10 Uncommon Duties Expected of a Full-Time Nanny

Oftentimes, when a nanny applies for a position with a family, she might expect the typical 9 – 5 job. Some might be surprised to learn of the many duties that are not initially expected of the nanny that go over and above the tasks associated with basic childcare.

1. 24-Hour Duty - Many nannies end up being on call at all times. This includes caring for the children at night when the parents are entertaining guests, being available when the unexpected business trip comes up or taking over when either of the parents are ill.
2. Errands - Even though nannies are hired to provide childcare, they are often asked to run errands for the household. For example, it is not uncommon for employers to ask their nannies to pick up dry cleaning or do the family marketing.
3. Children’s Extra-Curricular School Activities - Nannies might be expected to attend children’s sports games, school plays and even attend Parent-Teacher meetings from time to time. This is true, even when these events do not coincide with a nanny’s regularly scheduled working hours.
4. Doctor’s Appointments - Many parents do not wish their children to associate them with the unpleasant aspects of visiting the pediatrician. A nanny can be asked to accompany children to get their immunizations, or to go on trips to the children’s dentists.
5. Party Planning - Nannies can be expected to help plan children’s parties. The nanny may also be asked to write thank you cards on the children’s behalves for gifts that are received at their parties.
6. Education - Nannies are sometimes asked to help children with their homework. This might include minor tutoring or correcting homework assignments. It might also include clarifying instructions for assignments or reading book chapters aloud to the child.
7. Wardrobe Specialist - There are times when busy parents do not have the time to choose appropriate clothing for their children to wear on special occasions. Nannies are sometimes asked to shop for particular types of clothing and are put in charge of making sure that these clothing items are well cared for and properly stored.
8. The Wandering Nanny - Certain nanny jobs entail travel. At times, this could include international travel. During these times, the nanny might be put in charge of taking care of the children’s passports, and for making sure they are entertained safely in the foreign country destination.
9. Gift Shopping - When birthdays or holidays roll around, a nanny might be asked to shop for gifts to give to friends and family members on the children’s behalves. This might include wrapping and distributing the gifts.
10. Sports Coach - A nanny might be asked to help her young charges go through sports drills or to work with them on certain fitness routines.

No one should accept a nanny position if she is under the impression that the job is a 9-5 position that ends at the end of the day. Being a nanny is, in many ways, like being a substitute-parent.