Difference Between: Au Pairs, Bro Pairs, Nannies, and More
Are you confused about the difference between an au pair and a nanny? Wondering if a governess is the same as a tutor? You’re not the only one! 🤗
Whether you’re a family searching for the perfect childcare solution or someone considering a career in childcare, understanding these roles is crucial. Each position offers unique benefits and serves different family needs.
This comprehensive guide breaks down six key childcare roles, helping you make the right choice for your situation.
Quick Reference: Childcare Roles at a Glance
| Role | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Au Pair | 🔍 Focus: Flexible childcare + academic support 🌱 Age: 18-30 ⭐️ For: Busy families wanting affordable, flexible care |
| Bro Pair | 🔍 Focus: Active childcare + academic support 🌱 Age: 18-30 ⭐️ For: Families with boys or sporty children |
| Governess | 🔍 Focus: Childcare + structured education 🌱 Age: 21+ ⭐️ For: Families needing academic and care support |
| Tutor | 🔍 Focus: Academic support only 🌱 Age: 20+ ⭐️ For: Children needing focused educational help |
| Homeschool Teacher | 🔍 Focus: Full academic curriculum delivery 🌱 Age: 25+ ⭐️ For: Families choosing home education |
| Nanny | 🔍 Focus: Basic childcare supervision + household management 🌱 Age: 18+ ⭐️ For: Families needing comprehensive household support with basic child supervision |
Understanding Each Childcare Role
Au Pair 👥
Who they are: Young female adults (18-30) who provide flexible childcare support, either live-in or live-out.
✅ What they do:
- Supervise and engage children in play
- Handle school pick-ups and drop-offs
- Assist with homework and educational activities
- Prepare simple meals and snacks
- Drive children to appointments and activities
⭐️ Perfect for: Families wanting affordable, flexible childcare with academic support.
📘 Interested in au pairing?
Check out our Au Pair Duties Guide.
Bro Pair 🏃♂️
Who they are: Male au pairs (18-30) offering the same support as female au pairs, but particularly valued for active children.
✅ What they do:
- Everything an au pair does, plus:
- Engage children in sports and physical activities
- Serve as a positive male role model
- Great for outdoor adventures and active play
⭐️ Perfect for: Families with boys or highly active children who benefit from male role models.
📘 Interested in bro pairing?
Check out our Bro Pair Guide.
Governess 📚
Who they are: Professional educators (21+) who combine structured learning with childcare responsibilities.
✅ What they do:
- Provide structured educational lessons
- Assist with homework and exam preparation
- Plan and implement educational activities
- Support social and emotional development
- Collaborate with parents on educational goals
⭐️ Perfect for: Families wanting both childcare and educational development in one role.
Tutor 🎓
Who they are: Academic specialists (20+) focused solely on educational support in specific subjects.
✅ What they do:
- Assist with homework and assignments
- Create personalised lesson plans
- Prepare students for tests and exams
- Teach study techniques and strategies
- Work part-time, usually at the family’s home
❌ What they don’t do:
- General childcare tasks
- School collection/drop-off
- Household duties
⭐️ Perfect for: Children needing targeted academic support without additional childcare needs.
📘 Looking into tutoring?
See our Tutor Salary Guide.
Homeschool Teacher 🏠
Who they are: Qualified educators (25+) responsible for delivering a complete academic curriculum outside traditional school settings.
✅ What they do:
- Teach multiple subjects across structured timetables
- Prepare and deliver formal lessons
- Create learning plans and track academic progress
- Set and mark tests, assessments, and reports
- Ensure alignment with education standards
- Maintain communication with parents about progress
⭐️ Perfect for: Families choosing home education who want professional academic instruction.
Nanny (Domestic Worker) 🍼
Who they are: Professional caregivers (18+) providing full-time childcare and household support.
In South Africa, nannies are also known as domestic workers and focus primarily on home management while ensuring children’s basic needs are met.
✅ What they do:
- Provide full-time supervision and daily care
- Prepare meals for children and/or families
- Assist with bathing, dressing, and bedtime routines
- Primary focus: Cleaning the house and doing laundry
- Ensure the home stays organised and tidy
- Keep children safe and fed throughout the day
❌ What they don’t do:
- Engage in educational activities or play with children
- Assist with homework or provide academic support
- School runs or errands (most don’t drive)
- Organise outings or developmental activities
⭐️ Perfect for: Families needing comprehensive household management with basic childcare supervision.
