Being a single parent is no easy task, particularly in families where there is more than one child. Due to the unique challenges of having to balance a professional career with parenthood, it should come as no surprise that a significant portion of my clientele consists of single parent families.

As the sole provider, more than just a little extra help is needed. For most people, a job requires you to be away from the home several hours or more each weekday. You might opt for daycare. After doing the required research and vetting your options, finding the right center will provide a measure of comfort that your child is being cared for, allowing you to focus on your job without distraction or worry. However, this alternative leaves only nights and weekends to manage the household, spend time with the kids, clean up after everyone, etc. It’s like having two jobs – no wonder it can be so stressful! Fortunately, a more efficient and beneficial alternative exists – a nanny!

Not just any nanny, but the right one. A nanny who will enter the home as an "extra" parent, providing support, stability, common sense, andcaring. She will take a much more active role than just watching the kids. She will schedule doctor’s appointments, shop for groceries, safely transport kids to activities, and tend to the details of daily life that you simply don’t have time to focus on. The end result of this level of support is less worry for you and more quality time spent with your kids. It also enables the children to be at home in familiar surroundings, offering them a measure of comfort while they are separated from their parent.

I believe in the benefits of this relationship so strongly because I was that nanny! For years I worked for the same wonderful family, providing an intimate level of caring and support. It was like being a member of the family, and all these years later I count those kids (grown up now) as my closest friends.

Raising a child by yourself is a balancing act. You are not only expected to toe the line between work and family, but as a single parent the dynamic usually dictates that you take on the roles of both genders. Fortunately, there is help. The nanny to this single parent can offer a wonderful balance to this situation and the support that meets your kids needs.