The job

Nanny housekeeper: can one person really do both jobs?

Plenty of families want one person to care for the children and keep the house running. It can work, especially when children are in school part of the day. It goes wrong when the housework quietly takes over, and the children get less attention than you think.

By Tammy Gold, LCSW
Author of Secrets of the Nanny Whisperer (Penguin)

Tammy Gold, LCSW, MSW

Columbia University

20 years placing & training nannies

Book an hour with Tammy — $189 →

When the combined role works

Children are in school or preschool for a good part of the day
One child, not three, and not an infant
The housekeeping list is specific and realistic for the hours
Everyone agrees that the children come first, every time

Secrets of the Nanny Whisperer by Tammy Gold, published by Penguin

FROM THE AUTHOR OF SECRETS OF THE NANNY WHISPERER

Guidance from the therapist who wrote the Penguin book on hiring a nanny

Tammy Gold, LCSW, spent years matching families with nannies before writing Secrets of the Nanny Whisperer (Penguin). Today she works beside families, and their agencies, as a neutral expert: defining the job, interviewing candidates, checking references and setting up the first 30 days.

Book an hour with Tammy — $189 → Press and media

Write the priorities down

Agree, in writing, on what happens when there isn’t time for everything: the children’s needs first, then a short list of daily household tasks, then the weekly ones. Name the tasks. “Light housekeeping” means something different to everyone.

Pay and legal side

A combined role usually pays more than childcare alone. In some states, the mix of duties also affects which overtime rules apply. In California, for example, a nanny who spends a significant share of her time on housework may not count as a “personal attendant,” which changes the overtime calculation.

Pay, tax and labor rules vary by state and city. This guide explains common practice; a household payroll provider, accountant or your state labor department can confirm what applies to you.

Common questions

What housework is reasonable to ask of a nanny?

Child-related tasks are standard. Anything beyond that, like family laundry, cleaning or cooking for adults, is a separate expectation to agree on and pay for.

Should I hire a separate housekeeper instead?

If you have young children or a large home, often yes. A few hours of cleaning help can protect the quality of childcare.

My nanny’s job has grown. What now?

Have the conversation now, not after she resigns. Revisit the duties and the pay together. See raises and annual reviews.

EXPERT HELP, ONE HOUR AT A TIME

Design a role that doesn’t burn her out

Get the duties, priorities and pay right before you hire.

EXPERT SESSION · 60 MINUTES

$189

Decide what’s realistic for the hours
Write priorities and duties
Set fair pay for a combined role

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Screening call, reference questions, clinical interview, and trial-day checklist.

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Questions first? Text (818) 308-1358 · info@caremapmethod.com

Tammy is not a placement agency and has no affiliation with, or financial interest in, any agency, daycare or payroll service. She provides independent expert guidance; decisions remain your family’s. Legal, tax and licensing questions belong with the appropriate professional or state agency.