Sometimes you know exactly what you need help with in the house but may be unsure which household employee would be best to hire. In this comprehensive guide, experts in household recruitment, My Household Managed, will help you understand the difference between a family assistant and a house manager so that you can be well-informed before starting your journey of hiring domestic staff.

What is a Family Assistant?

A Family Assistant, sometimes referred to as a Nanny/House Manager, is a versatile professional who seamlessly integrates into the daily lives of high-net-worth families looking to streamline household duties leaving them with more quality-time to spend with their families. The responsibility of a family assistant are primarily to help you with any daily chores or requirements but duties can extend across a broad spectrum, including:

Childcare: Providing attentive and nurturing care for children within the household.
Errands and Shopping: From managing grocery lists to organizing thoughtful birthday presents, and mailing packages, a Family Assistant takes care of various day-to-day tasks.
Household Organization: Ensuring the home is well-organized and tidy, creating a harmonious living environment.
Light Cleaning Duties: While not equivalent to a housekeeper's role, a Family Assistant undertakes light cleaning duties to maintain a clean and welcoming home atmosphere.
Meal Planning and Prep: Taking charge of meal planning and preparation to ensure the family enjoys well-balanced and thoughtfully prepared meals.
Pet Care: From daily walks to feeding and grooming, a Family Assistant ensures the well-being of beloved family pets.

Think of a Family Assistant as someone who’s there to be a helping hand to you as a family so that you have more time to spend on the things you really enjoy.

What is a House Manager?

A House Manager generally operates at a higher level of responsibility, overseeing various aspects of the household's operational functions. Their role encompasses:

Managing Household Staff and Contractors/Vendors: A House Manager takes charge of coordinating and supervising other household staff or external contractors/vendors, ensuring seamless collaboration.
Organizing and Scheduling: Maintaining a meticulous family calendar, scheduling appointments, and coordinating activities to optimize the family's time.
Planning and Organizing Trips: From business travel to family vacations, a House Manager handles all logistics, ensuring smooth and stress-free trips.
Event Planning: Whether you’re holding a large-scale event or an intimate family gathering, a House Manager can orchestrate and plan events with precision.
Typically No Childcare Duties: Unlike Family Assistants, House Managers typically do not engage in direct childcare responsibilities, focusing instead on higher-level organizational tasks.
Read more about the role of a house manager in our blog.

Should I Hire a Family Assistant or a House Manager?

For high-net-worth families contemplating whether to hire a Family Assistant or a House Manager, the decision hinges on the unique needs and dynamics of the household. Consider the following factors:

Scope of Responsibilities: Assess the extent of support required, whether it involves day-to-day tasks or comprehensive household management. Consider whether you can consolidate roles if your requirements change over time, or whether you want to employ additional staff who can help you manage them.
Family Dynamics: Consider the size of the family, the ages of the children, and your specific lifestyle preferences that might influence the choice between a Family Assistant and a House Manager. Do you need someone to help you with childcare or just household management?
Operational Complexity: Evaluate the complexity of household operations, including the need for managing other staff or overseeing intricate scheduling and planning. Find out more about what duties a house manager or nanny can typically help out with.
Long-Term Goals: Consider the long-term goals of the household and how the chosen role aligns with those aspirations. How will your requirements change as your family grows/children get older? You could perhaps consider a hybrid role that changes over time. Regardless of your needs, communication with your staff is key.

Not sure where to start with hiring a new family assistant, house manager or nanny?

My Household Managed takes a consultative and personalized approach to household staffing.

We help you hire domestic staff qualified to fit your unique needs, saving you time and providing peace of mind.

Let us help you find the best family assistant, house manager, nanny or any other domestic employee you may be searching for and register with My Household Managed.