A nanny is defined as being "a child's nurse". Nannies are usually employed by middle to upper class families that feel that their children needs an "extra parent" because the parents feels that they do not have enough time for them. A nanny performs the following tasks:
- Provides childcare during the hours agreed upon with employing family.
- Supports the physical, social, emotional, creative, and intellectual development of children.
- Protects children from harm and ensures that they have a safe environment.
- Prepares appetizing and nutritionally-balanced meals and snacks.
- Maintains good communication levels with the parents informing them of each child's development and concerns.
- Maintains the cleanliness and neatness of the house as affected by the children.
The most famous fictional nanny is probably Mary Poppins but Fran Fine, played by Fran Drescher in The Nanny, is another contender. The BBC television drama series, Nanny, starred Wendy Craig in the title role, and ran from 1981 to 1983.
The word "nanny" is normally associated with women (originating from a pet name for a grandmother or female carer), but there are male nannies, though they often use a different name (e.g. childminder) for the job.
A governess, in constrast to a nanny, concentrates on teaching and training children.
See also: Au Pair, Net Nanny
