Retirement Jobs offline – Male Nannies

I recently came across an article in the UK newspaper encouraging men to look at becoming a nanny as a career choice – apparently, according to a recent survey, just 4% of those working within the childcare industry in the UK are men. – it’s about the same in North America.

However, times are changing - Alexandra Frean, writing in the London Times reports on a survey of 1,500 families by the agency, Tinies that suggests attitudes are changing towards male nannies — or “mannies”, as they are known.

Eight out of ten parents said that it was more acceptable now than ten years ago to hire a male, while 94 per cent said that they would consider hiring a man for the job.

A fifth said that they knew of a family who already had a male nanny. However, only 4 per cent of people working in the childcare industry are men. There are about 12,500 men registered as child minders — up from 8,500 in 2003.

It occurred to me that “mammies” could be an unique and interesting retirement job category, however, several hurdles have to be jumped – the first being the built-in belief that females make better nannies because they’re more sensitive and caring – not always the case.

For men in their retirement age it takes more than just being comfortable around children and playing with the grandkids - licensed training is a must and, obviously, being able to pass an exhaustive background check.

Also physical health is a major factor – as any grandparent knows – grandkids can wear you out and they’re just part time.

In this day and age, many parents, especially single parents, have to consider the influence different genders have over children - children need a balance in their lives. Experts have long called for more men to work in childcare, arguing that children would benefit from exposure to a wider range of positive role models.

For example, a single mother might do well to hire a male so that her children have a positive male influence in their lives.

The market for male nannies is opening up and at $25 an hour and up, it’s a retirement job opportunity worth looking into. So what does it take to be a male nanny?

Retirement Jobs offline – Male Nannies

When describing a typical mammie, Alan Friedman of New York's, "A Choice Nanny" in Manhattan, offered up this summary – but remember this is a younger male description – retirement age men should relate these points to their own their own life and work experiences

• A college graduate or at least has had some college
• Generally works for families with at least two school aged children, and at least one of them is a boy;
• Usually quite personable and has worked with children in other capacities such as tutoring, camp counseling or babysitting;
• He is willing to drive; willing to travel and may have experience or interest in children with special needs;
• Typical attributes include athletic or creative abilities.

First aid and CPR training should be part of your resume. Also include pictures, and reference letters – the more the better – especially letters of recommendations from parents you may have offered to help-out and not charge for your time.

Once you have a good portfolio together, start finding your local nanny agencies, make appointments with them, and work hard at signing up with their agency. They will find you the job openings that you are looking for. You can also read the advertisements in your local newspapers and check online agencies that have job openings in this field.

Don’t be surprised if potential employers ask for a "practice day" on a weekend to see how well you get along with the kids.

Retirement Jobs offline – Male Nannies

If you have a good business mind, and can encourage men to try this as a career choice, you could look into opening your own agency, placing male nannies with families that would like their services.

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