Nannies were known as governesses in the 19th century. Their job was to take care and teach children of aristocratic families before they were sent to schools and boarding’s. They generally had a suite of their own called a nursery. In ancient England the job of a nanny or governess was held in high esteem. Fiction writers such as P.G. Travers, Enid Blyton, Jane Eyre and many others wrote about governesses in their works. Governesses and nannies now, as then, are generally women.
In recent years, with both parents taking up full- time jobs, governesses have become an indispensable part of our lives. They allow a parent’s mind to be at peace while at work. The parent’s know that their children are being taken good care of. This is the sole reason that parents go helter- skelter in search of good nannies.
Nannies are the child’s care- givers they take care of the child when the parents are away. The Webster’s English dictionary describes a nanny as a child’s nurse. But a nannies job today is more than that as she also takes up the role of a governess. The duties of a nanny include providing childcare and supporting the physical, social, emotional, creative and intellectual development of children. Maintaining cleanliness and neatness of the house and ensuring a safe environment for the children’s fun and games. Preparing a balanced diet of meals and snacks and maintaining a good communication with the parents so that the parents are well informed of their child’s development and concerns.
Nannies can also take up part time jobs in nurseries, crèches and day- care centers to care for children outside their homes. Babysitting is taking temporary care of a child in the absence of his or her parents for a specific duration. College and university students can work part- time as babysitters to earn some pocket money.
Child care can take on a formal structure with preschool and play school that teaches the child discipline and socially acceptable behavior.
Some institutes offer courses in child care safety, especially if one has to take care of physically challenged children or children with special needs. To take up a job as a nanny, a child minder or a babysitter one can register with various organization that provide these facilities to the parents
