Mention the word “nanny” or “au pair,” and just about everyone in a modern family and even the childcare industry thinks “female.” It’s a traditional but odd stereotype as male child care providers are just as competent, caring, and entertaining. Very few people, for example, suppose that a single mom raising kids without a father is a preferred outcome, even if it often happens by choice or happenstance. In the right circumstance, a male nanny is as good a choice as a female nanny. Sometimes, it is a better choice (just like sometimes, a female nanny is a better fit.)

As you consider childcare options, consider whether a male nanny is the right fit for your needs. Here are a few reasons a male nanny might be a perfect fit for you.

What is a Male Nanny Called?

What to call a male nanny is up to the household and the person placed in this domestic staff position. “Male nanny” is acceptable, but many males are sensitive to the term because of its traditional association with a female caregiver. One suggestion is “Manny,” but that might be too close to “nanny,” so ask first. 

In the 80s sitcom Charles in Charge, Charles was called a male housekeeper or live-in housekeeper. If you want to play it safe, just call your male nanny a child caregiver or male caregiver

The easiest way to figure out what to call your male nanny asking what they prefer.

What is The Role of a Male Nanny?

A male nanny‘s role depends on you and on what you hire your male nanny to do. A male caregiver that tends to children is the obvious answer, but sometimes, a family might expect a male nanny to do more than. The critical step is clearly defining what your male nanny expects. 

The clearer you define the job, the less opportunity for confusion or chaos exists.

Should You Hire a Male Nanny?

That depends on your family and what you need in a nanny. Research shows that boys enjoy many benefits from having a male influence in their lives beyond their father. The role of a male role model is important if the father is not present or is often absent. 

A male role model and caregiver helps boys mature and gives them someone to look up to during crucial development years.

Sometimes, a male nanny can meet a young boy‘s or boys‘ needs more quickly than a female nanny. The opposite is also true. That shouldn’t prevent you from hiring a female nanny to help care for boys or a male nanny to help care for girls. If you do your research and work with a highly reputable estate staffing agency, you can ensure your kids get the best role model possible.

The Benefits of Having a Male Nanny

There are several benefits to having a male nanny in the right circumstance. Here are a few.

A Positive Male Role Model

While no male nanny will ever replace a father, strong male role models can provide a very positive third-party influence on some children, particularly little boys. Sometimes, a male nanny functions as an older brother and gains the confidence of a male child when the father cannot. 

A Different Perspective

Everyone instinctively and experientially knows that men and women are different. That’s why there are so many funny memes that outline those differences. Many books have been written on the topic as well. Those differences include approaching problems differently.

A male presence is not always a good fit, but can provide an alternative to a solution that a female might recommend. Some issues are better oriented towards men as well, just like many problems get handled better by a female. A male nanny can provide a different approach that can be beneficial to a child in need.

Alternative Skills

Some children with disabilities need help with mobility. A male nanny can often provide that help easily. Males offer a certain level of physical strength if a child has behavior or aggression issues. While every child has a bad day, certain children are less likely to misbehave if a male nanny is in charge. 

Alternative skills also work well with challenges that require heavy lifting, such as building forts, lugging groceries, or carrying children for an extended period. That last skill can be invaluable on day trips.

The Children’s Safety

A woman seems to be targeted for crime more often than males when in public. A male nanny provides an additional layer of security for the children just because they are male. Added security is appealing in an urban setting.

The Stereotype of Male Nannies

Many people hold traditional gender stereotypes for males and females, even if they do not realize it. Stereotyping is especially prevalent in the nanny industry. Many parents consider a nanny to be female and must be introduced to the concept of a male caregiver

Another gender stereotype male nannies face is that men do not work as well daily with children. Undoubtedly, men have unique skills; in some circumstances, a female influence is preferable and needed. In most cases, however, a male provides just as much appropriate care as a female.

Facts About Male Babysitters

  • Here are a few interesting facts about male nannies.
  • The UK has the most male nannies per capita
  • Male nannies will have the same skills as female nannies
  • About 7% of nannies in the USA are male
  • Nannies earn a little over $40K per year, not counting room or board
  • Most nannies find employment in New York, Chicago, and Southern California

Manny Male Nanny Staffing Agency

Hiring a male nanny to care for your kids can be a rewarding experience that your children enjoy, learn from, and receive the best care in the world. The key to getting the right fit is clearly defining what you expect your male nanny to do for your children. 

Schedule a consultation with our estate staffing experts to learn about our domestic staffing placements and see if a male nanny is right for you.