Use this guide to agree on what the role includes before you accept or post a position.
My job is to take care of your children.
My job is to help your household run smoothly.
| Responsibility | Nanny | House Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Care, safety, supervision, and development of the children | Organization, logistics, and smooth operation of the household |
| Child supervision | Yes — primary responsibility | May supervise children as part of the role, but this is not usually the primary focus |
| Getting kids dressed / ready | ✅ Yes | May assist if needed |
| School/daycare drop-off & pickup | ✅ Yes | ✅ Can coordinate or handle transportation if agreed |
| Children’s meals | Prepare and serve meals/snacks for children | May plan, prepare, or coordinate meals for the household |
| Children’s laundry | ✅ Yes | May handle if included in household responsibilities |
| Children’s dishes | ✅ Yes | May handle household dishes depending on agreement |
| Children’s rooms/play areas | Keep children's areas reasonably clean and organized | May organize and maintain children's spaces as part of broader household management |
| Child-related errands | Pick up prescriptions, school supplies, etc. | Coordinate and complete household errands, including child-related errands |
| Homework / activities | Help with homework and engage children in age-appropriate activities | May coordinate schedules, activities, tutors, lessons, etc. |
| Grocery shopping | Usually limited to children's needs | ✅ May handle grocery shopping for the entire household |
| Meal planning | Usually children's meals | ✅ May plan meals for the family/household |
| Family laundry | ❌ Generally not expected | ✅ May be expected |
| Household organization | Only as it relates to the children | ✅ Core responsibility |
| Household supplies | May let family know when children's supplies are low | ✅ Track inventory and restock household supplies |
| Scheduling | Manage children's daily schedule | ✅ Manage family/household calendar and appointments |
| Vendors / service providers | ❌ Not typically responsible | ✅ May coordinate cleaners, repair people, landscapers, etc. |
| Household errands | ❌ Not typically | ✅ Yes |
| Family appointments | ❌ Not typically | May schedule and coordinate |
| Travel planning | May pack/manage children's needs for travel | May coordinate the family's overall travel logistics |
| Event/party preparation | May supervise children during events | May plan and coordinate household events |
| Light household cleaning | Clean up after children and child-related messes | May oversee or coordinate household cleaning and organization |
| Managing other household employees | ❌ No | ✅ May coordinate cleaners, nannies, vendors, etc. |
| Driving | Primarily transporting children | May drive for household errands, appointments, shopping, and family needs |
| Administrative tasks | Minimal | May handle invoices, returns, scheduling, household records, etc. |
| Decision-making | Makes day-to-day decisions related to children's care | Makes day-to-day operational decisions for the household within the family's guidelines |