The Rise of Male Nannies: Breaking Stereotypes and Promoting Gender Equality in Childcare

In the ever-evolving landscape of childcare professionals, male nannies are challenging traditional gender norms and redefining the industry. While breaking down stereotypes and proving that childcare is not exclusively a female domain, male nannies are making a significant impact on the lives of children they care for and the families they work with. Now the demand for male nannies is growing and with it, a new era of childcare is dawning. Some say male nannies bring unique qualities and perspectives to the profession that make them valuable assets within the field.

Where it all began

I was just 10 years old when I discovered my passion for childcare. Little did I know that later in life I would go on to qualify as a Norland Nanny! Each year at primary school, a small number of pupils were selected to be ‘prefects’, older pupils assigned special duties and responsibilities. There was a number of opportunities to choose from, but I was immediately drawn to the role of ‘playground buddy’. Despite my age, being a playground buddy brought me a great sense of joy and fulfilment that I had never experienced before. I remember being more excited about my time helping these children than I was for my lessons that day! Fast forward five years to the end of secondary school when I chose to pursue my passion for childcare and enrolled on a course in Early Years Education at college. Whilst my family were extremely excited and supportive of my decision, it was soon met with prejudice by those within my social circle.

Challenges I faced early on.

As a male within the industry you might encounter your fair share of stereotypes and preconceived notions. This was certainly the case for me and when I first decided that working with children was my vocation, close friends made me feel ashamed for choosing such an uncommon field for males. I did not let this deter me and went on to complete my college course with an A* and secure a place at the prestigious Norland College, a university that specialises in training and producing the world’s best nannies.

There I was, training to become a Norland Nanny undergoing meticulous training on an unrivalled course with a carefully curated blend of academic theory and practice. As a Norland student, I felt a sense of belonging, regardless of being the only male in my year. Alongside my studies, I started applying for nannying positions in the city of Bath. It wasn’t long before I faced my first professional hurdle – I was being denied interviews because of my gender, which I found hard at first. Some parents may have had reservations about hiring a male nanny due to unfounded concerns about safety or compatibility. Addressing these concerns through open communication, background checks, interviews and references, eventually helped kickstart my career and overcome such barriers. Hindsight has taught me that these times were character building and motivating as I was more determined than ever to change the narrative for males within the childcare industry. As I progressed through my Norland training, I built up my knowledge of Early Years, furthered my practical skills and gradually built up a list of families for whom I worked week in week out. Like my ten-year-old self, I felt I was fulfilling my purpose and finally demonstrating to the world that there is a need for male nannies and childcare professionals.

The impact I have had as a Norland Nanny and what makes us unique

There are a couple of cases that I am particularly proud of where I saw the impact I am having as a male Norland Nanny. The first was when I inspired a young lad to start a career in childcare. Isaac was a young teenager when I first met him in 2018. I joined their family as part of a nanny placement block required within the Norland Diploma. There was also a six-month-old baby boy and four-year-old girl whom I helped care for alongside the mother. I had established a great professional relationship with all three children and Isaac was often on hand to help when I had sole charge of the children. I believe it was our time together that helped Isaac to understand that men can have fun and fulfilling careers working in childcare. Isaac now works in an Early Learning Centre and I am immensely proud of him.

The second time happened when I was a fully qualified Norland Nanny. I had the pleasure of being a nanny for three wonderful boys for over two years. I had the privilege of helping nurture these boys and shape them into the little gentlemen that they are today. Over the years their parents witnessed the tremendous difference of having a male nanny, and they understood how beneficial it was to hire a new male nanny after my departure. I am extremely pleased to say that those boys now have a male nanny by their side.

Through my experience, I understand the importance of the relationship between boys and their male role models. Those who have a nurturing male adult in their life to confide in demonstrate greater confidence and resilience in everyday life. This became more evident during my research on the experiences of female same-sex parents raising male children for my dissertation. One of the other significant advantages of having a male nanny is the diverse perspective they bring to the childcare experience. They can serve as a positive role model showing them that as a man it is okay to be nurturing, empathetic, and compassionate. The advantages that a male nanny brings are also beneficial to girls as they have the chance to potentially build an additional secure relationship with a nurturing male adult that they otherwise might not have had due to the low number of male teachers in schools.

Where has my career brought me to?

It was when I decided to leave the three boys in 2022 that I realised I was no longer in a position of being denied interviews because of my gender. I was now highly sought after by families around the world. It was no longer a case of searching tirelessly for parents that would be open to a male nanny. Instead, I was in demand as more and more parents were beginning to understand the value of having a male nanny. One of the many unique aspects and possible limitations of being a nanny is that it does not offer the same career progression found in other fields. However, as I have built up my wealth of experience and gained a more profound understanding of the needs of a family, I have been able successfully identify areas within the profession that can be explored as a means to progress.

This brings us to present day. I work in a beautiful area in North London as a Nanny/Personal Assistant (PA). I take sole charge of three very sweet children, whilst also managing the family’s affairs and needs. Taking on this position has given me even more responsibility than the last and brought me new opportunities to continue my upwards trajectory. One of the aspects I am grateful for in this role is that during school holidays I return to what I like to call “full nanny mode” and care for the children full time. We catch up on much needed play, head out on fun outings and spend quality time with their siblings and friends. I find myself in a very fulfilling position with clear purpose which certainly did not come overnight.

What’s next?

I started my current role in August, so it is important I get a couple of years under my belt as a minimum with the aim of staying on for many years and growing within the role. Possible avenues for progression later down the line could include starting a parenting consultancy. In fact, I have already offered support and guidance to parents locally who were familiar with my work. If I develop the relevant skills and experience, I could also progress from a Nanny/PA to a Nanny/Household Manager or perhaps a Head Nanny for a family that requires a team of nannies, or other childcare providers such as maternity nurses, au pairs and rota nannies. I am highly motivated to continue pursuing excellence in my field and will inspire anyone I can, male or female, to start their own journey in childcare.

Being a Norland Nanny is a rewarding and meaningful profession. Male nannies like myself are breaking gender stereotypes, challenging traditional gender norms and making a positive impact on the lives of many children and families. By doing what we do, we are proving that childcare knows no gender boundaries, ultimately benefiting the children in our care.

Charles Lanzani – A Norland Nanny