

1. Part-time child care – Waitresses can have hours that don’t coincide with their children’s schedule. Having a nanny means that the kids will be picked up from school on time and that they will be supervised until the parent arrives.
2. Late hours – Many waitresses work evening hours and into the night with cleaning up and closing down the restaurant. This can be taxing for a parent to know that they must remain at work while the kids are home alone. Hiring a nanny will alleviate this worry. With a nanny on board the parents know that their children are taken care of and being put to bed in their own beds at the proper time.
3. Weekends – Some waitresses need to work over weekends and many child care facilities are not open then. If one has a nanny who is available on the weekends then it means that the kids will have things to do and they will be able to have an enjoyable weekend even though the parent has to work.
4. Helping kids with school work – Waitressing is a demanding job and even if the parent is home in time to help the kids with their homework, they may not have the energy or the expertise. Nannies are often expected to help tutor kids, so this area can be left to one who is capable and ready to help.
5. Cooking evening meals – Some nannies can provide incidental services such as cooking a meal for the kids. For some households this will be a regular occurrence and for others it may just happen once in a while. If a waitress works through the dinner shift, she can trust her nanny to provide a meal from her own cupboards to feed her kids while she is working.
6. Help with errands – Every family has errands that need to be run from time to time. Waitresses are no different. Depending on the schedule, they may or may not be able to keep up with all the little details that need to be taken care of where the kids are concerned. A nanny can make up the slack and manage to fit the errands in with caretaking the children.
7. Light housekeeping – Even though many nannies do not do housework per se, many do clean up after the kids and help the kids to keep their areas nice and tidy. For many families this is all that is needed to make a big difference. When a waitress comes home from work, it is gratifying to know that the house won’t be a wreck and that things will be picked up and put away.
8. Chauffeuring  the kids – Waitresses don’t need to be under any more stress than they are already so having someone to shuttle the kids where they need to be is a big benefit. If the kids have ball games, events or practices to go to, the nanny can have that included  as part of her job description. When that unexpected table of fifteen comes at the last minute making it impossible to get to the kid’s game on time, it’s a blessing to know that someone is there to take the kids to the game and will be there watching them.
9. Basic help with the kids – Waitressing can be exhausting and sometimes just knowing that you have someone to help with the children’s needs means everything. It’s good to be able to come home from a hard day’s work and be able to enjoy your children without a list of things that must get done plaguing you in the back of your mind.
10. Occupy the kids – Nannies are schooled in ways to keep kids occupied. So if the parent comes home exhausted and needs some quiet time, the nanny can see that the kids are engaged in quiet activities. She can also provide training for them so that they learn how to be considerate of others, in this case a parent needing rest.

More working parents are discovering the advantages of hiring a nanny to help with everyday childcare. It’s convenient and in many ways can save time and money. Waitresses can use nannies to help them raise their kids with the values and standards they want their kids to have while they pursue their chosen field.

10 Reasons Why Writers Hire Nannies

Writers have a unique profession and have special needs when it comes to childcare. Although there are many options for daycare, they often prefer a more personal level of care for their children. This is why writers often hire nannies. Here are ten reasons why.

1. Educational- Writers are learned professionals and will expect a certain level of education from their childcare professionals. Nannies can be hired with upper levels of education and training.
2. 24-Hour Care-Writers jobs can take them away from home for assignments and promoting their career. Other times they may simply needed uninterrupted time to meet a deadline. They hire nannies because they can request that the nanny stay with the children for a day or more at a time.
3. Living-In Or Out-Nannies can be hired as live-ins if they are going to be needed for 24-hour care often or to meet changing schedules. Regardless of whether they live-in or live-out, the children do not need to leave the home.
4. Flexibility-Writers do not always work regular hours. They use nannies because they are flexible in the hours they will work; something that is more difficult to find in a daycare center.
5. Traveling-Many writers have to travel for their jobs and research. For some trips they may want the children to come a long, but will need childcare during the trip. They use nannies because they can come on the trip and will be available to take care of the children when needed.
6. Extra Duties- Due to their varied schedule, writers need nannies to help with other chores as needed. This may include scheduling maid service or other household services as agreed upon in their contract.
7. Qualifications-Nannies can be hired with different types of qualifications. Writers can choose a nanny that fits the needs of their family, whether it be musical, fitness orientated, or any other requirement.
8. Health & Safety-Writers want to know their children are safe and are in capable hands. Nannies are hired because they can be sure that they are trained in emergency situations and will know how to handle a crisis should it arise.
9. Social Activities-Writers may not have time or be around when the children need to attend clubs, sports or social gatherings. They know they can hire a nanny that can drive their children to and from their various activities.
10. Quiet Time-Many writers work from home and need time alone to work. Nannies can keep the children occupied and cared for while the writer gets uninterrupted time to focus on their writing. She can also take the children away from the home when needed to give additional peace and quiet.

Writers need the flexibility that nannies offer, from schedule to the wide variety of skills that can be requested before hiring. They need someone that will be there and provide a consistent level of care that they cannot always give when they are working. Nannies are a great addition to their families, allowing them to do their job and make sure their children are well cared for.

