72% Of Aussie Mums Would Say Yes To A Manny

72% Of Aussie Mums Would Say
Yes To A Manny!
Demand for mannies is outstripping supply

Last month we asked readers to answer a quick poll on the latest trend in child care – the male nanny, or Manny as he's commonly known. 72% of mums who responded said yes please, we'd love another man about the house, although only 15% would actually want him to live in!

As we reported last month, a recent article in the UK's London Evening Standard highlighted the growing trend for "mannies" (male nannies) with celebrities and "normal" families. Demand for mannies is outstripping supply.

The main advantages seem to be that you can ask mannies to do anything – whether it's building cubby houses and camps in the garden; shoe shopping at Westfield or sporting and outdoor activities, and they just do, without giving the dark look that says, "Taking the dog out is not in my job description".

Our poll revealed that of those who would hire a manny, 44 per cent thought a manny would provide male interaction/role model – particularly in single parent (mum) families; 56% liked the idea of a manny's practicality and a can–do attitude; 18% thought a lack of emotional baggage, PMS etc a definite advantage; 22% said a manny would provide additional usefulness around the house and 13% simply like the idea of a manny to keep their husband on his toes!

Of those who didn't like the idea of a manny, 30% said this was because they didn't believe a male nanny would possess "maternal" instincts; 25% because he wouldn't be as tidy or clean as a female nanny; 15% were unsure of the reason, they just wouldn't want one.

Many of you did also believe that both male and female nannies would have the same advantages as long as they were willing and caring role models.

Despite the advantages a manny might bring, 62% wouldn't want a manny living in… We're not sure if this is due to a tidiness issue, additional washing to be done or the fact that male partners might get jealous… We suspect though that husbands may soon take the same unspoken rule as wives do with female nannies: "Only plain ones need apply, thank you".

NB: 89% think registered nannies should be deemed "approved" child care and eligible for Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate.