Their appeal seems to be growing stronger, but what is it about French-speaking nannies that make them so popular among parents?
Because French children really never throw food?
The French are known for their unique approach to parenting which has been the subject of many books and articles, including the entertaining "French Children Don't Throw Food" by Pamela Druckerman. Spoiler alert: they do...throw food. Don't let that discourage you, though. While French parenting might not be as perfect as we thought, French-speaking nannies are still highly sought after for reasons beyond their supposed parenting skills.
Why a French-speaking nanny?
Is French cuisine the main draw? Could the ability to whip up a Tarte-Tatin be a highly sought after skill? Let's face it who wouldn't want a nanny who can make a perfect croissant or a mouth-watering ratatouille? Your worst nightmare would then be if your child develops a taste for escargot and foie gras and says thank you rather than 'yuk'. That, and the need to have some stretchy pants on standby.
The truth is, it's not the French cuisine or their reputation for strict discipline that make French-speaking nannies so in demand. While some French-speaking nannies may have a flair for cooking, just like any other nanny, their culinary skills may vary. And while French parenting often emphasises the importance of setting boundaries and establishing clear rules for children from a young age, a French-speaking nanny may have a completely different approach.
So forget about the sophisticated cuisine, the French flair for uncompromising discipline and well-behaved children, good eating habits or culinary education. None of that matters. Well, at least not as much as the highly sought ability to speak French. Because ultimately it is the French language that's the real star of the show.
The French language in the world
French is spoken by over 300 million people worldwide, making it one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. And not only that, but French is also an official language in 29 countries, from France to Canada to Switzerland and beyond. So basically, if your child can speak French, they can communicate with people all over the globe.
French is also the second most widely learned language after English, with millions of people learning it as a foreign language. It is also the third most used language on the internet, after English and Chinese, with millions of French-language websites and online content.
In conclusion, French may be the language of love and romance as some may say and others believe, but it's also a practical and highly in-demand language to learn. Plus who doesn't want to impress their friends with some 'magnifique' French skills?
Are you considering a French-speaking nanny for your child? Contact our office today to discuss your unique needs and find the right French-speaking nanny for your family.
Kindoré works in collaboration with a French nanny agency in London Together, we aim to provide enhanced services to our clients and candidates.