OG/Granny Nannies and the Intergenerational Magic They Bring
Published by Matt Mason,
When we say ‘granny nanny’, we’re talking about a collective of highly experienced nannies who are often overlooked. So, shake off the image of a knitted stole and a reclining chair.
That’s why we’ve updated the term to’OG Nanny’ (and after feedback from Nannies!). OG Definition: Praise: Generally, using the term “OG” is a way to show respect or praise someone who is exceptional or has a long history of success in a particular area.
They bring bags of knowledge, energy and a poise to childcare that helps families and children thrive in so many ways.
Here, we’re going to look at why granny nannies should be in the mix when it comes to your nanny search.
What are OG/granny nannies? 🤔
TBH, it’s a bit of a rubbish term, because it instantly takes you to the wrong place. But an OG/Granny Nanny is typically an active, older nanny with a wealth of childcare experience and wisdom.
I’m not going to put an age on it, because there are many very young, dynamic, energetic, and vibrant grandmas out there. Also, many who are older and equally dynamic, enthusiastic, and worldly-wise. And they’re all in the latest prime of their lives.
They’ve been through ups and downs galore, shaken off egos, have emotional maturity, and still have a curiosity and energy to take on new things and, most importantly, more generously help those around them thrive.
‘The most sought-after childcare is now a Granny Nanny: They have endless patience. Aren’t glued to their phones. And won’t run off with your husband!’ 🤣
Quote from Daily Mail, Feb 2022
Parents need to smash the looking glass
I wonder if many families, when searching for childcare, look for a reflection of themselves. They want their childcare to be a continuation of their parenting.
Beyond parenting style, I don’t think it is a good approach, as it narrows little ones’ experiences.
The intergenerational magic ✨
Different value systems don’t create tensions; they create considerations and opportunities to learn. Broadening a little one’s experiences can surely only be a good thing.
As a child, I distinctly remember stepping into my grandparents’ other world. I knew I had to behave differently. I had to watch my Ps & Qs. Finish my tea (as in supper). Wash my hands at every opportunity. Tolerate the heating being 10 degrees higher than necessary. Get up earlier than usual. Go to bed earlier than normal. And smile and be happy (even if I was a bit bored at times). And to this day, I still remember the wonderful craft sessions I used to do with both my grandfather and grandmother.
Many of those happy times inform who I am today. The differences beautifully extended into my formative years, allowing me to draw from more when forming my values. Essentially, the palette I had to colour in my life had more colours!
Inter-generational experiences broaden the mind, encourage wider thinking and promote respect and adaptability.
Where are your families ‘oldies’?
Where do little ones meaningfully and deeply interact with people older than their parents?
This is especially challenging to answer when families no longer have grandparents, or they are not local, making interactions less frequent.
I didn’t see much of my other set of grandparents. When I did, I was so preoccupied with what present I was going to get! And they were so preoccupied with gifting the right present and watching me play with it. I know they were good people, but I have no frame of reference for their values.
Why Granny Nannies might be your perfect childcare choice 💯
Bringing a granny nanny into a family’s home could be the magic your little ones need to thrive.
Intergenerational Connections
Cross-generational bonds help children develop empathy, curiosity, and a genuine love for traditions.
Filling the Grandparent Gap
Their presence offers comfort, stability, and a real sense of belonging to a household.
Granny Nannies Have a Treasure Trove of Experience
Granny nannies can calmly handle any situation. Whether it is soothing a toddler’s tantrum or juggling household routines, their steady hand and seasoned advice bring confidence to both parents and kids.
Calm and Gentle Guidance
They can bring a peaceful vibe to even the busiest homes. Their patience and composure help children feel safe and supported, making challenging moments easier for everyone.
Mums and Dads Get Support and Advice on Tap 🙋♀️
Young families benefit from another pair of world-wise eyes and ears in the house, that’s not your mother-in-law!
‘OG Nannies also bring benefits to the mum, as often they don’t have a connection to a mother figure, so it gives a sounding board with experience when they have worries, particularly if issues like autism or developmental delays.’
Nanny C
Marrying into particular family dynamics
Granny nannies are typically highly adaptable. But some dynamics strongly favour a more mature nanny:
👶 Babies up to 18-months: Beyond experience, they bring patience, calmness and focus
‘A mature nanny with experience is great for a busy family and a family with a young child. The wisdom we bring can often anticipate emerging issues before they become problems. That gives new parents more confidence, allowing for a happier household.’
Nanny J
✅ Families with multiple children with a broad spread of ages: granny nannies bring mindfulness, allowing them to speedily switch personas depending on the stage of the child and the kind of care that they need to thrive
✅ Managing behavioural challenges: Beyond patience and calm, they will have more experience to draw on. And because they are more inclined to keep their CPD up to date, they’ll likely apply the latest thinking to a specific behavioural challenge.
‘It always surprises me that whenever I attend industry events and training opportunities, it’s often a majority of mature nannies in attendance.’
Nanny P
✅ Managing SEN children: OG Nannies often bring a wealth of behavioural insight alongside modern approaches through their commitment to training.
‘When it comes to mental health, OG Nanny can handle that too. Mental health, neurodivergence, teenage tantrums, attention seeking, parents at loggerheads, moods, depression, downright rudeness! Nothing phases an OG/Granny Nanny‘
Nanny M
Fun and Learning in Balance ⚖️
OG/Granny nannies understand that young children require a balance of play, gentle learning, and quiet time. A tendency to overstimulate children is a significant issue right now. More mature nannies have the confidence to instil and maintain regular and more balanced routines.
As my gran used to say, ‘Only the boring get bored’.
Granny Nannies & Living Strong Values
Children naturally absorb traditional values, developing a sense of responsibility and care that can last a lifetime.
Loyalty goes a long way
So many parents want flexibility. Where do you think you are more likely to find it?
Be Bold: Broaden your search
The point of this post isn’t to say, ‘you must’, it’s to suggest, ‘please consider’.
Since launching Army of Nannies, I have met so many wonderful nannies. Many of the ones that have made the most profound impression are more mature nannies. But they are often overlooked by families for all the wrong reasons.
I can’t help but think that it’s a huge missed opportunity for many families, as well as a wealth of life skills that little ones may not discover quite so readily, going to waste.
So what now?
Like those TV programmes when families are looking for a new home, pop a mystery ‘granny nanny’ into the mix.
Interview enthusiastically
Be bold
Complete a trial
And, potentially, bring even more richness to your little one’s life and your family’s dynamic.
Adding a granny nanny to your home may bring a new vein of wisdom, experience and adventure to each day.
An experienced OG nanny brings years of experience.
She’s seen it all; parents of her charges are probably around the age of her own children, so she can support and guide them, too. She can still run after a toddler, jump on a trampoline, sing, dance, do art and craft, cuddle, and back off when appropriate; otherwise, she wouldn’t put herself up for the job.
Age is absolutely a number. A OG Nanny is an experienced and capable nanny with lots of love to give
