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Male nannies, or “mannies,” are becoming more common, but still face misconceptions and scrutiny. Background checks and training are important for all nannies, regardless of gender. Some families specifically seek male role models for their children. The stigma around mannies is expected to lift as society becomes more accepting. Mannies can earn up to $50,000 USD annually.
When you picture a nanny, do you immediately conjure up a Mary Poppins type or the star of the popular ABC show Nanny 911? Your photo might need some tweaking in light of the trend of hiring men as child caretakers. Such men may be known by the term manny, a portmanteau word combining male or man and nanny.
While female nannies continue to dominate the childcare scene, there has certainly been an increase in the number of trained and qualified men who would like to work in this profession. We often hear about celebrities hiring a man, such as Britney Spears, Rosie O’Donnell and others. There are still some traditional misconceptions and fears about hiring a nanny rather than a nanny. Can men take care of children like women? Are male nannies more likely to be pedophiles?
The first question can be answered with a resounding yes, and the second question requires a pause. Certainly male nannies may be just as likely to abuse children as females, which means a background check, some insider espionage, and assurance of any nanny’s training are needed. According to numerous articles on the new manny movement, some male nannies have a harder time finding work than females looking for such work, are often subject to much more scrutiny than females, and still make up a small percentage of the total nannies. On the other hand, society is becoming more accepting, especially as many men enter what were previously considered “feminine” roles. There are male RNs as well as many stay-at-home dads, suggesting it’s a pretty safe bet that men can be compassionate caretakers of children.
There are also some people who are specifically looking for male role models around the house. Single moms or female couples may especially want regular male influence when they have sons. Studies suggest that strong male figures are equally important to young women and girls, and where this is lacking, some single moms or female couples may specifically seek a man to help fulfill this role.
The manny may have just been christened, but there are certainly cases of men taking on numerous childcare responsibilities in the absence of a parent. Belles on Their Toes, a follow-up novel to Cheaper By The Dozen, is a real-life retelling of the Gilbreth family, whose famous father, Frank Gilbreth, was a pioneer in the study of motion and engineering. When the father dies, the mother of the family has to carry on her husband’s work, often leaving her children for long periods to go to class. The family cook, Tom, takes on the role of supervising the eleven children, caring for them in sickness and health. The novels took place in the early 1900s, suggesting that boys already existed and that a male servant could very well care for children in the absence of the parents.
Yet the stigma around the manny still exists, although given trends, that stigma is expected to eventually lift. There are many dedicated male nannies who find the profession enjoyable, and as the income can be significant, up to around $50,000 United States Dollars (USD) annually, plus room and board (if a live-in position), we could see more maniy enter the field. Some come with exceptional training, and others “make sense with kids,” perhaps acquired from attending coaching, summer camps, and the like.
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