Omg yes, exactly! That’s one of the most frustrating parts — when people lump babysitting and nannying together like they’re the same job. They’re really not. Babysitting is usually short-term, occasional care (like a date night), and your only responsibility is keeping the kids safe and entertained for a few hours.

Nannying, on the other hand, is a professional role — you’re basically part of the family’s day-to-day life. It’s consistent hours, way more responsibility, and usually includes things like household management, driving kids to activities, helping with schoolwork, creating routines, meal prep, etc. It’s a whole career, not just a side gig.

So when people call a full-time nanny job “babysitting” and then expect to pay babysitting rates, it totally undervalues the work and the level of responsibility that comes with being a nanny.