Modern parents—especially the default parent—are often praised as superheroes for juggling careers, kids, and an endless to-do list. But when did doing it all alone become a standard worth celebrating? The reality is that many parents are parenting without a village and while this determination is admirable, the exhaustion that comes with it shouldn’t be considered a badge of honor.
Because of this, more parents are taking matters into their own hands to build support systems that work for them (now, that proactiveness deserves a round of applause). For many, that starts with hiring a family assistant, a role designed to ease both the mental and logistical weight of daily life. This hybrid role blends the skills of a nanny and personal assistant. From managing school pickups and extracurriculars to handling grocery runs and organizing the family calendar, family assistants can be the extra set of hands (and brain) that makes your home run more smoothly.
Whether you’re looking to free up time, reduce stress, or simply regain control of your family’s schedule, hiring a family assistant might be the smartest move you make all year. Here, we’ll explore what a family assistant does, how they differ from a nanny, and how to determine if hiring a family assistant is right for your household.
What Is a Family Assistant?
A family assistant can be a full-time or part-time role that combines elements of a nanny, personal assistant and household manager. Think of it as a hybrid role that supports both the household and children.
A family assistant can be a “jack of all trades,” helping with everything from grocery shopping to scheduling appointments. This flexibility allows parents to tackle their busy routines without compromise—and get them valuable time back in the day. In fact, outsourcing chores and house responsibilities can lead to more fulfilling social relationships, more satisfying careers, and more joy, and overall, live happier lives, according to a 2019 series on happiness in the Harvard Business Review.
Related: The ROI of Hiring a Nanny and Family Assistant
What’s the Difference Between Family Assistants and Nannies?
At Hello Nanny! we regularly speak to families who think they want a nanny when in fact what they’re looking for is a family assistant. They tell us that they need someone to handle after-school pick-up, shuttle kids to sports practice, prep dinner, and occasionally run errands like returning packages and picking up dry cleaning. Newsflash: this family needs a family assistant—not a nanny.
While a nanny may occasionally help with household-related tasks like folding laundry or putting away toys, they typically are hired to focus 100% of their attention on the kids. On the other hand, a family assistant is more versatile and offers families a more hybrid approach. Yes, they can care for kids, but they also pitch in with the day-to-day logistics that keep a household running smoothly. That might include shuttling kids to after-school activities, grocery shopping, or tidying the playroom.
In general, nannies are best suited for families who need full-time, focused childcare—especially during the infant and toddler years. But for families with school-aged children or shifting schedules, a family assistant can be the more flexible, efficient fit. They help bridge the gap between childcare and household management, offering support that evolves as your family’s needs do.
Related: I Was a SAHM and Hired a Nanny
What Does a Family Assistant Do?
A family assistant’s role is uniquely flexible, with responsibilities (agreed upon ahead of time) tailored to fit the rhythm and specific needs of each household. Here are a few examples of what a family assistant might handle:
Childcare duties:
The below typically happen during a portion of the day.
- School pick-ups and drop-offs
- Driving to activities
- Helping with homework
- Supervising playdates
Household organization or management
- Running errands
- Prep meals and kids lunches
- Washing dishes
- Overseeing household maintenance
- Scheduling appointments and activities
- Home organization and decluttering
Light cleaning
- Washing dishes or loading/unloading the dishwasher
- Folding laundry and switching loads
- Tidying up play rooms
Meal prep
- Grocery shop to stock the pantry
- Prep dinner or kids lunches (this is dependent on a family assistant’s comfort in the kitchen)
Pet care
The below is also dependent on a family assistant’s comfort with pets. Responsibilities and daily tasks should be discussed and laid out ahead of time in the job description.
- Walk dog
- Clean litter box
- Feed pets
The Benefits of Hiring a Family Assistant
As children grow more independent, many families find themselves in need of support that extends beyond a traditional nanny. Because the type of childcare a family needs when their child is a baby is very different from the type of care they need when their baby is a toddler or older. That’s where a family assistant shines: they step in to keep the household running smoothly while ensuring kids get where they need to be, whether it’s a 3 p.m. soccer practice, a dance lesson across town, or a last-minute playdate.
For working parents, this can be a life-saver—because those 1:45pm early dismissal Wednesdays and the 3pm soccer practices just don’t align with a working parent’s schedule.
Beyond that, a family assistant can alleviate the mental and physical load of parenting, allowing families more quality time with their kids, less time worrying or stressing about what to prep for dinner and reduced time tidying the house and clearing the dishwasher. While there’s no exact equation, many families tell us that a family assistant gives them back at least several hours in a week—time that they can then spend intentionally on themselves and their family.
And for children, the consistency of a family assistant brings a reliable rhythm to their days. They’re where they need to be, when they need to be there, with what they need in hand. And perhaps most importantly, they benefit from calmer, less overwhelmed parents—which is a win for everyone.
Related: How Much Support Do I Need for My Child?
Skills and Qualifications to Look For
Family assistants often come from backgrounds in childcare, education, or youth programs. Think seasoned nannies who’ve grown with their roles, former camp counselors, or even teachers or teaching assistants. What they all have in common is a natural ability to manage both children and the unpredictability of a busy household.
When hiring a family assistant, look for someone with excellent organizational skills, a proven track record of working with kids, and the kind of discretion and communication that makes day-to-day life feel seamless. Bonus points for certifications like CPR, First Aid, or even a background in child development or education.
If you’re not sure what skill set your family needs, that’s where we come in. At Hello, Nanny!, we take the guesswork out of the process by helping you identify the qualities and experience that will best support your household and then matching you with candidates who fit the bill.
Is a Family Assistant Right for You?
We’re not gonna lie: family assistants are pretty great and can be total game changers for families looking for help with household and childcare logistics. The hybrid nature of the role means that family assistants can be flexible and meet your family’s specific needs.
But, because the role is so customizable, it’s important to get crystal clear on what your family truly needs. A thoughtful job description, aligned expectations between key stakeholders in your family, and the right match make all the difference.
Here’s where Hello Nanny! can help: we take the time to understand your family’s lifestyle, responsibilities, and priorities to then connect you with a vetted family assistant who fits seamlessly into your world. We have a variety of placement options to get you from thinking, “I might benefit from a family assistant” to their first day.
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