The Case for Hiring a Mature Nanny: Experience You Can Trust

Jul 29, 2025 | GTM Blog, Household Employee Management

mature-nanny

When you’re looking for someone to care for your kids, you want the best. You’re probably considering their experience, skills, personality, and whether you can truly trust them with your little ones.

With all that in mind, you might find that a mature nanny is the perfect fit for your family.

While federal discrimination laws typically do not apply to household employers (you usually need five or more employees for that), they still offer valuable guidelines for fair hiring practices. The bottom line? Don’t rule someone out just because of their age.

Your goal is to find the best possible caregiver for your family, someone who has the qualities you value most. That could be a recent college grad with fresh ideas, or it could be an older nanny with years of wisdom. What truly matters is the care your children receive.

Here’s why a seasoned nanny could be exactly what your family needs:

Nannying is Their Chosen Profession

For some, nannying might be a temporary stop until they find their ideal career.

A mature nanny often views nannying as their career. They take immense pride in their work, just like any other professional. This commitment usually means they’re more invested in your children’s well-being and long-term growth.

Finding the right nanny takes time and effort. You want someone who will stick around, eliminating the need to repeat the hiring process frequently. An experienced nanny is often more settled in their career, making them less likely to jump ship for the next opportunity. Plus, they’ve likely worked with many different families, providing them the flexibility and expertise to adapt to your unique needs.

They Bring Life Experience

A seasoned nanny offers something unique that no amount of schooling can replicate: real-world life experience. Whether they’ve raised their own children or cared for countless others, they’ve probably “seen it all.” This means they can handle most situations with grace and composure.

For instance, they might quickly recognize a minor cold from something more serious, or have a vast arsenal of creative activities to keep kids engaged without resorting to screens. For new parents, having this kind of experience and advice to lean on can be an irreplaceable benefit.

They Can Offer Invaluable Advice

It’s natural for new parents to feel a little intimidated by an older, more experienced nanny. You might worry about being judged or receiving unsolicited advice. But with the right personality, as your bond develops, a mature nanny can become a trusted confidant.

They might comfortably share gentle tips on how to handle a temper tantrum, encourage a child to nap, or even notice something specific about your child’s development and suggest ways to support it. While your relationship is professional, nannies often become “part of the family.”

They Often Anticipate Your Needs

An experienced nanny often sees their role as more than just childcare. While you’ll have a clear work agreement outlining their duties, a mature nanny might go above and beyond to help out. Maybe they notice laundry piling up and toss in a load or help prepare dinner when they sense you’ve had a tough day.

They’re Often More Settled in Their Own Lives

We touched on this earlier, but it’s worth expanding on: mature nannies often have fewer major life changes ahead of them. They’re likely not heading back to school, getting married, relocating for a spouse’s new job, or starting their own family.

This means you’re hiring someone who is focused on their work and much more likely to commit for the long term, providing stability for your children and peace of mind for you.

Other Things to Keep in Mind When Hiring Any Nanny

No matter the age of your nanny, a couple of things are always crucial:

Certifications: Make sure any nanny you hire is current with their certifications, like CPR. Techniques change, so up-to-date knowledge is key.
Energy Levels: If you have active toddlers, you’ll want a nanny who can keep up. Don’t assume an older caregiver can’t handle energetic children – observe them with your kids. Go for a walk to the park or playground together during an interview. This will help you see if they have the physical stamina needed for your child.

GTM Can Help

Whether you choose a nanny fresh out of college or a seasoned professional, GTM can handle all the administrative tasks that come with being a household employer. We take away the stress and worry of payroll, taxes, insurance, and compliance, so you have more time for what truly matters: enjoying your family.

Give us a call at (800) 929-9213 or book a complimentary, no-obligation consultation. . We’re here to help!