Being a parent brings many responsibilities. Finding the right person to love and care for your children while you’re away is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make. So, when it comes time to hiring a caregiver for your kids, you might be wondering if a nanny or a babysitter is the right option. Many times, these terms are used interchangeably. But they are actually very different.
The differences between a nanny and a babysitter
Babysitters offer childcare services on an on-call, casual basis. The main part of their job is to supervise the kids and keep them safe while you’re gone. Most times, babysitters are just used on a short-term basic like once a month or as needed for a few hours at a time.
However, the nanny role is more involved. Nannies are generally long-term childcare providers. They generally become a valuable part of the family because of the relationship they invest in with the kids. Sometimes, nannies can live with the family on site, they may assist in educational or emotional development with the children, and oftentimes they have completed certifications or professional training that gives them additional experience on top of their work history.
Another difference is how nannies and babysitters are paid. Nannies are generally paid a salary or weekly wage because of their steady work and are considered household employees. That means as the employer, you will need to take the proper steps to withhold and pay appropriate taxes. Babysitters are generally hired on an intermittently and are therefore not considered employees at the home.
Hiring a babysitter or a nanny is completely dependent on your unique childcare situation. Perhaps a babysitter is all you need now, but a long-term nanny will be required soon. Now is the time to start your search! Our team at Household Staffing understands what an important decision this is. That’s why we only place nannies that we would place in our own homes. Our unique personalized approach allows you to meet and hire potential nannies that have gone through our rigorous selection process.
Contact us today so we can help place the right nanny in your home as soon as possible.