Pros and Cons: Of Each Role
| Role | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|
| Au Pair | ✅ Pros: Affordable, flexible, academic support ❌ Cons: May have limited experience, adjustment period needed |
| Bro Pair | ✅ Pros: Great for active children, positive male role model ❌ Cons: Less available, harder to find placements |
| Governess | ✅ Pros: Combines education with childcare, structured learning ❌ Cons: More expensive, typically requires teaching or homeschooling qualifications/ certificates |
| Tutor | ✅ Pros: Academic-focused, helps children excel ❌ Cons: No general childcare, usually part-time only |
| Homeschool Teacher | ✅ Pros: Complete educational curriculum, professional instruction ❌ Cons: Most expensive option, requires qualified educator |
| Nanny | ✅ Pros: Full-time stable care, household support ❌ Cons: No school runs, no educational support |
Which Role is Right for You?
1) For Families Seeking Childcare:
| Choose This Role | If You Want |
|---|---|
| Au Pair/Bro Pair | • Affordable, flexible childcare • Academic support • Help with daily routines • Someone who can grow with your family |
| Governess | • Professional educational support • Structured learning combined with childcare • Someone with teaching qualifications • Or a home school teaching certificate |
| Tutor | • Focused academic help in specific subjects • Someone to boost your child’s school performance • Part-time educational support only |
| Homeschool Teacher | • Complete home education curriculum • Professional teaching in your home • Structured academic programme |
| Nanny | • Basic childcare supervision • Household management and organisation • Someone to handle daily routines and meals |
💖 Ready to hire childcare?
Create your Family Profile with The Au Pair Club.
2) For Childcare Professionals:
| Choose This Role | If You |
|---|---|
| Au Pair/Bro Pair | • Want to expand your skills while providing childcare • Have a car and can drive • Prefer flexible, varied responsibilities • Are aged 18-30 and love working with children |
| Governess/Homeschool Teacher | • Have teaching qualifications • Want to combine education with childcare • Enjoy structured learning environments • Prefer academic-focused roles |
| Tutor | • Are passionate about specific academic subjects • Enjoy one-on-one teaching • Want flexible, part-time work • Excel at helping students achieve academic goals |
| Nanny | • Enjoy household management and organisation • Like working in domestic environments • Want stable, consistent employment • Prefer basic childcare supervision roles |
See a Childcare Role You Like?
Do you see a childcare role that interests you but aren’t sure which course will help you succeed? 🤔
At The Au Pair Club, we guide childcare professionals toward the right training to boost their skills, confidence, and job opportunities.
Check out the table below to find the best courses for your role! 👇
| Childcare Role | Recommended Courses |
|---|---|
| Au Pair / Bro Pair | Au Pair Training Course + Emergency Response Course (Best to start with these!) 🔥 OR take all courses to au pair abroad 💡 |
| Tutor | Tutoring Course (Master academic support & study techniques!) 📚 |
| Nanny | Toddler & Baby Course + Emergency Response + Cooking & Kitchen Safety (For well-rounded care!) 😊👶 |
| Governess/ Teacher | Homeschooling Course + Tutoring Course (Teach & guide children academically!) |
💡 Want to stand out?
Au Pairs, Nannies, and Governesses can combine courses to boost their skills and income! 🚀
✈️ Want to go abroad as an au pair?
Consider taking our international au pair bundle.
Ready to Start Your Childcare Journey?
Whether you’re a family seeking the perfect childcare solution or someone ready to begin a rewarding career in childcare, understanding these roles is your first step to success.
Each position offers unique rewards and serves different needs. The key is matching the right role with your specific situation, goals, and requirements.
Next steps:
- Families: Create your profile and start your search
- Childcare professionals: Explore our training courses to get qualified
- Still unsure? Contact us for personalised guidance
More helpful links for Au Pairs & Families:
- What is an Au Pair?
- Au Pair Requirements
- Au Pair Duties
- Au Pair Petrol Rates
- Au Pair Salaries
- Au Pair Jobs
- Au Pair Training
- Au Pair Training Guide
- Au Pair Abroad
- Au Pair in South Africa
- Au Pair Agencies
- Au Pair CV
- Au Pair Data and Privacy Rights
- Au Pair Photos for applications
- Hosting an Au Pair
- Free Au Pair Handbook
- Bro Pairing
