Babysitter and Nanny Are Not One in the Same: Why Most Moms Prefer to Use the Term Nanny
Are you hiring a nanny or a babysitter?
I’m beginning to notice a trend. People , especially moms, are mistaking babysitters for nannies and nannies calling themselves babysittters. It’s time to set the record straight.
The fact of the matter is, many moms feel that it’s more prestigious to utter the term, “nanny” instead of admitting to only having a babysitter. This form of prestige has confused, if not, tainted what the difference is between the two.
What is a babysitter, exactly?
According to The New Webster’s Concise Dictionary, a babysitter is a person, who is employed to take care of young children during the hours when the parents are absent.
Google defines a babysitter as someone, who temporarily cares for children on behalf of the children’s parents or guardians. Also known as a “sitter.”
Prospective clients often refer to our nannies as babysitters, we politely remind them that we are The “Nanny” Factory, we do not employ babysitters.
In fact, our definition of a babysitter is a preteen, teenager or young adult, who is hired to look after the children for a short period of time, to ensure their safety.
The New Webster’s Concise Dictionary defines a nanny as a child’s nurse.
Simple definition. Now, let’s define the term nurse. There are several definitions of this term. The definition that most clearly defines a nanny is a person, who fosters, protects or promotes.
Google defines a nanny as someone, who is employed to care for a child in its own home. That doesn’t really help us here.
The Nanny Factory defines the term nanny as a care giver, who is chosen to nurture, protect and foster the overall well-being, learning and development of the children through parental partnership.
In other words, the nanny doesn’t just show up and “watch” the children. It is also her responsibility to oversee the developmental care of the children under his or her guidance.
A babysitter is not responsible in assisting with the development of the children that they sit for. In fact, most babysitters lack the background or experience to perform such a task. The babysitters that I know range in age from as early as twelve years old through early adulthood.
Usually, a babysitter’s hourly fee is a lot lower ranging from as low as $8 per hour to $12 per hour. You’ll never find a legitimate nanny offering a low rate like that. Families, who hire nannies, typically pay more for their expertise and experience in early childhood development and education. That’s fair, right?
There you have it. Babysitter and nanny should never be used interchangeably. Although many families today, do not employ nannies on a full time basis, their duties and vested interest in the families that they serve clearly defines their title. This is one of the many reasons that we are The Nanny Factory and are not a babysitting agency.
This is just one of the many ways that we are here to be of service. Want more? Be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Nanny Factory Weekly, where we’ll show you how to reclaim your adult life as a parent and live your best life NOW! Subscribe! There’s a special gift for new readers. To learn more about The Nanny Factory, visit us at www.thenannyfactory.com
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