Early childhood is where children begin to develop preconceived notions about gender.

A common misconception is that babysitting is a female job due to their ‘maternal instincts’. As a result, women are perceived to be more fitted to the childcare industry. However this is not necessarily true. Men also have similar qualities to those of women, gender should not be the focus of a  good child mind but rather someone who is passionate about working with children. There has been a recent increase in search for male nannies (‘mannies’) to take care of children. This article will demonstrate how babysitting is a suitable job no matter what your gender is.

• Gender bias in the childcare industry 

For many years, gender bias in the early childhood education sector has persisted. Stereotypically women are mothering & nurturing figures for children, more so than men.

Despite the law on gender parity that ensures equal opportunities to find work, the field of early childhood remains a sector of activity that lacks male staff. In fact, in France, men represent only 2% of the sector’s personnel. 

However, it is important to know that the professions of specialized educator, maternal assistant or baby-sitter have been opening up more and more to men in recent years thanks to governmental provisions but also thanks to the open-mindedness of our society. 

• Men are more and more involved in child development.

Nowadays, social mentalities are constantly evolving. Indeed, today men are becoming involved in the education of children. Moreover, more policies are being implemented to prove how men are becoming more involved in parenting and raising children. For example, paternity leave has gone up to  28 days. The objective for the government is to reduce inequalities between men and women by allowing fathers to invest more in parenthood. France is now one of the most advanced European countries on this subject. 

This major step forward demonstrates the development of mentalities but also the involvement of fathers in the daily tasks of their children. Finally, the challenge is to allow parents to have complementary roles with their children.

However, nowadays, a large number of men do not necessarily dare to apply for jobs in sectors that are supposedly reserved for women. However, their profile could be interesting for some companies looking for experienced and qualified candidates in a given sector, especially in the field of early childhood or education. 

As far as early childhood is concerned, it is important to know that children do not care about the gender of the person who takes care of them. All that matters is that the caregiver is kind, a good listener, organized, creative and, above all, experienced.  

• Parents are more in favor of co-education

Nowadays, parents are more inclined to trust men to look after their children.

Indeed, the most important criteria for these parents are: experience with children, creative, playful and linguistic abilities as well as supervision and safety issues.

For parents, trusting a man to take care of their children also allows the child to view men as caregivers.

Men have the same capacities as women to entertain, play and have fun with children. Being a good childminder is not necessarily a matter of gender but rather of personality.

 A woman may not be as comfortable with caring as a man and vice versa. 

It is also important to know that anyone, whether male or female, can work in the early childhood sector. We strongly advise those interested in becoming an early childhood professional to take the AEPE diploma. 

This certificate is the first step in qualifying to work with young children. 

• The benefits of having a gender mix in the early childhood sector 

Having a mix of men and women in the children’s sector allows children to have an accurate vision of their daily environment. Indeed, the children will be able to have several reference points allowing them to create links and to build their own identity. 

The existence of male profiles in this sector also makes it possible to democratize the presence of men in the education of children but also to have different pedagogical and creative methods in the games and activities proposed to the children during their time of care. 

Whether you are a man or a woman, Be My Nounou values all the applications it receives! 

Our agency is open to all applications, both male and female.

It should be noted that male profiles are increasingly valued in order to ensure gender equality. The goal is to desacralize the sector and to allow everyone to work in the universe they like.  

Thus, men with experience or training in the early childhood sector are invited to send their applications as much as women. 

Don’t be afraid of the job. Trust yourself and apply to become the children’s favorite nanny.

Our recruitment process is as follows: We receive your application by email at this address: jobs@bemynounou.com or online on our website.

Following this, we organize an interview to learn more about your profile, your experiences, your motivations and especially to know more about your personality. Finally, if your profile is validated by our recruitment officers, we will send you babysitting offers near you and in accordance with your availability. 

So why not become a babysitter and join our team at Be My Nounou!