10 Reasons Why Professional Athletes Hire Nannies

Professional Athletes are busy people. Making a decision to have a child is a big step for such a person. When they make that step, then the question becomes “Now what?” Does one give up a lucrative career that has an expiration date on it? Or does one continue on and find a way to make it work? Hiring a nanny is a definite way to make things work, and some of the reasons why are listed below.

1. Dependable continuous child care – Professional athletes are most likely going to hire live-in nannies because of their schedules. Having a nanny provides the child with stability in child care since the nanny will be there with the child day in and day out. If the nanny lives in, then the family doesn’t have to worry about any issues about getting to work.
2. Infant care – There are some nannies now that specialize in infant care. Parents don’t need to worry because their child will be in good and competent hands. These nannies are trained to be able to handle all kinds of situations and they know what to watch for as the baby develops and grows into a toddler. They have been taught how to provide necessary stimulation for the child and how to deal with emergency situations.
3. Chauffeuring the kids – Professional athletes may not have the time to always take their kids to activities. A nanny would be able to provide that service. Kids would not have to miss their own games, dance or music lessons since the nanny would be available to drive them.
4. Part-time child care – Some athletes may not need a childcare all the time. They may only need one during certain times of the year. Hiring nannies for specific periods of time is often easier to accomplish than finding other daycare options that are that flexible.
5. Tutoring – A nanny can offer tutoring for the kids that the parents may not be able to provide because of their schedule or because they may not have the expertise. Many parents hire nannies to make sure, not only that the kids are taken care of, but that they also have the educational support they need to do well in school.
6. Unexpected games – There will be times in the professional athletes life when they will have unexpected games come up. Having a nanny for the kids means that the children’s lives don’t need to be disrupted when parents need to be gone without prior notice.
7. Needing to entertain – For some pros, entertaining guests on a regular basis is part of their lifestyle. A nanny can see to it that the kids stay on schedule and that all their needs are met allowing the parents to attend to the demands of their position.
8. Being away from home – Whether it’s for training, games, tournaments, or playoffs, professional athletes will find themselves away from home more often than not. A nanny will provide the stability and security kids need when their parents are gone. A nanny also provides support when one parent is left at home.
9. Unpredictable schedules – Pro athletes don’t necessarily have predictable schedules and this can be difficult to handle unless there is someone reliable keeping the kids. Nannies offer families that stability when everything else seems so erratic.
10. Additional help – Even if one parent is staying home with the kids, that parent is prone to feel isolated and burdened with responsibility because, in a sense, that parent is a single parent. When a nanny is part of the picture, that isolation is not so apparent and the help one needs is readily available.

Professional athletes give a lot of their lives to the public. Thankfully, a good nanny can provide the family with some stability and structure that may be hard to come by otherwise.

10 Reasons Why Grandparents Hire Nannies

It’s easy to think of grandparents as nannies. After all, many parents first consider their own parents as caretakers of their children for many reasons. In addition, many grandparents are being asked to take over for the parents. So, why would grandparents want to hire a nanny to take care of their grandkids? Check out the following reasons.

1. Grandparents are busy too – Back in the day, grandparents were more available for watching the grandkids. Oftentimes, Grandma would be home and it was her pleasure to keep the kids while Mom and Dad were out working. Nowadays, grandparents are just as likely to be working as the parents.
2. They might feel unsure about their own abilities – Things have changed so much in our society that some grandparents may not feel up to taking on the entire responsibility themselves. They may just want someone who has up to date childcare information around to help with things.
3. They want the kids to have a younger caretaker – With all the advances of modern technology, sometimes older adults can feel left behind. If the grandparents have sole care of the children, hiring a nanny is one way to have someone who can communicate more on the kid’s level and help them with the more techie aspects of growing up.
4. Someone to chauffeur the kids – Most older folks drive, but some don’t and some just don’t like driving at particular times of the day, such as rush hour or when it gets dark. A nanny can drive the kids where they need to go pretty much anytime of the day.
5. Someone to run errands – Along with helping with the kids, nannies are often willing to run incidental errands. Grandparents who have the sole responsibility for the kids may feel like they need that additional service from someone.
6. A nanny can entertain the kids – Generally speaking, nannies are most likely going to be closer in age to the kids, and therefore, they will have a better handle on things that kids like to do for entertainment. Grandparents may not be able to do many of the things that kids would enjoy and a nanny may be able to fill that gap.
7. May need part-time child care – Some grandparents may just need part-time help with the kids. They may be working themselves for part of the time they need to be responsible for the children. Hiring a nanny for that period of time gives the kids full coverage and the stability of knowing that they will be under the care of either their grandparents or the nanny rather than an assortment of random babysitters.
8. For tutoring – Nannies are often helpful in tutoring the children. One of the duties of a nanny is intellectual stimulation of her charges. Education has certainly changed since grandparents were in school and unless they’ve kept up with the changes, it’s most likely that they will not have the expertise to help kids with homework or be able to tutor them in many subjects. A nanny on the other hand should be able to help in this area.
9. Help with infant care – If the grandparents are taking care of an infant, they may feel that they need someone capable of handling the baby. Not all grandparents feel competent with having the sole responsibility of caring for a newborn or a very young baby. Nannies have been trained in matters concerning the care of young children, and therefore, would make excellent resources for grandparents who feel uncomfortable doing it alone.
10. Extra help – Some grandparents just feel like they could use the extra help in all areas. They want to take care of the kids, but kids have so much energy and get into so many things that sometimes grandparents can feel overwhelmed. Having the help of a nanny to keep the household running smoothly and keep the kids in check can make a big difference for a family.

