Why Being a Family Assistant Is becoming an Essential Part of the Nanny or Governess Role

As a nanny or governess, your role can often require much more than just looking after the children. In many households, the duties of a nanny or governess are expanding to include responsibilities traditionally associated with a "family assistant." Understanding how to incorporate these additional duties can make you an even more valuable member of the household and enhance your career as a caregiver.

You may have come across job listings that seek a "Nanny/PA" or "Nanny/Personal Assistant." These roles are becoming more common and often combine childcare responsibilities with family assistant duties such as household management, scheduling, and running errands. While this might initially sound like a completely different position, many families are now looking for someone who can blend the responsibilities of a nanny or governess with those of a family assistant. It’s essential to understand that these listings are not necessarily for two separate roles but rather a position that involves both childcare and a wide range of family support tasks.

In this blog, we explore how taking on the role of family assistant can be easily integrated into your work as a nanny or governess, giving you a broader skill set and increasing your opportunities in the industry.

What Does the "Family Assistant" Role Mean in a Nanny or Governess Job?

In today’s private households, the role of a nanny or governess goes beyond childcare and education. Many families are seeking professionals who can take on extra responsibilities or tasks that will help manage their busy household and provide overall support to the family.

As a nanny or governess, you may be expected to take on family assistant duties such as managing schedules, running errands, and assisting with household organization. These tasks are typically not the sole focus of your job but are considered part of the broader support you provide to the family.

Why Family Assistant Duties Are Now Expected in Nanny and Governess Roles

Families hiring nannies or governesses often look for individuals whose capabilities extend beyond childcare. This helps to create a smoother and more efficient household where both children and parents are supported in their daily activities. The inclusion of family assistant duties is an evolution of the traditional nanny or governess role, requiring flexibility and adaptability, especially when children are older and need less support from the nanny or governess or during the times that the children may be at school.

By including these additional responsibilities, you can become a more integral part of the family’s routine and offer greater value in your position. Here’s how these responsibilities can enhance your role as a nanny or governess:

Key Family Assistant Responsibilities That May Be Included in Your Role

While every family’s needs vary, here are some of the common family assistant tasks that you may be asked to take on as part of your nanny or governess duties:

1. Managing Family Schedules
   As a nanny or governess, you’re already involved with the children’s daily routines. Adding family assistant duties means you might be asked to coordinate and manage the entire family's calendar, ensuring appointments, travel plans, and social events are organized and efficiently scheduled.
2. Assisting with Household Organization
   Helping with light household tasks can often become part of your role. You may be asked to manage household supplies, coordinate cleaning or maintenance schedules, or even assist with meal planning. This makes your job even more integral to the smooth operation of the household.
3. Light Housekeeping
   Light housekeeping tasks like tidying play areas, folding laundry, or doing the children’s laundry can often be part of your responsibilities. You may also be expected to assist with general organization around the home to create a tidy environment for both children and adults.
4. Cooking Light Meals
   Depending on the family’s needs, preparing simple, healthy meals or snacks for the children (and sometimes for adults) could be part of your role. This might include helping with meal planning or preparing lunchboxes for school, as well as assisting in preparing family meals.
5. Running Errands
   When a family’s schedule gets hectic, helping with errands like picking up groceries, going to the post office, or managing other small tasks around the house can be incredibly helpful. This allows parents to focus on their professional commitments and leaves you in a position of trusted support.
6. Event Planning & Coordination
   Whether it's organizing a birthday party or coordinating a family gathering, your help in event planning can ease the stress on busy parents. You might be asked to assist with organizing activities for the children during events or ensuring everything runs according to plan.
7. Transporting Children
   Driving children to extracurricular activities, school, or appointments is often a key responsibility of nannies and governesses. However, as a family assistant, you might also be tasked with scheduling the transportation needs of other family members or coordinating car services for family events.
8. Providing Administrative Support
   Managing paperwork, appointments, and other administrative details may be part of your role as a nanny or governess. This could include assisting with online orders, managing household budgets, or liaising with service providers.

The Benefits of Taking on Family Assistant Responsibilities

Integrating family assistant duties into your role as a nanny or governess can be highly beneficial for both you and the family you work for:

1. Diverse Skill Set
   Taking on a variety of tasks will help you build a diverse skill set that makes you more versatile in the private household staff market. You'll gain experience not only in childcare and education but also in household management, event planning, and even administration.
2. Increased Job Satisfaction
   Having a broader range of responsibilities can make your job more engaging and dynamic. No two days will be the same, and you’ll have the opportunity to contribute in multiple ways to the family’s daily life.
3. Stronger Relationships with the Family
   By providing comprehensive support, you’ll likely form a stronger, more personal bond with the family. You’ll become an integral part of their lives, helping to ease their workload and making a tangible difference in their day-to-day routine.
4. More Opportunities for Career Growth
   A family assistant role within your nanny or governess position can pave the way for further career advancement. You’ll have the chance to learn new skills, which may lead to higher-paying or more prestigious roles in the future.

How to Include Family Assistant Duties in Your Job Search

When you’re applying for nanny or governess roles, it’s important to highlight your ability to take on additional responsibilities. Emphasize your organizational skills, flexibility, and willingness to contribute to the overall functioning of the household.

Top 10 Ways to Improve Your Nanny CV Right Now

You might also want to consider job listings that specifically mention family assistant duties as part of the nanny or governess position. These roles are becoming increasingly popular, and families value professionals who are comfortable with multi-tasking and providing extended household support.

Explore Nanny and Governess Roles with Family Assistant Responsibilities

At Jobs In Childcare, we frequently list nanny and governess positions that include family assistant duties. If you’re interested in roles where you can combine childcare with additional responsibilities, browse through our current job listings to find opportunities that suit your skills.

Ready to take on more rewarding positions that offer personal growth and greater job satisfaction? Read our blog posts to find more useful career advice and tips to enhance your role as a nanny or governess!