The Best of Both Worlds: Choosing a Nanny, a Housekeeper, or a Flexible Solution
Running a busy household with children often requires a team effort to keep things organized and smoothly functioning. While some families choose to hire both a nanny and a housekeeper, others may prefer a single professional who can handle a blend of childcare and light housekeeping duties. At French Nanny London Agency, we help families find skilled nannies and housekeepers—or individuals who can combine both roles—to support your home in a way that works best for you. Here’s how having either or both roles can benefit your family.
What Does a Nanny Do?
A nanny’s primary role is to provide direct care for children. This includes engaging in educational activities, managing daily routines such as meals, naps, and school pickups, and supporting the children’s overall development. Nannies often handle tasks related to childcare, such as:
- Tidying up play areas
- Preparing meals or snacks for the children
- Doing children’s laundry
While their focus remains on the children, some nannies may also be open to performing light housekeeping tasks like meal preparation for the family or running occasional errands.
What Does a Housekeeper Do?
A housekeeper specializes in maintaining the home, ensuring that it stays clean, organized, and comfortable for everyone. Their tasks typically include:
- Cleaning and tidying rooms
- Washing and ironing clothes
- Managing household organization
- Running errands (e.g., grocery shopping, picking up dry cleaning)
- Preparing family meals or assisting with meal prep
By taking care of these chores, a housekeeper allows the nanny—or the parents—to focus fully on the children.
Flexible Options: A Nanny Who Can Do Basic Housekeeping
For families who don’t require a full-time housekeeper, hiring a nanny who is comfortable with light housekeeping duties can be an ideal solution. This kind of arrangement can include:
- Cooking for the children or the family
- Doing the children’s laundry
- Tidying communal areas
Having a nanny who offers this flexibility provides an extra pair of hands, especially for families with young children or during particularly busy times.
How Housekeepers and Nannies Complement Each Other
When you opt to have both a nanny and a housekeeper, their combined efforts can create a harmonious household:
- Balanced Responsibilities: The housekeeper manages household chores, while the nanny focuses exclusively on the children, ensuring neither role becomes overburdened.
- Enhanced Child Development: A nanny can dedicate more time to educational activities, outdoor play, and structured routines that support growth.
- A Smoothly Run Household: Tasks are efficiently divided, minimizing overlap, and ensuring that the home remains organized and functional.
- Support During Busy Times: For special events or hectic days, the housekeeper can handle preparation and cleanup while the nanny attends to the children’s needs.
Is Hiring Both a Nanny and a Housekeeper Right for Your Family?
Every family’s needs are different. Whether you hire both a nanny and a housekeeper or prefer a nanny who can handle some housekeeping tasks, the key is to find a solution that fits your lifestyle. Larger families, those with busy schedules, or homes that require extensive upkeep might benefit from both roles. However, a flexible nanny-housekeeper hybrid may be perfect for families seeking well-rounded support without hiring two professionals.
At French Nanny London Agency, we help families explore all their options. Whether you’re looking for a dedicated nanny, a skilled housekeeper, or someone who can seamlessly blend both roles, we’re here to find the perfect match for your household.