What is the difference between a nanny and a governess?

The difference between a nanny and a governess isn’t just in the title — it’s about responsibility, approach, and goals.

Here’s a clear explanation with real examples 👇

⸻

🧸 Nanny — care and daily support

Main role: to provide comfort, safety, and everyday care for your child.

What a nanny does:
• feeds the child, prepares simple meals
• helps with hygiene and getting dressed
• puts the child to sleep
• takes the child for walks
• plays and reads books
• may take the child to kindergarten or activities

Example:

Your child is 2 years old. You work or simply need time for yourself.
A nanny comes for 6–8 hours:

• feeds the child
• plays with them
• goes for a walk
• puts them down for a nap

👉 In short: her role is to support daily care and routine.

⸻

📚 Governess — education and development

Main role: teaching, guidance, and intellectual development.

What a governess does:
• teaches reading, writing, math
• may teach foreign languages
• develops thinking, speech, and discipline
• helps with homework
• builds manners and behavior
• creates a development plan

Example:

Your child is 6–8 years old and already in school.
A governess comes after classes:

• helps with homework
• practices English
• reads and discusses books
• develops logic and thinking

👉 Her role is to educate and develop — not just supervise.

⸻

💡 Important note

Sometimes one person can combine both roles — this is a nanny-governess.

But:
• a great nanny ≠ automatically a great governess
• teaching requires education and experience

⸻

✔️ How to choose:

• 0–3/4 years old → nanny
• 4+ years old and you want development → nanny with educational skills or a governess
• school + homework → governess

⸻

✨ At Family World, we don’t just provide staff — we find the right person who truly fits your child and your lifestyle.