Any experience with male nannies? And would you consider it?

[Rainatnight]

We have no family near by and our childminder arrangement is getting a bit unreliable, so we’re looking at whether we could afford a nanny.

We’re a same sex (female) couple with very few male role models in our lives - they’ve either died, walked out on their wives, or moved far away. We’re keen to have a positive male role model for the kids and we began to wonder if a male nanny was the answer.

Do you have any experience with a male nanny?

And would you consider it? There’s a very old thread on here with people saying basically no way, all men are potential abusers, so keen to know people’s feelings in 2019!

Hi
I had a male au pair many years ago. He was excellent. Played football, took them on walks, etc. My children were school age and i felt would tell me if unhappy. Are males care givers any more likely to be abusers than females? I dont have any idea. But ensure DBS , references as you would any nanny.

As long as they have references, certified, etc. why not? I would consider a male or female equally if I were hiring one. And in your particular situation I think looking specifically for a male nanny sounds like a great idea.

Yes, I'd consider it, with good references and DBS. I think male applicants are fairly rare though. As I recall I didn't receive a single one when my nanny job was posted, so I don't know how demand and supply match and whether you might actually pay a premium if you specifically want a male.

A quick Google brings to light that there are agencies specialising in male nannies, although agencies are a pricey way to find a nanny.
www.mybigbuddy.com/client-info/our-services-and-charges/full-time/

As a male nanny myself I think it is great that you would consider a male applicant.

Advertise the role and see who applies. The best applicant is who you and your child/children get on best with. Trust your gut instinct when you meet people.

At the moment you may get lots of applicants, so have minimum criteria they need to meet so you can narrow down to a couple of candidates you actually meet. It would be lovely if one of those is male but you may not get any male applicants.

Read references (for example here is one of mine: bit.ly/NannyRef and speak to at least one reference.

Good luck with finding a nanny and I do hope that you find a male applicant who meets your criteria.

I had a male nanny for my the 16mnth dd. He was really great and did everything I would have expected of a female nanny. I doubt the risk of abuse is any greater than with a female nanny

Absolutely

Dads are male. Why can’t nannies be male

I think legally you can’t place an ad stating male only but do mention you are happy to have one

What a lovely reference, Nick. Come and look after me!