Nanny not only sounds like granny but performs all the functions that granny used to do in the good old days. Essentially, a nanny is responsible for taking care of the children and their needs, generally in the absence of the parents. A nanny can be employed full time as live-in member of the family or on live-out basis, which means that she comes and goes at fixed times. Women make very good nannies because they have the inherent qualities of a mother.

A nanny's responsibilities include everything to do with children that can extend to household chores and all tasks related to the children. If you are a mother and have children of your own, you would probably make a good nanny even without any training. However, if you are not a mother you may want to go in for formal training to execute these tasks efficiently. There is a great demand for nannies, so you can make a lucrative career. In the fast-paced life where both parents go to work, they look for nannies, child care professionals and housekeepers to help them out even at a high cost.

Characteristics of a Good Nanny

Nanny's job is a well-paid job, which implies that your employers expect a lot from you. After all, they leave their most precious children in your hands. You need to be focused and committed to your job to become a good nanny. A nanny plays an important role in the psychological development of a child. In short, a nanny is almost like a surrogate mother for the time she is with the children and is responsible for their all-round development so that they grow up to be individuals with a sense of well-being, security and family bonding.

Here are a few characteristics of a good nanny:

1. A nanny should not take her job as a task to be performed; but she should enjoy being with kids and interacting with them warmly and affectionately. The good news is that children respond wholeheartedly to your overtures. You may have to make an effort in the beginning but very soon it will become spontaneous because it is reciprocal.

2. Stays connected: Take an effort to inform and educate the parents about the development in their child. You could prepare notes or daily reports on the activities of the child. Parents are understandably delighted to know about the progress in their kids.

3. A good nanny should not compromise on cleanliness at any cost. She must ensure that the home, especially the kid's rooms are always neat and tidy. This will not only please the parents but the children will learn good habits too.

4. While you are with the kids be there totally. I mean you should not only be physically there but your mind should be focused on your job as well. This way you can pre-empt, organize and plan activities better. Of course, you can avoid accidents also, if you pay attention to detail.

What the Job Entails

Women, young and old, find the job of a nanny monetarily beneficial. Some nannies charge about $12-$15 per hour, others are paid on a monthly basis.

Typically, all households bear the expenses of travel, short vacations and major holidays. Nannies are also eligible for a raise as time passes by and based on how well she fits into the family needs and the children's needs.

Women make excellent nannies as they have the inherent maternal instinct in them. They are naturally good with children and enjoy the company of kids. Hence, adopting a career of being a nanny is not only highly remunerative, but also enjoyable. Being a nanny in a household brings you closer to a warm and loving family and provides you the satisfaction of contributing in a small way to the good health and well being of the family.