The International Nanny Association defines a nanny as one "employed by the family on either a live-in or live-out basis to undertake all tasks related to the care of children. Duties are generally restricted to childcare and the domestic tasks related to childcare. May or may not have had any formal training, though often has a good deal of actual experience. Nanny's work week ranges from 40 to 60 hours per week. Usually works unsupervised."

A nanny is more than a baby-sitter. The nanny job is the best paying childcare career - and for good reason! Nannies are expected to participate in the social, emotional, and intellectual development of their charges, and will work with the child(ren) on such areas a language development, potty training, social manners, homework, and more. A typical work day is 8-10 hours. Most families request that a nanny make a minimum commitment of one year to the job. This is to make sure that the children have continuity in their childcare. Candidates who do not feel that they can commit to a year might consider other types of childcare work until they are comfortable with the commitment.

Before you apply to become a nanny you should ask yourself the following questions to judge your suitability for the work:

Are you patient? Can you handle 8-10 hours on a stretch with a small child, perhaps with no other adult companionship? Are you reliable and trustworthy?

Are you flexible enough to perform your childcare responsibilities according to the family's rules?

Are you a self-starter with initiative who can organize his/her day to accomplish all required tasks, while not neglecting your charge(s)?

With children, things do not always go according to plan. Are you adaptable and flexible enough to change your routine to accommodate the sick child, for example, or the lost sneakers when you are on a deadline, without becoming upset?

Are you a good communicator? You will work with the children for many hours during the day. At some point, you will have problems, questions or issues you will need to discuss with the parents. Can you initiate these conversations? Can you let the family know when there are problems in a calm, professional, problem-solving manner?

Being a nanny is hard work, but very rewarding. Make sure you are ready for the realities.

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