The battle in our industry rages on. Nanny vs. babysitter. They each perform similar tasks. The titles are used interchangeably by almost everyone, even many who work as in-home caregivers. But like many things, the difference lies in the details. It isn’t enough to know the difference. We must be able to explain the difference. I attempt this feat below. Close? Confusing? Let me know. And I’d love to know how you would explain the difference between a nanny and a babysitter.
One of the biggest hurdles the in-home childcare industry faces is the common confusion between a babysitter and a nanny. A babysitter provides custodial care, keeping a child safe and entertained. A nanny provides care for the whole child, nurturing the child’s emotional, social, cognitive and physical development. This difference is often hard to see because on the surface, the activities of a babysitter and nanny seem similar. But as with most things, the difference lies in the details.
Imagine a continuum with a babysitter on one end and a nanny on the other end. The babysitter represents a custodial approach, the nanny represents a whole child approach. For example, a babysitter will see two preschoolers arguing over a toy and quickly take away the toy to end the argument. A nanny will recognize the argument as a teachable moment and use age appropriate question prompts, role playing and brainstorming to build problem solving skills and develop empathy. A babysitter will read a favorite book to a toddler. A nanny will read a favorite book to a toddler, incorporating imaginary and reading games into the activity to make it an interactive and creative experience for the child.
No caregiver provides custodial care one hundred percent of the time just as no caregiver provides whole child care one hundred percent of the time. Individuals fall along the continuum at different points, depending upon their overall approach. The parents’ job is to honestly evaluate their needs and to decide where on the continuum they want their caregiver to fall.
Copyright, Brawley and Associates, 2009
All About Nanny Care 
Posted by Janice St. Clair on February 25, 2009 at 10:40 pm
That’s a good way to explain the difference when people will stand still to listen to a longer explanation. Thanks for the clear examples to bring out.
When only a sound byte or two will do, I say “I’m not just keeping them safe and entertained, I’m invested in helping to RAISE these kids. My role is ‘third, non-voting, parent’.”
Posted by Toddler Development Milestones on January 14, 2009 at 6:19 pm
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