Difference Between A Babysitter And A Nanny

_{Parents as well as caregivers get confused over the terms babysitter and nanny; a discussion of the differences would help both. It is however to be understood that all caregivers hold a great responsibility of supervising children in a healthy and safe way.}

_{Differences between a babysitter and a nanny:}

_{1) A babysitter is engaged to care for and supervise children of any age group for a few short hours. They are not full time regular employees, but are engaged for a specific function or on a regular basis for after school, day and night or weekend babysitting. A nanny is a full time employee who is engaged in the development and well-being of the child; they are engaged to look after child/children when the parents are away at work.}

_{2) Most nannies have some sort of training and experience of a few years especially when they are recruited from professional nanny agencies; they also hold a certificate in child CPR and first aid. Some may also have training in child safety, communication, development and planning activities. This is not the case with babysitters that may or may not have CPR and first aid certification.}  

_{3) Babysitters work for a short period in the day and are paid on an hourly basis; there is no contract regarding their appointment though the duties and responsibilities are clearly discussed beforehand. A babysitter mainly plays with and watches the children; they may be paid for extra for specific jobs like tutoring, cooking and some housekeeping jobs. This is not the case with nannies who work on an employment contract that specifies the terms and conditions of the job like weekly pay, sick leave, vacation time. Also since engaging a nanny is an employment contract; taxes are also deducted from the nanny’s pay check.} 

_{4) Nannies may be either live-out nannies that have their own place to live or live-in nannies or au pairs that live along with the family. As babysitters are engaged only for a short while they do not necessarily stay with the family they babysit; most babysitting jobs are part-time irregular jobs.}

_{5) A nanny has a greater responsibility towards the children than babysitters, who just play with and watch children. A nanny has the responsibility of creating daily schedules and looking into everything regarding the physical, mental and emotional development of the child. They may also be involved in daily household work like dishes and laundry, preparing meals, assisting in the homework and driving the children for various activities like games, dance or singing.}

_{However some families may prefer a mix of a nanny and babysitter; known as part time nanny, she provides the best of both worlds and cares for the kids a few days in a week.}