Q&A with Max the Manny
Some men choose to pursue a career as a nanny, breaking traditional gender stereotypes and redefining the role. Our Nannytax Nanny Ambassador, Max, has been working in the childcare industry for over a decade, fighting gender stereotypes every step of the way.
“I’m passionate about being a positive role model, helping my charges develop interests and experiencing how unique each individual child is. I love seeing children thrive. It’s the best thing ever!” – Max the Manny
We’ve asked Max a few questions all about his experience of being a male nanny. Keep reading to find out what Max loves most about his job and the advice he’d give to other men who are considering a career in childcare…
Why did you choose to become a nanny?
After working in nurseries for 9 ½ years I thought it was time for a change. I had done some nannying over the years, alongside nursery work, and I enjoyed the freedom and letting the children lead the day! I haven’t looked back since I left nursery just over 3 years ago.
What do you love most about your job?
I love that everyday is different, one day you could be making a den at home and the next you could be on an adventure at a museum! Meeting new children and watching them grow into curious young people. It’s amazing.
What would you say are the advantages of hiring a male nanny?
Being a male nanny gives you an obvious niche in the market. There aren’t many male nannies and it’s a great option for single parent families who may not have a strong male role model in the picture. Some male nannies may also have experience in different childcare settings and bring this into play. For example, I am really creative, as well as sporty, so I like to bring a lot of active and outdoor activities into my everyday play.
What do you think of the term ‘manny’, and do you use this term when people ask you what you do for work?
Yes, I always say that I’m a manny. My Instagram handle is @themannymax and I really like to sell myself as something different on the market. It really is an each-to-their own scenario of people who like to say nanny or manny, but I thrive off of the term and use it when introducing myself to new families.
As a male nanny, have you faced any challenges in your career and how did you overcome them?
I’ve had challenges, in the case of being a male, that people have not wanted me to babysit or look after children. You overcome this by pushing forward and respecting everyone’s choices. I understand some families won’t hire a male nanny and never would, and that’s completely up to them! It’s being respectful of what they’d like, but then I just focus on myself as I know what an amazing job I can do, and have done for the last 12 years.
What kinds of reactions have you had from people when you tell them you’re a nanny? Are people often surprised?
Yes, they are always surprised it seems! They always ask how I got into this line of work and if I just play all day! I wish! People are surprised as they may see it is a stereotyped job in a sense that only women can do it. The amount of times I’ve been mistaken for being a Dad is countless!!
Why do you think it’s especially important in 2024 that children (and adults) see more men in the childcare profession?
It’s important to see that men can also do the job of being a nanny in the modern day, and that they can pursue whatever career they would like. I still have only met 2 or 3 male nannies over the years so far, so it’s important to keep pushing the narrative that men can also do it, alongside the ladies.
What advice would you give to men who are considering a career as a nanny or in childcare?
What I’d say to any men wanting to go into childcare is to pursue working in a nursery first, see how you get on with large groups and push to do a level 3 qualification early. I’d say meet as many other nannies as you can. Having a circle of nanny friends is crucial, and try to meet other males in the industry for advice.
Max is an award-winning Manny based in Surrey/Middlesex with 12 years of experience in childcare.
Follow Max on Instagram & Facebook.
