The difference between a Nanny and a Family Assistant
What are the differences between a Nanny and a Family Assistant? For parents it is important to understand these differences, so they can make a good choice about which support will help their family best. And as a future Nanny or Family Assistant, you will want to know exactly where your strengths lie before you apply.
Focus on the children versus focus on family life
The biggest difference between a Nanny and a Family Assistant is the focus. A Nanny concentrates mainly on the care and development of the children. From changing nappies to helping with homework, the Nanny is always there for the children. The Nanny also helps with cooking, grocery shopping, keeping the children’s rooms tidy and providing educational challenges. The Nanny monitors the children’s upbringing and development and encourages their independence.
A Family Assistant focuses more on organising the whole family. She schedules appointments with the doctor and dentist, for example, books travel and liaises with any business PA to make sure work and private life flow smoothly into each other. A Family Assistant is truly the parents’ right hand. She may also manage other staff and look after the maintenance of the house and the cars.
A Family Assistant can also take on PA tasks, for instance when one of the parents runs their own business. The tasks of a Family Assistant are more tailored to the specific needs of a family than those of a Nanny.
Read more about what a Family Assistant does for your family
The professional background differs
Although both Nannies and Family Assistants have extensive experience with children, their educational background can differ. Nannies often have a background in childcare and may hold specific qualifications in pedagogy. Family Assistants often have a broader background, such as experience as a Personal Assistant, in administration or in hospitality management. This experience fits well with the varied and organisational work of a Family Assistant.
Want to know more? Get in touch!
Wondering whether working as a Nanny or Family Assistant could be for you? Or would you like to explore whether a Nanny or Family Assistant through TFA could help your family? Get in touch using the button below.
Side by side, in short
A Nanny
- Care for the children and their development
- Daily rhythm, meals, getting dressed and bedtime
- Playing, reading aloud and helping with homework
- Often a background in childcare or child development
A Family Assistant
- Organising and running the household as a whole
- Diary, appointments, travel and private events
- Directing other staff in the home
- Can also take on Personal Assistant tasks
Quality
Carefully screened, personally guided
We take the entire selection and screening process off your hands.
- Personal interviewWe select every candidate personally and only introduce people we are convinced of.
- At least two referencesEvery candidate is screened on the basis of at least two references, which we check ourselves with previous families or employers.
- Valid certificate of good conductWe receive and check a valid Dutch certificate of good conduct (VOG).
- Diplomas and first aidRelevant diplomas, and for Nannies a first aid certificate for children and babies.
- TFA AcademyModules on topics such as parenting, child development, etiquette and taking care of the family.
- Direct employmentA full employment contract, for a lasting working relationship.
Coaching and guidance: one week after the start we get in touch and coach where needed. After 3 weeks, 6 months and 10 months there is another evaluation, and you can always contact us in between.
Frequently asked questions
Good to know
Is your question not listed? We are happy to help.
Get in touchWhat is the difference between a Nanny and a Family Assistant?
A Nanny mainly focuses on the care and development of the children. A Family Assistant focuses more on organising the whole family.
What is the difference between a Nanny and an au pair?
An au pair often comes from abroad, lives with the family and stays for one year at most. A Nanny works on the basis of an employment contract, has a background in child development and usually stays for several years.
What is the difference between a Nanny and a babysitter?
A babysitter is usually not screened in depth and does not need training in child development. A Nanny from The Family Assistant is screened, has a background in child development and holds a relevant diploma, and also takes on organisational work and light household tasks.
How many hours does a Nanny or Family Assistant work?
Our Nannies and Family Assistants work from 30 hours a week for one family, spread over 3 to 5 days a week.
How are candidates screened?
We hold personal interviews and check at least two references, a valid certificate of good conduct (VOG) and relevant diplomas. Nannies also hold a first aid certificate for children and babies.