If you’re considering a career as a nanny, you may have come across job postings that mention terms like “family assistant” or “house manager.” But what do these titles mean? And how do they differ? Let’s chat about it!

It’s essential to understand the distinctions between these roles to determine the best fit for your skills and preferences. Let’s clarify the differences between a nanny, a family assistant, and a house manager.

We’ll start with the basics: what does a nanny do? As we’re sure you know, a nanny’s primary focus is on the children. From feeding and bathing to engaging in activities and encouraging developmental milestones, a nanny’s duties revolve around ensuring their nanny kids’ safety, well-being, and growth. A nanny could also be involved in child-related household tasks, like tidying the kids’ rooms and play areas, doing their laundry, and occasionally running errands. Your ultimate goal as a nanny is to create a nurturing and secure environment for the children in your care.

A family assistant takes on a broader role. A family assistant’s responsibilities extend beyond just the children, and their goal is to provide support to all members of a family. They assist with organizing schedules, planning and coordinating travel arrangements, running various errands, preparing meals, providing transportation, and even taking on organizational projects. As a family assistant, you play a crucial role in ensuring the family’s day-to-day life functions smoothly.

If you’re more inclined towards managing the operations of a household, a house manager position might be your calling. A house manager’s primary goal is to oversee the general organization and management of the household. They coordinate schedules, manage
household staff, communicate and coordinate with vendors, handle household expenses and finances, and ensure the home is well-stocked with necessary supplies. Attention to detail and organizational skills are key to thriving in this position.

Now, we totally get it; sometimes these duties overlap. A very common result? A hybrid position. For instance, a nanny/family assistant position combines elements of both positions, perhaps catering to families with children who are in school full-time, leaving time during the
school hours to accomplish family assistant tasks, or households that require additional support in addition to the realm of childcare. Hybrid positions provide a unique opportunity to diversify your skills and adapt to the specific needs of the family you work with, while often extending the longevity of a position should it only encompasses one of these titles.

When considering these roles, remember that occasional tasks outside your core responsibilities don’t automatically change your job title, like running an errand as a nanny or preparing a snack as a house manager. It’s crucial to clearly outline your job responsibilities and discuss expectations with the family you’re working for to avoid confusion and ensure a smooth working relationship.

While family assistants and house managers can have similar duties, the main distinction lies in their scope of responsibility. As a family assistant, you focus on supporting individual family members, assisting them with various tasks and ensuring their lives run smoothly. House
managers, on the other hand, prioritize overseeing and managing the household as a whole, paying close attention to all its components.

Understanding the differences between these roles will help you identify your strengths and interests as a household employee. Whether you choose to focus solely on childcare, to broaden your scope as a family assistant, or to delve into household management, clarifying your career path will guide your job search and enable you to communicate your skills and expertise more effectively.

With a clearer understanding of these distinctions, you can confidently pursue a path of your choosing and find the perfect role that aligns with your passion and professional aspirations!