By Rachel Sokol

When hiring a nanny, most families focus on childcare duties—meal prep, school pickups, and playtime. But what about homework help? Is it fair to ask your nanny to assist with schoolwork, and if so, should you compensate them for it? We asked the experts their opinions…

Is It Okay to Ask?

Absolutely. Florida-based licensed therapist Stacy Thiry suggests addressing it during the hiring process with a simple, direct question:

“One of the things we’d love help with is guiding our child through homework in the afternoons. Is that something you’d be comfortable with?”

This approach gives the nanny space to share their experience and preferences. Not all nannies have teaching backgrounds, and some may feel uncomfortable providing academic support, so it’s important to discuss this openly.

Once the nanny is hired, make your expectations known.

“In a business relationship with a nanny, the personal and professional aspects can get confusing,”  says Christina Granahan an Enneagram-Informed Therapist & Coach.  “This makes it even more important to make agreements explicit so that everyone has a shared understanding of expectations and compensation.”

Now, if homework help wasn’t originally discussed (for example, when hiring your nanny, at the time you didn’t realize your child would need academic assistance) bring it up in a clear and respectful way.

Consider how this task fits within your nanny’s current responsibilities. Would this take priority over other tasks? Would something else need to come off their plate? Having an honest conversation ensures you’re both on the same page.

Pros and Cons of Asking Your Nanny to Help with Homework

Pros:

• Consistent Routine: Kids thrive on structure. Having a dedicated time and person to guide them through homework can reduce procrastination and last-minute stress.
• Takes Pressure Off Parents: After a long day, battling through math problems may not be how you want to spend your evening. A nanny can ease this burden, allowing you to focus on quality time with your child.
• Builds Confidence in Learning: A patient, encouraging nanny can make homework feel more manageable, boosting your child’s confidence and willingness to ask for help.
• Early Identification of Struggles: A nanny who regularly assists with homework may notice patterns of difficulty, helping you address learning challenges before they become bigger issues.
• Reinforces Positive Study Habits: Time management, organization, and focus are life skills that extend beyond school. A nanny can help instill these habits early on.

Cons:

• Mismatched Teaching Styles: If a nanny explains things differently from how they’re taught in school, it could cause confusion.
• Potential Power Struggles: Some kids resist homework more with a nanny than with a parent or teacher, leading to daily battles.
• Less Play and Downtime: Homework shouldn’t overshadow free play, which is also crucial for development.
• Not Every Nanny Is Comfortable with Homework Help: Some nannies excel at caregiving but lack confidence in academic subjects.
• Cost Considerations: If homework help extends beyond supervision into tutoring, additional pay may be expected.

Making It Work for Everyone

If you and your nanny agree that homework help is a good fit, set clear expectations. What level of involvement do you expect? Will they simply supervise, or actively teach and check answers? Definitely clarify this with your nanny so there’s no confusion.

Licensed therapist Sabrina Nasta thinks that asking your nanny to help with homework may be a win-win for all.

“This would be an incredible feature for your child as they gain skills even while you’re away. The challenge may be finding a nanny willing or able to help, but the benefits—academic support, learning to ask for help, and building independence—can be invaluable.”

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t just to get the homework done but to support your child’s learning in a way that feels positive and sustainable for everyone involved. And if your nanny declines, or you mutually decide it’s not the best decision for the nanny to help with homework, consider hiring a tutor to assist your child academically. Just an idea!

Keep it #inyourcircle!

Looking for additional advice on communicating with your nanny? Check out our exclusive childcare resources here.