SubscribeMannies vs. Nannies
Throughout the course of this website, the nanny is referred to in the general context of “she” or “her” as typically, nannies are female. However, this isn’t always the case anymore.
Within the past couple years a growing phenomenon has replaced the usual plan of hiring a female nanny to attend to matters of childcare within the home. More prevalent, now, than ever before, moms are finding, interviewing and hiring men to look after their children. Instead of a nanny, these male nannies are aptly referred to as “mannies.”
Why Hire a Manny Instead of a Nanny?
The controversy is expected and interesting with regard to hiring a male nanny. Why would a mom prefer to have a man looking after her son or daughter, than a woman? In many respects, it all makes perfect sense. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a responsible adult male role-model around to throw the football with your son or ride bikes with your daughter on a daily basis? Children can share similar interests and even learn a thing or two from an additional male hired hand.
Studies by childcare agencies indicate that working mothers are turning to male childcare providers more and more due to the listed factors of female insecurity, jealousy and mistrust. The threat of a qualified, attractive nanny in the home is often viewed as too much of a threat. (These are the hard, cold facts as reported by mothers looking for male nannies).
Male or female, it doesn’t matter. You should always be looking for the best care for your children. When it comes down to it, the most important factor for hiring a worthy childcare provider is simply getting the right person to do the job. Qualifications, references, criminal record checks, experience and the face-to-face interview are imperative for appointing a quality nanny.
Trends Regarding Men as Childcare Providers
A recent survey by a childcare recruitment agency indicated that attitudes are definitely evolving in favor of male nannies. Eight out of every ten parents stated that they would find it appropriate to hire a manny and one-fifth of the demographic polled stated they knew of a family who already had a male nanny on the job. Still, only four percent of people working in the childcare industry today are men. Five years ago, 8,500 men were employed as childcare providers, whereas, today, close to 13,000 men are registered in the childcare field.
The U.S. Government has even been working to widen the pool of talent entering into the childcare field to assist in strengthening ambitious plans for after school programs. But, despite broad efforts to draw men into the field, male childcare providers are sill in short supply.
Unfortunately, men rarely consider the field of childcare for their career endeavors citing poor pay and benefits, unattractive terms and conditions, lack of career progression and the overall perception that childcare is simply ” woman’s work.”
How to Hire a Male Nanny
There are very few men to select from when it comes to using the Internet as a tool for finding a qualified, highly interested male nanny. Likewise, the pool of manny candidates is marginal with regard to “live” nanny placement agencies. Because of this, parents must be diligent and resourceful when it comes to the manny search.
When starting your search for a qualified manny, it is best to start with some general networking amongst close personal friends and family members. Again, someone might know someone who knows someone who is looking for a great summer job. A summer male nanny might be the perfect time to explore this hiring option for the long term.
Once you find a potential male childcare provider, treat the interview just like you would if you were hiring a female nanny. Ask the same questions, and treat the situation just like a regular employment interview. Pay special attention when asking why the man you are considering as your nanny is entering into the field of childcare. You might find important information with regard to your potential manny’s depth of character and family background which will help in your final hiring decision.
An important consideration to entertain is the fact that many mothers enjoy the added bonus of having a little extra help around the house when they hire their female nanny. After all, who doesn’t like to have an extra hand around the house to assist in tidying up? There is the unavoidable and natural stereotype that a male nanny might not be quite as helpful when it comes to domestic matters. Be certain to have your male nanny candidate elaborate on his abilities in the kitchen and homemaking department. Of course, who is to say that a male nanny wouldn’t also be fabulous in the kitchen and a real domestic dynamo when it comes to loading the dishwasher and emptying the trash? Again, it all comes down to qualifications and experience.