More and more grandparents are assuming the role of parents these days and many are not prepared for the monumental task they face. Hiring a nanny makes a lot of sense and provides the help and support they need as they embark on the journey of taking care of the grandkids.

10 Reasons Why Accountants Hire Nannies 

When looking for reliable childcare there are many options available, from in home care to daycare. Accountants who are looking for childcare will want to look at several factors when choosing the right option for them. Because of the nature of their career, the most likely choice would be to hire a nanny. Here are ten reasons why.

1. Flexible Hours- Accountants may have to work various hours for their job. Certain deadlines and projects may require work later into the day or even on weekends. Daycares are typically open only during certain hours. Nannies can be hired that are flexible in the hours they work.
2. Home Care-To tie in with flexible hours, accountants hire nannies so that they know that their children are being cared for in their own home, regardless of the hours they work. This also means there is no shuttling the children to and from a daycare.
3. Consistency-Most nannies are hired for at least 1 year of service. Accountants hire nannies to create consistency for their children with a nanny who can connect personally with them and be there when the parents cannot.
4. Living Options-Nannies can be live-in or live-out, depending on what the family wants. Accountants prefer to have the option that will best suit their needs, and having the option of live-in childcare can be beneficial when their career requires long hours.
5. Financial-Accountants hire nannies because it makes financial sense. They can choose the payment arrangement that works best, either salary or hourly. They can choose to have a live-in and make the accommodations part of the salary. They also know there are certain tax credits for some families on nanny costs.
6. Education- Nannies can come in a variety of educational levels. As an educated professional, accountants hire nannies because they can choose a nanny that meets the education standard they want for their children.
7. Travel-Nannies are great if you travel. Many accountants hire nannies knowing that during vacations or travel for work, the nanny can come with them to provide childcare away from home.
8. Qualifications-Nannies tend to be higher qualified then many other options. Accountants hire them knowing they can choose a nanny that has the experience and background that will be the best for their children.
9. Outside Activities-Nannies can be a great asset when it comes to toting your little one to their various activities. Accountants use nannies, so even when they are not there, the children can be involved in various classes and groups.
10. Safety-Accountants can work long hours and knowing their children are safe can ease their mind. They can use nannies that are well trained in health and safety procedures.

Nannies are the right fit for accountants for the simple fact that are such a wide variety of standards you can choose from when hiring a nanny. They can fit any lifestyle and cover whatever areas are needed in your childcare routine. Since it is in a accountants job description to be methodical, nannies are the perfect choice for them!

10 Reasons Why Firefighters Hire Nannies

Nothing is more important than making sure your child is safe when you cannot be with them. Firefighters spend their careers dealing with danger and helping other families in crisis, which is why they need to know their own family is being well cared for. This is why firefighters may favor hiring nannies versus other childcare. Here are ten more reasons why.

1. Schedule- Firefighters can work 24 hour shifts or longer. They need childcare that can work with their schedule and be there for the children when they cannot. Nannies can be hired to work whenever it is needed.
2. Flexible Duties- Nannies are great for firefighter families because you can find some nannies that are willing to do other chores beyond just child care, such as grocery shopping or running errands.
3. Live-In Option-Nannies can be hired to live with the family, which some firefighters may need since they are gone long hours.
4. Quality Care-Firefighters prefer nannies because they can choose the level of experience and training they have. This can put their mind at ease when they are gone, knowing their children are being well cared for.
5.  Financial-Because firefighters may work 24 hours and then have two or three days off, they may not need a nanny everyday. Nannies can be hourly or salary, which may make more sense financially than traditional daycare centers.
6.  Education- Since the firefighter may not always be there to help there children with homework or other school projects, they can hire a nanny which has a level of education to support their children’s needs.
7. Vacations-When a firefighter takes a vacation, they may want time both with their children and time alone with their spouse. Nannies can travel with the family and give them the option of both.
8. Safety-Firefighters help others in crisis and need to know that the childcare they hire can keep their own family safe. The nannies they hire will be well-trained in CPR and other safety procedures.
9. Transporting-Firefighters need to have someone who can transport the children to and from school and to other activities. Nannies can be hired to do this, either with their own car or with the family car.
10. Consistency-Nannies are great for firefighter families because they give a sense of consistency for the children, regardless of the different schedules the firefighter may have to work. Many nannies can be hired for at least 1 year at a time, and many stay with the same family for several years.

Firefighters hire nannies because they love their family and want the best for them when they are not home. Firefighting is a stressful job and can be dangerous, so they need to feel secure about what is happening at home so they can perform their duties and get home safe. Nannies help give them peace of mind!