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| The male nanny | ||||
| A modern family employee or a nonstarter? | ||||
 This weekend's episode of Modern Family on Channel Ten featured the hilarious and surprise hiring of a new male nanny by Gloria, after her own little manchild, Manny's repeated attempts to woo any female nannies in the house left them all feeling rather uncomfortable.Manny (hitting on his nanny): "So Marie, what do you feel like doing for dinner tonight?" Gloria: "You're eating Dino-Bites because you're a little boy." Jay: "I'm telling you, there's an embarrassing press conference in that kid's future." Jay, the Alpha male husband of the buxom Gloria was clearly rather insecure about the appearance of Andy, the new "male nanny", whose mission is to make all of their lives happier and healthier. As a father and husband who is very much set in his ways, despite his own rather colourful family, a male nanny is just a little too much for Jay to take. Jay (on Andy not being the right nanny): "That's a nonstarter. Keep looking." Gloria: "But he's perfect." Jay: "He's a man. It's weird. He's a weird man. He's like Phil only I have to pay for him." We're assuming Jay would be perfectly happy with a female nanny, so why is the male nanny seen as a "nonstarter". However strange it might appear to some men, the male nanny is gaining popularity overseas and we are starting to see more men entering the child care industry here in Australia. If you can be a dad, surely you can also be a male nanny? Male nannies offer a similar skill set to nannies but may bring a different dynamic to the home environment by injecting a more energetic and physical approach to child care, which could be especially good for school aged children with lots of energy to burn. Male nannies may also suit single mothers or parents seeking a positive male role model for their children. Male nannies complete many of the same tasks that their female counterparts do, primarily this involves the supervision and day-to-day care of children, however they may also help with:
Some male nannies may fit this profile, especially if this is what the family is looking for; however, male nannies also provide all the nurturing and emotional tenderness that children need. While the parents of boys may be more inclined to employ a male nanny than the parents of girls, male nannies work equally well with both boys and girls. With fewer male teachers in our education system, male nannies provide children with a valuable opportunity to grow close to and trust a man other than their father. Employing a male nanny The process involved in hiring a male nanny is the same as a hiring a female nanny. You could source and employ someone yourself or use an agency. If you would like to employ a male nanny yourself read our article on interviewing a nanny. You will need to check the background and references of any candidates you are considering and ensure they hold current:
Regardless of whether you do it yourself or use an agency there are certain terms and conditions you will be required to meet when you employ a male nanny. Read our article on your obligations when employing a nanny to make sure you have fulfilled all your legal requirements. For some tips on how to keep hold of your male nanny once you have found him read retaining your nanny. But probably the key point in keeping him is don't call him "manny"! As one interview with a male nanny in the USA's The Atlantic newspaper once revealed: "I love teaching and I love children. The amount of attention required to raise a small child precludes my watching more than just a few at a time, so I am a nanny. It's sometimes stressful, but always rewarding… As long as the adults don't make my profession a joke". Male nanny it is then. |
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